By Colin FosterTo call other Alexa devices, you need to enable calling in the Alexa app, confirm each device is registered to a household member, and then either say a voice command or use Drop In to reach another Echo or Alexa-enabled device. Once everything is set up, a call can be placed in a few seconds, whether the other device is in the next room or on another floor. This guide walks through each method, explains the requirements, and covers the problems that most often stop calls from connecting.
What You Need Before You Start
Alexa-to-Alexa calling works across most Echo speakers, Echo Show displays and many Alexa-enabled third-party devices. Before you try to place a call, confirm that the basics are in place. Most failed attempts trace back to one of the items below.
- An Amazon account, with the same account signed in on the devices you want to call.
- The Alexa app installed on a phone or tablet, with the devices listed under Devices.
- A stable internet connection on every device. Calls depend on the cloud, so a dropped Wi-Fi link will block them.
- Calling and messaging turned on for each device in the Alexa app.
- Do Not Disturb turned off on the receiving device, or at least set so it allows calls.
Calling works best when all devices sit under the same Amazon household profile. Guest accounts and separate household profiles can see each other’s devices in some cases but may not be able to ring them reliably.
Step 1: Turn On Calling and Messaging in the Alexa App
Calling is controlled from the Alexa app, not from the speaker itself. Open the app and check each device’s settings before you attempt a call.
- Open the Alexa app and tap More, then Communicate.
- Confirm that calling is enabled for your account and that the correct phone number or contact profile is set.
- Go to Devices, select each Echo or Show, and open Communication or Calling and Messaging.
- Turn on Calling for that device. Repeat for every device you want to reach or call from.
- Set the device location (room name) so voice commands can target it clearly.
Room names matter more than most people expect. If two speakers are both named “Living Room,” Alexa may pick the wrong one. Give each device a distinct name such as “Kitchen Echo” or “Upstairs Show.”
Step 2: Place a Call Using Your Voice
The fastest method is a spoken command. The exact wording can vary by device and language, but these phrases work on most current Alexa devices in the US:
- “Alexa, call the kitchen.”
- “Alexa, call the upstairs Show.”
- “Alexa, call Mom’s Echo.”
- “Alexa, drop in on the bedroom.”
When the call connects, the receiving device will ring or show an incoming call notification. On an Echo speaker, the light ring pulses. On an Echo Show, the screen shows the caller. Someone at the receiving end can answer by saying “Alexa, answer,” or by tapping the screen on a display.
To end the call, say “Alexa, end call” or “Alexa, hang up,” or press the call button on the device.
Step 3: Use Drop In for Instant Room-to-Room Connection
Drop In connects two devices without requiring the other person to answer. It works like an open intercom, which makes it useful for checking on a child, a pet, or an older relative. Drop In is built into the Alexa ecosystem but must be enabled on the receiving device.
Enabling Drop In
- Open the Alexa app and go to Devices, then select the device you want to be reachable.
- Open Communication, then turn on Drop In.
- Choose who may drop in. Options typically include contacts from your household, or all contacts who have calling enabled.
- Repeat for other devices as needed.
Starting a Drop In
Say “Alexa, drop in on the living room.” The connection usually starts within a second or two. Some Echo models show a brief indicator when Drop In is active, so the person being dropped in on knows someone is listening. If your household expects privacy, make sure everyone understands how Drop In works before enabling it.
Step 4: Call Contacts on Other Alexa Devices
If the person you want to reach has their own Alexa device and is in your contacts, you can call them directly. Add contacts in the Alexa app under Communicate, then Contacts. Each contact needs a name and a way to reach them, which may be a phone number or an Amazon account linked to their Alexa app.
Once contacts are set up, say “Alexa, call Sarah.” Alexa will ring Sarah’s Alexa app or device if she has calling enabled. If you call a phone number, the call goes through the cellular network and may use your phone plan, so check whether your device supports outbound calls in your region.
Common Causes of Call Failures
When a call does not connect, the problem usually sits in one of a few places. Work through this table before assuming the hardware is faulty.
| Symptom | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| “I can’t call that device” | Calling is off on one device | Enable Calling in the Alexa app for both devices |
| Call rings but nobody hears it | Device volume or Do Not Disturb | Raise volume and check DND settings |
| Drop In fails | Drop In disabled or contact not allowed | Enable Drop In and add the caller as an allowed contact |
| Wrong device rings | Duplicate room names | Rename devices so each name is unique |
| Call drops quickly | Weak Wi-Fi or cloud disconnect | Check signal strength near each device |
If Wi-Fi is the suspect, the troubleshooting steps in Smart Device Not Connecting to Wi-Fi? A Troubleshooting Guide cover signal checks in more detail. Calls also rely on a stable internet connection, so if your devices drop offline during a power problem, see Smart Devices Offline After a Power Outage? How to Fix It.
Tips for Reliable Alexa-to-Alexa Calls
- Keep device firmware up to date. Alexa updates usually install automatically, but a device that has been unplugged for a long time may need a restart.
- Place speakers where they have a clear line to the people using them, and away from loud appliances that could hide a ring tone.
- Use descriptive room names and avoid reusing them.
- Review who is allowed to drop in on each device, especially in shared homes or rental properties.
- Test each route once after setup. Call every device from every other device you plan to use.
Common Mistakes
Several errors come up repeatedly in household setups. Avoiding them saves a lot of troubleshooting time.
- Assuming calling is on by default. Many users only discover the setting after a call fails. Check it on every device.
- Mixing household profiles. Devices on different Amazon accounts may not reach each other reliably.
- Leaving Do Not Disturb on. A device in DND will not ring, which looks like a broken connection.
- Using generic names. “Echo” or “Speaker” is too vague for Alexa to route correctly.
- Forgetting the receiving side. Calling must be enabled on the device being reached, not just the one placing the call.
Recommended gear
Most Alexa calling problems come down to settings and network, but a few accessories can make the experience smoother in larger homes.
- Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) is a compact speaker that works well as a second-room device for quick calls and Drop In, since it is small enough to place almost anywhere. View on Amazon
- Amazon Echo Show 8 adds a screen, which makes it easier to see who is calling and to use video calls alongside voice calls in the kitchen or a shared living space. View on Amazon
- Netgear Nighthawk mesh Wi-Fi system can help if calls cut out in parts of the house with weak signal, because a stronger, more consistent network keeps devices online. View on Amazon
FAQ
Can I call an Alexa device without using my voice?
Yes. You can start a call from the Alexa app by selecting a device or contact and tapping the call option. Some Echo Show models also let you start calls from the touchscreen.
Do both devices need to be on the same Wi-Fi network?
Not necessarily. Calls route through Amazon’s cloud, so the devices can be on different networks as long as both have a working internet connection and are linked to the right account.
Why does my call ring but nobody answers?
The receiving device may be in Do Not Disturb, have its volume too low, or be unable to hear a voice command clearly. Check those settings first, then try again.
Can I drop in without the other person knowing?
Drop In is designed to alert people in the room, usually with a visual indicator. Whether it is discreet depends on your device and settings, so review how it behaves on your models before relying on it for privacy-sensitive situations.
Can I call a phone from my Alexa device?
Calling phone numbers is supported in some regions and on some devices, and may depend on your setup and plan. Check the calling settings in the Alexa app to see what your account allows.
Why does Alexa call the wrong room?
Two devices probably share a name or are too similar in your voice commands. Rename them to unique, clearly different names in the Alexa app.
Do I need an Echo Show to make calls?
No. Standard Echo speakers support voice calling and Drop In. A screen adds visual caller ID and video calling, but it is not required for basic calls.
What should I do if calls stop working after an update?
Restart the affected devices, confirm calling and Drop In are still enabled in the Alexa app, and check that contacts are still linked. If problems continue, reset the device and set it up again.
Conclusion
Calling other Alexa devices comes down to three things: enabling calling and Drop In in the Alexa app, giving each device a clear name, and checking that every device has a stable connection. Once those are set, a voice command reaches another room in seconds. If a call fails, work through the table above before assuming the hardware is at fault.
Related reading
- Why Smart Devices Need 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi (and How to Connect Them)
- How to Lower Your Electric Bill with Smart Home Devices
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About Colin Foster
Colin Foster is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our smart home guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.
