How to opt out of Amazon's bandwidth sharing Sidewalk network

Amazon is enabling Sidewalk today, a low-bandwidth network designed to keep compatible devices connected even though They lost the link with your router. Many Echo and Ring products are automatically used as bridges to extend the network range. Although Amazon says that Sidewalk is protected by multiple layers of encryption, users may not want the company to use their bandwidth or equipment in this way.

You'll need to opt out if you don't want to participate in Sidewalk. To do so for Echo devices, access your account settings through the Alexa app, then select Disable under the Amazon Sidewalk menu. For Ring products, go to the control center in the Ring app, then the Amazon Sidewalk options. From there, tap Disable, then Confirm.

People who buy a compatible Echo for the first time can opt out of Sidewalk while they're setting up the speaker. You'll still be able to turn on Sidewalk later if you change your mind.

The following devices are eligible to be used as Sidewalk brid

Ring Floodlight Cam (2019)

Ring Spotlight Cam Wired (2019)

Ring Spotlight Cam Mount (2019)

Echo (3rd gen and newer)

Echo Dot (3rd gen and newer)

Echo Dot for Kids (3rd gen and newer)

Echo Dot with Clock (3rd gen and newer)

Echo Plus (all generations)

Echo Show (2nd gen)

Echo Show 5, 8, 10 (all generations)

Echo Spot

Echo Studio

Echo Input

Echo Flex

Sidewalk is effectively a mass mesh network. It earmarks a small chunk of your internet bandwidth (80Kbps per bridge and up to 500MB of monthly data in total) to share with your neighbors. Sidewalk uses Bluetooth, the 900 MHz spectrum and other frequencies to expand the coverage area. The program is US-only for now.

The idea is to keep Echo speakers, Ring cameras, outdoor lights, motion sensors and other low-power devices connected even if they're out with your regular WiFi range. Tile trackers will also start working with the network on June 14th .