Alexa: Activate and set up Drop in - Here's how
You can activate and set up Alexa Drop in to use your Echo devices as a hands-free system. By giving Drop in permission to family and friends, you can reach them by phone call or text message, even if they don't have Echo devices, provided they are connected to the Alexa app.
Activate Alexa Drop in - Here's how
Before you can communicate with contacts via Alexa Drop, you need to activate the function on your own device or devices. By granting yourself authorization, all devices in your household automatically receive authorization. You can then select your own Echo devices if you have more than one and communicate hands-free with your household members. To do this, say "Alexa, drop in on [device name]". You can see the device names in the settings of the Alexa app.
- Open the Alexa app and tap the speech bubble icon at the bottom. To give permission for Drop in on the Echo Show, say clearly: "Alexa, show me my contacts."
- Sign up for Alexa calls and messages to make the drop in feature available.
- Then select "Conversations" again (the balloon icon) in the Alexa app, then tap "Contacts" at the top, then choose your own contact card.
- Push the slider at the entry "Contact can execute drop in at any time" or "Drop in" on the Echo Show to the right to activate the function.
Set up Alexa Drop in: Add contacts
To be able to communicate not only between your own devices, but also with your contacts, you have to add them to your Alexa contact list. With the drop in authorization your contacts can reach you at any time. Alexa lights up green when you call. If you want to temporarily disable the function, you can put your Echo device into the "Do not disturb" mode via the settings in the Alexa app and it will remain silent when the drop is received. Unfortunately, contacts are currently unable to leave messages if you are unavailable.
- Open the Alexa app and tap on "Contacts" or say on the echo show "Alexa, show me my contacts."
- Now select a contact from the list.
- You activate Drop in by moving the slider to the right.
Are you having problems setting up Alexa Drop? You may have to perform an update first so that the function is available for your device. You can read about how to do this in the next practical tip.