Alexa drop ins are like a 2-way intercom between Alexa-enabled devices

Drop-ins let you call into an Echo device without anyone having to “answer” it.

You can hear (and, if you have an Echo Show, see!) what’s going on and talk with the person (or pet!) at the other end. (But don’t worry, only people you have explicitly given drop-in privileges can drop in on you!)

To drop in on an Echo, just say, “Alexa, drop in on (insert your device name or contact name).”

If you want to be able to drop in on an Echo other than the ones in your own household (like on your mom’s Echo!), you both have to allow drop ins from each other. To do that, you:

1. Tap “Communicate,” then click the person-shaped icon on the top right corner
2. Find the contact you want to allow to drop in, and tap their name
3. Under permissions, enable “Allow Drop In”

Pro Tip

If you set up Care Hub with a loved one, you automatically have drop in privileges for each other.

6 reasons to use Alexa drop ins

1. You’re trying to reach someone at home, but they’re not picking up the phone
2. You want to say hi to everyone at home instead of calling one person’s phone (yes, you can drop in from the Alexa app under “Communicate!”)
3. You want to easily communicate hands free with someone in another room
4. You want to pop in and surprise someone you love with an unexpected hello
5. As a security feature — if you have an Echo with a video camera, use drop in to see that all is well at home
6. You want to check in on an elderly relative (Care Hub is great for that!)