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Amazon Sidewalk Will be Enabled by Default

The company’s new mesh network will be opt-out only

By Joshua Hawkins Joshua Hawkins Freelance Technology Reporter Full Sail University Josh Hawkins is a freelance writer for Lifewire who loves writing about the latest tech and gadgets that help make people’s lives easier. As an avid gamer and VR enthusiast, he also enjoys diving deep into the technology that helps bring those kinds of experiences to life. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on May 13, 2021 01:55PM EDT Fact checked by Rich Scherr Fact checked by Rich Scherr University of Maryland Baltimore County Rich Scherr is a seasoned technology and financial journalist who spent nearly two decades as the editor of Potomac and Bay Area Tech Wire. lifewire's fact checking process Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Smart & Connected Life Mobile Phones Internet & Security Computers & Tablets Smart Life Home Theater & Entertainment Software & Apps Social Media Streaming Gaming Amazon Sidewalk, a shared network designed to create smart neighborhoods by letting your devices connect across Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, is set to launch later this year and will be turned on automatically. Recently, Amazon revealed that Sidewalk's mesh network would become more widely available on June 8. The service will use eligible Ring products—like floodlights and security cameras—as well as applicable Echo smart speakers to create a network that allows for expanded connection to all your smart devices. While beneficial, Inc. reports that Sidewalk will be enabled by default, which could raise privacy concerns with some users. Amazon As Amazon notes in its original announcement, Sidewalk has the potential to help users in a number of ways. The first, of course, is in connecting your own devices more easily. Sidewalk will essentially create a network that can act as a bridge if you have smart devices that aren’t within reach of your standard Wi-Fi connection. Amazon also says that the network eventually could help find pets, valuables, and other lost items—something that will probably be a big priority, especially with companies like Tile backing the idea. How to Opt Out Of and Turn Off Amazon Sidewalk The reason that users might worry about Sidewalk, though, is because that extended connection reaches beyond just your own devices. With Sidewalk enabled, other users in your neighborhood can connect to the mesh network through your connection. This will allow trackers like Tile to provide more accurate location results, making it simpler for users to track their items. Amazon Amazon says that all data shared across the connection will be encrypted with three different layers of security. But, because Sidewalk is enabled by default, users could end up with others outside their home connecting to their network without them ever knowing. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Opt Out Of and Turn Off Amazon Sidewalk The Ultimate Router Buying Guide What Is a Dynamic IP Address? The Top 10 Internet Browsers for 2022 The 8 Best Facebook Alternatives in 2022 When and How to Turn Off Wi-Fi on Your Devices What to Do When Windows 11 Can't Connect to a Network Linksys WRT54GL Default Password How to Turn On Bluetooth in Windows 11 Samsung SmartThings WiFi Router Review: Discover the Benefits of a Mesh Network Is Alexa Safe to Use? How to Add Mesh Network to an Existing Router The 6 Best Walkie Talkie Apps of 2022 What Is a Virtual Assistant and How Does It Work? How to Turn Your PC Into a Router How to Turn On Wi-Fi on a Dell Laptop Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies