How to opt in or out of Amazon Sidewalk
Sidewalk compatible Ring and Amazon devices
What is Amazon Sidewalk?
Amazon Sidewalk is a shared network (US only), that helps wifi devices work better. Operated by Amazon at no charge to customers, Sidewalk can help simplify new device setup, extend the low-bandwidth working range of devices, and help devices stay online even if they are outside the range of their home wifi. In the future, Sidewalk will support a range of experiences from using Sidewalk-enabled devices to help find pets or valuables, to smart security and lighting, to diagnostics for appliances and tools.
What are the benefits of joining Amazon Sidewalk?
Amazon Sidewalk helps your devices get connected and stay connected. For example, if your Echo device loses its wifi connection, Sidewalk can simplify reconnecting to your router. For select Ring devices, you can continue to receive Motion Alerts and notifications in the Timeline Event and History. Sidewalk can also extend the working range for your Sidewalk-enabled devices, such as Ring smart lights or smart locks, so they can stay connected and continue to work over longer distances.
Do I have to join Amazon Sidewalk if I have a Ring device?
No. Use this link to learn more about opting in and out of Amazon Sidewalk.
How many Ring devices do I need before I can join Amazon Sidewalk?
You only need one Sidewalk-enabled device to use Sidewalk, though the more Sidewalk Bridges that are in the network, the stronger it becomes.
How does Amazon Sidewalk work?
Sidewalk works by sharing a little bit of your internet bandwidth with your neighbors. By combining it with bandwidth donated by others in the neighborhood, Sidewalk creates a low-bandwidth, low-power network that can be used by neighbors to help one another in new ways. With Sidewalk you can enjoy faster setup of your Ring devices, extend your device's working range, and keep your devices online even if there's a network outage.
What does "sharing bandwidth" mean? Will it slow down my existing internet in my home?
No. Sidewalk creates an additional mechanism that helps devices in a neighborhood remain connected by creating a separate communal network with bandwidth that is borrowed from and shared by neighbors connected to Sidewalk. The amount borrowed from your network is minimal.
This bandwidth is available for devices when your normal internet connection isn’t available. If your home internet goes down or a temporary internet issue causes a device to go offline, your Sidewalk-enabled devices can automatically reroute and connect to a nearby Sidewalk network powered by neighbors in the community, keeping Sidewalk devices operational with limited functionality until normal connectivity is restored. You will see a message in your Ring app letting you know that your device is in Offline Mode but is connected to Sidewalk.
Is Amazon Sidewalk a public wifi network? Can anyone log on?
No. Sidewalk is only accessible via devices that are authorized by Amazon to work on Sidewalk.
Does being connected to Amazon Sidewalk mean my neighbors will have access to my cameras or videos?
No. It is not possible for other members of Sidewalk to access your cameras or videos.
Is Amazon Sidewalk a replacement for a home wifi network?
No. Sidewalk Bridges require wifi access for normal operation. When Sidewalk is on, your Bridge can share a low-bandwidth connection with Sidewalk-enabled devices, like sensors and Ring Smart Lights that are installed in locations around and outside your home where wifi may not be available. Amazon Sidewalk does not support high-bandwidth connections like a wifi or cellular network would, so you would still use those connections for streaming movies, posting on social media, or sending email.
How do you protect my privacy while I'm a part of Amazon Sidewalk?
Sidewalk is designed with multiple layers of privacy and security to secure data traveling on the network and to keep you safe and in control. There are also controls available that allow you to opt-out of Sidewalk at any time.
Can law enforcement, Amazon, or Ring log on or get any information out of an Amazon Sidewalk network?
Data traveling between devices, gateways, Amazon Sidewalk, and the Amazon cloud is encrypted to ensure that only you or those you have granted permission to have access to your information.
What are Amazon Sidewalk Bridges, and which devices are able to become Bridges?
Sidewalk Bridges are devices that provide connections to Amazon Sidewalk. Today, Sidewalk Bridges include many Echo devices and select Ring Floodlight and Spotlight Cams.
