eero Simple Setup

This article will provide you with an overview of eero’s Simple Setup protocol, including what it is, how you can use it, as well as general questions and answers about the feature. 

 

Overview

 

Previously, adding an eero to an existing network required the use of the app in all circumstances, including cases where the new eero is connected directly to the gateway unit via ethernet. With eero Simple Setup, you are now able to add an eero to your network automatically–simply by hardwiring the eero to your existing network via Ethernet.

 

This can save valuable time when attempting to expand your network by automating the connection and configuration process and enable you to quickly connect multiple wired eeros at once.

 

Note: Enabling this feature can have security implications on your network, as any eero device that is physically wired to your existing eero network will join your network automatically and receive your network’s configuration. When this feature is enabled, ensure you are only providing physical access to your network to people that you know and trust.

 

 

Requirements

Using Simple Setup to automatically add new units to your existing network requires that your network and hardware meet certain qualifications to be considered eligible. The eligibility criteria are as follows:

 

• Eligible eero hardware:
  • eero 6+
  • eero 6 Gateway
  • eero 6 PoE
  • eero Pro 6E
  • eero Max 7
• A minimum eero app version:
  • iOS: version 6.46
• The new eero must not be associated with another network
• Your network type supports the eligible hardware
  • eero for Business:
    • eero 6+, eero 6 Gateway, eero 6 PoE, eero Pro 6E, and eero Max 7
    • Note: The new eero must be hardwired into the part associated with the ‘Main’ network. Ports associated with ‘Business’ will not support this feature.
  • eero for Communities: 
    •  eero 6+, eero 6 Gateway, eero 6 PoE, eero Pro 6E, and eero Max 7
• Your network must have the “Simple Setup” toggle enabled in the app 
• The new eero must be hardwired to the existing network via Ethernet

 

Using Simple Setup

Using the Simple Setup feature to add eeros to your network is designed to be as easy as possible, with a focus on reducing the amount of time spent on setting up your eeros.

 

When hardwiring an eero to your network, if you haven’t enabled Simple Setup previously, your app will display a message asking if you’d like to enable Simple Setup for this or future devices:

 

 

Note: If you’d like to change this setting in the future, you can go to Settings > Network Settings in the app to enable or disable eero Simple Setup.

 

Once you’ve enabled the feature, if you add more units to your network in the future, you’ll receive a notification when an eero has been automatically added to the network. 

Additional Questions and Answers

 

Can I add multiple units at the same time?

You can! If you are hardwiring multiple units to your network, the app will detect all of them and begin the automatic process of adding them to the network. If you’re adding multiple units, the app will also allow you to provide location names for each unit as they are added.

Can I use Simple Setup if I have a network switch?

eero Simple Setup is designed to function with both PoE switches like the eero PoE Gateway as well as traditional network switches. However, be sure that your network switch follows eero’s suggested guidelines for switch compatibility.

Can I use Simple Setup to connect an eero wirelessly?

At this time, Simple Setup only supports hardwired Ethernet connections. 

Can I still set up an eero using Bluetooth if eero Simple Setup is enabled?

While eero Simple Setup is enabled on your network, you are still able to use the Bluetooth setup method to add a wireless eero to your network. However, if you hardwire an applicable eero at any point during the setup flow, the Simple Setup protocol will automatically add the eero to your network. This will cause the traditional Bluetooth setup to fail and an error will show in the app that “No eero was found”. To mitigate, close out of the Bluetooth setup method and confirm the eero was added to the network and is pending location name change.