I received an email today with some noteworthy information from Amazon: Amazon Sidewalk is scheduled to launch in Canada on February 26, 2026. The service will use Echo and Ring devices to help keep certain products connected even when Wi-Fi is unavailable or when they are outside the range of a home network. It can also help locate lost items by reporting their approximate location to the owner.
To make this possible, Sidewalk uses a small portion of the user’s internet bandwidth and limited location data to create a shared network among nearby participating devices. In practical terms, this means that yes, part of your internet connection can be shared, but in a very restricted way (up to 500MB per month), and it does not function as an open Wi-Fi network for strangers.
Although Amazon presents Sidewalk as a way to improve device reliability and convenience, the rollout has also sparked discussions about privacy, user consent, and the broader implications of allowing a company to leverage customers’ internet connections to support a community-wide network.
What is Amazon Sidewalk?
Amazon Sidewalk is a shared neighbourhood network designed to keep certain devices connected beyond the range of a home Wi-Fi network. It connects compatible devices, such as Amazon Echo speakers, Ring cameras, and tracking accessories, via nearby Sidewalk-enabled devices.
According to Amazon, Sidewalk is intended to:
- Keep supported devices online if their Wi-Fi connection drops
- Help locate lost items by reporting their approximate location
- Allow devices to function outside the normal range of a home Wi-Fi network
The system relies on low-bandwidth connections such as Bluetooth and sub-GHz radio signals.
Does Amazon Sidewalk use your internet connection?
Yes, but only a very small portion (up to 500 MB/month), and only if the feature remains enabled.
Amazon states that Sidewalk uses a limited amount of internet bandwidth, typically just a few megabytes per month, with strict caps in place. However, this usage happens automatically unless users choose to disable the feature.
Importantly:
- Sidewalk does not provide direct access to your Wi-Fi network
- Other users cannot browse the internet using your connection
- Your personal devices and data are not visible to others
- Communications are encrypted using multiple layers of security
A useful way to think about Sidewalk is as a minimal support signal, not as someone borrowing your internet for streaming or web browsing.
Why has Amazon Sidewalk been controversial?
The service has drawn criticism primarily because of how it is enabled and what it involves.
Privacy advocates and users have raised concerns because:
- Sidewalk is enabled by default, requiring users to opt out
- It uses personal internet bandwidth without explicit opt-in consent
- It relies on approximate location data
- In many cases, the benefits favour Amazon’s ecosystem more than individual users
For many customers, the issue is less about the technology itself and more about transparency and control.
Can Amazon Sidewalk be disabled?
Yes. Completely. And users who value privacy or simplicity may want to do so.
To disable Amazon Sidewalk in the Alexa app:
1 – Open the Alexa app
2 – Tap More
3- Go to Settings
4 – Select Account Settings
5 – Tap Amazon Sidewalk
6 – Choose Disable
7 – Once disabled:
7.1 – Your internet connection will no longer be shared
7.2 – Your devices will not participate in the Sidewalk network
Is disabling Sidewalk the right choice?
That depends on how you use Amazon’s devices.
If you don’t use Ring cameras, tracking devices, or advanced smart-home automations, disabling Sidewalk is a reasonable choice.
If you value device tracking and backup connectivity, you may choose to keep it enabled, as long as you understand what it does and how it works.
The key point is that the Sidewalk is optional, even if it is not always presented that way.
Understanding the feature and knowing how to turn it off allows users to make an informed decision about their privacy and their internet connection.
