Alexa Drop In is a nifty feature that turns your Echo device into an intercom of sorts, allowing you to quickly connect with other Echo devices within your home or those of friends and family outside your home. It’s like making a call, but without the need to dial a number. After reading this brief overview, you’ll have a basic understanding of how to use Alexa Drop In.
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Use Alexa Drop In
Before diving into the steps, let’s get a grasp on what we’re about to do. By following the steps below, you’ll enable the Drop In feature on your Echo device and then use it to initiate a Drop In session, allowing for instant communication.
Step 1: Set Up Alexa Drop In
Open the Alexa app and go into your device settings to enable Drop In.
When you enable Drop In, you’re essentially giving permission for your contacts or other Echo devices to connect to your device without needing your approval every time.
Step 2: Add Contacts
Make sure your contacts are added and allowed to Drop In on you.
You can control who is allowed to Drop In on you by managing your contacts in the Alexa app. Only allow people you trust, since they’ll be able to connect to you without needing you to answer.
Step 3: Drop In on a Contact or Another Echo Device
Say, “Alexa, drop in on [contact name or device name].”
Once you’ve dropped in, you can start talking immediately. The recipient’s Echo device will light up and play a chime, signaling that you’ve connected.
Once you’ve completed these actions, you’ll have initiated a Drop In session. This means that you can start talking immediately, and the person on the other end can hear you and respond in real-time.
Tips for Using Alexa Drop In
- Make sure your Echo device is updated to the latest software version for the best experience.
- You can Drop In on someone from the Alexa app on your phone if you’re not near an Echo device.
- To end a Drop In session, just say “Alexa, hang up” or “Alexa, end the call.”
- For privacy, you can disable Drop In at any time through the device settings in the Alexa app.
- You can also use Do Not Disturb mode to temporarily block Drop Ins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Drop In on anyone with an Echo device?
Not without their permission. Both parties need to have Drop In enabled and have allowed each other to use the feature.
Is there a way to see who’s dropping in?
Yes, the Alexa app keeps a log of Drop Ins under the “Communicate” tab, and you’ll also hear a chime and see a light on your Echo device when someone is dropping in.
Can I Drop In on multiple devices at once?
No, Drop In works on a one-to-one basis. You can only connect to one contact or device at a time.
What if I want to disable Drop In?
You can turn off Drop In at any time via the device settings in the Alexa app.
Is there a video option for Drop In?
Yes, if you have an Echo Show, you can enable video for Drop In sessions.
Summary
- Set up Alexa Drop In by enabling it in the Alexa app device settings.
- Add and manage your contacts, allowing them to Drop In on you.
- Initiate a Drop In session by instructing Alexa to Drop In on a contact or another Echo device.
Conclusion
Using Alexa Drop In is a fantastic way to stay connected with family and friends or to communicate between rooms within your home. It’s almost like having a futuristic intercom system at your fingertips. Remember, the key to a seamless Drop In experience is making sure your devices are up to date, managing your contacts wisely, and respecting privacy by using the feature responsibly. As we become more connected through technology, features like Drop In highlight the balance between convenience and security. So go ahead, give Alexa Drop In a try, and add a bit of ease to your daily communications.
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.