How To Use Alexa as an Intercom

Hello, tech enthusiasts! Alexa has seamlessly integrated into many households, providing endless possibilities, from playing your favorite tracks to helping you with daily routines. But did you know it’s also a fantastic tool for turning your home into a more connected space? That’s right! You can use Alexa as an intercom.

As someone who’s had their fair share of “Eureka!” moments with Alexa, I recommend diving into this often-overlooked feature. It’s practical, fun, and (almost) feels like we’re living in the future.

The Intricacies of Alexa’s Intercom Features

Before diving into the “how-tos”, let’s get a clear grasp on what we’re aiming for:

• Drop In: Alexa’s built-in feature for instant communication between devices.
• Announcements: A one-way message broadcast to all devices.
• Calling: Direct calls between two Alexa devices.

Setting Up ‘Drop In’ for Intercom Use

Using “Drop In” is essentially the heart of the intercom feature. Here’s how you get it rolling:

1. Install & Open the Alexa App: If you haven’t already, download the Alexa app and sign in.
2. Navigate to ‘Devices’: Found in the bottom right corner.
3. Choose ‘Echo & Alexa’: This lists all your Echo devices.
4. Pick a Device: Select the device you wish to use as an intercom.
5. Access ‘Communications’: Scroll down and tap it.
6. Enable ‘Drop In’: Toggle the switch to activate the feature.

Note: Ensure that both devices (sender and receiver) have the “Drop In” feature activated.

Making the Most of ‘Drop In’

Using the intercom is a breeze once set up:

• Initiate a Drop In: Simply say, “Alexa, drop in on [device name].”
• End the Conversation: Say, “Alexa, hang up” or “Alexa, end.”

I recommend naming your devices by room (e.g., “Kitchen Echo” or “Bedroom Dot”) for more intuitive communication.

Broad Announcements with Alexa

Sometimes, you don’t want a two-way chat; you just want to broadcast a message.

• Make an Announcement: Say, “Alexa, announce [your message].” or “Alexa, tell everyone [your message].”

For instance, if dinner’s ready, just proclaim, “Alexa, announce dinner is served!” and every connected device in your house will broadcast your message.

Direct Calling Between Devices

While “Drop In” feels like an intercom, sometimes you might want to specifically call another device. Here’s how:

• Place a Call: Say, “Alexa, call [device name].”
• Receive a Call: When another device calls yours, Alexa will ring. Answer by saying, “Alexa, answer.”
• End the Call: Say, “Alexa, end the call.”

Note: Ensure you’ve granted the Alexa app permission to access contacts if you intend to use the call feature.

The Power of Privacy

Remember, it’s essential to respect privacy:

• Deactivate Drop In Temporarily: Say, “Alexa, do not disturb.”
• Schedule Do Not Disturb: Through the Alexa app, schedule specific times.

I recommend setting regular Do Not Disturb timings for bedrooms during the night for undisturbed sleep.

Understanding Alexa’s Intercom Limits and Capabilities

Let’s take a deeper dive to better grasp the breadth and depth of Alexa’s intercom capabilities. This will give you a clearer understanding of what’s possible, as well as some of the inherent limitations you might encounter.

Controlling Drop-In Permissions

You don’t necessarily want everyone with an Echo device to be able to drop in on yours. Thankfully, Amazon thought of this.

• Setting Permissions:
  • Go to the Alexa app.
  • Select the ‘Communicate’ tab.
  • Choose ‘Drop In’.
  • From here, you can manage who has Drop-In permissions for your device. This can range from everyone in your contacts to only select individuals.

Note: I recommend regularly checking and updating these permissions, especially if you’ve added new contacts or devices.

Volume Control & Sound Quality

One of the overlooked yet crucial aspects of using your Echo as an intercom is the volume setting and sound quality. Here’s how to get the most out of it:

• Setting Volume: Simply tell Alexa, “Set volume to [desired level between 1-10].” Remember, for conversations, a mid-level volume (like 5 or 6) usually works best.
• Sound Quality: Most Echo devices have decent microphones and speakers. However, if you’re finding the sound quality isn’t up to par, consider the positioning of your device. Ensure it’s not blocked by other objects and is in a central location in the room.

Using Alexa Routines with Intercom Features

Routines allow Alexa to perform multiple tasks with a single command. When incorporated with the intercom feature, it can make your life even more convenient.

• Morning Announcements: Imagine waking up and being able to inform everyone in the house about the day’s schedule. Create a routine where Alexa reads out specific messages to all rooms at a set time.
• Night Mode: Set a routine that turns on ‘Do Not Disturb’ for all Echo devices in the house at a specific time, ensuring peaceful sleep.

I recommend experimenting with routines. It’s an engaging way to customize your smart home experience.

Enhancing Intercom Experience with Echo Show

If you own an Echo Show (or any Alexa device with a screen), you can elevate your intercom experience.

• Video Drop In: Instead of just audio, you can have video chats between rooms. Simply say, “Alexa, video drop in on [device name].”
• Visual Announcements: Alongside your voice message, you can send visual messages or symbols. For instance, a dinner plate icon can accompany your dinner announcement.

I recommend using this feature sparingly, especially in private spaces like bedrooms. Always ensure members of the household are comfortable with video drop-ins.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

While Alexa’s intercom feature is fantastic, it’s not without its quirks. Here are some common problems and their solutions:

• Devices Not Connecting: Ensure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network. Sometimes, simply restarting the devices can help.
• Audio Feedback or Echo: If two devices are too close to each other, it might cause a feedback loop. I recommend moving them further apart.
• Drop In Not Working: Check if ‘Do Not Disturb’ is activated on either device. Also, ensure that the device you’re trying to connect to has given Drop In permission.

Expanding Your Intercom System

While starting with one or two devices is great, the real magic happens when you have multiple Echo devices spread throughout your home.

• Strategic Placement: Place devices in communal spaces like the living room, kitchen, and hallways. This ensures better connectivity and communication.
• Creating Device Groups: By grouping devices in the Alexa app, you can communicate with multiple rooms at once. For instance, have a ‘Ground Floor’ group to make announcements to all devices on that level.

Note: As with any technology, ensure that your Wi-Fi can handle multiple devices. If you experience connectivity issues, consider upgrading your router or investing in Wi-Fi extenders.

Conclusion

Transforming your Alexa devices into a nifty intercom system not only elevates your smart home experience but also brings a tech-savvy touch to communication. Whether you’re calling the kids for dinner or having a quick chat with someone in another room, this Alexa feature will undoubtedly prove its worth. So, why wait? Turn your home into an interconnected haven today!

FAQs

Can I use the intercom feature if my devices are in different houses?

Yes, as long as both devices have “Drop In” enabled and are connected to the internet.

Is there a way to drop in on specific groups of devices?

Absolutely! You can create a group in the Alexa app and drop in on the entire group by naming it.

Can I prevent certain devices from using the intercom feature?

Yes. Simply disable the “Drop In” feature on any device you want to exempt from the intercom system.