To check recent Alexa calls and Drop Ins, open the Alexa app and go to More > Communicate > Recents. To tell what a green Echo light means right now, look at its pattern: flashing green means an incoming call; spinning green means a call or Drop In is active. Recents is not a complete record, so a missing entry does not prove that no communication occurred.
Check Alexa call and Drop In history
- Open the Alexa app.
- Select More > Communicate > Recents. The Recents page lists available Calls and Drop Ins.
- Select a listed entry to call or Drop In on that contact or device again.
Amazon Customer Service says the app provides up to the last 90 days of Call and Drop In history; the source does not state a year for that figure. See Amazon’s Calling and Drop In History help page.
Remove listed history
- To remove one entry, swipe left on it and select Remove.
- To remove all listed entries, select More on the Recents page, then choose Remove all Calling and Drop In history.
Removing entries changes what is displayed in Recents; it does not reveal or recover events that were never listed.
Read the Echo’s green light
| Indicator | What it means | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Flashing green | An incoming call | Check the Alexa app or a device screen for available caller details and decide whether to answer. |
| Spinning green | A call or Drop In is active | If you did not intend to connect, say “Hang Up” and review voice history for a possible misheard request. |
Amazon describes these communication-light patterns in its Echo light-ring help. The green light indicates communication state; it does not, by itself, establish who initiated the interaction.
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Tell a call from a Drop In
Regular Alexa call
A regular call announces the caller on supported Echo devices. An Echo with a display can show an incoming-call screen, and the Alexa app can send a phone or tablet notification with an incoming-call screen where you can answer.
Drop In
Drop In is an optional feature that connects automatically to a supported Alexa-enabled device for two-way audio and, on compatible devices, video. Contact Drop In requires permission from both parties; household Drop In can connect supported devices in the Amazon household. Amazon says an incoming Drop In produces an audio tone and visual indicator. A screenless Echo shows a green in-call light while it is active. See Amazon’s Drop In help.
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Why a call or Drop In may be missing from Recents
Amazon says the history does not include every kind of communication. Some calls made through Alexa Skills, certain third-party devices, or a linked mobile-phone account may not appear. Group calls and group Drop Ins are also omitted. Recents is therefore useful for reviewing listed activity, but it should not be treated as a complete audit trail.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Limit unexpected Alexa communication
Turn off Drop In for one Echo
- In the Alexa app, open Devices > Echo & Alexa.
- Select the Echo, then open Settings > Communications.
- Turn off Drop In for that device.
Change who can Drop In
Review permissions at More > Settings > Communication > Drop In Preference, or open the relevant contact card. Contact permissions control who can Drop In; Do Not Disturb is broader and can silence incoming Alexa calls and messages on a device.
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- Content sounds incredible: Stream music or watch shows on Prime Video, Netflix, and more. All with room-filling spatial audio, crisper vocals, wider sound stage, and up to 2x bass versus Echo Show 8 (2023 release). With Alexa+, find the name of that song you love and discover new shows based on your preferences.
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- Alexa can show you more - Echo Show 5 includes a 5.5” display so you can see news and weather at a glance, make video calls, view compatible cameras, stream music and shows, and more.
- Small size, bigger sound – Stream your favorite music, shows, podcasts, and more from providers like Amazon Music, Spotify, and Prime Video—now with deeper bass and clearer vocals. Includes a 5.5" display so you can view shows, song titles, and more at a glance.
- Keep your home comfortable – Control compatible smart devices like lights and thermostats, even while you're away.
- See more with the built-in camera – Check in on your family, pets, and more using the built-in camera. Drop in on your home when you're out or view the front door from your Echo Show 5 with compatible video doorbells.
- See your photos on display – When not in use, set the background to a rotating slideshow of your favorite photos. Invite family and friends to share photos to your Echo Show. Prime members also get unlimited cloud photo storage.
Rank #3
- New size, more viewing area: The 11“ smart display features a vibrant Full-HD touchscreen with 60% more viewing area versus Echo Show 8 (2025 release), built-in smart home hub, AZ3 Pro chip for powerful performance, and Omnisense technology for highly personalized experiences.
- Content looks and sounds incredible: Watch shows on Prime Video, Netflix, and more on the vibrant Full-HD 11" screen and enjoy room-filling spatial audio, crisper vocals, wider sound stage, and up to 2x bass versus Echo Show 8 (2023 release). With Alexa+, find the name of that song you love and discover new shows based on your preferences.
- Your everyday assistant: The 11" display makes it easy to see recipes and calendars at a glance, find meal inspo, and manage your shopping lists. With Alexa+, find recipes based on foods you love, make reservations, order groceries, and more.
- Simple Smart Home control: Pair and control thousands of devices that work with Alexa without needing a separate smart home hub. Easily view your camera feeds. Manage lights, thermostats, and more using the display or your voice. With Omnisense technology, you can activate routines via temperature, presence, or visual ID detection.
- Crystal-clear video calls: Video calls feel natural on the vibrant 11" screen with a centered, auto-framing camera, 3.3x zoom, and noise reduction technology. Use live view to check in on your family, pets, and more while you're away.
Respond to unexpected activity
- If a call or Drop In is active unexpectedly, say “Hang Up.”
- Check voice history for a request Alexa may have misheard.
- Turn off Drop In or disable communications on the particular device if you do not want it to receive these interactions.
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