There’s a lot to love about Echo devices like theEcho Show 8andEcho Dot, including their support for Alexa and impressive audio capabilities. But one of their lesser-known features is called Drop In — and when used properly, it’s an easy way for extended families to stay connected. Essentially, it allows you to use your smart speaker or display as a makeshift intercom, communicating with friends and families around the world.
Difficulty
What You Need
Amazon Echo devices (2 minimum)
Alexa app for iPhone or Android
Here’s everything you need to know about Drop In, including how to use it and how to disable it.
Download the app
Step 1:First, ensure you have the Alexa app downloaded on your Android or iOS device (and that it is the latest version). You will need two different Echo devices forDrop Into work: With the app, you can drop in on other Echo devices, but you can’t receive aDrop Incall via the app.
Enable Drop In on devices
TheDrop Infeature might be turned off in the app, so you may have to opt in to use it.
Step 1:Head to the icon at the bottom of the Alexa app that saysDevices.
Step 2:In the devices menu, choose the device on which you want to enable theDrop Infeature.
Step 3:WithDrop Inenabled on all your Echo devices, you should be able to initiate household drop-ins just by saying, “Alexa, drop in on,” and then saying the specific name of the Echo device. If this is all you want to do, then you’re good to go.
However, you can also enable drop-ins outside your house if you want to, and permitted contacts will be able to drop in on your Echo.
Enable Drop In on your profile
To makeDrop Incalls via the Alexa app and have others do the same, you’ll need to enableDrop Inon your profile. Fortunately, this is very easy to do.
Step 1:Select theMorebutton at the bottom of the Alexa app, then click onCommunicate. From there, you’ll see an icon for theDrop-Infeature. Click on this to get an alert about setting up the feature on your profile.
Step 2:Once there, make sure theDrop Insection is enabled, and if it isn’t, select it to enable it.
Enable contact’s Drop In and ask them to do the same
Now, it’s time to enableDrop Infor other contacts you may have.
Step 1:Select theCommunicateicon again, choose the person icon in the upper-right corner to go to your contacts, and choose the contacts you want to talk to. You will notice they haveAlexa Calling & Messagingunder their name if they have an Echo device or Alexa account, signifying you can enableDrop Infor them.
Step 2:UnderPermissions, make sure theAllow Drop Inoption is chosen for the contacts you want to haveDrop Inenabled for on your device.
However, it’s important to call up your contact and have them do the same for your contact info unless you only want the Drop In option to be a one-way communication tool. If you want to set up drop-ins for your kids or other family members instead of just devices, you can create contacts for them here, and enable those drop-ins as well, so you can call them by name when giving commands.
Begin calling
After the setup is complete, you’re ready to try out a call. You activate the feature by speaking the word you’ve chosen to enable its capabilities, then you say, “drop in on [person’s name],” and your device should ring that person. you may also go directly to the Contact page and select the person you want to call.
When someone drops in on you, the light ring on your Echo will pulse green, a tone will sound, and they will be connected automatically, allowing them to hear anything that is within range of your device. If you and your contact are using devices equipped with a screen, the video will appear somewhat distorted for several seconds, so you have an opportunity to get ready. There are verbal and tactile options to leave a video while remaining on the call, namely by saying “Video off” or pressing the onscreenVideo Offbutton.
How to disable Drop In
While Drop In is great for chatting with friends or making announcements throughout your home, you might not like the idea of folks jumping into your Echo device unannounced. If you’re looking to turn off Drop In, here’s what you’ll need to do.
Step 1:In the Alexa app, open theDevicesmenu.
Step 2:Head to theEcho & Alexamenu.
Step 3:Find the device you’d like to disable Drop In.
Step 4:ClickCommunications.
Step 5:Finally, selectDrop In. From here, you’ll have the option to disable the service.
Step 6:Alternatively, you’re able to open the Alexa app, click theMorebutton, then navigate toCommunicate. From here, you’ll then be able to change yourDrop Inoptions by selecting theDrop Inmenu. You can also click on your contacts to manageMy Communication Settings.
