UK Review: Can Alexa make phone calls? Everything you need to know (2024)

Setting up the phone function

To make phone calls comfortably with the help of Alexa, you must first set up the cell phone function in the Alexa app (iOS / Android).

• Open the Alexa app (note: make sure you installed the latest version of the app)

• Select the menu item "Communication". This looks like a speech bubble and can be found at the very bottom of the bar ?

• Next, tap on 'Call'

• You will then be asked to enter your mobile phone number

• You will now receive an activation code on your mobile phone - enter this code in the app

• The Alexa app will ask you whether you want to synchronise your contacts. We recommend confirming this.

That's it. Now you are ready to make and receive calls with your Alexa device!

An internet connection is required to make phone calls with an Alexa Echo device.

Make a phone call with Alexa: The following options are available to you:

• Alexa to Alexa

• Drop-In Calls

• Alexa > Skype Calls

• Call landlines with Alexa (Echo Connect)

• Can Alexa call a mobile phone (Vodafone OneNumber)

• Calling with Alexa in the car

• Send voice or text messages

Interested in one of these topics? Read on to find out more. ?

You can use the "Drop-in" function on "Echo" and "Echo Show" devices.

Simply said, the "Drop-In" function allows you to make a call on an Amazon Echo device without accepting first.

This means you can call up the Echo Show in the living room while on the move and, for example, check up on grandma/grandpa.

Furthermore, the Amazon Echo devices could be used as an "intercom" for announcements in a larger household thanks to the drop-in function. e.g. "dinner will be served in 10 minutes".

Setting up the "Drop-In" function

Don't worry: "The drop-in function" must be explicitly allowed.

The following steps are necessary:

• Open the Alexa app on your mobile phone and select the "Communication" menu item at the bottom.

• Select the item "Contacts".

You can now specify for each contact (blue slider) whether they should have "drop-in access" to your Alexa Echo devices.

Another option is to use the mobile network on the Echo device.

In the Uk, this is currently only possible with the mobile phone provider "Vodafone" and "OneNumber Calling".

To activate the service, you must carry out the following steps:

• Open the following window: "More" > "Settings" > "Communication".

• Select the item "Vodafone" and complete the individual registration steps.

Once the service is set up, you can make calls via Alexa to a mobile number or receive calls without holding your phone.

"Alexa, call James Smith on his mobile".

There are no additional costs for you when making calls via OneNumber Calling.

This is because your Vodafone mobile phone contract is still valid. This means that if you have a flat rate, Alexa calls via OneNumber are also included in the rate.

With the Amazon Echo for your car, you can install the smart assistant in your car at a later date.

The handy device is attached to the dashboard and can be powered via the 12 V connection (cigarette lighter) or a USB plug.

The audio can be played through the following channels as desired:

• Car sound system (via Bluetooth or 3.5 mm AUX cable).

• Mobile phone speaker

Now you can access all the normal Alexa functions:

"Alexa, play my favourite music".

"Alexa, what's the weather going to be like today?"

It also makes hands-free phone calls in the car possible. When you see incoming calls that can’t wait, you can still take them! 📞

In our experience, the idea is not bad. The calls and the operation with "Alexa Car" also worked quite well.

However, if you open the Alexa app on your mobile phone and activate the "Hands-Free Mode", the usual possibilities of Alexa voice control are also available to you.

You have to decide for yourself whether you need the "Amazon Echo for the car".

Amazon hits the spot with the possibility to make phone calls via Alexa.

Many different options are available in the UK:

• Video or voice call

• Alexa App <> Alexa Echo device

• Telephone calls in the landline network (Echo Connect)

• Calling a mobile network (Vodafone OneNumber)

• Alexa <> Skype

• Making calls in the car with "Alexa Echo Auto

• Sending voice or text messages

In our independent review, making calls with Alexa worked quite well.

Many British smart home fans swear by the advantages, and for them, it’s hard to imagine making phone calls without Alexa.

The more the voice assistant settles in UK households, the more exciting calling via Alexa will become in practice!