How to Make Alexa Call 911

It takes a little work but you can set up your Amazon Echo for emergency calls

By
Tricia Goss
Tricia Goss
Tricia Goss
Writer
  • Pima College
Tricia Goss has been a writer and editor for 10+ years. She's written tips and tutorials for Microsoft Office applications and other sites.
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Updated on April 28, 2021

What to Know

  • Can Alexa call 911? Not directly, no. Due to regulatory compliance, you cannot currently use Alexa to call 911.
  • However, you can add an Amazon Echo Connect device to your existing landline or VoIP service to call 911 using Alexa.

This article explains workarounds that will allow Alexa to call 911 and introduces some Alexa skills that can connect you with help in an emergency for Amazon Echo, Echo Plus, Echo Show, Echo Spot, and Echo Dot devices.

Alexa Can Call 911 With Echo Connect

Amazon Echo Connect
Amazon Press Center

Using the Alexa Calling feature, owners of Amazon Echo devices can make phone calls that go device-to-device and even device-to-phone. But not to 911.

Amazon Echo Connect is a separate accessory that connects your Echo device to your existing landline or VoIP home phone service. When Echo Connect is setup, Alexa-enabled devices essentially turn into convenient, hands-free speakerphones.

Amazon Echo Connect will not make phone calls using mobile phone service.

Echo Connect is compatible with the following Alexa devices:

  • Echo (1st and 2nd generation) 
  • Echo Dot (1st and 2nd generation) 
  • Echo Plus
  • Echo Show 
  • Echo Spot

In addition to an Echo device and existing landline or VoIP home phone service, you will need to access the Alexa app on a smartphone or log in to alexa.amazon.com on a computer.

If you use the Echo Connect in addition to your Echo device, you'll be able to say, “Alexa, call 911,” and Alexa will connect you with local emergency services. 

Alexa Skills for Emergency Help

Amazon Echo Dot sitting on a stack of books.

Andres Urena / Pexels

If you prefer not to add another device or do not have a home telephone service, several skills could get you connected to someone who can help you in an emergency. Still, none of the following are 911 emergency services.

Ask My Buddy

This skill is not a substitute for 911. However, if you add this skill and set up your contacts, you can tell Alexa, “Ask My Buddy to send help,” and the people you choose will be alerted by text/SMS or voice phone calls. 

My SOS Family Skill

The people in your network don’t need an app when you use this skill (which does not call 911). Once you set up an account with My SOS Family, you can add unlimited contacts to get in touch with emergencies. Your contacts will receive text/SMS and voice phone calls.

This is not a free service.

SafeTrek Skill

Although this skill is still not a replacement for calling 911 directly, it might be a good option if you don’t have contacts close enough to help you physically in an emergency. With this skill enabled, if you say "Alexa, tell SafeTrek to send help,” a Five Diamond Certified SafeTrek agent will send help to your home.

Technology is constantly advancing and evolving. You may be able to ask Alexa to call 911 very soon, and it will do so. Until then, these alternatives can help keep you and your family safe.

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