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

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

Can Alexa dial 911?

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

Using an Echo Connect to call 911

Amazon’s Echo Connect accessory is a workaround for these limitations. The product links an Echo speaker to a landline, effectively turning it into an unrestricted speakerphone.

While it’s officially discontinued, you can occasionally find preowned units on sites like eBay. Setup remains supported as well, although you’ll need web access. You can get started by opening the Alexa app, selecting the Devices tab, then the plus icon up top. Search for “Echo Connect,” then follow the instructions that pop up when you tap it.

You’ll need a splitter adapter for your phone jack if you intend to make calls from a regular phone alongside your Echo speaker. Once everything is configured, all you need to do is say something like “Alexa, call 911.” Be careful about enabling this in homes with small children however — prank or accidental 911 calls could land you in trouble.

How to set up an emergency Alexa contact

If you don’t have a landline and an Echo Connect, the simplest alternative is to ensure 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 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.
• Select the More tab, then tap on Communicate towards the top 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. If you don’t see the option, it might not be available in your region.
• 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 Emergency Assist, and how do I set it up?

Alexa Emergency Assist is a US-only subscription service that expands what happens when you say “Alexa, call for help.” On top of supporting up to 25 emergency contacts instead of just one, it puts you in touch with an Urgent Response hotline. If the situation is warranted, an agent will call police, fire, or ambulance services, passing along essential pre-saved information such as allergies or gate codes needed to enter your property. Remember that it’s on you to keep that info current (see below).

The subscription replaces Amazon’s defunct Alexa Guard, but there is one trace of it — if a compatible Alexa device picks up the sound of a smoke or CO (carbon monoxide) alarm, you’ll get a notification on your phone with an audio recording, and the option to call Urgent Response if the threat seems genuine.

To get started with Emergency Assist, you can use just about any Echo-branded speaker or smart display, as well as some third-party Alexa devices that support Alexa Communications. The only Alexa products that definitely don’t support Emergency Assist are portable ones like the Echo Auto and Echo Buds. Amazon cautions that you should have at least one device within earshot of each smoke or CO alarm.

If you want to subscribe, use the “Alexa, buy Alexa Emergency Assist” voice command, or visit the service’s Amazon webpage. Once you’ve completed checkout, you’ll still need to configure settings. Open the Alexa app, select the More tab, then Alexa Emergency Assist. Tap Add/Remove to set up emergency contacts. To input your personal info, tap the gear icon, then Your Information.

At the moment, the service costs $5.99 per month, or $59 per year.

Frequently asked questions