Do you want to make phone calls using Alexa without using a smartphone? Do you wish your Alexa-enabled device to follow your command of placing a phone call by saying, “Alexa, call 555-555-5555,” or just say “Alexa, make a phone call to maa”? There are several ways to do so. However, the features keep on changing, and there is no sure shot.
Here are some ways Alexa can make phone calls without a smartphone.
Further reading: What Is Alexa And What Does Alexa Do?
Through Alexa.amazon.com
One of the easiest ways most people follow to make phone calls without a smartphone is with the help of a web browser. As a basic fact of setting up Alexa, users can download the Alexa app on their mobile device or create an amazon account through the web browser.
For those not using the smartphone and thereby Alexa app on a mobile device, setting up Alexa would require opening alexa.amazon.com on the web browser on a computer device (obviously). After setting up your Alexa device through the web browser and setting contacts on it as well, there is a possibility that you can make a call on Alexa without any use of the smartphone.
You need to set up a home Wi-Fi for this to work. Alexa works with an active internet connection.
This worked quite well a few years back. However, people have started experiencing problems with the trick.
Through Echo Show (Feasible For Elderlies)
You may also like: Best Way To Setup Alexa For Elderly
You need to have an Echo Show in your house to make phone calls on Alexa without a smartphone. This device works for elderlies who are unable to use a smartphone.
Echo Show is a smart device with a screen. It is like a bedside clock with a screen that is a lot similar to the smartphone but easier to use for elderlies.
This is feasible if you have a flip phone available at home. The method works well, and you can video call your elderly through this setup.
Firstly, you need to set up Echo Show and connect to your home Wi-Fi or wherever you are setting it up.
Now, if you do not have a smartphone at all, you can open alexa.amazon.com and sign in to your account. Alternatively, you can use your smartphone to do so (using just for setting up).
Create an Amazon account of your loved one and add the necessary contacts to it. You will have to enter her phone number. Use the number of the flip phone to receive the code. Enter the 6-digit code when received, and the account will be set up. Add Echo Show as her Alexa device. Now, log out from their account and sign in to your account. (You can do this separately on two devices simultaneously as well). Add your loved one contact in your Alexa app as well.
Both Accounts Need To Have Each Other In Alexa App Contacts.
Now, from your smartphone Alexa app, tap on the ‘Communicate’ button in the Alexa app. Choose the contact you want to call and scroll down to tap Alexa video call. This will place a video call on Echo Show and allow you to communicate with the other person without having a smartphone.
Through Echo Connect
There used to be this solution to connect to Echo Connect and make calls, but since Echo Connect is no longer available in the market, it is not worth it now.
If you still have an Echo Connect, you can try the procedure, though. According to this, you first set up the Echo Connect using alexa.amazom.com if you do not have a smartphone. You can add the contacts in the address book through the same site.
You also need to have at least another Echo device to make this work. Set up the two devices together using the laptop, computer, or tablet. Just keep the two devices in the vicinity of the device and have a home Wi-Fi to make it work.
Echo Connect uses VOIP phones services to place a call. You can go to the Alexa contacts and pick a contact you want to place on the wall. The call will be placed without using the smartphone. The only downside is you necessarily have to open your tablet, computer, or tablet and stay logged in to your Amazon account to make it work.
Using AskMyBuddy and Alexa Guard Plus
If you have a premium subscription of AskMyBuddy or Alexa guard Plus, the users can make calls without the smartphone to an Alexa-enabled Echo device. You just need a smartphone to set the AskMybuddy or Alexa Guard Plus in your home.
You can thereby place calls through them by saying, “Alexa, call 911” or “Alexa, call for help”. Also, if you have an AT&T or Verizon Wireless plan, you can place calls to everyone directly through the Echo device.
You may also like: Can Alexa Call For Help?
Conclusion
In short, you necessarily do not need a smartphone to set up Alexa. However, to make calls without a smartphone using Alexa, you need to have an alternative device like a tablet, laptop, or computer access. If not, having an Echo Show can do the work.
You can always place calls on your Alexa device if it’s connected to Wi-Fi by contact number. However, you need to have contacts added to your Alexa account for placing calls through names. This can be done through alexa.amazon.com and signing into your amazon account. If you do not have one, you can create a new account and verify it using any of your working contact numbers on which a 6-digit code can be received (this could be a flip phone or any old phone, not necessarily a smartphone).