You Can Use Alexa to Call for Help in an Emergency

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Alexa is Amazon’s smart assistant that can be used with many Amazon devices, including Echo smart speakers, for a variety of purposes, from controlling your smart home to making video calls and ordering items from Amazon ( though you probably don’t). What ).

But you can also use Alexa to get help in case of an emergency. However, it’s not as simple as it sounds: you can’t simply ask Alexa to directly dial 911 or other emergency services if you haven’t already set them up with Echo Connect. Here’s how to do it now so Alexa is there if you need to call her if something goes wrong.

How to use Echo Connect to call 911

So you can’t use the Echo speaker to ask Alexa to dial 911. Part of this is due to FCC rules , which require devices that can dial 911 to include location data and a call-back number. Amazon used to sell Echo Connect , which let you make calls from a landline using an Echo speaker. The company has discontinued the Echo Connect, but you can find some for sale on used sites like eBay .

If you have Echo Connect in hand, here’s how to set it up. First, connect the device to the power supply and to the telephone socket. Next, open the Alexa app and tap the + icon in the top right corner. Then click on “Device” and click on Amazon Echo . You should see an Echo Connect option: tap it and you’re done.

However, since Amazon has discontinued Echo Connect, you may have trouble getting set up. However, current Connect users have discovered workarounds. This seems to be the best approach if you can’t set up yours using Amazon’s official instructions:

  1. Start by putting your Echo Connect into setup mode (the Wi-Fi light should be flashing orange).

  2. Open the Alexa app and add your device as usual, but say “Yes” to the orange light box that pops up. It won’t succeed, and that’s okay: click Try Again .

  3. You’ll get the same message if it fails again, but you’ll now have the option to choose manual configuration for first-generation devices.

  4. From here, allow access to your local network, click Continue , then go to Wi-Fi settings and connect to the Amazon-XYZ network. (If you’re using an iPhone on iOS 16 or later, you’ll need to tap the (i) next to the network name and turn off the private Wi-Fi address .

  5. Return to the Alexa app and complete setup. Select your Wi-Fi network and enter the password.

Now you can say, “Alexa, call 911” when there’s an emergency, and the device will be routed through your phone.

Products to pay attention to:

Looking for a smart speaker that’s compatible with Alexa? Here are your best options.

How to Set Up an Emergency Contact with Alexa

If you don’t have an Echo Connect (or even a landline), your best bet is to create Alexa contacts for emergencies. To set them up, go to the Alexa app and click the More tab. Next, tap Chat , then tap the contacts icon in the top right corner. The Alexa app will ask for access to your contacts, and from there, select one of your contacts. You should see an option to add them as an emergency contact.

You will be asked to agree that you allow Alexa to attempt to call and text your contact if you or someone in your household asks for help through Alexa.

How to use Alexa Emergency Assist

If you’re in the US, Amazon has also introduced a subscription service called Alexa Emergency Assist. When you call for help through your Echo speaker, you’ll be connected to a first responder who can dispatch emergency services. The emergency response agent will be able to transmit important pre-stored information such as allergies or entry codes. The subscription also includes smart alerts so that if your compatible Echo device detects smoke or a CO alarm, it can contact emergency services for you.

To get started with Alexa Emergency Assist, visit Amazon’s webpage and subscribe ($5.99 per month or $59 per year). You can also say “Alexa, buy Alexa Emergency Assist” to your smart speaker. Once you subscribe, you’ll see an Alexa Emergency Assist option in the More tab of the Alexa app. There you can also set up emergency contacts who will be notified when you contact emergency services.

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