Alexa is Amazon’s intelligent assistant, which can be utilised with several Amazon devices, such as Echo smart speakers, for various purposes, including managing your smart home, making video chats, and placing orders on Amazon (although you most likely don’t do that).
However, Alexa can also be utilised to seek assistance during an emergency. However, it may seem more complex than it is. You can only request that Alexa call 911 or any other emergency service directly if you have configured them with Echo Connect. Here’s the current method to ensure that Alexa is available for assistance in case of any issues.
How do you utilise Echo Connect to dial emergency services?
Therefore, utilising an Echo speaker to request Alexa to call 911 is impossible. This is partly because of FCC regulations that mandate devices capable of dialling 911 to have location information and a callback number. Previously, Amazon offered the Echo Connect, a device that allowed users to make phone calls using their landline number through an Echo speaker. The business has stopped selling the Echo Connect; however, you can find some available on secondhand platforms such as eBay.
If you can obtain an Echo Connect, here’s how to configure it. To begin, connect the Device to the power source and your phone jack. Then, launch the Alexa application and select the + symbol in the upper right corner. Next, select Device and choose Amazon Echo. An option for Echo Connect should be visible to you. Touch that, and you will be ready.
However, since Amazon has stopped selling the Echo Connect, you may encounter some difficulties throughout the setup process. However, current Connect users have found ways to overcome this issue. This method is the most effective option if you need help to follow Amazon’s official instructions.
- Begin by putting your Echo Connect into setup mode (the wifi indicator should blink orange).
- Launch the Alexa application and proceed with adding your Device in the usual manner. When prompted with the orange light pop-up, select the affirmative response. It will not succeed, which is acceptable. Click on the option to Retry.
- Once the failure occurs again, you will see an identical notice. However, you can now select the Manual setup option for first-generation devices.
- From this point, provide permission to access your local network, click Continue, and proceed to your wifi settings to connect to the Amazon-XYZ network. If you have an iPhone running on iOS 16 or a more recent version, tap the (i) icon next to the network name and turn off the private wifi address.
- Return to the Alexa app and complete the setup process. Select your wifi network and input your password.
Now, you can say, “Alexa, call 911” in an emergency, and the Device will connect the call to your phone.
Items to contemplate:
Are you in need of a smart speaker that is compatible with Alexa? These are your top choices.
Echo Dot (5th Gen) intelligent speaker (now priced at $23)
The Echo Pop intelligent speaker is presently priced at $18.
Echo Show 10 HD intelligent screen (presently priced at $170)
How to establish an emergency contact for Alexa
If you do not possess an Echo Connect (or even a landline), establishing emergency Alexa contacts is the most advisable course of action. To configure them, access the Alexa app and select the More option. Afterwards, select Communicate and choose the contacts icon in the upper right corner. The Alexa app will request permission to access your contacts and then choose one of your contacts. You should be able to find an option to include them as an emergency contact.
You will receive a prompt asking for your consent to allow Alexa to try calling and messaging your contact if you or anyone in your household requests assistance through Alexa.
How to utilise Alexa Emergency Assist
If you are in the United States, Amazon has also launched a subscription service called Alexa Emergency Assist. When you request assistance on your Echo speaker, you will be connected with an Urgent Response person who can send emergency services. The Urgent Response representative can share important pre-saved information such as allergies or gate codes. The membership also includes Smart Alerts, where if a compatible Echo device detects smoke or a CO alarm, it can notify Urgent Response on your behalf.
To use Alexa Emergency Assist, go to Amazon’s website for the service and sign up ($5.99 per month or $59 per year). You can also say “Alexa, purchase Alexa Emergency Assist” to your intelligent speaker. After you have subscribed, you will find an option for Alexa Emergency Assist under the More tab of the Alexa app. Additionally, you can establish emergency contacts who will receive notifications when contacting Urgent Response.