If you own an Alexa compatible devices at home, you’re probably wondering if Alexa can call 911. Unfortunately, due to regulatory compliance, we aren’t able to use Alexa to call 911 directly — for now anyway. But we can share a few workarounds that will allow Alexa to call 911 and introduce you to some Alexa skills that can connect you with help should an emergency arise. 

 

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 just yet. 

 

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

 

Here are the following Alexa devices that are compatible with Echo Connect: 

 

  • 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 can give commands such as “Alexa, call 911,” and Alexa will connect you with local emergency services. If you prefer not to add another device or don’t have landline service, several skills can get you connected to someone who can help you in an emergency, but 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 give the following command to Alexa, “Ask My Buddy to send help,” and the people you have as contacts will be alerted via SMS, email, and even voice phone calls. 

 

My SOS Family Skill

Using this skill won’t require the people in your network to have an app (which doesn’t call 911.) Once you set up an account with My SOS Family, you can add unlimited contacts to get in touch with in case of an emergency. Your contacts will receive SMS, email, and voice phone calls. However, this service doesn’t come for free. 

 

SafeTrek Skill

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, you can command Alexa by saying, “Alexa, tell Safe Trek to send help,” and a Five Diamond Certified Safe Trek agent will send help to your home. 

 

Because technology is continuously advancing and evolving, we may be able to ask Alexa to call 911 very soon — and maybe then she might do so. Until then, these are the alternatives that you can use to help keep you and your family safe should the unexpected happen.