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.

What to Know

  • The Alexa intercom feature is called Drop In.To enabled Drop In: In the Alexa app: Devices > Echo and Alexa, select name of device you want to use, and select Settings > Communications > Drop In, then select On or My Household.To use Drop In: Say “Alexa, drop in on [device name]” to open the intercom connection. When you’re done say “Alexa, end drop in.”

Can You Use Alexa as an Intercom Between Rooms?

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.

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.”

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

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

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

Scroll down and select Communications.

Tap Drop In.

You can also choose My Household which only allows your Echo Dot to connect with other Echo devices in your household.

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.

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.

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.

  • How do I disable Echo Drop In?
  • In the Alexa app, go to Devices > Echo & Alexa > your device > Settings > Communications > Drop In. Choose Off.
  • Can I turn off the sound for Echo Drop In?
  • You can’t disable the notification tone that plays when someone Drops In, but you can mute yourself by pressing the microphone button. The Drop In feature only works with devices you allow.
  • How do I improve reception for Echo Drop In?
  • If you’re having trouble communicating with Drop In, there’s probably an issue with your Wi-Fi connection. Make sure both devices are within range of your router. Install a Wi-Fi extender if necessary.
  • How do I change who can Drop In on my Echo?
  • To control Drop In permissions, open the Alexa app, go to the Communicate tab, and tap the Contacts icon (the people silhouette). Choose a contact to manage permissions.
  • How do I stop Alexa from listening?
  • To stop Alexa from listening, press the microphone button on your Echo. When the button or indicator light is red, Alexa is no longer listening.

In the Alexa app, go to Devices > Echo & Alexa > your device > Settings > Communications > Drop In. Choose Off.

You can’t disable the notification tone that plays when someone Drops In, but you can mute yourself by pressing the microphone button. The Drop In feature only works with devices you allow.

If you’re having trouble communicating with Drop In, there’s probably an issue with your Wi-Fi connection. Make sure both devices are within range of your router. Install a Wi-Fi extender if necessary.

To control Drop In permissions, open the Alexa app, go to the Communicate tab, and tap the Contacts icon (the people silhouette). Choose a contact to manage permissions.

To stop Alexa from listening, press the microphone button on your Echo. When the button or indicator light is red, Alexa is no longer listening.

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