Did you know your Amazon Echo device is more versatile than just playing music or setting timers? One of its handiest features is the ability to make hands-free phone calls. Yes, you can use Alexa to call phone numbers! Whether you want to reach out to contacts on compatible Echo devices, smartphones with the Alexa app, or even dial most mobile and landline numbers in the US, Canada, and Mexico, Alexa calling has you covered. Let’s dive into how to use this convenient feature and answer the question: can Alexa really call phone numbers?
Understanding Alexa’s Calling Capabilities
Alexa-to-Alexa calling is just the beginning. You can leverage your Echo devices to connect with a wide range of contacts. It’s true that Alexa allows you to call most mobile and landline numbers within the US, Canada, and Mexico for free. However, it’s important to note some limitations. You cannot use Alexa to dial toll-free numbers, abbreviated dial codes (like 411), dial-by-letter numbers (like 1-800-FLOWERS), or international numbers outside of the US, UK, Canada, and Mexico.
To get started with Alexa calling, you’ll need a few things:
- An active Amazon account
- A verified mobile phone number
- The latest version of the Alexa app installed on your smartphone
Alexa Calling is compatible with a wide array of Echo devices, including:
- Echo
- Echo Dot
- Echo Show (all models)
- Echo Spot
- Echo Plus
- Echo Auto (Keep in mind that using Alexa Calling on Echo Auto might count towards your mobile plan minutes)
- Echo Input (Voice-only calling is supported, but it needs a wired connection to a speaker as Bluetooth calling isn’t supported)
Before you can enjoy hands-free calling, you’ll need to set up the Alexa Calling service. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Setting Up Alexa Calling: A Quick Guide
Setting up Alexa Calling is a straightforward process within the Alexa app. Follow these steps to enable this feature and start making calls:
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Launch the Alexa app. Ensure you are running the most up-to-date version of the app for optimal performance.
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Tap ‘Communicate’. Look for the chat bubble icon at the bottom of your screen – this is your gateway to the communication features.
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Select ‘Call’.
Alt Text: Tap the call icon in the Alexa app to initiate phone calls.
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Enter and Verify Your Phone Number. The app will prompt you to enter your mobile phone number. After entering it, tap ‘Continue’. You will receive a verification code via SMS text message. If your contacts are already synced, you can proceed to the next step.
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Input the Verification Code. Enter the code you received and tap ‘Continue’. You’ll then be asked about enabling ‘Drop-In’, a feature allowing intercom-like communication with other Alexa devices in your household. You can choose to set this up now or select ‘Later’ to skip it.
Alt Text: Enter the SMS verification code in the Alexa app to verify your phone number for Alexa calling.
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Start Calling! With setup complete, you’re now ready to use Alexa to make calls to your contacts and phone numbers.
Making Phone Calls with Alexa: Voice Commands and App
Once Alexa Calling is set up, you have two primary ways to initiate calls: using voice commands with your Echo device or through the Alexa app. Let’s explore both methods.
Using Voice Commands on Your Alexa-Enabled Device
The most intuitive way to use Alexa calling is through voice commands. Here’s how to make calls hands-free:
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Use a Voice Command. Start by saying the Alexa wake word, followed by a call command. Here are some examples of voice commands you can use:
- “Alexa, call [contact name from your contact list].”
- “Alexa, make a call.” (Alexa will then ask you who you want to call)
- “Alexa, call [phone number like 201-555-5555].”
- “Alexa, call [contact name]’s mobile.”
- “Alexa, call [contact name] on his home phone.”
- “Alexa, call [contact name] at work.”
- “Alexa, call [contact name]’s office.”
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Alexa Connects the Call. After you issue a voice command, Alexa will initiate the call. The light ring on your Echo device will turn green to indicate an active call.
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Ending a Call. When you’re ready to end the conversation, simply say, “Alexa, hang up” or “Alexa, end call.”
Making Calls Through the Alexa App
You can also initiate calls directly from the Alexa app on your smartphone. This is useful when you want to make a call without speaking aloud or when you’re away from your Echo device.
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Open the Alexa App.
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Tap the ‘Communicate’ Icon.
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Tap the ‘Contacts’ Icon. This icon, resembling a person’s silhouette, is located in the top right corner of the ‘Communicate’ screen.
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Select a Contact. Tap on the name of the person you wish to call from your contact list.
Alt Text: Select a contact from your list in the Alexa app to initiate a call.
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Choose the Number. If your contact has multiple numbers, tap the specific number you want to call (e.g., mobile, home).
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Tap ‘Call’. Finally, tap the ‘Call’ button next to the number to start the call.
Can Alexa Answer Incoming Phone Calls?
Yes, Alexa can indeed answer phone calls, but with some considerations. Alexa can answer calls from other Alexa users – those with compatible Echo devices or the Alexa app with calling enabled. However, natively, Alexa cannot answer incoming calls from standard mobile or landline numbers.
To enable Alexa to answer calls from regular phone numbers, you need to integrate your Echo device with Echo Connect. This Amazon device bridges your landline service to your Echo, essentially transforming your landline into a smart, voice-controlled phone system.
Answering a call with Alexa is straightforward:
- Incoming Call Notification. When someone is calling your Alexa device (either via Alexa-to-Alexa calling or through Echo Connect), the light ring will turn green, a ringtone will sound, and Alexa will announce the caller, saying something like, “[Caller Name] is calling.”
- Answer or Ignore. To answer, say, “Alexa, answer.” If you have an Echo Show, you can also tap the green answer button on the screen. If you don’t want to answer, say “Alexa, ignore.”
- Call Management. Alexa will connect or ignore the call based on your command.
- Ending the Call. To hang up, say “Alexa, hang up” or, on an Echo Show, tap the ‘End Call’ icon.
What About Emergency Calls? Can Alexa Call 911?
Out of the box, Alexa cannot directly dial 911. For emergency calls, you’ll need to set up an Echo Connect and link it to your landline service.
Once Echo Connect is properly configured, you can make emergency calls by saying: “Alexa, call 911.”
Alt Text: Echo Connect device, which enables Alexa to call 911 and receive landline calls.
It’s also worth noting that there are Alexa skills designed to alert contacts in case of an emergency. However, these skills do not replace a direct 911 call and should not be relied upon as a primary method for emergency assistance. They typically send notifications to pre-set contacts rather than directly contacting emergency services.
Level Up Your Communication with Alexa Calling
Using Alexa for calls is a fantastic way to embrace hands-free communication and make your smart home even smarter. From reaching out to family and friends on their Alexa devices or phones to making calls to mobile and landlines, Alexa’s calling feature offers convenience and flexibility. While direct 911 dialing requires Echo Connect, the overall calling capabilities of Alexa significantly enhance its utility in your daily life.
To further expand your hands-free experience, explore how to send and receive messages with Alexa and unlock even more voice-controlled communication possibilities.
