How to Use an Echo Dot as an Intercom GA S REGULAR Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter! Search Close GO Smart & Connected Life > Smart Home 49 49 people found this article helpful

How to Use an Echo Dot as an Intercom

The feature is called Drop In and it's handy when you need it

By Jerri Ledford Jerri Ledford Writer, Editor, Fact Checker Western Kentucky University Gulf Coast Community College Jerri L. Ledford has been writing, editing, and fact-checking tech stories since 1994. Her work has appeared in Computerworld, PC Magazine, Information Today, and many others. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on December 13, 2021 Reviewed by Michael Barton Heine Jr Reviewed by Michael Barton Heine Jr Michael Heine is a CompTIA-certified writer, editor, and Network Engineer with 25+ years' experience working in the television, defense, ISP, telecommunications, and education industries. lifewire's editorial guidelines Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Smart Home Amazon Smart Home: Alexa & Amazon Echo Your Best Year Ever: College Tech Tips Appliances & Lighting Google

What to Know

The Alexa intercom feature is called Drop In.To enabled Drop In: In the Alexa app: Devices > Echo and Alexa, select name of device you want to use, and select Settings > Communications > Drop In, then select On or My Household.To use Drop In: Say "Alexa, drop in on [device name]" to open the intercom connection. When you're done say "Alexa, end drop in." This article explains how to use your Echo Dot as an intercom via the Drop In feature, including how to enable it, how to connect as an intercom, and how to end the connection.

Can You Use Alexa as an Intercom Between Rooms

Yes, you can use Alexa as an intercom between rooms. The feature is called Drop In, and must first be enabled in the Alexa App. Drop In also works with any Amazon Echo product, including the Echo Dot, Spot, and Show devices.

Enable the Alexa Intercome Feature—Drop In

Before you can use your Echo Dot or other Echo device as an intercom, you must first enable the Drop In feature on your Alexa App. These instructions work on all devices with the Amazon Alexa app installed. In your Alexa app, tap Devices and select Echo & Alexa. Tap the name of the Echo Dot (or other Echo device) you want to use for Drop In. Tap the Settings icon (it looks like a gear). Scroll down and select Communications. Tap Drop In. Choose whether you want to turn Drop In On for permitted contacts. This will allow people outside your household to drop in on your Amazon Echo at any time. There is no way for someone to silently Drop In on your Echo device. When a Drop In connection is made, Alexa sounds a tone to make you aware of the connection. You can also choose My Household which only allows your Echo Dot to connect with other Echo devices in your household. Once you've made your selection, you can close out of the app. If you want to disconnect your Echo Dot so it can't be used as an intercom with the Drop In feature, tap the Off option.

How Do I Speak to Another Echo Dot

After you have enabled Drop In on your Echo Dot, then using it is as easy as speaking to Alexa. Just say "Alexa, drop in on [the name of the Echo device you want to connect to]." It works the same way for Echo devices outside of your household. All you'll need to know is the name of the other device to make the connection. For example, if you want to connect to your sister's Echo Dot in her home, you need to know her's is the Living Room Echo Dot. Then you can say, "Alexa, drop in on Jennifer's Living Room Echo Dot." Alexa will find and connect to the device and will sound a tone on both ends of the connection to let you and your sister know you're now connected. If you chose to only connect to Echo devices in your household, then you can just say, "Alexa, drop in on the man cave," or whatever the name of your other device might be. When you're finished with your intercom conversation, say, "Alexa, end drop in." to break the connection. Have other Echo devices? You can use them as an intercom, too. FAQ How do I disable Echo Drop In? In the Alexa app, go to Devices > Echo & Alexa > your device > Settings > Communications > Drop In. Choose Off. Can I turn off the sound for Echo Drop In? You can't disable the notification tone that plays when someone Drops In, but you can mute yourself by pressing the microphone button. The Drop In feature only works with devices you allow. How do I improve reception for Echo Drop In? If you're having trouble communicating with Drop In, there's probably an issue with your Wi-Fi connection. Make sure both devices are within range of your router. Install a Wi-Fi extender if necessary. How do I change who can Drop In on my Echo? To control Drop In permissions, open the Alexa app, go to the Communicate tab, and tap the Contacts icon (the people silhouette). Choose a contact to manage permissions. How do I stop Alexa from listening? To stop Alexa from listening, press the microphone button on your Echo. When the button or indicator light is red, Alexa is no longer listening. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire Can I Call Alexa From My Phone? How to Connect Alexa to Your Computer How to Put an Echo Dot in Setup Mode How to Make Alexa the Center of Your Smart Home How to Use Alexa's Drop-In Feature Apple Intercom: What It Is and How to Use It How to Connect Your Android Phone to Alexa How to Fix It When Alexa says the Echo is Offline How to Set up the Amazon Echo Show How to Move With Alexa How to Make Calls Through Your Echo Using Amazon's Alexa How to Use an Echo Dot as a Speaker How to Use Alexa and Cortana Together How to Connect an Echo Dot to a TV How to Use Alexa Messaging How to Make a Group Call on an Amazon Echo/Echo Show Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies