How to Enable Drop In on Alexa

Drop In is a special Alexa feature that enables you to establish an instant connection with trusted contacts or Echo devices, such as an intercom, within your home. You must first enable the feature on each Echo device and in the Alexa app before you can use it. Take these actions:

1. Open the Alexa App

Launch the Alexa app on your smartphone or tablet. Make sure you’re signed in with the same Alexa account linked to your Echo devices.

2. Access Devices

At the bottom of the screen, tap “Devices”, then tap “Echo & Alexa” to see a list of your registered Echo devices.

3. Select Your Device

Tap on the Echo device you want to enable Drop In for (e.g., “Living Room Echo” or “Kitchen Dot”).

4. Open Communications Settings

Scroll down and tap “Communications”. This section controls calling, messaging, and Drop In settings.

5. Enable Drop In

Under the Communications menu, find Drop In and tap it. You’ll see three options:

• On – allows Drop In from devices and allowed contacts.
  
  
• My Household – allows Drop In only between your devices on the same account.
  
  
• Off – disables Drop In entirely.
  
  

Choose “On” or “My Household” depending on your preference.

6. Repeat for Other Devices

If you want Drop In to work across multiple Echo devices (e.g., bedroom, kitchen, office), repeat the steps above for each device.

7. Enable Drop In for Contacts (Optional)

To Drop In with friends or family:

• Go to the Communicate tab
  
  
• Tap the person icon to manage contacts
  
  
• Tap on a contact and enable “Allow Drop In”
  Both you and the contact must grant each other Drop In permissions.
  
  

8. Test It

Say, “Alexa, Drop In on [device name],” and Alexa will instantly connect you to that device.

How to Enable Contacts & Permissions in the Alexa App

You must enable contact access and grant specific permissions in the Alexa app in order to use Alexa’s communication features, such as Drop In, Alexa-to-Alexa calling, and messaging. This enables voice-controlled communication and guarantees Alexa can identify the person you wish to reach.

1. Open the Alexa App

Launch the Alexa app on your mobile device. Make sure you’re signed in with your Alexa account.

2. Go to the Communicate Tab

At the bottom of the screen, tap the “Communicate” icon (speech bubble symbol). This tab handles all calling, messaging, and Drop In features.

3. Allow Contact Access

Alexa will ask you to grant the app permission to access your phone contacts if this is your first time using the feature. This enables Alexa to associate contact names with voice commands.

• Tap “Allow” when prompted.
  
  
• If you skipped or denied this previously, you can enable it manually:
  
  
  • On iOS: Go to Settings > Alexa > Contacts and turn it on.
    
    
  • On Android: Go to Settings > Apps > Alexa > Permissions, and enable Contacts.
    
    

4. Grant Other Permissions

In addition to contacts, the app may ask for:

• Microphone access: So Alexa can hear your voice.
  
  
• Notifications: To alert you about calls or messages.
  
  
• Location (optional): For location-based routines or calling nearby businesses.
  
  

Approve these permissions to enable full communication functionality.

5. Sync Contacts

Once permissions are granted, your phone’s contacts will sync with the Alexa app. This allows you to say, “Alexa, call Mom,” or “Drop In on John,” using your synced contacts.

6. Manage Permissions

To check or update permissions later:

• Tap More > Settings > Communication in the Alexa app
  
  
• You can review contact syncing, caller ID, and Drop In settings there
  
  
  

How to Test the Drop In Feature on Alexa

It’s important to test your Echo devices to ensure that everything works as expected after you’ve turned on Drop In and set them up correctly. Like an intercom system, Drop In allows for immediate communication between Echo devices at home or with trusted contacts. Here’s how to test it correctly:

1. Make Sure Drop In Is Enabled

Before testing, double-check that:

• Drop In is enabled on each Echo device.
  
  
• You’ve allowed Drop In permissions in the Alexa app.
  
  
• Contacts are synced and permissions granted if you’re testing with someone outside your household.
  
  

2. Name Devices Clearly

Ensure that the devices you want to Drop In on have unique, easy-to-remember names (like “Kitchen Echo” or “Office Dot”). This will help Alexa recognize your command.

3. Use a Voice Command

Stand near one of your Echo devices and say:

“Alexa, Drop In on [device name]”

Example:

“Alexa, Drop In on Living Room Echo”

If successful, you’ll hear a chime, and your voice will immediately be transmitted to the selected device. The receiving Echo will light up and announce the Drop In.

4. Test Both Directions

Try dropping in both ways:

• From Echo to Echo (e.g., from Bedroom Echo to Kitchen Echo)
  
  
• From the Alexa app to an Echo device:
  
  
  • Open the Alexa app
    
    
  • Tap Communicate
    
    
  • Tap Drop In
    
    
  • Select the device you want to connect with
    
    

5. Check for Issues

If Drop In doesn’t connect:

• Confirm both devices are online and connected to Wi-Fi.
  
  
• Ensure each device has Drop In turned on.
  
  
• Check if Do Not Disturb is enabled — it will block Drop In.
  
  

6. End the Drop In Session

When done, say:

“Alexa, hang up”
or
“Alexa, end Drop In”

How to Set Up Drop In for Contacts on Alexa

In addition to using Drop In within your household, Alexa allows you to use it with trusted friends or family members outside your home. This is especially useful for staying in touch with relatives, checking on elderly family members, or having instant conversations without the need to call or text. Here’s how to set it up:

1. Open the Alexa App

Launch the Alexa app on your smartphone or tablet. Ensure you’re signed in with your Alexa account.

2. Tap on Communicate

At the bottom of the app, tap the “Communicate” icon (speech bubble). This takes you to the section where you manage calling, messaging, and Drop In.

3. Allow Alexa to Access Contacts

If you haven’t already done so, Alexa will prompt you to allow access to your phone’s contacts. Tap “Allow” when prompted, or go to:

• More > Settings > Communication and turn on Import Contacts.
  
  

4. Find the Contact

Tap the person icon in the upper right corner to access your contacts list. Scroll through or use the search bar to find the person you want to allow Drop In with.

5. Enable Drop In for That Contact

Tap the contact’s name, then toggle on “Allow Drop In”. This gives that person permission to Drop In on your Alexa devices.

6. Have Them Do the Same

The other person must also enable Drop In for you on their Alexa app. Both sides need to grant permission for Drop In to work between accounts.

7. Test the Connection

Once both sides have granted permission:

• Say, “Alexa, Drop In on [Contact’s Name],” or use the Drop In button in the Communicate tab of the Alexa app.
  
  

8. Manage or Revoke Access

You can go back into a contact’s profile at any time to disable Drop In if needed.