How does Alexa Messaging work?
You can use supported Echo devices and the Alexa app to send voice and text messages to
another Alexa Communication user (e.g., on Echo, "Alexa, send a message to Mom," or, on
the Alexa app, tapping on the Message icon on Mom's contact card). Messages are
processed in the cloud to convert voice messages to text, and vice versa. When you receive
a message on a supported Echo device, you will hear an audio tone and see a visual
notification. You will be able to retrieve the message on your supported Echo devices by
saying "Alexa, play my messages." When you receive a message, you also will receive a
notification on your mobile phone or tablet, and you will be able to view and play the
message in the Alexa app. Alexa messaging does not support sending or receiving text
messages to or from phone numbers.
How does Alexa Calling work?
You can use supported Echo devices and the Alexa app to call another Alexa
Communication user (e.g., on Echo, "Alexa, call Mom," or, on the Alexa app, tapping on the
Calling icon on Mom's contact card). When you receive Alexa calls on your supported Echo
devices, Alexa will tell you that you have an incoming call and identify the caller. You also
will see a green light indicator on Echo devices without a screen, and an incoming call
screen on Echo devices with a screen.
You can say "Alexa, answer," to pick up the call. Either person can end the call by saying
"Alexa, hang up." When you receive a call, you also will receive a notification on your mobile
phone or tablet and will see an incoming call screen in the Alexa app that lets you answer
the call.
Can I call phone numbers using Alexa?
Yes, you can use supported Echo devices and the Alexa app to place outbound calls only to
numbers in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the United Kingdom for free (e.g., on
Echo, "Alexa, call 844-582-5392," or "Alexa, call Mom's mobile phone.") This will not apply to
numbers in Brunei Darussalam. If you are already an Alexa Communication user, no
additional set up is required - you can start making calls straight away. If you are not an
Alexa Communication user, you will first need to register for Alexa Communication.
On calls made using Alexa Calling, we will display the mobile phone number registered for
the Alexa Communication service associated with that device as a caller ID. You can disable
the caller ID feature through your contact card in the Alexa app. Note that you cannot call
911 or other emergency numbers using this feature (for more information, see the below
FAQ "Can I text or call emergency services using Alexa Communication?"). For information
on placing calls using Echo Connect, see the below FAQ "How does calling on Echo
Connect work?"