How to Turn Your Amazon Echo into a Home Intercom: Complete Setup Guide

Amazon Echo offers countless smart home innovations, from 7 creative uses for Echo and Alexa to hands-free calling. If you own multiple Echo devices, you can easily transform them into a reliable home intercom system. Even with just one Echo, pair it with the Alexa app for seamless communication.

Setting Up the Drop In Feature on Your Amazon Echo

This built-in Drop In function turns your Echos into an intercom and may already be active. Here's how to enable it properly.

1. Open the Amazon Alexa app on your phone and go to Settings.
2. Under your list of devices, tap the name of the first Echo you want to use as an intercom.
3. Under General, tap Drop In.
4. Select My Household. (Switch to Contacts if you want to extend it to your phone contacts. Note: This differs from Echo's standard calling feature—see how to make calls with Echo.)
5. Repeat the steps above for your other Amazon Echo device.

To rename devices for easier use, go to Settings > Devices, select the Echo, scroll to the name, tap Edit, enter a memorable name like 'Kitchen' or 'Living Room,' and tap Save.

Using Your Amazon Echo as an Intercom

With Drop In enabled on both Echos, say: "Alexa, drop in on [device name]." For example, "Alexa, drop in on Kitchen."

The first time, Alexa may prompt you to confirm via voice. Speak the target Echo's name clearly. To end the connection: "Alexa, stop drop in."

Use the Alexa app too: Tap the Communicate tab, then the Drop In button. Select your device, speak hands-free, and control mute/speaker.

For courtesy, announce first: "Alexa, announce Dinner's ready!" Or initiate a call: "Alexa, call [device name]." Recipients can answer or ignore.

This works across Alexa-enabled devices, including Echo, Echo Dot, and Tap. Echo vs. Dot vs. Tap differences.