Are Alexa Calls Free? While Alexa-to-Alexa calls remain free and unlimited, Amazon recently imposed a 10-contact limit on free Alexa-to-Phone calls to landlines and mobile phones in the US, UK, Canada, and Mexico. This change, implemented in October, quietly restricts one of Alexa’s most convenient features.
Understanding the New 10-Contact Limit for Free Alexa Calls
Previously, making free calls to any landline or mobile number through Alexa was unlimited. Now, you can only make free calls to a maximum of 10 contacts using the Alexa-to-Phone feature. Each time you call a new number via Alexa, it’s automatically added to your 10-contact list. Once the list is full, you’ll need to manually remove a contact from the Alexa Communications settings in the Alexa app before calling a new number. This limitation applies specifically to Alexa-to-Phone calls; Alexa-to-Alexa calling remains unrestricted.
Alexa App on a Phone
Why the Change in Free Alexa Calling?
The timing of this limitation is notable, occurring just a month before Verizon launched its “Number Share – Home” service. This paid service, costing $5 per line per month, allows Verizon users to link their mobile numbers with Alexa for unlimited calling, 911 access, and incoming call handling. This suggests a potential shift towards paid calling features for Alexa.
Alternatives for Unlimited Alexa Calling
While the 10-contact limit might be inconvenient, alternatives for unlimited calling through Alexa exist:
- Verizon Number Share – Home: Link your Verizon mobile number to Alexa for a monthly fee, enabling unlimited calls, 911 calling, and incoming call management. Verizon offers a three-month free trial with a qualifying Alexa device purchase from Verizon.com.
- AT&T NumberSync: This free service allows AT&T customers to link their mobile numbers with Alexa, providing similar features to Verizon Number Share, including unlimited calling and emergency services.
Comparing Free and Paid Alexa Calling Options
Both paid services, AT&T NumberSync and Verizon Number Share – Home, offer advantages over free Alexa-to-Phone calling:
- Unlimited Contacts: Make calls to any number without restriction.
- 911 Access: Crucially, link your mobile number for emergency calls through Alexa.
- Incoming Calls: Receive and answer mobile calls on your Alexa devices.
- Call Screening: Utilize features like call announcements and the ability to answer or decline calls via voice commands. Furthermore, customize routines to manage incoming calls based on schedules or specific situations.
The Bottom Line on Free Alexa Calls
While free Alexa-to-Phone calls are now limited to 10 contacts, unlimited calling options are available through paid services from AT&T and Verizon. Choosing between these options depends on your carrier and whether the added features of unlimited calling, 911 access, and incoming call management justify the monthly cost. For occasional calls to a small group, the free 10-contact limit might suffice. However, for frequent calling or needing essential features like emergency services, a paid subscription service is recommended.
