How To Register For Alexa Calling

Michael Simon

If you have an Amazon Echo in your home you lot already know how useful it can be. In improver to turning on your lights, playing music, and checking the conditions, you tin also use your Echo devices to make phone calls and video calls—even if the people you're calling don't have an Echo device of their own.

Here's how information technology all works:

Which devices are capable?

Echo
Echo Dot
Echo Show
Repeat Spot
Echo Plus
Fire tablets (fourth generation and later on) with the Alexa app
Compatible iPhones, iPads, and Android phones and tablets with the Alexa app

How do I brand a call using Alexa?

The first affair you need to do is give Alexa access to your contacts. Head over the the Alexa app on your iPhone or Android telephone and tap the Calling & Messaging tab on the bar at the bottom of the screen (the icon second from the left that looks like a chat bubble). If you haven't already enabled it, the app will inquire permission to access your contacts and register your telephone number. (That'due south for caller ID purposes. If yous opt-out, your calls will prove up as "Unknown.")

alexa app contacts — Alexa needs access to your contacts earlier you can start making calls.

In one case you finish, you'll instantly be able to call and message your friends and family unit who have Echo devices. Then, placing a call is as simple every bit request Alexa to call someone. For example, if you desire to call your mom, just say, "Alexa, call mom."

What if the person I want to phone call doesn't have an Echo?

If y'all endeavor to call someone who has an Echo, Alexa will automatically ring it (assuming they've too signed upwards for calling and messaging in their Alexa app).

If your recipient doesn't have an Echo device (or it isn't enabled), Alexa will practise one of two things: call the Alexa app on their phone (if it's been set to receive calls), or dial the number associated with the contact. If there are multiple numbers attached to a contact, it will ask which one yous want to call. Then say, "mobile" or "home phone," and Alexa will punch the advisable number.

Yes, you lot can call a number that'south non in your contacts by speaking the number to Alexa (eastward.g. "Alexa, phone call i-2-3-4-5-6-7-eight-nine-0").

Can I make international calls?

You can call Echos in any land that supports Alexa-to-Alexa Calling & Messaging, but non-Echo landline and mobile calls are limited to the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

Can I phone call any number?

Alexa will be able to punch most numbers, merely there are a few notable exceptions:

Emergency services numbers (east.k. "911")
Premium-rate numbers (e.g. "1-900" numbers, or price numbers)
Whatever local X-1-1 numbers or abbreviated dial codes (e.g. "211," "411," etc.)
International numbers (numbers outside of the US, Canada, and United mexican states)
Punch-by-letter numbers (e.g. "1-800-FLOWERS")

What if I don't accept an Repeat?

You don't really need an Echo to make a telephone call using Alexa. If you lot open the Calling & Messaging tab on the mobile app, you can telephone call anyone on your contacts list. Simply tap the proper noun of the person you want to call. If they have an Echo device, y'all'll see icons for voice and video calls at the top. If non, you can tap ane of their other numbers to use Alexa Calling to phone call a landline or mobile number.

alexa app calls — You can make a call to someone's Repeat or mobile phone from right inside the Alexa app.

How do I finish a telephone call?

Simply say, "Alexa, cease the call" or "Alexa, hang upward." On Echo Spots and Echo Shows, you can too tap the red telephone icon on the screen.

How do I make a video call?

If you initiate a call from an Echo Show or Repeat Spot, it volition default to a video call, equally if you were using Apple tree'south Facetime or Google Duo. If yous don't desire to exist on camera, just say, "Alexa, turn the video off" or tap the camera icon on the screen.

How do I answer an incoming call?

When a call comes in, your Echo will play a ringing sound and its ring will glow xanthous. To answer the call, just say, "Alexa, respond the call."

Can I block numbers?

Yous can block numbers just if they're in your contacts list (only don't worry, you won't be getting any spam calls on your Repeat). Go to the Calling and Messaging tab in the Alexa app, tap the contacts icon in the top correct, and then open the three-dot menu in the right corner of the next screen. You'll see an option for "Block Contacts." Select it and then cull any contact you want to block.

Can I telephone call another Repeat in my house?

alexa app drop in — You don't take to call other Echos in your house—you can just Drop In on them.

A feature called Drib In lets household members instantly connect to Echo devices in other rooms. To enable it, tap on the "Prepare Drop In" banner at the height of the Calling & Messaging screen. Then tap Contour Settings and flip the "Allow Drib In" toggle blueish. (You can also say, "Alexa, driblet in" and consummate the setup via voice.) You'll now exist able to use your Echo as an intercom by asking to drop in on an Echo in a dissimilar room. Yous'll need to phone call it exactly by proper noun though, then make sure you call back what your Echos in other rooms are chosen.

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Michael Simon has been covering Apple since the iPod was the iWalk. His obsession with engineering science goes back to his offset PC—the IBM Thinkpad with the elevator-up keyboard for swapping out the drive. He's however waiting for that to come up back in mode tbh.