Alexa, Amazon’s popular voice assistant, is renowned for its ability to control smart home devices, play music, answer questions, and much more. But did you know that Alexa can also make phone calls? This article will delve into the world of Alexa calling, explaining how you can use your Alexa-enabled devices to connect with friends and family, hands-free. We’ll cover everything from setting up the calling feature to making different types of calls, ensuring you get the most out of your Alexa device’s communication capabilities.
How to Make Phone Calls with Alexa
Making phone calls with Alexa is a straightforward process, allowing you to use your voice to connect with contacts. Here’s a step-by-step guide to setting up and using Alexa for phone calls:
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Install and Set Up the Alexa App: The first step is to ensure you have the latest version of the Alexa app installed on your smartphone. This app is your control center for managing Alexa’s features, including calling. Once installed, open the app and navigate to the “Communicate” tab, usually located at the bottom of the screen.
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Enable Calling Permissions: Within the “Communicate” tab, you’ll find the “Call” option. Tapping this will initiate the setup process for Alexa calling. You’ll be prompted to verify your phone number. Select your country code and enter your current phone number. This step is crucial as it links your contacts to Alexa and allows you to make calls.
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Phone Number Verification: After entering your phone number, tap “Continue.” Amazon will send a verification code to your phone number via SMS. Enter this code in the Alexa app when prompted. This verification step confirms your identity and activates the calling feature.
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Grant Contact Access: Alexa will request permission to access your phone’s contacts. Granting this permission is essential for making calls to people in your contact list by name. Alexa securely syncs your contacts, making it easy to say commands like, “Alexa, call John Smith.”
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Start Making Calls: Once setup is complete, you can start making calls. Simply use voice commands like, “Alexa, call [Contact Name]” or “Alexa, call [Phone Number].” Alexa will initiate the call through your linked phone number.
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Ending a Call: To end a call, just say, “Alexa, hang up” or “Alexa, end call.” Alexa will promptly terminate the ongoing call.
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Using Alexa Drop-In for Intercom-Style Communication
Beyond traditional phone calls, Alexa offers a unique feature called “Drop-In.” This feature allows for instant connections between Alexa-enabled devices, acting like an intercom system within your home or office. Here’s how to utilize Alexa Drop-In:
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Access Communication Settings in the Alexa App: Open the Alexa app and navigate back to the “Communicate” tab.
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Locate the Drop-In Feature: Look for the Drop-In icon, often represented by an envelope with a downward arrow. Tapping this icon will open a dialogue box. Select “My Communication Settings” to proceed.
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Enable Drop-In: Within the Communication Settings, you’ll find a toggle for the “Drop-In” feature. Turn this feature on and confirm your choice by tapping “OK” in the dialogue box. It’s important to note that for Drop-In to work between devices, they must be registered to the same Amazon account and connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
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Enable Drop-In on Specific Devices (Optional): You can customize Drop-In settings for individual devices. Go to “Devices” in the Alexa app, select the specific Echo device, and then look for “Drop In” under device settings. You can choose to allow Drop-In from “Household Members,” “Contacts Only,” or “Off.”
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Initiate a Drop-In Call: To use Drop-In, simply say, “Alexa, Drop In on [Device Name].” Replace “[Device Name]” with the name you’ve given to the target Alexa device (e.g., “Kitchen Echo,” “Living Room Show”). The designated device will chime briefly and automatically connect, opening a two-way audio (and video, if applicable) communication channel.
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Communicate via Drop-In: Once connected, you can speak and be heard through the target device without requiring anyone to answer or take action on the receiving end. This is ideal for quick check-ins with family members in other rooms or for general announcements within the household.
Making Video Calls with Echo Show
For face-to-face communication, Alexa’s Echo Show devices are equipped with screens and cameras, enabling video calls. Here’s how to make video calls using Echo Show:
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Sync Your Contacts: Ensure your contacts are synced with your Echo Show. This is usually done during the initial setup when you verify your phone number through the Alexa app. This process populates your Echo Show’s contact list with your mobile contacts.
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Navigate to the Communicate Option on Echo Show: On your Echo Show device, swipe from the right edge of the screen to the left to open the menu panel. Tap the “Communicate” option.
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Access Contacts: In the Communicate menu, tap “Show Contacts.” This will display a list of your synced contacts.
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Select a Contact and Initiate a Video Call: Choose the person you wish to video call from your contact list. Tap on their name, and then tap the “Video Call” icon (usually a video camera icon). Echo Show will then initiate the video call to your selected contact.
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Use Favorites for Quick Access: For frequently contacted individuals, you can add them to your “Favorites” on Echo Show. This creates a shortcut on the home screen for even quicker access. You can also create widgets for favorite contacts for one-tap calling.
Enhance your Echo Show’s capabilities by integrating it with a compatible security camera like the Argus PT. This allows you to not only make video calls but also stream live footage from your camera directly onto your Echo Show screen. The Argus PT offers pan and tilt functionality, providing comprehensive coverage for your smart home security needs.
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FAQs About Alexa Calling
1. Is there a cost associated with Alexa phone calls?
Domestic phone calls made through Alexa within the same country are generally free of charge. However, making international calls typically requires an Alexa Calling plan subscription. Standard calling rates from your mobile network provider will apply if you are calling through your linked phone number to regular phone lines, whether local or international.
2. Why might Alexa be unable to call a phone number?
Several reasons can prevent Alexa from making calls. Compatibility issues with your phone or device settings could be a factor. Ensure your device supports audio calling and that calling permissions are properly configured in the Alexa app. Network connectivity is also crucial; a stable Wi-Fi connection is required for successful calls. Additionally, the Alexa calling feature’s availability may vary by region or country.
3. How does Alexa access my contacts?
Alexa accesses your contacts through the Alexa app. When you set up the calling feature, you grant Alexa permission to sync with your mobile phone’s contacts. Once connected, Alexa automatically displays your stored contacts, allowing you to easily call them by name.
4. Can Alexa replace a traditional phone?
Yes, in many ways, Alexa can function as a phone, especially within a smart home ecosystem. By connecting with other Alexa-enabled devices, you can make voice calls, video calls (with Echo Show), and send messages. Importing your contacts and enabling the calling feature allows for seamless communication, making Alexa a viable alternative for many everyday calling needs.
Conclusion
Alexa calling features offer a convenient and hands-free way to stay connected. From making simple phone calls to utilizing Drop-In for in-home communication and enjoying video calls on Echo Show, Alexa provides versatile communication options. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily set up and use Alexa calling to enhance your communication experience and make the most of your smart home devices.
