Table of Contents

Mastering Video Calls on Your Echo Show: A Comprehensive Guide

So, you’re ready to dive into the world of video calling on your Amazon Echo Show. Excellent choice! It’s a fantastically convenient way to stay connected, especially for keeping in touch with loved ones who might be a bit tech-challenged. The answer is refreshingly simple: You have several methods at your fingertips, each catering to slightly different situations and preferences.

Here’s a breakdown of how to initiate a video call on your Echo Show, and a deep dive into making the most of this powerful communication tool.

Direct Voice Command: This is the most intuitive approach. Simply say, “Alexa, call [contact name].” Make sure the contact is in your Alexa contact list and that they have an Alexa-enabled device with a screen (like another Echo Show, Echo Spot, or the Alexa app on a smartphone or tablet) or have linked their mobile number and enabled calling through the app. Alexa will initiate the call. If the person has multiple Alexa devices, you can specify which one by saying, “Alexa, call [contact name] on [device name].”

Using the Touchscreen: If you’re more of a visual person, navigate to the “Communicate” icon on the Echo Show’s home screen. From there, you’ll see a list of your contacts. Simply tap on the person you want to call and then tap the “Video Call” icon. This method is great for browsing your contacts or if Alexa isn’t quite understanding your voice command.

Through the Alexa App: You can initiate a call from your Alexa app to an Echo Show. This is especially useful if you’re away from home and want to check in. Open the Alexa app on your phone, tap the “Communicate” icon at the bottom, select the contact you want to call, and choose the “Video” icon. This will ring the recipient’s Echo Show, and they can answer if they are available.

Drop In (With Permission): “Drop In” is a feature that allows you to instantly connect to a compatible Echo device, essentially turning it into an intercom. However, this requires explicit permission from the device owner. Once permission is granted, you can say, “Alexa, Drop In on [contact name]” to immediately start a video call (or audio call if the recipient doesn’t have a screen). This is typically used for close family members or those who require frequent check-ins.

That’s the core of it. But to truly master Echo Show video calling, let’s address some frequently asked questions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I add contacts to my Alexa account for video calling?

Adding contacts is crucial for seamless calling. There are a few ways to do this:

Import from your phone: The easiest way is to allow the Alexa app access to your phone’s contact list. The app will then automatically sync your contacts to your Alexa account. To do this, go to the “Communicate” tab in the Alexa app, tap the “Contacts” icon (usually a person icon), and follow the prompts to import your contacts. Make sure you grant the app the necessary permissions.
Manually Add Contacts: You can also add contacts manually within the Alexa app. In the “Communicate” tab, tap the “Contacts” icon, then tap the plus (+) icon to add a new contact. You’ll need to enter their name, phone number, and email address (optional).
Through Alexa Voice Command: While less reliable, you can sometimes add a contact by saying, “Alexa, add [contact name] to my contacts.” However, this method is more likely to succeed if you’ve already called or interacted with that person through Alexa in some way.

What devices can I use to video call an Echo Show?

Echo Show devices can video call a variety of devices, providing flexibility in communication:

Other Echo Show Devices: This is the most common and seamless option. Two Echo Show devices can easily video call each other.
Echo Spot: The smaller Echo Spot also supports video calling, making it compatible with Echo Show devices.
Alexa App on Smartphones and Tablets: Anyone with the Alexa app installed on their iOS or Android device can receive and make video calls to Echo Show devices. This is fantastic for reaching people who don’t own an Echo device.
Skype (Limited): While Amazon has largely pushed its own communication features, some older Echo Show models might still support Skype integration. Check your device’s settings to see if this option is available.

How do I answer a video call on my Echo Show?

Answering a video call is straightforward:

Voice Command: When your Echo Show rings, simply say, “Alexa, answer” to accept the call.
Touchscreen: A notification will appear on the screen with the caller’s name. Tap the “Answer” button to accept the call. You can also tap the “Ignore” button to decline the call.

Can I make group video calls on Echo Show?

Unfortunately, the Echo Show does not natively support group video calls in the same way as services like Zoom or Google Meet. You can only video call one person at a time.

How do I adjust the camera angle on my Echo Show?

Some Echo Show models, like the Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen), have a rotating screen that automatically follows you as you move around the room. This is controlled by the device itself and doesn’t require manual adjustment. For other Echo Show models:

Physical Adjustment: Most models allow you to physically tilt the screen up or down to adjust the camera angle slightly.
Digital Pan and Zoom (if supported): Some newer models offer a digital pan and zoom feature within the video call interface. Look for on-screen controls that allow you to adjust the camera’s focus.

How do I mute the microphone or turn off the camera during a video call?

Privacy is paramount. During a video call, you have the following options:

Mute Microphone: Tap the microphone icon on the screen to mute your microphone. This will prevent the other person from hearing you. Tap it again to unmute.
Turn Off Camera: Tap the camera icon on the screen to turn off your camera. This will prevent the other person from seeing you, and they will see a placeholder image instead (usually your profile picture). Tap it again to turn the camera back on.
Physical Microphone/Camera Switch: Many Echo Show devices have a physical switch that completely disables the microphone and camera. This is a more permanent and reassuring way to ensure privacy.

How do I improve the video call quality on my Echo Show?

Several factors can affect video call quality. Here are some troubleshooting tips:

Wi-Fi Connection: Ensure your Echo Show is connected to a strong and stable Wi-Fi network. Weak Wi-Fi is the most common cause of poor video quality. Try moving the Echo Show closer to your router or consider upgrading your internet plan.
Bandwidth Usage: If other devices on your network are heavily using bandwidth (e.g., streaming videos, downloading large files), it can impact the video call quality. Try reducing bandwidth usage on other devices while you’re on a call.
Lighting: Good lighting is essential for clear video. Make sure your face is well-lit and avoid backlighting (where the light source is behind you).
Software Updates: Keep your Echo Show’s software up to date. Amazon regularly releases updates that can improve performance and fix bugs. To check for updates, say, “Alexa, check for software updates.”

What is “Drop In” and how is it different from a regular video call?

As mentioned earlier, “Drop In” is a feature that allows you to instantly connect to a compatible Echo device without the recipient having to answer. It’s essentially an intercom system. The key difference is that it requires explicit permission to be enabled for specific contacts. It’s ideal for checking in on elderly relatives or children. To enable Drop In, the person granting permission needs to go to the “Communicate” tab in their Alexa app, select the contact they want to allow to Drop In, and then toggle the “Drop In” permission to on.

Can I make video calls to landline or mobile phone numbers?

No, you cannot directly video call a landline or mobile phone number from an Echo Show. The Echo Show’s video calling functionality is limited to other Alexa-enabled devices and the Alexa app. However, you can make audio calls to landline and mobile numbers using the Alexa calling feature, but video is not supported in that scenario.

How do I block someone from calling my Echo Show?

If you need to block someone from contacting you through your Echo Show, follow these steps:

Alexa App: Open the Alexa app, go to the “Communicate” tab, tap the “Contacts” icon, select the contact you want to block, and tap the three dots (menu) in the top right corner. Then, select “Block Contact.” This will prevent them from calling or messaging you through Alexa.

Can I use Echo Show for video conferencing with business applications?

While not its primary function, you can potentially use the Echo Show for some limited video conferencing. However, it’s not designed to be a direct replacement for dedicated business conferencing platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet. The workaround often involves the person with the Echo Show downloading the Alexa app and being invited as a guest into those conference calls from another user’s computer. This allows you to use the Alexa App to be added to a conference call.

How much data does video calling on Echo Show use?

The amount of data used during a video call on Echo Show depends on several factors, including the video quality and the length of the call. Generally, a standard video call uses around 2-5 MB of data per minute. High-definition video calls will consume significantly more data. If you have a limited data plan, consider using audio-only calls instead, which consume far less data. You can also adjust the video quality settings (if available) to reduce data usage.

By mastering these tips and tricks, you can unlock the full potential of video calling on your Echo Show and enjoy seamless, high-quality connections with your loved ones. Happy calling!