Introduction
Amazon Sidewalk is a feature initially rolled out by Amazon in mid-2021 that creates a shared network between all Sidewalk-enabled devices. This shared network can extend limited network connectivity to devices on the network who’s primary network connection is no longer available, and can provide instant authentication when you’re setting up new devices. The other added benefit of Amazon Sidewalk is that it can be used to provide a location for trackers that work on the network, such as Tile devices. And while Amazon Sidewalk is enabled by default on all Amazon Alexa devices, thankfully, if you’re not comfortable with Amazon Sidewalk, Amazon makes it easy to turn the feature off. Examples of all instructions in the steps can be seen in the YouTube video below.
Steps to Turn Off Amazon Sidewalk
- Launch the Amazon Alexa app on your iPhone, iPad or Android device.
- Tap “More” in the row of menu items on the screen.
- Scroll down this list and then tap “Settings.”
- Tap “Account Settings.”
- Tap “Amazon Sidewalk.”
- Tap to toggle off “Enabled.” The Amazon Sidewalk feature is now turned off on all of your Amazon Alexa devices.
5 Reasons to Turn Off Amazon Sidewalk
1. Privacy Concerns
Amazon Sidewalk helps devices work better by sharing a small portion of your internet bandwidth. This feature involves transmitting data across multiple devices. Even though Amazon claims it uses three layers of encryption, some users might still feel uneasy. You may not want your device data potentially accessible on a broader network. Disabling Sidewalk can ensure that your data doesn’t leave your personal network. For anyone cautious about digital privacy, turning off Sidewalk could feel like a necessary step back towards personal data control.
2. Limited Control Over Shared Resources
Sidewalk uses a sliver of your home’s Wi-Fi bandwidth to help nearby Sidewalk-enabled devices stay connected. The idea is that you share up to 80 Kbps of your internet connection. For some, the inability to control exactly how much bandwidth is used, or which devices connect, can be a dealbreaker. If you experience internet speed issues, or if you have a capped data plan, these small amounts could add up. Opting out of Sidewalk means reclaiming full control over your home network’s bandwidth usage.
3. Security Risks
While Amazon has built Sidewalk with encryption, no system is foolproof. Introducing more devices to your network can potentially open up new vectors for cyber attacks. Each additional device could be a potential entry point for hackers. If security is a top priority, you might find that the risks outweigh the benefits. Disabling Sidewalk minimizes the risk by reducing the number of devices that can interact with your network.
4. Minimal Benefit to the Individual User
The benefits of Amazon Sidewalk are more communal than individual. It’s designed to ensure that devices like trackers and sensors work more reliably, which might not directly benefit you. If your devices are already performing well without Sidewalk, or if you don’t own many Sidewalk-compatible devices, the incentive to participate is low. Turning off Sidewalk might make sense if the personal gain seems negligible compared to the potential drawbacks.
5. Desire for Simplicity
Managing and understanding network settings can be complex. Adding another layer, like Sidewalk, might overwhelm some users. For those who prefer a straightforward, easy-to-manage network, keeping Sidewalk turned off keeps things simple. This can be particularly appealing for those not tech-savvy or for those who prefer to minimize their technological footprint. Opting out simplifies your network, making it easier to manage and monitor.
