How to turn off Amazon Sidewalk in the Alexa app

The new from Amazon Sidewalk function, which cuts off a small portion of your Wi-Fi bandwidth to power a larger network for Bluetooth and 900 MHz radio frequencies, won’t start working until next year. But in the Alexa app, the functionality has been automatically switched on for Alexa users.

The problem is, not everyone will want to participate in Sidewalk. Of course, this is a good idea: users of the new amazon echo, Ring Spotlight Cam and Ring Floodlight Cam will see increased range for their smart home devices, so they can be further away from your router and other equipment, while still maintaining a reliable connection. Plus, Sidewalk works with other Amazon users, so everyone in your neighborhood can contribute to this larger network – meaning in theory, your device could be a few blocks away from your home. home and continue to operate.

But this public aspect has raised questions of confidentiality and security. Network communications will use three layers of encryption, and Amazon seems confident that security won’t be an issue. But until the feature is live, it’s hard to predict what the actual results will be.

If you’re like me and want to wait and see before jumping into the Sidewalk Express, here’s how to turn off the feature until you’re ready to sign up.

How to deactivate Amazon Sidewalk

1. Open the Alexa app.

2. Tap More in the lower right corner of the app.

3. Tap Settings.

4. Tap Account settings.

5. Tap Amazon sidewalk.

6. Turn off Sidewalk.