How to Use an Echo Dot as an Intercom

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.

1. In your Alexa app, tap Devices and select Echo & Alexa.

2. Tap the name of the Echo Dot (or other Echo device) you want to use for Drop In.

3. Tap the Settings icon (it looks like a gear).

   

4. Scroll down and select Communications.

5. Tap Drop In.

6. 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.