Key takeaways:
- Drop In is an optional feature on Alexa devices that allows instant audio or video communication between devices
- Drop In can be useful for checking in on family members but raises privacy concerns
- You can easily disable Drop In for specific devices or contacts in the Alexa app settings
The Drop In feature on Amazon Alexa devices like the Echo and Echo Show allows you to instantly connect with other Alexa devices for two-way audio or video communication, without the other party needing to answer the call. While this can be convenient for checking in on family members around the house, Drop In has raised privacy concerns since it can allow someone to listen in on another room unexpectedly.
Fortunately, Drop In is an optional feature that is turned off by default. It will only work between your own devices and contacts that you have explicitly allowed Drop In for. If you have enabled Drop In but have decided you want to disable it for better privacy, it’s easy to turn off Drop In using the Alexa app.
Here’s how to disable Drop In on your Alexa devices:
- Open the Alexa app on your phone and go to Devices
- Select Echo & Alexa, then choose the device you want to configure
- Tap Communications, then tap Drop In
- Choose Off to disable Drop In entirely, or choose Only My Household to allow Drop In only with other devices on your account
You can also configure which contacts are allowed to Drop In on your devices:
- In the Alexa app, go to the Communicate tab
- Tap the contacts icon in the top right
- Select My Communication Settings
- Next to Allow Drop In, tap to choose On or Off
- You can also tap individual contacts and toggle Allow Drop In
Some other tips for using Alexa devices while protecting your privacy:
- Mute the mic using the button on the device when you want to ensure Alexa isn’t listening
- In the Alexa app settings, choose not to save your voice recordings or have them automatically deleted
- Turn on the camera shutter on Echo Show devices when not using the camera
- Secure your Wi-Fi network with a strong password and consider using a separate network for smart home devices
By taking a few simple steps to configure your Alexa privacy settings like disabling Drop In, you can enjoy the convenience of Alexa while having peace of mind. Remember, you are in control of what Alexa can hear and how your voice interactions are used.
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FAQ
What is Alexa Drop In?
Drop In is an optional feature on Alexa devices that works like an intercom system, allowing you to instantly connect to audio or video calls on other Alexa devices without the other party needing to answer. You can use Drop In between your own devices or with contacts who have allowed you to Drop In.
Is Drop In automatically enabled?
No, Drop In is turned off by default on Alexa devices. You have to manually enable it in the Alexa app settings before it will work. Drop In also requires you to give explicit permission for which of your contacts are allowed to Drop In.
Can anyone use Drop In to connect to my Alexa devices?
Drop In will only work between devices registered to your own Amazon account, and contacts who you have specifically allowed to use Drop In in your Alexa contact settings. No one can use Drop In to connect to your devices without your permission.
How do I fully disable Drop In on my Alexa?
To fully turn off Drop In, open the Alexa app, go to your device settings, select Communications, then Drop In, and choose Off. You can also go to My Communication Settings in the Communicate tab and toggle Allow Drop In to Off to disable it for all your devices and contacts at once.
