Alexa, Amazon’s popular voice assistant, is well-known for its ability to play music, set alarms, and control smart home devices. But did you know that Alexa can also make phone calls? This feature can be incredibly convenient, allowing you to connect with friends and family hands-free. This article will explore how you can use Alexa to make phone calls, turning your smart speaker into a communication hub.
Can Alexa Call People?
Yes, absolutely! Alexa is equipped with a calling feature that enables you to make voice calls to your contacts. Using Alexa-enabled devices like the Echo Dot, Echo Show, or even the Alexa app on your smartphone, you can initiate calls simply by using voice commands. This functionality moves beyond traditional landline or mobile phone calls, offering a modern, voice-activated approach to staying in touch.
The convenience of Alexa calling is particularly noticeable when you’re multitasking at home. Whether you’re cooking, cleaning, or simply relaxing, you can easily make a call without needing to pick up your phone. A simple voice command is all it takes to connect with your loved ones.
How Does Alexa Make Phone Calls to Mobile and Landline Numbers?
Setting up Alexa to make calls to regular phone numbers is straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
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Install and Open the Alexa App: Ensure you have the latest version of the Alexa app installed on your smartphone. Launch the app and locate the “Communicate” icon, usually found at the bottom of the screen. Tap on it.
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Initiate Call Setup: Within the Communicate tab, you’ll see a “Call” option. Tap this to begin the setup process. A setup window will appear to guide you through the initial configuration.
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Verify Your Phone Number: Select your country code and enter the mobile phone number you use. This number will be used to verify your account and enable calling features. Tap “Continue” after entering your number. You will then receive a verification code via SMS.
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Enter Verification Code: Input the verification code you received into the Alexa app when prompted. This step confirms your phone number and links it to your Alexa account.
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Start Calling: Once verified, Alexa can now make calls to your contacts. To place a call, simply say, “Alexa, call [Contact Name].” Alexa will access your contact list and initiate the call to the selected person.
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Ending a Call: When you’re ready to end the call, just say, “Alexa, hang up” or “Alexa, end call.” Alexa will promptly disconnect the call.
Integrating Alexa with your smart home security system can further enhance its utility. For instance, if your security cameras, like the NEW Reolink Argus 4 and Argus 4 Pro, detect suspicious activity, they can send instant alerts to your phone via the Reolink app, and you can even make hands-free calls through Alexa to emergency contacts directly.
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How Does Alexa Make Phone Calls Without A Phone Using Drop-In?
Alexa’s “Drop-In” feature provides an alternative way to communicate, allowing you to connect directly with other Alexa-enabled devices in your home or office without using a traditional phone number. This is perfect for intercom-like communication within your household.
Here’s how to set up and use the Drop-In feature:
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Open the Alexa App: Access the Alexa app on your smartphone. Navigate to the “Communicate” section from the bottom toolbar.
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Access Drop-in Settings: Look for the “Drop-In” icon, which resembles an envelope with a downward arrow, typically located at the top of the Communicate page. Tap on it.
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Configure Communication Settings: A dialogue box will appear. Tap “My Communication Settings” to proceed to the Drop-In configuration.
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Enable Drop-In: Toggle the “Drop-In” feature to the “On” position. Confirm your choice by tapping “OK” in the dialogue box. Ensure all devices you wish to Drop-In on are registered to the same Amazon account and Wi-Fi network.
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Initiate a Drop-In Call: Once enabled, you can call another Alexa device by saying, “Alexa, Drop in on [Device Name].” Replace “[Device Name]” with the name you’ve assigned to the target Alexa device (e.g., “Kitchen Echo,” “Living Room Echo Show”). The device will chime and light up to indicate an incoming Drop-In call.
During a Drop-In call, audio communication is automatically enabled. If the receiving device is an Echo Show or Echo Spot with a camera, video may also be enabled depending on the device settings and permissions.
How To Make Video Calls Using The Echo Show
For face-to-face communication, the Echo Show’s video call feature is ideal. Here’s how to make video calls:
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Sync Contacts: To make video calls, ensure your contacts are synced with your Echo Show. This is done by verifying your phone number through an OTP code within the Alexa app, which then imports your phone’s contact list.
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Navigate to Communicate 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: Select “Show Contacts” at the bottom of the contacts list. This will display all contacts synced from your mobile phone.
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Select Contact and Initiate Video Call: Tap on the contact you wish to call. Then, tap the “Video Call” icon. Wait for the recipient to answer your video call.
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Create Home Screen Shortcuts (Optional): For quicker access to frequently called contacts, you can add them to your favorites. Creating a widget for favorite contacts on the Echo Show home screen provides a shortcut for direct video calls.
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FAQs About Alexa Calling
1. Are phone calls from Alexa free of charge?
Calls made via Alexa to numbers within the same country are typically free. However, international calls may require an Alexa calling plan subscription. If you are calling a mobile or landline number, standard calling charges from your network provider may apply, depending on your plan, regardless of whether the call is local or international.
2. Why is Alexa unable to call a specific phone number?
Several factors might prevent Alexa from calling a number. Compatibility issues with your mobile phone or incomplete setup of calling permissions on your Alexa device are common reasons. Ensure your device supports audio calling and verify the device’s communication settings in the Alexa app.
Additionally, a poor or unstable network connection can hinder call connectivity. Check your Wi-Fi or internet connection. Also, confirm if the calling feature is supported in your region or country, as availability can vary.
3. Where does Alexa import contacts from?
Alexa retrieves contacts from your mobile phone’s contact list. This integration requires you to connect your mobile phone number through the Alexa app and grant contact access permissions. Once connected, Alexa automatically syncs and displays your stored contacts.
4. Can Alexa serve as a complete phone replacement?
While Alexa offers many phone-like functionalities, it is not a complete replacement for a smartphone. You can use Alexa for voice and video calls, and messaging with other Alexa users. By importing contacts and enabling calling features, Alexa can handle many communication tasks. However, for full mobile phone functionality, including apps, mobile internet browsing, and cellular network access outside of Wi-Fi, a smartphone remains necessary.
Conclusion
Alexa-enabled devices offer versatile and user-friendly communication options. From simple voice calls to video conferencing, Alexa bridges communication gaps and provides hands-free convenience. By following the outlined steps, you can easily set up and utilize Alexa calling features to stay connected with friends, family, and colleagues effortlessly. Embrace the convenience of voice-activated communication with Alexa and simplify your daily interactions.
