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How To Make A Video Call With An Echo Show: A Definitive Guide

So, you want to make a video call using your Echo Show? Fantastic! It’s easier than you might think, and this guide will walk you through it, step-by-step, transforming you from a novice to a video-calling virtuoso. Essentially, you have a few options: you can call other Echo Shows, call the Alexa app on a smartphone or tablet, or even call Skype contacts. The key is ensuring everyone is properly set up and connected within the Amazon ecosystem. Let’s dive in.

Making Your First Echo Show Video Call: The Basics

The simplest method is calling another Echo Show device registered to someone on your contact list. Here’s how:

Voice Command: The most intuitive way is to simply say, “Alexa, call [Contact Name].” Alexa will then search your contact list for the specified person and initiate the video call if they have a compatible device and are registered.
Touchscreen Method: On the Echo Show’s touchscreen, swipe down from the top of the screen to access the settings menu. Tap “Communicate,” then select “Call.” You’ll see a list of your contacts; tap the name of the person you want to call. If they have multiple registered devices, Alexa will likely ask you which device you want to call.
Using the Alexa App: Open the Alexa app on your smartphone or tablet. Tap the “Communicate” icon (usually a speech bubble). Then, tap the “Call” icon at the top and select the contact you wish to call. Make sure your contact has also allowed calling and messaging permissions in the Alexa app.

Before attempting any of these methods, ensure your contacts are properly added and their Alexa accounts are linked correctly. The Alexa app is your control center for managing contacts and communication settings.

Understanding the Contact List

The contact list used by your Echo Show is pulled from your smartphone’s contact list, which is synchronized with the Alexa app. This means you need to grant the Alexa app permission to access your contacts. If you haven’t already, you can usually find this setting in your phone’s privacy settings.

If a contact isn’t showing up, here are a few troubleshooting tips:

Check Permissions: Double-check that the Alexa app has permission to access your contacts.
Refresh Contacts: In the Alexa app, go to “Communicate” then tap the three dots in the upper right corner and select “Import Contacts.” This will force the app to refresh its contact list.
Verify Phone Number: Ensure the phone number associated with the contact in your phone’s contact list is accurate and associated with their Alexa account.

Calling the Alexa App on a Smartphone or Tablet

Calling the Alexa app on a smartphone or tablet is almost identical to calling another Echo Show. The primary difference is that the person receiving the call needs to have the Alexa app installed and be logged in. They also need to have notifications enabled for the Alexa app to know that someone is calling.

To initiate the call, use the same methods described above: voice command, touchscreen navigation, or the Alexa app itself.

Calling Skype Contacts

While not as widely used as direct Echo Show or Alexa app calls, the Echo Show also allows you to connect to Skype accounts. Here’s how:

Link Your Skype Account: In the Alexa app, go to “Skills & Games” and search for “Skype.” Enable the Skype skill and follow the prompts to link your Skype account to your Amazon account.
Make the Call: Once linked, you can say, “Alexa, call [Skype Contact Name] on Skype.” You can also make calls to landlines and mobile phones through Skype, provided you have Skype Credit.

Linking your Skype account provides a wider range of communication options, especially for connecting with individuals who don’t have Echo devices or the Alexa app.

Optimizing Your Video Call Experience

To ensure the best possible video call experience on your Echo Show, consider these factors:

Network Connection: A stable and fast Wi-Fi connection is crucial. Poor network connectivity can lead to choppy video and dropped calls. Test your internet speed and ensure your Echo Show is within range of your Wi-Fi router.
Lighting: Good lighting is essential for clear video. Position yourself so that the light source is in front of you, not behind you. Avoid harsh backlighting, which can make you appear as a silhouette.
Placement: Place your Echo Show at eye level for the most natural-looking video calls. Experiment with different placements to find the optimal viewing angle.
Privacy: Remember that your Echo Show has a camera. Use the physical shutter (if your device has one) to cover the camera when you don’t want to be seen. You can also disable the camera and microphone through the device’s settings.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with a well-configured setup, you might encounter occasional issues. Here are some common problems and their solutions:

Cannot Hear the Other Person: Check the volume on both your Echo Show and the other person’s device. Ensure the microphone is not muted on either end.
Cannot See the Other Person: Make sure the camera is not covered and that the other person’s device is properly oriented. Check that the video is enabled in the Alexa app or on the other Echo Show.
Call Quality is Poor: This is usually due to a weak internet connection. Try moving closer to your Wi-Fi router or restarting your router.
Contact Not Showing Up: As mentioned earlier, double-check permissions, refresh contacts, and verify the phone number in your contact list.
Alexa Can’t Find the Contact: Ensure the contact’s name is pronounced clearly and correctly. Try different variations of the name.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 12 frequently asked questions about making video calls with an Echo Show:

1. Can I make group video calls with my Echo Show?

No, currently, the Echo Show only supports one-on-one video calls. Group calling is not a built-in feature.

2. Does the person I’m calling need to have an Echo Show?

No, you can call anyone who has the Alexa app installed on their smartphone or tablet. You can also call Skype contacts if you’ve linked your Skype account.

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

When someone calls you, your Echo Show will display an incoming call notification. You can answer by saying, “Alexa, answer,” or by tapping the “Answer” button on the touchscreen.

4. Can I use my Echo Show to call landlines or mobile phones directly (without Skype)?

No, direct calling to landlines or mobile phones is not supported without using a linked Skype account with Skype Credit.

5. Is there a fee to make video calls with my Echo Show?

No, video calls between Echo Shows and the Alexa app are free. However, calls made through Skype may incur charges depending on your Skype calling plan.

6. How do I block someone from calling my Echo Show?

In the Alexa app, go to “Communicate,” select the contact you want to block, and then tap the three dots in the upper right corner. Choose “Block” to prevent them from calling or messaging you.

7. Can I use my Echo Show to make international calls?

Yes, if you use Skype and have Skype Credit or a subscription that covers international calls. Direct calling to international numbers through the Alexa app is not supported.

8. How do I adjust the volume during a video call on my Echo Show?

You can adjust the volume by saying, “Alexa, volume up” or “Alexa, volume down.” You can also use the physical volume buttons on the device.

9. Can I use my Echo Show for video conferencing?

While not specifically designed for video conferencing, you can use your Echo Show for one-on-one video calls, which might suffice for simple meetings. For larger conferences, dedicated video conferencing platforms are more suitable.

10. What happens if I don’t answer a video call on my Echo Show?

If you don’t answer, the caller will be notified that you are unavailable. They can leave a voice message if you have voice messaging enabled.

11. Can I use my Echo Show to make video calls to other smart displays, like Google Nest Hub?

No, video calls are typically limited to devices within the Amazon ecosystem (Echo Shows and the Alexa app) or through linked services like Skype. Cross-platform video calling between different smart display ecosystems is not generally supported.

12. How do I disable the camera on my Echo Show for privacy?

Many Echo Show models have a physical shutter that you can slide over the camera lens. You can also disable the camera and microphone in the device’s settings menu under “Device Options” and then “Camera” and “Microphone.”