Amazon Alexa Drop In Feature: Everything you need to know

If you're like me, you just bought a new Amazon Echo during Prime Day. The Echo is a device by Amazon that was released in late 2014. The Echo is a hands-free, voice-controlled device that uses Alexa, Amazon's cloud-based voice service, to play music, provide information, and control devices in your home.

The voice-activated assistant can do a lot of things, you must be wondering what else can you do with it.  You can call anyone who has an Echo device or the Alexa app installed on their phone. Here are some tips for making phone calls with Echo:

To make a phone call with Echo, first say "Alexa, call [person's name]." If the person you're trying to reach doesn't have an Echo device or the Alexa app installed on their phone, you'll get a notification that the call couldn't be completed and you'll be prompted to open the Alexa app.

If you want to call someone who does have an Echo device or the Alexa app installed on their phone, just say "Alexa, call [phone number].

But one of the most popular features and way underrated is "Drop In," which is exclusive to Echo devices only. Drop In feature is like an intercom, an audio link between the two Echo devices. This allows approved friends and family to drop in on your Echo device without you having to answer the call. While this may seem like a convenient feature, but the recipient of the "Drop In" can not choose to decline, so some privacy could be a concern.

This feature would be great for keeping an eye on an elderly parent as it works automatically and doesn't require permission when you try to Drop In on them. I use it to check on my two year old son. However, you can turn off Drop In at any time if you want more privacy.

To turn off Drop In, you can say, “Alexa, do not disturb me.” And when you are ready to turn it back on, say, “Alexa, turn off Do Not Disturb.”

How Will I Know If “Drop In” is On Or Off?

To check if your Drop In is on or off, go to Settings in the Alexa app. Under the general section, select 'Communications.' Select 'Drop In' and see if it is On, Off. Change the settings to what you want.

“Drop In” work with these following devices:

Amazon Echo (first, second, third, and fourth generation)

Echo Dot (first, second, third, and fourth generation)

Echo Plus (first and second generation)

Echo Show (audio and video; first, second, and third generation)

Fire HD 8 tablet

Fire HD 10 tablet

Sonos smart speakers (Sonos Move, Sonos One, and Sonos Beam)

Can You "Drop In" on your friend house?

You can only use Drop In with contacts who own Echo devices and who have given you permission to do so. For me, I use Drop In at home to check the nail salon and when I'm at work I use drop in to check on my son. Lastly, you cannot Drop In on another smart home like Google Home.

Keep in mind that, if you have Echo Show, you have the option to turn off video. Just simply say: "Alexa, video off."

One question I am frequently asked is, "Can I use the Drop In feature on a device with the Alexa app installed?" The short answer is yes, but you can only initiate the Drop In. You can only receive Drop In on an Amazon Fire HD 8 or 10 tablet.

For anyone with a busy lifestyle, the Amazon Echo's "Drop In" feature is a lifesaver. I use it to keep an eye on my two years old son, and it has worked out perfectly. With just a few words, I can be connected to my son's room no matter where I am in the house or even when I am not home. The sound quality is great, and I can talk to him. This feature is a godsend for parents like me who want to stay connected to their little ones at all times but also need some freedom during nap time.