Alexa does a bang-up job when it comes to managing contacts and making phone calls. It's like it's got the magic touch, doing it better than just plain old audio and video chats. It's really handy sending messages too, especially when folks use lots of Echo devices.
Check out how easy it is – just add your contacts and then let Alexa do the work!
Alexa Contacts
There are several ways of adding contacts to Alexa via the dedicated Alexa app. You can either import your entire address book from your mobile device or simply add individual contacts right from within the Alexa app.
- Open the Alexa app on your smartphone.
- Go to the Communicate tab at the bottom of your screen.
- On the Communication screen, select the Contacts icon which is located at the top right corner.
- The Alexa app will ask for permission to access your phone’s contact list. Select Allow.
- Select Import Contacts from the Manage Contacts screen and then tap the blue button to enable it.
- Once the Import Contacts option is enabled, your contacts stored on your mobile device are imported into the Alexa app.
- If you want to add a contact directly from the Alexa app, select Add Contact from the Communication screen, fill in the required information, and save the new contact.
- Now, you can make calls or send text messages to any contact just by telling Alexa to do so. The Alexa app will regularly sync with your phone’s contact list so that any changes you make will automatically show up in the Alexa app as well.
How to make calls using Alexa
Making phone calls with Alexa is pretty simple. You can just say “Alexa, call my brother” or you can initiate the call yourself from within the Alexa app. You can make regular phone calls from your Echo device or call other Alexa users.
- Open the Alexa app on your mobile device.
- Tap the Communicate tab at the bottom of your screen.
- Tap the Call icon located at the top of your screen.
- Search through the contacts and select the person you would like to call. If the person who is being called has an Echo device as well, the call can be answered through the Echo speaker.
- If you’re using just your Echo speaker to make the call, for example to David in your contacts, say out loud “Alexa, call David”. Alexa will immediately initiate the call.
- When the conversation is over, you can say “Alexa, end call”. Simple as that.
Setting up Video calls via Alexa
You can also make video calls directly from the Alexa app or by using one of the latest Echo devices equipped with a display and camera, such as the Echo Show models. Before getting started, make sure you have synced your phone’s address book so that Alexa can access your contacts.
And remember, the person you are video calling must have either an Alexa-enabled device equipped with a display or the Alexa app installed on their mobile device.
Making a video call using the Echo Show device
- When using an Echo Show device, simply ask Alexa to start the video call.
- You can then switch between audio and video at any time during the call.
- When you’re done, ask Alexa to end the video call.
Making a video call using the Alexa app
- Open the Alexa app on your smartphone.
- Go to the Communicate tab at the bottom of your screen.
- Tap the Call icon located at the top of your screen.
- Search through the contacts and select the person you would like to call.
- When tapping on a contact’s name, you can select the Alexa Video Call option.
- You can then switch between audio and video at any time during the call.
- When you’re done, ask Alexa to end the video call.
Alexa Drop-In
Alexa’s Drop-In feature allows you to pop in on other Echo devices and establish an instant connection.
It works similar to an intercom and you can broadcast messages and make announcements without having to wait for the other person to pick up. And this is not limited to your own house – it works even outside your home.
How to set up Drop-in
Dropping in on other Echo devices works only if this feature is enabled at both ends. When selecting a contact in the Alexa app, you can enable the Drop-in so that the contact can drop in at any time. Similarly, the other person must allow this as well.
Benefits
The Drop-in feature is extremely useful especially when you have multiple Echo speakers throughout your house. You can drop in on all devices and let everyone know that breakfast is ready or your favorite TV show has just started.
The Verdict
So Alexa can do so much more than just playing music, filling you in with the latest news, or telling you what the weather is like. By adding your contacts to the Alexa app, you can make audio and video calls or drop in on other Echo devices to make announcements effortlessly.