The Amazon Drop In feature has become a useful tool for connecting with people in your household, checking on what your kids are up to (especially when they're supposedly quiet), and monitoring elderly family members. It allows you to literally "drop in" using a device with Alexa capability, either via audio only or with audio and video. But since you don't want someone to unexpectedly drop in on you, it's important to understand how to set it up and how to use it.
To allow someone to drop in on an Echo or Fire device (or any Alexa-enabled device that allows for calls), you need to first enable the Drop In feature on that specific unit.
If you want someone outside your household to drop in on your device, you need to designate that contact as an approved contact.
Now that everything is set up, it's easy. Simply use the command "Alexa, drop in…" followed by the name of the device you want to call.
To see what's happening in another room with an Echo device named "Kid's Den," for example, simply say something like "Alexa, drop in on Kid's Den." The device in that room will ring and its light, if any, will turn green. Then you can see and hear what's happening in the other room through your device – and if they have a camera-equipped device, they can see and hear what's happening at your end. (Of course, if either side is using audio only, it will limit the communication to, well, audio.)
To end the connection, simply say, "Alexa, hang up."
Update March 8, 2024 15:06 ET: This article has been updated to clarify that Drop In is only available on Echos, Fires, or other Alexa-enabled devices capable of making calls.
