can use your existing phone service to place that call or message (features may vary by
device and operating system). Alexa may not be able to process your request in the event of
network or connectivity issues. If you are unable to place your call via Alexa, you should dial
the number directly from your phone.
Can I link third-party communications services with Alexa Communication?
Yes, you can link select third-party communications services with Alexa Communication.
Simply go to “Communications” within Settings in the Alexa app. Amazon may import and
save your contacts from your third-party communications service in the cloud to help you
connect with your friends and family. Some features may not be available via Alexa, and
charges from the third-party communications service may apply for use of some features.
You should check any terms applicable to the third-party communications service prior to
linking your account with Alexa.
Alexa-Enabled Echo Device FAQ
How do Echo devices recognize the wake word?
By default, Echo devices are designed to detect only your chosen wake word (Alexa,
Amazon, Computer, or Echo). The device detects the wake word by identifying acoustic
patterns that match the wake word. Once the wake word is detected, the device begins
recording audio to send to the cloud, including a fraction of a second of audio before the
wake word. No audio is stored or sent to the cloud unless the device detects the wake word
(or Alexa is activated by pressing a button).
How do I know when Echo devices are sending audio to the cloud?
When Echo devices detect the wake word or when the Action button available on some
Echo devices is pressed to activate Alexa, a visual indicator appears on the device to
indicate that the device is recording your request to stream to the cloud. For instance, a light
ring on the Echo will turn blue or a blue bar will appear on Echo Show. When you use the
wake word, the audio stream includes a fraction of a second of audio before the wake word,
and closes once your request has been processed. You can turn on Follow-Up Mode to
enable Alexa to respond to a series of requests without repeating the wake word.
. You can also configure Echo devices to play a short audible tone any time audio is
sent to the cloud within Settings in the Alexa app. Certain Echo devices, like Echo Input,
have the short audible tone turned on by default.