Amazon Sidewalk, a shared network designed to extend the range of smart home devices, launched in 2021. While it offers benefits like finding lost items and improving connectivity, some users have privacy concerns. This guide provides a step-by-step walkthrough on how to disable Amazon Sidewalk.
Understanding Amazon Sidewalk and Sidewalk Bridges
Sidewalk utilizes select devices as “Sidewalk Bridges” to create a low-power, wide-range network. These bridges, including specific Echo and Ring devices, leverage a small portion of your internet bandwidth (capped at 500MB per month) to extend the network’s reach. While Amazon assures users of robust security measures, some may still prefer to disable the feature. Sidewalk Bridges extend coverage significantly, allowing devices like Tile trackers to function over a much larger area than standard Bluetooth range. This means a lost pet wearing a Tile tracker could potentially be located miles away, thanks to the Sidewalk network.
Addressing Privacy Concerns
Amazon emphasizes the security and privacy of Sidewalk, employing encryption and data limits. However, sharing bandwidth and user data with a wider network can raise concerns. Disabling Sidewalk offers peace of mind for those who prioritize data privacy or prefer not to share their internet bandwidth. Amazon states that Sidewalk Bridges have a 500MB monthly data cap and data sent from bridges to Amazon servers is capped at 80Kbps. Furthermore, data is encrypted. Despite these measures, you may still wish to opt out.
Disabling Amazon Sidewalk: A Step-by-Step Guide
Disabling Sidewalk is a straightforward process using the Alexa app:
Step 1: Access Account Settings:
- Open the Alexa app on your phone or tablet.
- Tap “More” in the bottom right corner.
- Navigate to “Settings” and then “Account Settings.”
Step 2: Locate Amazon Sidewalk:
- In the Account Settings menu, find and select “Amazon Sidewalk.”
Step 3: Disable Sidewalk:
- You’ll see a description of Sidewalk and a toggle switch.
- Slide the toggle to the “Off” position to disable Sidewalk.
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Disabling Sidewalk will not affect the core functionality of your devices. They will continue to operate normally, but without participating in the Sidewalk network.
The Future of Sidewalk
Despite initial privacy concerns, Sidewalk has become increasingly integrated into smart home ecosystems. Many devices automatically enable Sidewalk upon setup. However, the ability to easily disable the feature remains crucial for users who prioritize data privacy. Regularly reviewing your Amazon Sidewalk settings allows you to control your participation in the network.
