[Full Guide] Alexa Drop In Not Working? Here’s How to Fix It

Introduction.

Are you wondering why is drop in not working on Alexa? If that is the case, you have arrived at the right place. Drop in is one of the most useful features that Amazon’s Alexa offers, and there is no doubt about that. The feature allows users to drop in on other Echo devices and speak with their friends and family members, all through the smart speaker. The only thing you require for the drop in feature to work is to receive permission from the other Echo devices.

As long as you have your friends and family members added to your Alexa contacts, you can start a group conversation at any time. All you have to do is ask Alexa to call them. On the downside of things, the feature doesn’t always work and users are stuck with the Alexa drop in not working problem. To make things more annoying, Amazon’s support page is not very helpful with drop in problems. If you are stuck in this issue, you don’t need to worry because we are here to help.

How to Fix Alexa Drop In Not Working

#1 Check for Compatibility

The first troubleshooting step that you need to take when fixing an Alexa device is to check for compatibility. If the Echo smart speakers are not compatible, there is no way to make them function. The drop in function is supported on the following devices:

• Amazon Echo (1st Generation);
• Amazon Echo (2nd Generation);
• Echo Dot (1st Generation);
• Echo Dot (2nd Generation);
• Echo Show;
• Echo Spot;
• Echo Plus;
• Alexa app (is required to start Drop In).

#2 Check User Permission

One of the most common reasons why Alexa app drop in stops working is because the users (aka family members or friends) don’t have the required permission. Fortunately, you can fix this issue in less than a couple of minutes. All you have to do is access the Alexa Contacts app from your smartphone and enable the drop in feature. Here’s how to do it:

• Open the Alexa app;
• Select the Action button (top-left corner);
• Select Contacts from the drop-down menu;
• Now, click on your profile (at the top);
• Toggle the Allow Drop In function;
• Tap OK to confirm the action.

#3 Disable the Do Not Disturb Mode

This might come as a surprise, but the DND mode might be the reason why you can’t use the drop in feature. As the mode’s name implies, it is designed to prevent users from being disturbed and this includes blocking all drop in calls. On the bright side of things, the mode can be disabled with simple vocal commands. Use the following lines:

• “Alexa, don’t disturb me” (to enable the mode);
• “Alexa, turn off do not disturb” (to disable the mode).

Sidenote: we want to mention that there is an alternative way to disable the DND mode. You can also use a compatible smartphone that has installed the Alexa app and tap on the “Do Not Disturb” icon at the top of the screen.

#4 Reset the Echo Device

If none of the previous methods helped fix the Alexa drop in not working problem for you, a great idea is to reset the Echo Device. Doing this will make sure that all the Alexa settings are set to default and that the smart speaker is running as it should.

#5 Update or Reinstall the Amazon Alexa App

Another common issue that leads to Amazon drop in not working is the Alexa app’s software. Amazon is constantly improving the software of the app through regular updates and this is why updating the app is always a high-priority. If downloading the latest update for the app is not doing the trick, you should consider reinstalling it. The reason behind this is that by reinstalling the app, you will basically reset all settings to default.  The app is free to download on Android and iOS.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can you drop in on Alexa users without them knowing?

The short answer is no. Amazon’s smart speakers do not allow users to eavesdrop and this is why when the drop in feature is being used, the device will make a special ringing noise and flash the green light.

2. Why is drop in not working on Alexa?

The most common reason is that the drop in feature is not supported by your device. You can check out step #1 on our list to see all the compatible devices.

3. How do you silence Alexa drop in?

The best way to silence Alexa drop in is to disable the app from the Alexa app on your smartphone. You can do this by accessing the Communications tab and disabling the permissions for Drop In.