Alexa is your new best friend. You can find the virtual assistant in the kitchen, the living room, and even the bedroom. But did you know the technology can help you get out of an emergency situation? It has your back, literally.

Alexa is equipped with an Emergency Help feature that you can turn on in the Alexa app to get help when you need it most. The feature is designed to provide an additional layer of security for those who might find themselves in a difficult or dangerous situation.

How to Set Up Emergency Contact

Setting up the Emergency Contact feature is easy. Here's how to set up Alexa to get help in an emergency:

1. Open the Alexa app for iOS or Android and tap Communicate on the bottom menu bar.

2. Tap the Contacts icon of the group silhouette in the upper-right corner.

3. Now, search or browse for the person you would like to designate as your emergency contact.

You need to pick someone you trust and who would be able to help if the need arises. They must also have a U.S phone number listed in their contact details.

Alexa will text your emergency contact to confirm them as an important person in case of emergencies. They'll be able to call and message you through Alexa on any device.

How To Use Emergency Help Feature

Using Alexa to notify your emergency contact in an emergency is simple. If you or anyone in your home needs assistance, just say:

  • "Alexa, call for help."
  • "Alexa, call my emergency contact."
  • "Alexa, call my help contact."
  • "Alexa, call my contact for help."

Alexa will call and text your emergency contact, and they'll be able to call you back on your Alexa-enabled device.

This is a good option for an elderly family member, a child at home alone, or a person who has disabilities and may not be able to access a phone.

The Emergency Help feature is just one more way Alexa can help make your life easier. With this new addition, you can feel confident that you have someone to rely on in an emergency.

Can Alexa Call 911?

Phone with 911 number

No, Alexa can't currently call 911 due to emergency access communication rules. But there are workarounds:

1. Using a Third-Party Dialing Service

While Alexa cannot directly call 911 on its own, the assistant can be paired with a third-party option like VoIP phone services to make sure that all of your emergency needs are met.

2. Alexa Guard Plus

Alexa Guard Plus offers several security services. It acts as a type of burglar alarm and can also make your home seem occupied by turning lights on in sequences throughout each evening.

Related: What Does Alexa Guard Do and How Does It Work

What makes it really special is that once you've activated this service, there's nothing else needed but to say "Alexa, call for help" when faced with an emergency. From that point on, an agent will talk to you and work out what your problem is before forwarding the call to appropriate responders who can help.

You'll be quickly connected to a service center where an agent will talk to you, ascertain the situation and then call the necessary responders. This might include your local police or ambulance service.

Emergency Help Is About More Than Calling For Help

The emergency contact feature isn't just about getting help in an emergency situation—it's about being better prepared for emergencies with 24/7 round-the-clock access to an emergency contact who can send assistance no matter what time of day or night it is.

Having an emergency contact is the first step to creating a safety plan and ensuring that you and your loved ones are protected no matter what.

With this new release, Alexa has become even more valuable as a companion for your family's safety and security. You can now rest easy knowing that there's someone at the other end of the line ready to help you out no matter what the emergency.