Some links on this page are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
Say “Alexa, call [person’s name].” Alexa can connect you to another Alexa user, the Alexa app, or—where supported—most regular phone numbers in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Set up Alexa Communication and contacts first, and remember that Alexa cannot call 911 or other emergency services.
Choose the right communication feature
| What you want | Feature | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Call a person normally | Alexa Calling | “Alexa, call Mom.” |
| Reach a regular phone number | Alexa-to-phone calling | “Alexa, call 555-555-5555.” |
| Connect immediately to a permitted Echo | Drop In | “Alexa, drop in on Kitchen.” |
| Speak to every Echo in your home | Announcement | “Alexa, announce dinner is ready.” |
A normal call rings and must be answered. Drop In can open a two-way audio or video connection automatically when permission exists, so treat it as an intercom rather than an ordinary phone call. An announcement is a one-way broadcast, not a private conversation.
What you need before calling
- An Echo connected to Wi-Fi, with its microphone unmuted.
- The current Alexa app installed on a phone and signed in to the Amazon account used by the Echo.
- A verified mobile number, contact access, and synchronized contacts in Alexa.
- For Alexa-to-Alexa calls, the other person generally needs Alexa Communication set up on an Echo, Echo Show, Echo Spot, or the Alexa app.
- For Drop In with someone outside your Amazon account, both sides must grant the required permission.
In the Alexa app, open the Communication area and follow the prompts to verify your number, allow contacts, and review Alexa contacts. Labels move between app versions and operating systems, so look for settings named Communication, Contacts, Contact access, and Drop In in the current app. Amazon’s Alexa Calling and Messaging help hub groups these controls.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Make and control a normal call
- Wake the Echo by saying “Alexa.”
- Say “call Mom,” or use the contact’s full name.
- If Alexa finds more than one match, identify the correct person when prompted.
- To answer an incoming call, say “Alexa, answer.”
- To end it, say “Alexa, hang up.”
Useful variants include “Alexa, call John Smith mobile” and “Alexa, call 555-555-5555.” Alexa normally targets the person or contact, not a particular physical Echo. A person can answer through a supported Echo or the Alexa app; a screenless Echo provides audio only.
#1 Best Overall
- Your favorite music and content – Play music, audiobooks, and podcasts from Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify and others or via Bluetooth throughout your home.
- Alexa is happy to help – Ask Alexa for weather updates and to set hands-free timers, get answers to your questions and even hear jokes. Need a few extra minutes in the morning? Just tap your Echo Dot to snooze your alarm.
- Keep your home comfortable – Control compatible smart home devices with your voice and routines triggered by built-in motion or indoor temperature sensors. Create routines to automatically turn on lights when you walk into a room, or start a fan if the inside temperature goes above your comfort zone.
- Do more with device pairing – Fill your home with music using compatible Echo devices in different rooms, or create a home theatre system with Fire TV.
- Say goodbye to drop-offs and buffering - With eero Built-in, Echo Dot doubles as a mesh wifi extender, adding up to 1,000 sq. ft. of wifi coverage to your existing eero network.
Amazon currently documents calling most phone numbers in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Availability is regional and feature support can vary by country, language, account, device, and app version. Do not assume the phone-number feature works worldwide. Amazon says Alexa Communication does not currently charge a service fee, although carrier data charges may apply and terms can change. Your phone number may appear as caller ID on outbound calls to phone numbers.
Call a specific Echo with Drop In
Use Drop In when you need a quick connection to a named device or a trusted contact:
- “Alexa, drop in.”
- “Alexa, drop in on Kitchen.”
- “Alexa, drop in on Dad.”
- “Alexa, drop in everywhere.”
For devices in your own account or household, use the device name shown in Alexa. For a contact on another Amazon account, the required permissions must be enabled on both sides. Amazon says a receiving Echo’s light pulses green and the audio or video connection starts automatically. End the session with the on-device control or a voice command such as “Alexa, hang up.”
Rank #2
- Your favorite music and content – Play music, audiobooks, and podcasts from Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify and others or via Bluetooth throughout your home.
- Alexa is happy to help – Ask Alexa for weather updates and to set hands-free timers, get answers to your questions and even hear jokes. Need a few extra minutes in the morning? Just tap your Echo Dot to snooze your alarm.
- Keep your home comfortable – Control compatible smart home devices with your voice and routines triggered by built-in motion or indoor temperature sensors. Create routines to automatically turn on lights when you walk into a room, or start a fan if the inside temperature goes above your comfort zone.
- Do more with device pairing – Fill your home with music using compatible Echo devices in different rooms, or create a home theatre system with Fire TV.
- Say goodbye to drop-offs and buffering - With eero Built-in, Echo Dot doubles as a mesh wifi extender, adding up to 1,000 sq. ft. of wifi coverage to your existing eero network.
Enable Drop In only for people you trust. Depending on how permission is granted, a permitted contact—and potentially members of that contact’s household—may be able to initiate Drop In. Review or remove access in the Alexa app’s contact and Drop In settings.
Make a video call
Video requires a compatible camera-and-screen endpoint: an Echo Show, Echo Spot, or a compatible Alexa app session. Both ends must support video, and the Alexa app must have camera permission. A screenless Echo can still make an audio call, but it cannot display video. On an Echo Show, a closed privacy shutter or disabled camera prevents video; the exact behavior when the camera is disabled varies by device. If the call is answered on a screenless device, it remains audio.
Call from the Alexa app
The Alexa app can call Alexa contacts when you are away from home, receive calls instead of an Echo, and use Drop In with permitted devices. Open the app’s Communication section, choose the contact or device, and tap the call or Drop In control shown there. Button names can change with app updates; use the current Communication and contacts controls rather than relying on an older screenshot.
Rank #3
- Meet Echo Dot Max: Experience rich room-filling sound that automatically adapts to your space and fine-tunes playback. Features a built-in smart home hub and Omnisense technology for highly personalized experiences.
- Music to your ears: With nearly 3x the bass versus Echo Dot (2022 release), it fits beautifully in any space, delivering your personal sound stage with deep bass and enhanced clarity. Listen to streaming services, such as Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify, and SiriusXM. Encore!
- Do more with device pairing: Connect compatible Echo smart speakers and smart displays in different rooms, or pair with a second Echo Dot Max to enjoy even richer sound. Pair your Echo Dot Max with compatible Fire TV devices to create a home theater system that brings scenes to life.
- Simple smart home control: Set routines, pair and control lights, locks, and thousands of smart home devices that work with Alexa without needing a separate smart home hub. With Omnisense technology, you can activate routines via temperature or presence detection.
- Say goodbye to drop-offs and buffering - With eero Built-in, Echo Dot Max doubles as a mesh wifi extender, adding up to 1,000 sq. ft. of wifi coverage to your existing eero network.
Troubleshooting
Alexa calls the wrong person
Duplicate names, nicknames, unusual pronunciations, or stale phone contacts can confuse Alexa. Say the person’s full name, add “mobile,” or speak the phone number. Clean up duplicate entries in your phone’s address book, then allow Alexa to synchronize contacts again.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsAlexa says the contact is unavailable
Confirm that the recipient completed Alexa Communication setup, is signed in to the Alexa app, has internet access, and has not blocked communication. Check country support, contact access, and whether the recipient’s Echo is online.
The Echo does not ring or announce the call
Check the physical microphone-mute button, volume, Wi-Fi connection, Do Not Disturb, and communication notifications. The call may be arriving at a different Alexa endpoint or the app instead of the Echo you expected.
Rank #4
- Your favorite music and content – Play music, audiobooks, and podcasts from Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify and others or via Bluetooth throughout your home.
- Alexa is happy to help – Ask Alexa for weather updates and to set hands-free timers, get answers to your questions and even hear jokes. Need a few extra minutes in the morning? Just tap your Echo Dot to snooze your alarm.
- Keep your home comfortable – Control compatible smart home devices with your voice and routines triggered by built-in motion or indoor temperature sensors. Create routines to automatically turn on lights when you walk into a room, or start a fan if the inside temperature goes above your comfort zone.
- Do more with device pairing – Fill your home with music using compatible Echo devices in different rooms, or create a home theatre system with Fire TV.
- Say goodbye to drop-offs and buffering - With eero Built-in, Echo Dot doubles as a mesh wifi extender, adding up to 1,000 sq. ft. of wifi coverage to your existing eero network.
The call goes to a phone instead of an Echo
“Call [name]” addresses the contact. To target a particular Echo, use Drop In with that device’s name and the necessary permission.
There is no sound
Unmute both devices, raise volume, verify the internet connection, and check that the recipient has not answered on another endpoint.
Video is unavailable
Verify that both endpoints support video, camera permission is enabled in the Alexa app, and an Echo Show camera shutter is open. A screenless Echo cannot show video.
Best Value
- MEET ECHO SPOT - A sleek smart alarm clock with Alexa and big vibrant sound. Ready to help you wake up, wind down, and so much more.
- CUSTOMIZABLE SMART CLOCK - See time, weather, and song titles at a glance, control smart home devices, and more. Personalize your display with your favorite clock face and fun colors.
- BIG VIBRANT SOUND - Enjoy rich sound with clear vocals and deep bass. Just ask Alexa to play music, podcasts, and audiobooks. See song titles and touch to control your music.
- EASE INTO THE DAY - Set up an Alexa routine that gently wakes you with music and gradual light. Glance at the time, check reminders, or ask Alexa for weather updates.
- KEEP YOUR HOME COMFORTABLE - Control compatible smart home devices. Just ask Alexa to turn on lights or touch the screen to dim. Create routines that use motion detection to turn down the thermostat as you head out or open the blinds when you walk into a room.
Drop In permission is missing
Both accounts must approve the required Drop In access when the contact is outside your household. Review the contact’s Drop In permission in Alexa; do not enable it for an untrusted person.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Privacy and emergency limitations
Alexa Communication may store contact information to provide the feature. Drop In is more intrusive than a normal call because an approved connection can begin without the recipient manually accepting it. The Echo microphone-mute button is a physical privacy control, but muting prevents normal two-way conversation. Echo Show camera shutters and camera controls provide additional privacy.
Do not rely on Alexa for 911 or any emergency service. Amazon’s terms expressly exclude emergency communications. Keep a mobile phone, landline, or another service capable of reaching emergency services available.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Quick command cheat sheet
- “Alexa, call Mom.” — normal Alexa call
- “Alexa, call 555-555-5555.” — supported phone-number call
- “Alexa, answer.” — answer an incoming call
- “Alexa, hang up.” — end a call
- “Alexa, drop in on Kitchen.” — permitted instant connection to a named Echo
- “Alexa, announce dinner is ready.” — one-way household announcement
For official capability and regional details, see Amazon’s Alexa communication guidance and Alexa Communication terms.
The Bottom Line
For an ordinary call, say “Alexa, call [person’s name].” Set up Communication and contacts first, use Drop In only with trusted contacts, and keep a real phone available for emergencies.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
