In this article you will find instructions on how to install the eero Outdoor 7. Instructions for installation are listed below, and are divided into sections based on the building material being used. You can also check out our Installation Videos.

 

Before Getting Started

You will need some additional tools and equipment in order to install the eero Outdoor 7. The specific tools needed may vary depending on the building material you are working with, however, all installations require an Android or iPhone with eero App version 6.49 or higher installed.  

 

In addition to an Android or iPhone, installation will require the following tools:

• Phillips screwdriver
• Pencil or marker
• Ladder or step stool
• Power drill & drill bit*  (1/4 with anchor or 9/64 without anchor)

 

*Note: Power drill is not required for vinyl siding installation

 

Included Accessories

Review the accessories included with the eero Outdoor 7 in the chart below. Certain accessories are designed for mounting on specific surfaces, and all accessories will not necessarily be used during installation.

 

Examining the eero Outdoor 7 Hardware

All of the major I/O (input/output) ports and functions for the eero Outdoor 7 are located on the underside of the unit. The names and primary functions of each I/O port on the eero Outdoor 7 are listed below, in order from left to right:

1. Watertight Vent: Allows the eero to vent excess heat without exposing the unit to dust, dirt, water, or other contaminants.
2. Grounding Port: Allows a #8 stranded copper conductor to be attached to the unit, mitigating the effects of a lightning-induced power surge.
3. 2.5 GbE PoE+ port: Provides connection to the network and power in wired configuration, and just power in wireless configuration.
4. Reset Button: Enables manual soft and hard reset of eero hardware as needed for troubleshooting.
5. Status LED: Provides up-to-date information on the current status of the eero unit. See What do the colors of the LED light on my eero mean?

 

Beginning App Setup

You can begin the eero Outdoor 7 setup process by tapping on the blue + button at the top right corner of the screen in the eero App. In the menu that pops up, select eero > add outdoor eero to begin.

 

If you are setting up your eero wirelessly, use your phone to validate a good WiFi signal in the area you’re looking to install the eero Outdoor 7 before drilling any holes or mounting. Exterior walls (concrete, brick, stucco, etc.) weaken the wireless signal strength going to an outdoor eero device. Make sure to account for this when deciding where to mount it

 

If the eero fails to connect during coverage testing, try relocating indoors to validate that the unit works. Once you have verified this, you can continue to check for a valid location.

 

Optimal Placement

The optimal installation height for the eero Outdoor 7 is 6-15 feet above the ground. This ensures proper clearance for the WiFi signal to reach the furthest range.

 

When mounting this device in elevated locations, be sure to take precautions to ensure that the device does not fall and harm bystanders or damage property. You may also wish to mount the device in a location that will not be overly difficult to reach in the future, should you need to clean or maintain the unit*.

 

Ensure that there is at least one foot of space both above and below the mounting bracket for the eero Outdoor 7 in your desired location. Make sure that the eero is not near any obstructions, such as large trees, grills, satellite dishes, etc. 

 

 

The device must be installed with ports facing downward for it to function properly and to prevent water accumulation and ingress. This is required for proper installation–failure to do so will void the unit’s warranty.

 

*Note: Being in the elements, an outdoor eero device can accumulate dirt and debris. A simple wipedown with a damp cloth should be enough to clean it. Avoid cleaning chemicals or spraying the unit with a water hose directly.

 

Mounting to Vinyl Siding

1. Insert the vinyl siding clips at a joint between the signing panels where you want to place the mounting bracket.
   

 

2. Secure the bracket to the clips with the included screws. The combination of the clips and the mounting bracket will pinch down on the siding material.
   

 

3. Tighten the clip screws to maximize retention force, keeping the bracket in place. Make sure the eero logo on the mounting bracket is right side up.
   

 

4.  Use the leveling screws to bring the back of the mounting bracket vertical. Hand-tighten at least ½ turn beyond the point where the bracket is approximately level.
   

 

Mounting on Stucco, Fiber Cement, or Wood

Attaching the Bracket

 

Prior to attaching the mounting bracket to your chosen location, be sure to check for hidden wires or pipes. 

 

Make sure to avoid damage to these when drilling holes to install the mounting bracket. If the surface is uneven, you can use the leveling screws to adjust the angle of the eero.

 

Use the mounting bracket to mark where the screws will be placed, and a level to align the unit. The eero logo on the mounting bracket should be right side up. 

 

Stucco

 

1. Drill pilot holes. Pilot holes should be 1/4 in. size for the provided anchors and screws
   

 

2. Insert drywall anchors.
   

 

3. Use the screws to attach the mounting bracket to the anchors
   

 

Wood or Fiber Cement

1. Drill pilot holes.
   

 

2. Use the screws to attach the mounting bracket to the wall.
   

 

3. If the panel has a downward slope, you can slightly back off the retaining screws and use the thumb screws to adjust the angle. The eero will still function properly otherwise.
   

Mounting on a Pole

Although a strap for attaching the bracket to a metal or wooden pole is not included, you can attach a strap to the mounting bracket for this purpose. We recommend a sturdy material for the strap, such as a hose clamp, or a BAND-IT™ strap. The bracket will neatly fit 2-8 inch diameter poles.

 

To mount the bracket on a pole:

1. Insert the strap through the slot on the back of the mounting bracket.
2. Ensure that the eero logo on the mounting bracket is right side up and tighten the clamp around the pole or post.
3. Attach the eero to the bracket (see below).

 

Attaching the eero to the Bracket

 

 

When mounting the eero onto the bracket correctly, the device will slide into place with an audible “click,” forming a pressure fit. No additional tools or procedures are required to mount the device, and it should be easily removable by sliding the device up and off of the bracket.

 

Sealing the Ethernet Cable

The Ethernet cable connected to the eero Outdoor 7 should be sealed to protect from excess dirt or moisture. The Ethernet cable must have a round jacket, and be rated for outdoor use.

If you’re using the eero 30W PoE+ power adapter, the sealing nut will come wrapped around the adapter out of the box. Otherwise, follow the instructions below to seal the Ethernet cable:

 

1. Insert the Ethernet cable through the sealing nut.
   
2. Pull open the seal to wrap around the cable, then push the cable through the body of the connector.
   
3. Once your cable is through the body, push the seal inside the prongs of the body.
   
4. Plug in Ethernet cable. Screw the M22 connector into the eero Outdoor 7. Hand-tighten until the cable is sealed.
   
5. Hand-tighten the sealing nut onto the body of the M22 connector.
   

 

When sealing the Ethernet cable, there are some additional factors to keep in mind:

 

• Some Ethernet cables with large outer moldings will not fit into the M22 body.
• Do not use a flat Ethernet cable, as the M22 connector will not seal correctly around the cable.

 

Alternatives to powering the eero Outdoor 7

The eero Outdoor 7 is designed as a power over ethernet device. To function properly, the Outdoor 7 requires a PoE+ (802.3at) connection or better. If you don't wish to purchase the PoE+ weatherproof power adapter, you can power the Outdoor 7 with the eero PoE Gateway or a PoE+ capable injector/switch. Please ensure any equipment used is capable of at least PoE+, standard PoE will not provide a large enough power budget to properly power the Outdoor 7. For more information on PoE, see: Does eero support PoE? 

 

Grounding the eero Outdoor 7 (If Needed)

If desired, or required by local electrical code, the eero Outdoor 7 has provisions for grounding to handle lightning-induced power surge events. In environments with frequent electrical surges, grounding the eero Outdoor 7 is recommended. Grounding wire is not included. 

 

 

Both the eero Outdoor 7 and the 30W Outdoor PoE+ power adapter have an M4 Insert which allows a #8 bonding cable to be attached to the unit and run directly to the ground. 

 

• Connect a bonding cable to both the eero Outdoor 7 and the PoE+ power adapter.

OR

• Connect a bonding cable to the eero outdoor 7 and to any other source of ground (Bonding plate, ground rod, etc.)

 

If you are unsure of how to properly ground the unit or are uncomfortable with cabling, be sure to consult with an electrician before proceeding.