Did you know that your Amazon Echo can also function as a WiFi repeater in your home? The first thing you should know is that some Echo devices, not all, can function as extensions of your WiFi network in Mesh mode. Now, what is a WiFi Mesh network? Basically, it is your WiFi or the WiFi network in your home, but instead of using a single device to send the WiFi, it uses several of them, which communicate with each other, to have much better coverage in your home, in addition to having roaming between the different nodes, so that when changing from one to another you do not notice any interruption in the Internet connection.
Turning your Amazon Echo into a Wi-Fi extender is easier than you think. Amazon’s latest innovation allows you to use your Echo device to improve Wi-Fi coverage in your home. Here’s how to do it, which devices are compatible, and the benefits it offers. Echo devices will be able to act as Wi-Fi extenders for Eero mesh networks. This is possible thanks to the integration of Eero-compatible hardware in the newest Echo models. You’ll be able to extend your Wi-Fi coverage without having to buy more devices or repeaters.
Technical differences between compatible Echo devices
Not all Echo devices can function as Wi-Fi extenders. Currently, only the following models are compatible with the Eero Built-in feature:
- Echo Dot with clock (5th generation)
- Echo Dot (5th generation)
- Echo (4th generation)
- Echo Dot with clock (4th generation)
- Echo Dot (4th generation)
This feature, while free, comes with limitations. The maximum speed you can get is 100Mbps and you can’t connect more than 10 devices at the same time. Also, the Echo only supports the 5GHz band, so walls that are too thick may not work well because the signal will quickly attenuate.
Setting up your Echo as a WiFi extender
To use your Amazon Echo as a Wi-Fi extender, you need to make sure that your Amazon and Eero accounts are linked and that all devices are on the same Wi-Fi network. Here are the steps required to activate this feature and have your Echo work as a Wi-Fi extender:
To update your Eero system and the Alexa app, follow these steps:
- In the Eero app, go to Settings > Software Version and make sure it is v6.12.1 or later.
- To update the Alexa app on iOS, open the App Store, tap your profile at the top right, scroll to Available Updates, and update Alexa if a new version is available.
- For Android, open the Google Play Store, tap your profile at the top right, select Manage apps and devices, and update Alexa if a new version is available.
- You can update your Echo speaker by saying, “Alexa, check for software updates.”
- Enable Eero Built-in in the Eero app:
- Open the Eero app and tap the Discover tab.
- Select Amazon Connected Home.
- Tap Eero Built-in and turn it on.
- You’ll see a list of your compatible Echo devices. Select the ones you want to use as Wi-Fi extenders.
Benefits and recommendations
Using your Amazon Echo as a Wi-Fi extender can have many benefits, especially if you’re already an Eero and Alexa user. It can boost your home’s connectivity by up to 1,000 square feet without having to purchase repeaters or any additional devices. For best results, don’t use this feature on more than four Echo devices at a time. And avoid having two Echos as extenders in the same room, as this won’t significantly improve coverage and could lead to interference.
Now you know how to turn your Amazon Echo into a Wi-Fi extender if you already have Eero and Echo devices. Although it has some limitations, such as the maximum speed and the number of devices you can connect, it improves the coverage of your Wi-Fi network at home. So, if you need to bring Internet to the other side of your house, don’t hesitate to take advantage of this feature. It’s easy and free!
