The Echo Dot is one of the many Echo devices Amazon provides. It can get a lot of things done on your behalf, including web browsing, playing your preferred songs and movies, purchasing aeroplane tickets, e.t.c.
But did you know you could make calls via your Echo Dot? Continue reading to know how you can set up your Echo Dot to make and receive calls.
How Can I Set Up Alexa?
Before making calls with your Echo Dot, you will have to activate this feature in the Alexa application. To get that done, your phone is needed. Bear in mind that your phone must be running at least iOS 9.0 or Android 5.0 for this to be effective.
Let’s assume that the installation of Alexa is already completed on your device or tab, you have to first open the app. After that, click on the conversation bubble icon way down on the screen to head to “Communications” in the app.
Alexa will then ask you to verify your name and grant it access to your device’s contacts list. You will need to confirm your phone number too. The setup process is not complicated and Alexa will show you instructions on your screen.
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Who Exactly Can You Call?
It is possible to call other Echo users who have activated Alexa-to-Alexa calls. The devices that can make this happen are Echo Dot, Echo Plus, Echo Spot, Echo Show, and the normal Echo. You will also be able to reach out to Fire tabs, even if they have to be at least fourth generation.
If the other party has no Echo device, it will still be possible to reach out to them via your Echo Dot. Alexa lets you call mobile and land numbers too. However, there are a few limitations. You will not be able to call emergency numbers like 911. 1-900. Identical premium-rate numbers are not allowed too.
Calling abbreviated codes like 411 and 211, and X-1-1 local numbers via the Echo Dot is not possible too. 1-800 numbers with letters are restricted as well. Lastly, you cannot call numbers outside the US, Mexico and Canada.
If you want to call a number outside America, then it has to be located in a nation where Alexa-to-Alexa calls are supported.
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How Can I Make A Phonecall On My Echo Dot?
With the setup out of the way, you can now make your first call. As usual, to get your Echo Dot’s attention, just say “Alexa” or anything you have set up as the wake-up word. Followed by “call [contact you’d like to call].” If you wish to reach out to a friend named TechVaz, the command would be something like “Alexa, call TechVaz.” Alexa will immediately call TechVaz.
If TechVaz has an Echo device with activated phonecalls, Alexa will ring TechVaz’s Echo by default. If the recipient does not have an Echo speaker or if it does not have enabled calls, Alexa will attempt to reach out to Alexa on TechVaz’s phone. Like Echo speakers, Alexa on TechVaz’s device will need to have activated calls.
If TechVaz has no Alexa on his phone or the calls feature is deactivated, Alexa will then dial the no you have stored in the Contacts. If there is more than one number linked with the name TechVaz, Alexa will ask you to select the one you want to be dialled. Choose the number and Alexa will dial it.
When the phone call is over, hanging up is as simple as making the call. Just say “Alexa, hang up.” You can even instruct it to end the phone call.
