What is Amazon Sidewalk, Opt-Out or Secure?

Amazon Sidewalk is a mesh network enabling devices like Echo smart speakers and Ring security cameras to connect to the internet over large distances. This network extends beyond the limits of personal Wi-Fi, allowing my devices to stay connected even when they’re on the outskirts of my network’s coverage.

As someone who values privacy, I understand the concerns that come with technology like Amazon Sidewalk. While it’s designed with multiple layers of privacy and security, I might prefer to keep my network entirely to myself, not sharing any portion of my internet bandwidth with the neighborhood.

If you choose to disable Sidewalk, it does not affect the basic functionalities of the devices; they will still operate normally within the boundaries of my personal Wi-Fi network.

How Does Amazon Sidewalk Work?

Amazon Sidewalk is a mesh network that utilizes the power of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to extend coverage. Imagine it as a system of invisible bridges interlinking various Sidewalk-enabled devices, such as Amazon Echo, Echo Show, and Ring Cameras.

These bridges create a shared network, facilitating compatible devices to help each other stay connected further from your home.

Here’s a basic overview of how it functions:

Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Connections: Sidewalk employs Bluetooth and Wi-Fi signals to communicate between compatible devices. These connections are low-bandwidth but capable of extending the range of devices beyond regular Wi-Fi.
Mesh Network: In a mesh network, each Sidewalk-enabled device becomes a node that can pass data to the next. This resilient connectivity extends the range without needing a single central router.
Sidewalk Network: The Sidewalk Network is like a community helping hand. If one device in the network has a weak connection, another nearby Sidewalk device can chip in and offer connectivity support.

It’s essential to know that Amazon Sidewalk is designed with privacy and security in mind. The network uses three layers of encryption, ensuring that users’ data is protected as it moves across the network.

The Sidewalk bridge, typically an Echo device or a Ring security camera, serves as the anchor, helping devices like trackers or outdoor lights stay connected even at the boundary of usual Wi-Fi coverage.

Why Should You Turn Off Amazon Sidewalk?

Turning off Amazon Sidewalk might be my priority if I have concerns about privacy or bandwidth. Sidewalk uses a small portion of my home’s internet bandwidth to create a shared network, enabling devices to remain connected even if they’re out of range of my home network.

Here are the reasons you might opt to disable Amazon Sidewalk:

Privacy: You value your privacy. Although Amazon claims Sidewalk is designed with multiple layers of privacy and security, I might still be uncomfortable with my device contributing to a community network due to the concerns about whether third parties could access your network or data.
Security: One of the primary security concerns is the possibility of unauthorized access to your network. There are theoretical risks that vulnerabilities could be exploited whenever devices automatically connect to networks. You might prefer to know that your devices are not connected to a mesh network.
Bandwidth: Even though Sidewalk uses minimal internet bandwidth, you may not want any additional strain on the network if you already have a limited bandwidth cap or if many devices are connected.
Data: You are cautious about your data usage. While Amazon assures that the amount of data used by Sidewalk is capped at 500 MB per month, every bit counts, especially if you are on a metered connection.

What Devices Use Amazon Sidewalk?

Both Echo and Ring devices can serve as Sidewalk Bridges. These bridges are essentially the core of Amazon Sidewalk, providing the necessary connectivity for the network to function correctly.

Echo Devices

Most Echo devices act as Sidewalk Bridges. This includes various models of smart speakers and smart displays with Alexa built-in. Notably, Amazon is careful to update its devices to support Sidewalk, so most recent Echo products would have this capability.

Ring Devices

Similar to Echo, various Ring devices also operate within the Sidewalk network. These include select Ring floodlight and Ring spotlight cam wired or mounted, which can contribute specifically to the Sidewalk’s extended network for community-finding features.

Sidewalk-Enabled Devices

Amazon’s Sidewalk isn’t limited to Amazon-produced hardware. It supports many third-party trackers and devices from other Sidewalk-enabled manufacturers.

The benefit of such a network greatly hinges on community participation.

In summary, if you own Echo or Ring devices, they’re likely part of the Amazon Sidewalk network unless you opt-out. Reviewing and managing your device settings is essential to ensure your preferences are reflected in your network activities.

How to Opt-Out of Amazon Sidewalk?

Knowing how to manage Amazon Sidewalks is essential if you value privacy and control over your smart devices. You can disable Amazon Sidewalk across your devices using the Alexa App directly, within your Amazon account, or through the Ring app if you use Ring devices.

In The Alexa App

Opening the Amazon Alexa app on your iOS or Android phone or tablet begins the process. Ensure the app is updated to the latest version to avoid any issues.

Open the Alexa app and tap More, followed by Settings and Account Settings.

There, you’ll find Amazon Sidewalk. Click on it and toggle the switch to disable it.

In The Ring App

For those who use Ring security devices, the Ring App also controls Amazon Sidewalk.

Launch the Ring app on your smartphone, expand the menu settings, and click on the Control Center.

From there, you tap Amazon Sidewalk and disable it for all your connected Ring devices.

6 Ways To Secure Amazon Sidewalk If You Want to Keep it On

If you’re enjoying the benefits of Amazon Sidewalk but are concerned about safety, I’ve got you covered. Below are six specific measures to ensure your Sidewalk network is secured while it keeps your devices connected.

Consider Using VPN

I use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to safeguard my data on Amazon Sidewalk. A VPN encrypts the internet connection and can hide my device’s IP address, adding an extra layer of security against potential threats.

Keep Firewall Enabled

I always enable the firewall on my network to protect the devices. A firewall acts as a barrier between my trusted network and untrusted networks, such as the internet, essential for intercepting unwanted access to my devices on Amazon Sidewalk.

Set Strong Credentials In Your Home Network

It’s critical to set strong credentials for my home network devices—routers, smart devices, and anything connected to Amazon Sidewalk. This means complex passwords and unique usernames that are changed regularly to prevent unauthorized access.

WPA2 Traffic Encryption

To increase security, I utilize WPA2 encryption for my Wi-Fi network. This encryption method encrypts data transmitted over the network to protect it against eavesdropping and unauthorized access, making it difficult for outsiders to capture and read my data.

Use Anti-Virus Software

Effective anti-virus software is non-negotiable for me. This software can detect and eliminate many types of malware that might infect my network devices, providing security against various cyber threats.

Keep Router Software Updated

Lastly, I ensure that my router’s firmware is continuously updated. Manufacturers release software updates that can fix vulnerabilities, thus reducing the risk of security breaches and keeping my internet connection secure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I switch off Amazon Sidewalk if I do not own any Alexa-enabled devices?

If you do not have any Alexa devices, you do not need to disable Amazon Sidewalk, as it is specifically related to those devices. Sidewalk utilizes the connections from devices like Echo or Ring to extend network coverage.

Why can’t I find the option to turn off Amazon Sidewalk in my settings?

The option to disable Amazon Sidewalk should be within your Alexa app. Ensure your app is updated to the latest version if it’s not visible. The pathway to settings can sometimes vary depending on the device and app version, or the sidewalk may not be available in your country.