Amazon has revolutionized the digital home automation experience. It lets you enjoy several features on its Echo devices, including the ‘Alexa Calling’ feature. This enables your Echo device to make calls on phones and landlines free of cost. But can Alexa call another Alexa?
Yes, your Alexa can call another Alexa using the Drop In feature on both Alexa-enabled devices.
What is the Drop In feature in Amazon Alexa?
The Drop In feature in your Amazon Alexa allows you to use voice commands to make calls on your Amazon device, such as an Echo or Echo Dot. It works by connecting your call automatically to a friend or other devices through your Echo.
Another exciting thing is that the receiver cannot reject your call, which comes in handy when you check up on kids or pets.
Which Alexa devices support the Drop In feature?
For the Drop In feature to work correctly, both Amazon devices, the one making the call and receiving it, should have it enabled. If both the caller and the receiver have a device compatible with the Drop In feature, your Amazon Alexa voice assistant can call another Alexa nearby.
Here is a list of Amazon devices that support the Drop In feature:
- Amazon Echo (Generation 1,2,3 & 4)
- Amazon Echo Dot (Generation 1,2,3 & 4)
- Amazon Echo Plus (Generation 1 & 2)
- Amazon Show (Generation 1,2 & 3 – audio & video both)
- Amazon Echo Spot (audio & video)
- Amazon Fire HD 8 Tablet
- Amazon Fire HD 10 Tablet
How to enable Drop In on Alexa?
Firstly, you need to download the Amazon Alexa App on your phone or tablet device. The app will automatically prompt you to set up messaging and calling with Alexa. If it does not, you can tap on the Chat Bubble icon at the bottom of the screen to fill out your contact information.
After ensuring the things mentioned above, follow the steps below to enable the Drop In feature on your Amazon device:
- Launch the Alexa App on your phone or tablet device.
- Select the Devices icon from the bottom of the screen.
- A list of devices will appear. Choose the device that you want on which you desire to use Drop In.
- Now go to the Communication section.
- Select Drop In to turn it on.
- You will be given 3 options here:
- On option: This option will allow any device connected to your Amazon account to Drop In on you. You can also use this option to call others.
- My household option: This option will restrict the Drop In feature to the devices in your house.
- Off option: This option will stop you from Dropping In altogether.
- Now you can call using the Drop In feature by selecting any of the options above!
Then, you need to enable Drop In on both your profile and your contact’s.
To enable Drop In on your profile:
- Go to the Alexa app and select “Communicate” bubble icon at the bottom.
- Select “Drop In” icon at the top.
- Then, follow the Drop In enabling instructions under “My Profile”.
To enable Drop In on your contact’s profile:
- Go to the Alexa app and tap on the “Communicate” bubble icon.
- Then, choose the people/person icon on the top corner. You will be taken to your contacts.
- Select the contacts you wish to call.
If “Alexa Calling and Messaging” is displayed under the contact’s name, it means that they own an Alexa device/account. Therefore, you can Drop In on this person.
- Go over to “Permissions” and select “Allow Drop In”.
Now, this contact can Drop In on you any time!
Note: Your Alexa will need a Wi-Fi connection to use the Drop In feature.
How to call using Drop In on Alexa with a voice command?
Here is what you need to do to use voice commands for dropping-in on Alexa:
- Turn on your Amazon Alexa device.
- Command your Alexa voice assistant to “Drop In on (name of contact)”, such as “Alexa Drop In on Dad”, and your Alexa will start to ring your dad immediately.
Note: This command will only work if the contact is saved correctly on your connected device.
How to Drop In on Alexa from phone?
Launch your Amazon Alexa app and go to the Communicate screen by tapping the chat bubble icon at the bottom. Then, tap Drop In. This will take you to a list of the Echo devices and contacts you can Drop In on.
Can you block Drop In calls?
Sometimes, random Drop In calls from nearby Alexas can be disturbing. It might make you wonder if it is possible to block or disable them temporarily. Yes, it is possible to disable or block Drop In calls. Here is how to block or disable Drop In calls on Alexa using voice commands:
- Turn on your Amazon Alexa device.
- Command “Alexa disable Drop In for (name of contact)” such as “Alexa disable Drop In for Dad”, and your Alexa will disable all Drop In calls from your dad immediately.
- If you want to block a contact temporarily and not permanently, you can command your Alexa to turn on the “Do not Disturb” mode for Drop In. This will prevent the contact from Dropping-in on you temporarily.
Alternatively, you can also disable permissions for Drop In using the Alexa app.
- Open the Alexa app and go to “Devices” at the bottom.
- Select the device you want to edit.
- Tap on “Communication”.
- Select “Drop In” and check the “On for permitted contacts only” option.
You can simply uncheck the “Allow Drop In” of specific contacts too:
- Go to the Communicate tab.
- Select the Person icon in the top right corner.
- Navigate to the contact in question.
- Uncheck the “Allow Drop In” option.
Related FAQs to can Alexa call another Alexa!
Can you link Alexa to different houses?
Yes, you can link Alexa to more than one house by connecting your smart home devices to the Amazon app. Make sure each device has a different name.
Can Alexa Drop In silently?
No, Alexa cannot Drop In silently. It will continuously pulse a green light and make ringing noises for as long as a Drop In is active on the device.
How to tell if someone is Dropping-in on Alexa?
You can quickly tell if someone is trying to Drop In on you by the pulsing green light and ringing noises your Alexa device will make.
Can Alexa call another Alexa in the same house?
Yes, Alexa can call another Alexa in the same house using the Drop In feature.
Is Alexa calling free?
Yes, Alexa calling is free. With your Alexa, you can make free calls to mobile numbers and landlines in the UK, US, and Mexico.
Can Alexa make phone calls from a landline?
Yes, you can ask Alexa to make phone calls from your landline at home.
Final thoughts on can Alexa call another Alexa
Without the underrated Drop In feature, an Alexa will not be able to call another Alexa. Although this feature is helpful for Alexa, you can always make other calls over the landline or Wi-Fi if you fancy a simpler life. But if you wish to enjoy the perks of having Alexa-enabled devices in your house and around you, the Drop In feature can be a game-changer!
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