Alexa: set up calls - how it works

With Alexa you can also make calls. However, you have to set up the Amazon Echo or Echo Dot first. We show you how to do this in this article.

Set up Alexa to make calls

To be able to use Alexa to make calls, you need the latest version of the Alexa app. We explain in another practical tip how to update your Alexa.

1. If the update is installed, a pop-up appears that you can now use the telephone function.
2. Start the app and tap the speech bubble icon. An installation process begins, through which the app guides you.
3. At the end of this process, you need to verify your phone number. Amazon sends you a code via SMS, which you then have to enter.
4. If that worked, the app would like to import your contacts from your smartphone. You have to agree here. Amazon can thus compare which of your contacts has also installed the Alexa app and uses the Amazon Echo.
5. In the settings of the app you can activate the "Drop In" function under "General" in the next step. Incidentally, you can also specify who can call you here.
6. For example, if you select "Only my household", you can use other echoes and echo dots in your household as an in-house telephone.
7. If you select "On" instead, calls to other contacts from your list are also possible, provided that they also use the function.

Making calls with Alexa - a guide

If you want to make a call, initiate the call with the command "Alexa, call (name of contact)". For this to work, certain prerequisites must be met.

• You can only call a mobile contact via Alexa if the receiver also has an Echo or Echo Dot. He also has to use the Alexa app.
• If you call a landline number, this is not the case. You can make these calls even if the called party has no echo. The Alexa app is also not required for these calls.
• When a call comes in, Alexa notifies you with a signal and lights up green. Your smartphone may also ring.
• If you have set up Alexa for telephony, you can start a video call with the command "Alexa, video call with (name of contact)".
• If you want to send a message instead of making a call, you can do that too. You can send both text and voice messages.
• The corresponding commands are "Alexa, send message to (name of contact)" or "Alexa, send voice message to (name of contact)".
• If you receive a text or voice message yourself, the assistant signals this with the color ring: Alexa lights up yellow.