To call on Amazon Fire tablet, you use the built-in Alexa Communication feature or install third-party apps like Zoom or Skype, because the tablet lacks a SIM card slot and cannot make cellular calls or send traditional text messages. All calls require a Wi-Fi connection, and you call other Alexa users by name rather than a phone number. If you need to register your device for support, first find serial number on Amazon Fire tablet.
How to call on Amazon Fire tablet: what you need to know
Amazon Fire tablets do not support SIM cards, so they cannot make traditional cellular phone calls or send standard text messages directly. Instead, calling relies entirely on an internet connection through Wi-Fi. There are two primary methods: Alexa Communication, which lets you make voice and video calls to other Alexa users, and third-party apps such as Zoom, Google Meet, Facebook Messenger, and Skype, which you can download from the Amazon Appstore to call anyone with those apps. Note that Apple FaceTime is not available on Fire tablets.
Set up Alexa Communication for voice and video calls
Before you can make video calls on Amazon Fire tablet, you must set up Alexa Communication. Follow these steps:
- Connect your Fire tablet to a stable Wi-Fi network.
- Open the Settings app by swiping down from the top of the screen and tapping the gear icon.
- Sign into your Amazon account if you haven't already. If you don't have an account, you will need to create one.
- Enable Alexa Communication by going to the Communication settings and following the on-screen instructions. You may be prompted to verify your phone number.
- Grant any necessary permissions for the calling functionality to work.
Once completed, you can use the Fire tablet to make and receive Alexa calls.
Make a call with Alexa on your Fire tablet
To make a call using Alexa Communication, open the Alexa app or use the drop-in feature. You call other Alexa users by their name, not by a phone number. During the call, you can use on-screen options to mute, switch to speakerphone, or adjust the volume. Remember that all calls rely on your Wi-Fi connection.
Receive calls and use in-call controls
When someone calls you via Alexa Communication, your Fire tablet displays a notification with the caller's name. To answer, swipe the notification to the right or tap the answer button. To decline, swipe left or tap the decline button. Once connected, you can use in-call controls such as mute, speaker, and volume adjustments. If you miss a call, the caller can leave a message if voicemail is set up.
Enable calling for Amazon Kids profiles
To let your child make calls on their Fire tablet, you must enable communication features through the Parent Dashboard. This works on Fire tablets running FireOS 5 and higher. First, go to the Parent Dashboard and select "Fire Tablet Settings" then "Manage Communications" to grant parental consent. Next, to add contacts to Fire tablet for your child, open the Alexa app on a compatible mobile device, go to "Communicate" > "Contacts," tap your name, then your child's name, and select "Add New Contact" to approve specific contacts. Only approved contacts will be callable. To download apps on kids Fire tablet for calling, you can install third-party apps from the Amazon Appstore, but parental approval may be required.
Use third-party apps to call anyone
If you need to call people who don't use Alexa, you can download apps like Zoom, Google Meet, Facebook Messenger, or Skype from the Amazon Appstore. These apps allow you to call any phone number or user within the same app over Wi-Fi. To download Google Play store on a Fire tablet, you would need to sideload it manually, but for calling purposes, the Amazon Appstore offers sufficient options. Note that FaceTime is not supported on Fire tablets.
Manage your contacts for easier calling
To add contacts to Fire tablet, open the Contacts app from the home screen or app drawer. Tap the plus icon to add a new contact, entering their name and relevant details, then save. To edit an existing contact, tap it, make changes, and save. To delete a contact, swipe left or tap the delete icon and confirm. You can also sync contacts with your Amazon account or other accounts like Google to keep them backed up and accessible across devices. Organizing contacts into groups can make calling faster.
Troubleshooting common call issues
If you experience poor audio or dropped calls, ensure your Wi-Fi connection is stable and try switching networks. For notification problems, check that the calling app's notifications are enabled in Settings. If contacts are not syncing correctly, restart your device or re-sync your Amazon account. If you cannot hear the other person, adjust the call volume using the on-screen controls during a call. For persistent issues, contact Amazon customer support for device-specific guidance.
