To make video calls on an Amazon Fire tablet, you have two reliable, officially supported methods: the built-in Alexa app and Skype from the Amazon Appstore. Avoid unsupported apps like Google Meet, as they are not officially available and workarounds to install them can be complex, unstable, and carry security risks.
The 2 official ways to make video calls on Amazon Fire tablet
Your Fire tablet comes with the Alexa app preinstalled, which allows you to make video calls to other Alexa-enabled devices or to anyone with the Alexa app on their phone. For calls to anyone else, Skype is the officially supported option available directly from the Amazon Appstore. While you may be tempted to use the Fire tablet for other services, apps like Google Meet are not in the Amazon Appstore, and the unofficial methods to download Google Play Store on a Fire tablet are not supported, can break with updates, and pose security risks.
How to make a video call with the Alexa app
- Open the Alexa app on your Fire tablet.
- Tap the "Communicate" tab at the bottom of the screen.
- Select the contact you want to call from your list or use the search bar to find them.
- Tap the video call icon (a small camera) in the conversation window to start the call.
Note that the person you are calling needs to have an Alexa-enabled device, like an Echo Show, or the Alexa app installed on their own phone or tablet to receive the call.
How to make a video call with Skype
- Open the Amazon Appstore on your Fire tablet and search for "Skype."
- Download and install the Skype app.
- Open Skype and sign in with your Microsoft account, or create a new account if you don't have one.
- Find the contact you want to call from your contact list.
- Tap the video call icon to begin the call.
How to enable video calls for an Amazon Kids profile
To allow a child to make video calls from their Amazon Kids profile, a parent must first grant consent. Open the Amazon Parent Dashboard, go to "Fire Tablet Settings," then select "Manage Communications." Enable video calling features there. Additionally, parents must approve specific contacts in the Alexa app on their own mobile device for the child to be able to call them, much like setting up regular voice calls when you call on Amazon Fire tablet. If you are also looking for more ways to entertain kids on the device, you can get Pokemon go on Amazon Fire tablet with a few workarounds. These communication features for Kids profiles are supported on Fire tablets running FireOS 5 and higher.
Troubleshooting video call problems on a Fire tablet
If you experience poor video quality or a choppy connection, the most common cause is an unstable Wi-Fi connection. Ensure your Fire tablet is connected to a strong, stable Wi-Fi network. If your camera or microphone is not working during a video call, check the app permissions. Go to your device's Settings, find the app you are using (Alexa or Skype), and confirm that both the camera and microphone permissions are enabled.
