Alexa Calling and Messaging lets Echo devices and the Alexa app call or message other Alexa users through Amazon accounts and contacts. It is separate from Drop In.
These steps apply to the Alexa app on iPhone and Android plus Echo, Echo Dot, and Echo Show devices.
Does this affect you?
Use this if you want to call a contact’s Echo, call from the Alexa app, send an Alexa message, or understand why Drop In behaves differently from a regular call.
Turn on Calling and Messaging
- Open the Alexa app.
- Tap Communicate.
- Allow Contacts access if prompted.
- Verify your mobile number if the app asks.
- Open Settings > Communication.
- Confirm which Echo devices can make and receive calls.
After setup, Alexa contacts who also use Alexa appear automatically. You do not need to send a separate invite to each person.
Make a call
- Say Alexa, call [contact name] from an Echo.
- If Alexa finds multiple matches, answer the clarification prompt.
- Say Alexa, call the kitchen to call a specific household device by name.
- In the Alexa app, tap Communicate, choose a contact, and tap the phone icon.
- Use the camera icon for video if both sides support video.
- Say Alexa, hang up or tap End Call to finish.
Alexa-to-Alexa calls use internet data rather than phone cellular minutes.
Send a message
- Say Alexa, send a message to [contact name].
- Speak the message after the prompt.
- Or open Communicate in the Alexa app.
- Choose the contact.
- Tap the message icon and type the note.
- The recipient can say Alexa, play my messages.
An Echo may show a yellow ring when a message is waiting. Messages stay available until the recipient plays or clears them.
Drop In, group calls, and blocking
Drop In opens an instant connection without ringing first, so it must be explicitly allowed per contact or device. Use it only for trusted household-style access.
For group calls, use Communicate > New Group Call and select multiple contacts. Video calling needs an Echo Show or the Alexa app on a phone; screenless Echo devices fall back to voice.
If someone calls or messages too often, open their contact card in Communicate and use Block. That blocks Alexa communication without deleting the person from your phone contacts.
Sources
- Amazon Alexa Help – Set up Calling and Messaging (2025)
- Amazon Alexa Help – Make and receive calls with Alexa (2025)
- Amazon Alexa Help – Send and receive messages with Alexa (2025)