Phone calls aren’t always the fastest communication method.
After all, your recipient must always accept the call before you can talk.
A better alternative would be an intercom.
It offers instant communication every time.
So, can you turn your Alexa into an intercom that can listen to another room?
Keep reading to find out:
- 5 detailed steps to get Alexa to listen to another room.
- Whether you can enjoy this intercom-like feature using your phone.
- How you can disable this function and prevent Alexa from listening to your room.
- And this is just the beginning…
Can I use Alexa to listen to another room?
You can use Alexa to listen to another room. Just enable Drop-In on the Echo device you want to hear from. And ask Alexa to use the feature on your chosen Alexa speaker. Echo devices chime and flash a green light when Drop-In is enabled.
How do I get Alexa to listen in another room?
To get Alexa to listen in another room, first, set up your Echo device to your Alexa account. After that, enable the Drop In feature of the smart speaker you want to use as an intercom. Then, ask Alexa to “Drop-In” on the Echo you want to listen to.
If you want a more detailed guide, simply follow these…
5 steps to get Alexa to listen in another room:
#1: Set up your Echo speaker
To use the Drop In feature…
Your Echo device must be connected to your Alexa account.
So, if you haven’t already done so…
Follow these steps to set up your Echo:
Step 1: Download the Amazon Alexa app (iOS/Android) if you haven’t already.
Step 2: Sign in to your Alexa account.
Step 3: Tap the Devices button at the bottom of the application.
Step 4: Click the + icon at the top-right corner.
Step 5: Select Add device.
Step 6: Choose Amazon Echo.
Step 7: Tap the option under the heading “ECHO SMART SPEAKERS.”
Step 8: Plug your Echo into a functioning outlet.
Step 9: Wait for an orange blinking light to appear on your Echo.
Note: If you see any other light patterns, press and hold your device’s Action button. And let go when the flashing orange appears.
Step 10: Tap the Yes button at the bottom of your Alexa app.
Step 11: Select your smart speaker’s name on the screen.
Step 12: Connect your Echo to your WiFi network and tap the Continue button.
Step 13: Name your Echo device.
Step 14: Follow further instructions to customize your smart speaker’s settings.
Note: If you want to use 2 Echo devices like an intercom, ensure both are fully set up.
#2: Take note of your Echo device’s name
When using the Drop In feature…
You must mention which smart speaker you want to listen to.
So, if you don’t know what to call your chosen Echo device…
Here’s how to double-check your Alexa speaker’s name:
- Launch your Amazon Alexa application.
- Tap the Devices icon at the bottom of your screen.
- Select the Echo & Alexa tile at the top.
- Check your Echo device’s name on the screen.
Pro tip: Ensure you see the text “‘Online” under your smart speaker’s name. This shows that your Echo has access to the Internet. Which is a necessity to use the Drop In feature.
“I have multiple Echo devices. How do I check which one is which?”
Easy. As an alternative to following the steps I just mentioned…
You can simply approach the smart speaker you want to Drop In on later and ask:
“Alexa, what is your device name?”
You might also want to know: Can You Use Your Mobile Hotspot for Alexa? 9 Simple Steps
#3: Enable the Drop In feature
By default, Drop In is OFF.
Unless you’ve already enabled it during your Echo device’s setup process.
So, to avoid any delays later…
Ensure that your Echo device’s Drop In is ON:
Step 1: Tap the Devices tab at the bottom of your Alexa app.
Step 2: Click the Echo & Alexa tile at the top of your screen.
Step 3: Choose the smart speaker you want to listen to.
Step 4: Tap the Settings icon at the top-right corner.
Step 5: Select the Communication option.
Step 6: Enable the Communication toggle near the top of your screen.
Step 7: On the same page, click the Drop In option.
Step 8: Choose ON or My Household from the choices.
“How are the 2 different?”
Well, the My Household option will only enable Drop In from your Alexa account’s devices.
On the other hand…
The choice On also permits your trusted contacts to use the feature.
Pro tip: If you’re unsure which to pick, choose My Household. It’s the safest option, privacy-wise. Because no one outside your house would be able to listen in on your smart speakers.
Need visuals for this step?
Watch this video:
#4: Unmute your Alexa speakers
If you want to use 2 or more Echo gadgets as intercom…
Make sure all of them are unmuted.
“How do I know if my speaker’s on mute?”
You would see the microphone key on your Echo light up.
So, make sure there aren’t any red LEDs on your smart speaker’s buttons.
Note: You can’t mute/unmute your Echo device remotely.
#5: Ask Alexa to Drop in
Now, all you need to do is ask your voice assistant to utilize this feature by saying:
“Alexa, Drop In (your Echo device name).”
A few seconds after saying this command…
The smart speaker you mentioned will chime and show a flashing green light.
When that happens…
You can start listening to the room your Echo is in.
Alternatively, you may hold a short conversation.
Because when Drop In is activated…
The smart speaker you’re listening to will also hear the audio coming from your end.
Interesting fact: You can’t drop in on Alexa secretly. The Echo device you want to listen to will always chime and show a green light when this feature is activated.
Can I use this function on my phone?
You can use the Drop In function on your phone. As long as your mobile device has the Amazon Alexa app installed. And both your Echo and phone are connected to the Internet.
Wanna know how to set this up?
I got you.
Just follow these…
5 simple steps to use the Drop In feature using your phone:
#1: Ensure your devices are connected to the Internet
Here’s how to check if your Echo is online:
- Launch the Amazon Alexa app.
- Click the Devices option at the bottom.
- Tap the Echo & Alexa tile on your screen.
- Find the smart speaker you want to use as an intercom.
- Ensure there’s “Online” written under your Echo’s name.
And, to prevent any interruptions or delays later, you should also…
Double-check if your phone is connected to the Internet:
- Turn ON your mobile device.
- Open any online streaming apps or a browser.
- Look up anything using the application’s search bar.
Note: If the results load, your mobile device is online.
So, you can proceed to…
#2: Launch the Amazon Alexa app on your phone
Once the app fully loads, go ahead and…
#3: Tap the Communicate option
You’ll find this at the bottom-left portion of the application.
#4: Select Drop In
This button is located at the top of your screen.
Just under the main heading of the page.
#5: Select your Echo device’s name
Specifically, the smart speaker you want to hear from.
When you hear a beep or see a timer at the top of your screen…
That means the Drop In feature is already at play.
So, go ahead and communicate through Alexa.
Or, simply listen to the audio your Echo device’s microphone can pick up.
How to turn off the Drop-In feature on Alexa?
To turn OFF the Drop In feature on Alexa, head to your app’s Settings. Then, select the Device Settings option. After that, choose your Echo from the list and turn OFF Drop In. Alternatively, you may disable your Echo device’s Communication feature.
Need a more detailed tutorial?
I got you. Here are the…
7 easy steps to turn OFF the Drop In feature on Alexa:
Step 1: On your Alexa app, tap the Menu icon at the top-left corner.
Step 2: Click Settings near the bottom of your screen.
Step 3: Select Device Settings.
Step 4: Choose the Echo device you use as an intercom.
Step 5: Tap the Communication tab.
You might need to scroll down to see this option.
Step 6: Click the Drop In option at the bottom of your screen.
Step 7: Select Off.
Note: You may also turn OFF the Communication toggle at the top of your screen in step 6. This disables both the Drop In and Announcements features.