Addressing Bandwidth Throttling on Amazon Eero Pro 6

Understanding why your home network may slow down is the first step toward keeping your Eero Pro 6 performing at its best. This guide covers everything you need to know about bandwidth throttling on the Eero Pro 6, from spotting the symptoms to applying the most effective fixes.

Why Bandwidth Throttling Happens on Eero Pro 6

Bandwidth throttling is a deliberate reduction in network speed that can be caused by a variety of factors. On the Eero Pro 6, throttling can originate from the device itself, from your Internet Service Provider (ISP), or from the configuration of your network.

• Device‑level throttling occurs when the router’s hardware or firmware limits throughput, often to manage power consumption or maintain stable connections.
• ISP throttling happens when your broadband provider intentionally reduces speed for specific services, times of day, or based on data usage.
• Network‑level throttling can arise from Quality‑of‑Service (QoS) settings, parental controls, or other features that prioritize or limit traffic.

Because the Eero Pro 6 is a mesh system with multiple nodes, the interaction between nodes can also influence perceived speed, especially if one node is over‑used or poorly positioned.

Recognizing the Signs of Throttling

Spotting throttling early saves time and frustration. Look for these warning signs:

• Consistent slowdown: Multiple devices on the same network feel the same lag, even when streaming or gaming.
• Uneven speeds: A single device, such as a phone or laptop, consistently performs worse than others.
• Speed test discrepancy: Your eero‑connected devices show lower speeds than a wired Ethernet test.
• High latency or packet loss: Online games or video calls report lag or freezing.

If you notice any of these patterns, it’s time to dive deeper into the troubleshooting process.

Quick Check: Speed Test Baseline

Before making changes, record a baseline speed:

1. Connect a laptop or desktop directly to the main Eero node via Ethernet.
2. Run a speed test using a reputable site such as Speedtest.net.
3. Repeat the test on a Wi‑Fi‑connected device.

Write down the results; they’ll help you gauge the effectiveness of each step you take.

Updating Firmware

Firmware is the operating system of your router. Out‑of‑date firmware can cause bugs, incompatibilities, and performance drops.

• Open the Eero app on your phone.
• Tap the three‑dot menu and select Settings.
• Choose Device info; if an update is available, a notification will appear.
• Follow the onscreen instructions to install.

After updating, restart your router to ensure the new firmware takes effect fully.

Reboot and Re‑position Nodes

A simple reboot can clear temporary glitches.

• Power off each Eero node, wait ten seconds, then power back on.
• Wait for all nodes to show a steady green LED.

If speed remains low, reposition your nodes. The Pro 6 uses the 2.4 GHz band for wide coverage and the 5 GHz band for high‑throughput devices. Place the main node in a central, elevated location away from thick walls and large metal objects. Secondary nodes should bridge gaps where signal strength is weak.

Reviewing Quality‑of‑Service (QoS) Settings

QoS helps allocate bandwidth to critical applications. Incorrect QoS settings may throttle traffic unintentionally.

1. Open the Eero app.
2. Tap Device priority or Advanced → QoS.
3. Ensure no application is set to “Low priority” unless you purposely want to limit it.
4. If you are running a lot of video streams, consider creating a custom rule that gives those services “High priority.”

Resetting QoS to default can also help if custom rules have caused conflict.

Managing Device Priorities

The Eero Pro 6 allows you to assign device priorities manually. This feature is useful when you have high‑bandwidth users and low‑bandwidth devices on the same network.

• In the Eero app, go to Devices.
• Select a device and tap Priority.
• Set it to High, Medium, or Low.

Keep in mind that setting a device to Low will intentionally throttle its bandwidth. Verify that no critical devices (e.g., work laptops, smart TVs) are unintentionally low.

Parental Controls and Content Filtering

Parental controls can inadvertently reduce bandwidth for certain types of traffic.

• Navigate to Parental Controls in the app.
• Review any scheduled limits or blocked categories.
• Disable a restriction temporarily to see if speeds improve.

If you need parental controls, consider applying them selectively, rather than to all traffic.

Checking for ISP‑Level Throttling

Sometimes the problem lies outside your home. ISPs throttle specific protocols (like P2P) or reduce speeds after a data cap is reached.

• Use a VPN that routes traffic through a different ISP.
• If speeds increase with the VPN, your ISP is likely throttling.
• Contact your ISP to ask whether they throttle certain services and if you can opt‑out.

You can also schedule heavy usage during off‑peak hours if your ISP offers reduced throttling at night.

Using Eero Secure Features

Eero Secure, the optional security suite, can affect throughput, especially when active deep‑packet inspection is on.

• Go to Eero Secure settings.
• Toggle Active Protection off for a test period.
• Measure speeds again.

If speeds improve, you may choose to keep Active Protection on but schedule scans during low‑usage periods.

Advanced Configuration: MAC Filtering and Channel Selection

Sometimes interference from neighboring networks or devices can manifest as throttling.

• MAC filtering: Limit which devices can connect, reducing the number of concurrent users.
• Channel selection: Open the Advanced settings and let the router choose the best channel, or manually select one with the least interference.

These settings are more advanced; use them only if you’re comfortable with network configuration.

Resetting to Factory Settings (Last Resort)

If all else fails, a factory reset can wipe persistent misconfigurations.

1. Hold the reset button on the back of the main Eero node for 10 seconds.
2. The LED will flash orange, then solid orange once reset is complete.
3. Re‑setup your network via the app, adding nodes one at a time.

Remember to back up any custom settings beforehand, as a reset will erase them.

Contacting Eero Support

When the issue persists after troubleshooting, it may be a hardware defect. Reach out to Eero Support:

• Use the in‑app Help section for live chat.
• Provide them with speed test results, firmware version, and a description of steps already taken.
• They may recommend a replacement unit if the device is defective.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Eero Pro 6 throttle automatically during peak hours?
The router does not throttle on its own, but QoS or parental rules may reduce speed for certain devices or apps during peak times.

Can I see which device is causing congestion?
Yes. In the Eero app, the Dashboard shows real‑time traffic per device, helping you identify culprits.

What if I’m using a VPN and still see throttling?
Check that the VPN itself isn’t limiting speed. Some free VPNs throttle bandwidth. Try a paid, reputable provider.

Is it safe to disable QoS entirely?
Yes, but it may lead to a less balanced network if multiple high‑bandwidth users compete for the same bandwidth.

Bringing It All Together

Bandwidth throttling on the Eero Pro 6 can stem from firmware, configuration, or external factors like ISP policies. By systematically testing speed, ensuring your firmware is up to date, reviewing QoS and device priorities, and checking for ISP throttling, you can usually pinpoint the cause. When the issue remains elusive, a factory reset or a call to Eero Support can resolve hidden defects.

A well‑configured Eero Pro 6 mesh network delivers robust, high‑speed connectivity for every corner of your home. Armed with these troubleshooting steps, you’ll keep your network running smoothly, whether you’re streaming, gaming, or working from home.