Alexa Drop In takes you one step closer to fully automating your home.
The feature doesn’t always work as intended.
If you’re experiencing problems with this, stay calm.
I’ll be sharing a few tips that you should try out.
Read on to learn about:
- How to factory reset your Echo.
- 7 quick fixes for Alexa Drop In not working.
- How to set up enable for Drop Ins for your contacts.
- And much, much more…
Why is my drop in not working on Alexa?
Alexa Drop In isn’t working on your device because it’s not compatible. It could also be caused by missing permissions from your accounts. Bugs and glitches on your Alexa app and the smart speaker could cause this problem too.
Alexa drop in not working: 7 fixes
#1: Check for compatibility
The feature is readily available on a selection of Amazon devices.
These devices include:
- Echo Dot.
- Echo Plus.
- Echo Spot.
- Echo Show.
- Amazon Echo.
Reminder: All devices except the Echo Spot are still readily available. Unfortunately, Echo Spot was discontinued two years after its release. It’s now only purchasable in the UK.
If you get the “Alexa drop in something went wrong” message, this is what you should do first…
Check the box your device comes in for reference.
Alternatively, you can check the label below your device as well. However, note that this can wear out quickly.
If both methods aren’t available, you can use this guide from Amazon instead.
#2: Enable Drop in on accounts
You wouldn’t want strangers to drop in on your Alexa devices, right?
As such, Amazon requires user accounts to have permission on the device first.
Now, you’ll need to access Alexa on your smartphone to do this.
Here’s a complete rundown of the steps:
- Open the Alexa app.
- Select Action.
- Select Contacts.
- Tap on your profile.
- Toggle Allow Drop In.
- Tap OK to finish.
After enabling the accounts, try to use the Drop In feature again.
#3: Reset your Echo device
Has your smart speaker been acting up lately?
If so, it might need a reboot to get Drop In running. You can restart by:
- Turning off your smart speaker.
- Unplugging it from the power source.
- Leaving it off for 10 seconds.
- Turning it back on.
You can also try to factory reset your smart speaker.
This reverts all of the settings on your device. To do this:
Step 1: Press and hold Power and Volume Down button until the light ring turns orange.
Step 2: Check if the light ring turns blue.
Step 3: Light ring will turn orange before turning off.
Step 4: Turn on the smart speaker again.
Note: This factory reset will also disconnect devices from your smart speakers completely. You’ll have to reconnect the devices again. Additionally, you’ll have to enable your contacts for Drop In too.
#4: Enable Communications for each device
“My friends can drop in on me, but I can’t drop in on them!.”
So, Alexa Drop In only works one way for you?
This is caused by the Communications feature isn’t enabled on one of the devices.
Fix this problem with these steps:
- Open the Alexa app.
- Tap on Menu.
- Select Settings.
- Select Amazon Household.
- Select Devices.
- Toggle Communication.
Note: Each device that wants to use the Drop In feature should have this feature enabled.
#5: Check if your smart speaker is connected online
Amazon’s line of smart speakers requires the internet to work.
That’s why a slow connection or router problem can cause your Echo to disconnect.
So first, check if your device is connected to the internet in the first place.
- Open the Alexa app.
- Select Menu.
- Head to Settings.
- Tap on your Echo device.
- Tap on Update Wi-Fi.
You can check the connection status on the screen.
And if your device isn’t connected to the Wi-Fi, try forgetting and reconnecting to the connection.
Alternatively, you should reset your router with these steps:
- Turn off your router.
- Unplug from the power source.
- Press and hold the power button for 3 seconds.
- Turn it on again.
#6: Reinstall your Alexa app
Amazon regularly updates the Alexa app.
This is important for new features and performance upgrades.
Additionally, it can also solve Alexa communication, not working problems.
However, if your app is already updated and Drop In still isn’t working, a reinstall might be necessary.
So follow these steps for the reinstallation process:
Android:
- From the home screen, tap on Settings.
- Select Apps.
- Locate Amazon Alexa.
- Tap Uninstall.
- Head back to PlayStore and redownload the app.
iOS
- Launch the Settings app.
- Select General.
- Select Device Storage.
- Locate Amazon Alexa.
- Select Delete App.
- Head back to the Appstore and redownload the app.
#7: Try manual Drop In
The feature can be done automatically and manually.
In some cases, the automatic drop in feature won’t work because of software issues.
When this happens, try doing a manual drop in first.
- Say “Alexa Drop In.”
- Wait for Alexa to give a list of contacts.
- Say the contact you want to drop in to.
Regularly, all you need to do is to say “Alexa Drop In” and then the name of the person you want to contact.
If your smart speakers are preventing automatic drop ins, try reinstalling the app.
Alternatively, you can wait for an update too.
#BONUS: Contact support
I can’t guarantee that any of these fixes will work.
If you’ve tried everything here, I suggest you contact Amazon’s support for help.