A feature of free Alexa Calling and Messaging, Drop In works much like an intercom system, where users can instantly connect and communicate via Alexa-enabled devices. On devices with screens and cameras, Drop In includes video.
Users can also Drop In on Alexa devices via the Alexa app, but not vice versa: Alexa devices cannot Drop In on the app. They can call mobile phones and landlines, however.
Unlike Alexa-to-Alexa calls, Drop Ins do not require an “answer”; therefore, the feature mandates particular approvals and should be used carefully to avoid privacy concerns.
Enable Drop In among your household devices.
To Drop In among Alexa devices in the same household, first ensure that you’ve registered for Alexa Calling and Messaging by selecting the Conversations icon in the Alexa app on your mobile device (the speech bubble at the bottom of the home screen) . If you’re prompted to register, do so; if you’re not, you’re already registered.
Once registered for Alexa Calling and Messaging, grant yourself Drop In permission:
- Select the Conversations icon at the bottom of your home screen.
- Tap the Contacts icon at the top-right.
- Your contact profile will be listed first. Select it.
- Toggle Allow Drop In.
Extend Drop In beyond the household.
To Drop In on, and receive Drop Ins from, devices outside your household, apply the appropriate permission for each device’s contact:
- Select the Conversations icon on the home screen of your Alexa app.
- Tap the Contacts icon at the top-right.
- Choose the contact.
- Toggle Allow Drop In.
Of course, the contact will need to grant you the same permission.
View approved Drop In contacts.
To see which contacts you’ve approved for Drop In:
- Select the Messaging icon on the home screen.
- Tap the Contacts icon at the top-right.
- Choose yourself.
- See your approved contacts under People Who Can Drop In.
Of course, you can also view and modify the Drop In permissions of each contact by selecting them individually.
Control device-specific Drop In settings.
For individual Echo devices you can:
- opt for full Drop In functionality;
- limit Drop In functionality to your household; or
- disable Drop In functionality entirely.
To make your selection:
- Select Settings within the main menu.
- Select your device.
- Under General, choose Drop In.
- Choose your desired setting.
You can also disable Drop In functionality temporarily once or on a schedule under Do Not Disturb within the devices settings.
Initiate and conclude a Drop In.
Drop In via an Alexa device.
To Drop In on an Alexa device from another in its household, use the command “Alexa, Drop In on [device name].”
To Drop in on an external Alexa device, say “Alexa, Drop In on [contact name].”
Drop In from the Alexa app.
To Drop In on an Alexa device registered to your account from the Alexa app:
- Select the Conversations icon.
- Tap the Drop In bar toward the top of the screen.
- Select your desired device.
To Drop In on an external Alexa device from the Alexa app:
- Select the Conversations icon.
- Tap the Contacts icon at the top-right.
- Select your desired contact.
- Choose the Drop In icon, marked by home with a downward arrow.
