Learning how to make video call on Alexa Echo Show transforms how you connect with friends and family. This powerful smart display offers a convenient and engaging way to communicate visually from the comfort of your home.
The Alexa Echo Show brings face-to-face interactions to your living room, making it easier than ever to stay in touch. Whether you are checking in on loved ones, hosting virtual gatherings, or simply catching up, its video calling feature simplifies connectivity.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of setting up and making video calls on your Alexa Echo Show. You will soon be enjoying the benefits of effortless, interactive communication.
Why Choose Alexa Echo Show for Video Calls?
The Alexa Echo Show provides a unique and user-friendly platform for video calls. Its integrated screen and voice-activated controls offer a seamless experience that traditional devices often cannot match.
Video calling on your Echo Show is particularly beneficial for several reasons. It offers a hands-free communication method, perfect for multitasking or for users who prefer simple voice commands.
Convenience and Accessibility
One of the primary advantages is the sheer convenience. You do not need to pick up a phone or open an app on a computer.
Simply say, “Alexa, video call Mom,” and your call begins. This makes it highly accessible for people of all ages, including children and seniors.
Enhanced Connectivity for Families
The Echo Show fosters stronger family connections. Grandparents can easily see their grandchildren, and distant relatives can feel closer.
It turns casual conversations into more personal, face-to-face interactions, bridging geographical gaps effortlessly.
Hands-Free Operation
Imagine cooking dinner or tending to your garden while video chatting. The Echo Show’s hands-free capability means you can continue your activities without interruption.
This freedom allows for more natural and integrated conversations throughout your day.
Integrated Smart Home Hub
Beyond calling, your Echo Show serves as a central hub for your smart home devices. You can manage lights, thermostats, and security cameras, all while staying connected via video call.
This integration enhances its utility, making it a valuable addition to any smart home ecosystem.
Understanding Your Echo Show Model’s Capabilities
Amazon offers various Echo Show models, each with slightly different features and screen sizes. Understanding your specific model can help optimize your video calling experience.
While all Echo Show devices support video calls, the camera quality, screen resolution, and speaker performance can vary between models like the Echo Show 5, 8, 10, and 15.
Echo Show 5 and 8: Compact and Versatile
The Echo Show 5 and 8 are excellent entry-level options for video calling. They offer good screen quality and decent cameras for everyday use.
These models are perfect for bedrooms, kitchens, or small offices where space might be limited but face-to-face communication is desired.
Echo Show 10: Dynamic and Engaging
The Echo Show 10 features a unique motorized screen that can turn to keep you in frame during video calls. This intelligent tracking ensures you are always visible, even if you move around.
Its larger screen and enhanced audio provide a more immersive calling experience, making it ideal for living rooms or family areas.
Echo Show 15: The Family Hub Experience
The Echo Show 15, with its large 15.6-inch display, offers the most expansive video calling view. It is designed to be a wall-mounted family organizer, making video calls feel like a natural part of your home environment.
The larger screen is particularly great for group calls or for those who appreciate a broader visual perspective during conversations.
Prerequisites for Seamless Video Calling
Before you can enjoy video calls on your Alexa Echo Show, a few essential prerequisites must be met. Ensuring these are in place will guarantee a smooth and frustration-free experience.
These foundational steps include having a stable internet connection, the Alexa app installed, and your contacts properly configured.
Stable Internet Connection
A reliable Wi-Fi connection is paramount for clear video and audio quality. Intermittent or slow internet can lead to pixelated video, dropped calls, or audio delays.
Ensure your Echo Show is connected to a strong Wi-Fi signal. If issues persist, consider moving your device closer to your router or upgrading your internet plan.
Amazon Account and Alexa App
You must have an active Amazon account linked to your Echo Show. Additionally, the Alexa app needs to be installed on your smartphone or tablet.
The app is crucial for managing contacts, enabling calling features, and configuring various settings for your Echo Show.
Enabled Alexa Calling and Messaging
Alexa Calling and Messaging must be enabled on your device. This feature allows your Echo Show to make and receive calls, including video calls, through the Alexa network.
You will typically enable this during the initial setup of your Echo Show or through the Alexa app’s communication settings.
Synced Contacts
For video calls, your Echo Show needs access to your contacts. You can import contacts from your phone through the Alexa app, or manually add them.
Ensure that the contacts you wish to call have a phone number associated with them and are also registered with Alexa Calling and Messaging.
In-Depth Guide: Enabling Alexa Calling and Messaging
The first critical step to learn how to make video call on Alexa Echo Show is to enable Alexa Calling and Messaging. This feature acts as the foundation for all communication functionalities on your device.
Enabling this feature is straightforward and can be done either directly on your Echo Show or through the Alexa app on your smartphone.
Enabling via the Echo Show Device
To enable Alexa Calling and Messaging directly from your Echo Show, follow these steps:
- Swipe Down: From the top of your Echo Show screen, swipe down to reveal the quick settings menu.
- Select “Communicate”: Tap on the “Communicate” icon. This will take you to the communication hub.
- Choose “Call”: Select the “Call” option. If it’s your first time, Alexa will prompt you to enable calling and messaging.
- Follow On-Screen Prompts: Accept the terms and conditions and confirm your phone number if requested. This links your Echo Show to your mobile identity for calling purposes.
Once these steps are complete, your Echo Show is ready to make and receive calls.
Enabling via the Alexa App (Smartphone/Tablet)
Many users find it convenient to manage settings through the Alexa app. Here is how to enable calling and messaging:
- Open Alexa App: Launch the Alexa app on your smartphone or tablet.
- Tap “Communicate”: At the bottom of the screen, tap the “Communicate” icon (usually a speech bubble).
- Enable Calling: If not already enabled, you will see a prompt to “Enable Alexa Calling & Messaging.” Tap this option.
- Verify Phone Number: Follow the instructions to verify your phone number. This typically involves receiving a text message with a verification code.
- Grant Permissions: Allow Alexa to access your phone’s contacts when prompted. This is essential for calling your existing contacts.
With Alexa Calling and Messaging enabled, you’ve unlocked the full communication potential of your Echo Show.
Mastering Drop-In for Instant Connections
Drop-In is a unique Alexa feature that allows you to instantly connect with other Echo devices, including Echo Show, in your contacts. It is like an intercom system but with video capabilities.
This feature is particularly useful for checking in on family members in another room or for quick, informal video chats with trusted contacts.
What is Drop-In?
Drop-In allows you to connect directly to another Echo device without the recipient having to answer. The connection is established automatically, and the camera and microphone of the receiving device activate.
For security and privacy, Drop-In is typically limited to specific contacts or devices within your household, which you must explicitly grant permission for.
Setting Up Drop-In on Your Echo Show
To set up Drop-In, you primarily use the Alexa app:
- Open Alexa App: Launch the Alexa app on your smartphone or tablet.
- Tap “Communicate”: Go to the “Communicate” tab at the bottom of the screen.
- Select “Contacts”: Tap on “Contacts.”
- Choose Contact: Select the contact you want to enable Drop-In for. This person must also have an Echo device and Alexa Calling enabled.
- Toggle Drop-In: Scroll down to the “Permissions” section and toggle on the “Drop In” option for that specific contact.
You can also enable Drop-In for specific devices within your own home:
- Open Alexa App: Go to “Devices” in the Alexa app.
- Select Echo & Alexa: Tap on “Echo & Alexa” and choose your specific Echo Show device.
- Communications Settings: Scroll down to “Communications” and select “Drop In.”
- Enable/Disable: Choose whether to enable Drop In for “My Household” or “Only on [Device Name].”
Remember, Drop-In should only be enabled for trusted individuals due to its automatic connection feature.
Initiating a Drop-In Video Call
Once set up, initiating a Drop-In is simple:
- Voice Command: Say, “Alexa, drop in on [Contact Name]” or “Alexa, drop in on [Device Name].” For example, “Alexa, drop in on Kitchen Echo Show.”
- On Echo Show: Swipe down from the top, select “Communicate,” then “Drop In,” and choose the contact or device.
A chime will sound on the receiving device, and the video feed will start after a brief delay, allowing the recipient to prepare.
Step-by-Step: Initiating a Video Call
Now that your Echo Show is configured, you are ready to learn how to make video call on Alexa Echo Show. There are several convenient ways to start a call, whether through voice commands or direct interaction with the screen.
Each method offers flexibility, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your current situation.
Making a Video Call from the Echo Show Device
The most direct way to initiate a video call is by interacting with your Echo Show’s screen:
- Swipe Down: From the home screen, swipe down from the top to access the quick settings.
- Tap “Communicate”: Select the “Communicate” icon.
- Choose “Call”: Tap on the “Call” option.
- Select Contact: Browse your list of contacts. Tap on the contact you wish to call.
- Initiate Video Call: After selecting the contact, you will usually see options like “Call” (audio only) or “Video Call.” Tap “Video Call” to start.
The call will then attempt to connect. The recipient must answer the call on their Alexa-enabled device.
Using Voice Commands for Video Calls
Voice commands offer the most hands-free method for making video calls:
- Simple Command: Say, “Alexa, video call [Contact Name].” For example, “Alexa, video call John Doe.”
- Specific Device: If a contact has multiple Alexa devices, you can specify: “Alexa, video call Mom on her Echo Show.”
Alexa will confirm the contact and initiate the video call. This method is incredibly convenient when your hands are full or you are across the room.
Initiating a Video Call from the Alexa App
You can also start a video call from your smartphone using the Alexa app, which will then route the call through your Echo Show:
- Open Alexa App: Launch the Alexa app on your phone.
- Tap “Communicate”: Go to the “Communicate” tab.
- Select Contact: Tap on the contact you want to call.
- Choose Call Type: You will see options to “Call” or “Video Call.” Select “Video Call.”
- Select Device (Optional): The app might ask which of your Echo Show devices you want to use for the call if you have multiple. Choose the desired device.
The video call will then be initiated from your selected Echo Show, connecting you to your chosen contact.
Managing Your Contacts for Video Calls
Effective contact management is crucial for a smooth video calling experience on your Alexa Echo Show. The Alexa app is your primary tool for adding, editing, and organizing your communication network.
Keeping your contact list updated ensures that you can always reach the right people quickly and efficiently.
Adding a New Contact
To add a new contact to your Alexa Echo Show, follow these steps in the Alexa app:
- Open Alexa App: Launch the Alexa app on your smartphone or tablet.
- Tap “Communicate”: Go to the “Communicate” tab at the bottom of the screen.
- Select “Contacts”: Tap on “Contacts.”
- Add New Contact: Tap on the “+” icon (or “Add New Contact”) to begin.
- Enter Details: Enter the contact’s name and their phone number. Ensure the phone number is accurate and includes the country code if applicable.
- Save Contact: Tap “Save.” The new contact will now be available for video calls on your Echo Show.
For the contact to receive Alexa calls, they must also have Alexa Calling and Messaging enabled on their own Alexa-enabled device or smartphone.
Importing Phone Contacts
To simplify the process, you can allow the Alexa app to import contacts directly from your phone’s address book:
- Open Alexa App: Go to the “Communicate” tab.
- Tap “Contacts”: Select “Contacts.”
- Access Menu: Tap the three dots (menu icon) or “Settings” icon, usually in the top right corner.
- Import Contacts: Look for an option like “Import Contacts” or “Upload Contacts.”
- Grant Permission: Grant the Alexa app permission to access your phone’s contacts when prompted.
Alexa will then sync your phone contacts, making them available for calling through your Echo Show.
Editing or Deleting Contacts
If a contact’s information changes or you no longer wish to keep them in your Alexa contacts, you can edit or delete them:
- Open Alexa App: Navigate to the “Communicate” tab and then “Contacts.”
- Select Contact: Tap on the contact you wish to edit or delete.
- Edit/Delete: You will see options to “Edit Contact” or “Delete Contact.” Make your desired changes and save, or confirm deletion.
Regularly managing your contacts ensures your communication list remains accurate and relevant.
Beyond Alexa: Using Third-Party Apps for Video Calls
While Alexa’s native calling features are robust, your Echo Show also supports popular third-party video calling applications. This expands your connectivity options, allowing you to reach contacts who might prefer other platforms.
Skype and Zoom are two prominent examples of services you can integrate with your Echo Show for video communication.
Skype on Echo Show
Skype is a widely used platform for video and audio calls, and it integrates seamlessly with many Echo Show models:
- Link Accounts: First, you need to link your Skype account to your Amazon account. You can do this through the Alexa app:
- Open the Alexa app.
- Go to “More” (bottom right) > “Settings.”
- Select “Communication.”
- Tap “Skype” and follow the instructions to link your account.
- Make a Skype Call: Once linked, you can make Skype video calls using voice commands: “Alexa, Skype [Contact Name]” or “Alexa, video call [Contact Name] on Skype.”
- Receive Skype Calls: When someone calls you on Skype, your Echo Show will ring and display the caller ID, allowing you to answer or decline the call.
Skype on Echo Show offers a convenient way to connect with your global network of Skype contacts directly from your smart display.
Zoom on Echo Show
For many, Zoom has become a staple for virtual meetings and family gatherings. Select Echo Show models (typically Echo Show 8, 10, and 15) support Zoom integration:
- Enable Zoom Skill: You need to enable the Zoom skill in the Alexa app:
- Open the Alexa app.
- Go to “More” > “Skills & Games.”
- Search for “Zoom” and enable the skill.
- Follow the prompts to link your Zoom account.
- Join a Zoom Meeting: You can join a Zoom meeting using voice commands: “Alexa, join my Zoom meeting” (if you have a scheduled meeting) or “Alexa, join Zoom meeting ID [Meeting ID] with passcode [Passcode].”
- Start a Zoom Meeting: You can also start a new meeting: “Alexa, start my Zoom meeting.”
Using Zoom on your Echo Show provides a large-screen, hands-free solution for participating in video conferences without needing a computer or smartphone.
Privacy and Security Considerations for Video Calling
When using any device with a camera and microphone, especially for communication, privacy and security are paramount. The Alexa Echo Show offers several features to help you manage your privacy during video calls.
Understanding and utilizing these controls ensures your personal space and conversations remain secure.
Camera and Microphone Controls
Every Echo Show device comes with physical controls for privacy:
- Camera Shutter: There is a physical switch or slider on the top of your Echo Show that allows you to cover the camera lens. This provides a definitive visual confirmation that your camera is off.
- Microphone Mute Button: Also on top of the device, you will find a microphone mute button. Pressing this button electronically disconnects the microphone, preventing Alexa from hearing anything until it is pressed again.
Using these physical controls is the most reliable way to ensure your camera and microphone are off when not in use.
Managing Drop-In Permissions
Drop-In is a powerful feature, but it requires careful management of permissions:
- Household vs. Specific Contacts: Decide whether you want to enable Drop-In for all devices within your household or only for specific, trusted contacts.
- Individual Contact Permissions: Always review and configure Drop-In permissions for each contact individually in the Alexa app. Only enable it for people you trust implicitly.
- Disabling Drop-In: If you are concerned about privacy, you can disable Drop-In entirely for your device or for specific contacts.
Regularly reviewing your Drop-In settings is a good practice to maintain your desired level of privacy.
Deleting Call History
Alexa keeps a record of your interactions, including calls. You can manage and delete this history:
- Alexa App: In the Alexa app, go to “More” > “Settings” > “Alexa Privacy” > “Review Voice History.” You can filter by date and delete specific recordings or entire periods.
- Amazon Website: You can also manage your Alexa data through your Amazon account on a web browser, which might offer more comprehensive options.
Deleting call history can help manage your digital footprint and ensure that past interactions are not stored indefinitely.
Tips for an Optimal Video Calling Experience
To ensure you get the best possible experience when you learn how to make video call on Alexa Echo Show, consider these practical tips. Optimizing your environment and settings can significantly improve call quality and overall enjoyment.
From lighting to internet speed, small adjustments can make a big difference.
Good Lighting is Key
Just like any video call, proper lighting is crucial for your Echo Show. Position yourself so that light sources, such as windows or lamps, are in front of you, illuminating your face.
Avoid strong backlighting, which can make you appear as a silhouette. Natural light is often the best, but a well-placed soft lamp can also work wonders.
Optimal Sound Environment
For clear audio, try to make calls in a quiet environment. Minimize background noise from TVs, radios, or other conversations.
If possible, position your Echo Show away from noisy appliances. While the Echo Show’s microphones are good at noise cancellation, a quieter setting always helps.
Stable Internet Connection
As mentioned earlier, a strong and stable Wi-Fi connection is vital. If you experience frequent buffering or dropped calls, check your internet speed.
Consider moving your Echo Show closer to your Wi-Fi router or upgrading your internet plan if your current speed is consistently low, especially if multiple devices are using the network simultaneously.
Positioning Your Echo Show
Place your Echo Show at eye level, if possible, to create a more natural face-to-face interaction. Avoid placing it too low or too high, which can result in awkward camera angles.
Ensure the camera has a clear view of your face and upper body, and that your background is tidy and free from distractions.
Keep Software Updated
Regularly check for software updates on your Echo Show and the Alexa app. Updates often include performance improvements, bug fixes, and new features that can enhance your video calling experience.
Your Echo Show usually updates automatically, but you can manually check for updates in the device settings.
Advanced Troubleshooting for Video Calls
Even with the best setup, you might occasionally encounter issues when trying to make video call on Alexa Echo Show. Knowing how to troubleshoot common problems can quickly get you back to connecting with loved ones.
Here are some advanced troubleshooting steps to resolve typical video calling glitches.
“Alexa, hang up” or “Alexa, mute” Not Working
If voice commands like “Alexa, hang up” or “Alexa, mute” are unresponsive:
- Check Microphone: Ensure the microphone is not physically muted (red light on top of the device).
- Speak Clearly: Articulate your command clearly and be within hearing range of your Echo Show.
- Restart Device: A simple restart can often resolve minor software glitches. Unplug your Echo Show, wait 10 seconds, and plug it back in.
Video or Audio Quality Issues
If your video is choppy or audio is cutting out:
- Internet Speed: Perform an internet speed test on a device connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Echo Show. Video calls require a decent upload and download speed (at least 2-5 Mbps for smooth video).
- Reduce Network Congestion: If other devices are streaming or downloading heavily, temporarily pause those activities.
- Router Reboot: Reboot your Wi-Fi router and modem. This can often clear up network issues.
- Echo Show Location: Move your Echo Show closer to your Wi-Fi router to improve signal strength.
Call Fails to Connect
If calls consistently fail to connect:
- Check Contact’s Status: Ensure the person you are calling has an Alexa-enabled device or the Alexa app and has Alexa Calling enabled. They also need to be online.
- Alexa App Permissions: Verify that the Alexa app on your phone has contact permissions enabled.
- Verify Phone Number: Double-check that the phone number linked to your contact in the Alexa app is correct and matches the number registered with their Alexa account.
- Firewall/Router Settings: In rare cases, your router’s firewall settings might be blocking certain ports used by Alexa. Consult your router’s manual or ISP for advanced network troubleshooting.
Camera Not Working During Video Call
If the camera on your Echo Show is not displaying video:
- Physical Shutter: Ensure the camera’s physical privacy shutter is open. This is the most common reason for a black screen.
- Restart Echo Show: Unplug and replug your device.
- Software Update: Check if your Echo Show has the latest software update installed.
- Reset to Factory Defaults (Last Resort): As a final troubleshooting step, you can reset your Echo Show to factory defaults. Be aware this will erase all personal data and settings, requiring you to set it up again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you make video calls on Echo Show without the Alexa app?
Yes, you can initiate and receive video calls directly on your Echo Show device using voice commands or the touchscreen interface, once Alexa Calling and Messaging is enabled. The Alexa app is primarily used for initial setup, contact management, and advanced settings.
Can I make international video calls on Alexa Echo Show?
Yes, you can make international video calls to other Alexa users who have Alexa Calling and Messaging enabled, regardless of their geographical location. These calls typically use your internet connection and do not incur traditional international calling charges.
How do I know if someone is available for a video call on Echo Show?
Alexa does not have a real-time “online status” indicator for contacts. When you initiate a call, it will ring on their Alexa-enabled device. If they don’t answer, it means they are unavailable, offline, or have chosen not to answer.
Can Echo Show be used for Zoom meetings?
Yes, newer models of the Echo Show (typically Echo Show 8, 10, and 15) support Zoom meetings. You can link your Zoom account through the Alexa app and use voice commands or the screen to join or start meetings.
How do I place group video calls on Echo Show?
To place group video calls, you typically need to create an Alexa Calling group in the Alexa app. Navigate to the “Communicate” tab, select the “New Group” option, add your desired contacts, and then initiate a call to that group from your Echo Show.
Can I block unwanted video calls on my Echo Show?
Yes, you can block unwanted callers. In the Alexa app, go to the “Communicate” tab, find the contact you want to block, and select the option to block them. This will prevent them from calling or dropping in on your devices.
Conclusion
Learning how to make video call on Alexa Echo Show is a straightforward process that significantly enhances your ability to stay connected. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can effortlessly set up, manage, and enjoy face-to-face conversations with friends and family.
From enabling Alexa Calling and managing contacts to utilizing third-party apps like Skype and Zoom, your Echo Show offers a versatile communication hub. Remember to prioritize privacy and troubleshoot any issues to ensure a smooth experience.
Embrace the convenience and interactive nature of video calling on your Alexa Echo Show. Start connecting visually today and make every conversation more personal and engaging!