What to Know
- Open the Alexa app and tap Communicate > Call > Echo to call your Alexa compatible unit.
- You can also receive calls via your smart speaker by saying Answer to it.
- Speak to Alexa via the app by asking Siri or Google Assistant to open the Alexa app.
This article teaches you how to call Alexa from your phone and what you need to know about Alexa receiving phone calls.
How Do You Call Alexa?
If your home has numerous smart speakers with Alexa support such as the Amazon Echo or Amazon Echo dot, it can be useful to call the speaker to talk to someone who happens to be near the unit. Here's how to do so using the Alexa app.
These instructions apply to both Android and iOS with the screenshots reflecting the iOS version of the Alexa app.
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Open the Alexa app.
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Tap Communicate.
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Tap Call.
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Tap the name of the device you want to call.
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Take the call like any other call.
Can Alexa Receive Phone Calls?
Yes. As explained above, it's quite straightforward to make a call via the Alexa app. There are also some commands you can say to Alexa to make the process possible. Here's a quick look.
Alexa doesn't support inbound calls from cell phones or landline phones. It only supports calls taken via the Alexa app.
- Answer the call. Answer the call by saying Alexa, answer.
- Ignore the call. Ignore any call by saying Alexa, ignore.
- End the call. End a call by saying Alexa, hang up.
Can I Talk to Alexa on My Phone?
Yes, providing you have the most up-to-date version of Alexa on your smartphone. Here's what you need to do.
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Ask Siri or Google Assistant to open the Alexa app by saying Siri, open the Alexa app, or Hey Google, open the Alexa app.
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Speak to Alexa and ask her your request or question just how you normally would.
How to Make Alexa Calls With Your Voice
If you want to make calls using Alexa, the process is very similar to everything else you can do with Alexa: via your voice. Here's what to do.
Alexa calls are only possible within the US, UK, Canada, and Mexico. It's also not possible to call emergency service numbers or premium-rate numbers.
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Stand near your Alexa compatible speaker.
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Say Call or Call Echo/Mobile/Landline to call the person on a specific device.
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Wait for the call to connect.
What Types of Calls Are There With Alexa?
Alexa supports numerous different types of calls and it's useful to know the differences. Here's a look at them.
- Alexa-to-Alexa calling. It's possible to make and receive calls between compatible Echo devices enabling you to reach anyone from your contacts list who has a compatible Echo device.
- Cell phone or landline calling. It's possible to call most cell phones or landlines in the UK, US, Canada, and Mexico via your device by using the above method.
- Alexa app calling. It's possible to make calls to cell phones and landlines in the US, Canada, and Mexico by calling via the Alexa app.
- International calls. You can make and receive international calls between compatible Echo devices and the Alexa app, providing the person is in a location that supports Alexa Calling, i.e. UK, US, Canada and Mexico.