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Alexa Calling is a free, intercom-like service that turns your favorite Amazon Echo device into a hands-free telephone. With a simple voice command you can "drop-in" on one another and chat to your heart's content. There's even a video-enabled Echo device (Amazon Echo Show) that allows you to video chat with your loved one. No more need to remember phone numbers, no more need for paying a traditional phone bill.
Here's all you need to know to set up and configure this person-to-person communications feature on behalf of a loved one. NOTE: Access to the Internet/WiFi is assumed. |
Amazon Echo family of devices
Be sure to order hers as a “gift” so that Amazon does not pre-configure it for your settings. |
BUT WHAT IF I CAN'T VISIT MOM TO SET IT UP?
No worries - just configure your Mom’s Echo device at YOUR home, using YOUR Wi-Fi network, then the only thing that will have to change at her home is to connect her Echo device to HER home's WiFi network.
CAN'T MOM JUST USE MY AMAZON ACCOUNT?
Getting her a free Amazon account is recommended. That way all her preferences such as music and contacts are separate from yours. You will still be able to log into her account when you are home to later make any changes necessary. In fact, if you keep an Echo device, say an Echo Dot, at your home logged into her account, you can remotely help her troubleshoot problems. And… you will be able to remote “push” family photos to an Echo Show device (if that's what she has) as a slide show.
No worries - just configure your Mom’s Echo device at YOUR home, using YOUR Wi-Fi network, then the only thing that will have to change at her home is to connect her Echo device to HER home's WiFi network.
CAN'T MOM JUST USE MY AMAZON ACCOUNT?
Getting her a free Amazon account is recommended. That way all her preferences such as music and contacts are separate from yours. You will still be able to log into her account when you are home to later make any changes necessary. In fact, if you keep an Echo device, say an Echo Dot, at your home logged into her account, you can remotely help her troubleshoot problems. And… you will be able to remote “push” family photos to an Echo Show device (if that's what she has) as a slide show.
BUT DON'T I NEED TO GET MOM A SMARTPHONE TO SET UP ALEXA CALLING?
No, there is a way to do this using an Amazon account and a free Google Voice account you set up for her, which creates a free mobile number that Amazon needs to complete the Alexa Calling setup. You can log into her Amazon account with YOUR cell phone to complete the setup, including manually adding pre-approved Contacts to her very own rolodex.
Although Amazon sends a verification code via text messaging when setting up Alexa Calling, here is a great workaround using these two Google services and no smartphone.
No, there is a way to do this using an Amazon account and a free Google Voice account you set up for her, which creates a free mobile number that Amazon needs to complete the Alexa Calling setup. You can log into her Amazon account with YOUR cell phone to complete the setup, including manually adding pre-approved Contacts to her very own rolodex.
Although Amazon sends a verification code via text messaging when setting up Alexa Calling, here is a great workaround using these two Google services and no smartphone.
- Gmail - create a Google Gmail account for your Mom under her name. Amazon needs an eMail address in order to create the account for your Amazon Echo device.
- Google Voice - use Google's Voice service to obtain a free phone number, which will allow you to now verify the set up code (sent to the Google Voice phone number from Amazon as a text message. You do not need to have Alexa automatically import all contacts, simply manually add only the contacts you want for Mom's personal rolodex in Alexa.
NOW THAT I'VE CREATED BOTH GOOGLE ACCOUNTS FOR MOM - WHAT NEXT?
Connected it to my business network
This registered the Echo Show to Mom's account (you can skip the Download of the latest Alexa app)
- Keep one Echo device on your home network with your Amazon account and reset the other Echo device you'll give to Mom.
- Use your own mobile phone when asked to link the number as it sends a confirmation text
- Use the Google Voice phone number to create a mobile Amazon account under your Mom’s name
- Only use the Google Voice number (not the Gmail address) in setting up the account on Mom's Echo device and run setup and use Mom's account info (Google Voice phone number).
Connected it to my business network
This registered the Echo Show to Mom's account (you can skip the Download of the latest Alexa app)
- Complete the setup Using your smartphone, logged into the Alexa app using your Mom's Amazon account
- Alexa asks to verify a phone number (use that Google Voice Number)
- Click Communications and enable Drop In
- Click Contacts and disable Import Contacts
- Click Add Contacts and add your contact info. (you can also add any other additional contacts you approve at this time)
- Add your mobile number as that is how Alexa contacts your Amazon account
- Log out of the Alexa app
- Log back in to the Alexa app as YOU and click on Contacts and add your Mom's info (that Google Voice number) then test Alexa Calling to her from your Echo device and Alex Calling to yourself from their Echo device . . . Mission accomplished!
MY SIBLINGS MIGHT ALSO WANT TO DROP IN ON MOM TOO. WILL THEY NEED THEIR OWN ECHO DEVICE?
Actually no, they can just use the Alexa app installed on their cell phone. They will be able to call Mom and she can even call them! If they have the Alexa app running when she calls, they will be asked to answer the call. If the Alexa app is not running at that time, they will get a regular cell phone call and can then call her right back in the Alexa app. One of the benefits of using an Echo Show (supports video) is that it will show you when Mom is nearby her Echo Show and that might be a good time to call her.
Actually no, they can just use the Alexa app installed on their cell phone. They will be able to call Mom and she can even call them! If they have the Alexa app running when she calls, they will be asked to answer the call. If the Alexa app is not running at that time, they will get a regular cell phone call and can then call her right back in the Alexa app. One of the benefits of using an Echo Show (supports video) is that it will show you when Mom is nearby her Echo Show and that might be a good time to call her.
Reach out and connect with TellaBoomer if you need further assistance. We are always here to help you leverage the power of sanctuary while aging responsibly.
Until then ... Stay Connected!
Until then ... Stay Connected!