Can Alexa call 911? How to set up Alexa for emergencies

Amazon likes to people to think of Alexa devices as a one-stop shop for communication. You can make (most) outgoing phone calls on its Echo speakers, and if you have an Echo Show, there are multiple video calling options. But will Alexa call 911 for you in an emergency?

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Unfortunately, you can’t ask Alexa to call emergency services directly. In the US at least this is due to regulatory compliance — FCC rules require that 911-capable devices provide both location data and a callback number, which are theoretically feasible for Alexa, but something Amazon has opted not to implement. Whenever possible, you should use a cellular or landline phone in a serious emergency.

Using an Echo Connect to call 911

A workaround for these limitations is Amazon’s Echo Connect accessory, which links an Echo speaker to a landline, allowing that speaker to work as an unrestricted speakerphone. The Echo Connect is officially discontinued, but you can occasionally find preowned units on sites like eBay, and setup remains supported within the Alexa app for Android, iPhone/iPad, and the web.

You’ll need a splitter adapter for your phone jack if you intend to make calls from a regular phone alongside your Echo speaker. But once everything is configured, all you’ll need to do is say “Alexa, call 911.”

How to set up an emergency Alexa contact

If you don’t have a landline and an Echo Connect, the simplest alternative is to make sure you have an emergency contact attached to your Alexa account such as a doctor, a loved one, or even your neighbor. In a pinch, that person can call emergency services for you and/or come to your aid until authorities arrive.

To add and use an emergency contact in Alexa, do the following:

• Open the Alexa app for Android, iPhone, or iPad.
• Tap on the Communicate tab at the bottom of the screen.
• Tap on the contacts icon (two people) in the upper-right corner.
• Open the triple-dot menu in the upper-right.
• Select Emergency Contact.
• Follow prompts to select an existing contact or create a new one. Note that you can’t add emergency services like 911, and anyone you select will receive a message informing them of your choice.
• If you ever need help, ask Alexa to “call for help” or “call my emergency contact.”

What is Alexa Guard, and how do I set it up?

Alexa Guard is currently US-only service and won’t call 911 or other emergency services directly, but it does provide a layer of home security, and for a fee it can get you in touch with those services indirectly. When Guard is set to Away mode by saying “Alexa, I’m leaving,” your Echo speakers start listening for the sounds of breaking glass and smoke/carbon monoxide alarms. You receive alerts on your phone, and linked smart lighting can be set to turn on and off to simulate your presence. If you’ve got a security system from ADT, Ring, or Scout, it can also be linked.

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Amazon sells an upgraded service called Alexa Guard Plus, which costs $4.99 per month or $49 per year unless you’re already subscribed to Ring Protect Plus. This enhances audio detection to include things like footsteps and closing doors, and can use outdoor security cameras to trigger lighting. It can even play dog barking sounds if motion is detected outside, and a siren sound if activity is indoors.

Most importantly for our purposes, Guard Plus can call Amazon’s Emergency Helpline when you say “Alexa, call for help” instead of a personal emergency contact. A Helpline representative will talk to the appropriate emergency department once they have your information.

Here’s how to get start with either version of Alexa Guard:

• Open the Alexa app for Android, iPhone, or iPad.
• Tap the More tab at the bottom of the screen.
• Tap Settings.
• Select Guard. You’ll have to scroll down the list a bit.
• Pick Set Up Guard, then follow prompts.
• If you want Guard Plus but already have the basic Guard active, go back to the Guard dashboard, then tap Finish Guard Plus Setup.

A final caution: you’ll want at least one Echo speaker within range of each alarm and entry point if you want Guard to be effective. The good news is that the technology is compatible with every dedicated speaker in the Echo lineup, including the Echo Dot, which costs $50 or less.

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