Many households today rely on Wi-Fi for nearly everything, from streaming movies and playing online games to working remotely and using smart home devices. As more devices connect to the network, bandwidth competition becomes an issue, and people wonder if it is possible to prioritize certain devices on their router. If you are using an Eero mesh Wi-Fi system, you may be curious whether you can prioritize devices on Eero and how this feature actually works. Understanding this capability helps you take better control of your home network and ensure that your most important devices get the bandwidth they need.
Device Prioritization on Eero
The Eero Wi-Fi system is designed to provide fast and reliable coverage across an entire home. One of its features is device prioritization, which allows users to temporarily give more bandwidth to specific devices. This is especially useful if you are in a video meeting, streaming in 4K, or playing an online game and want to avoid interruptions caused by other devices using the network at the same time.
How Prioritization Works
On Eero, device prioritization does not permanently dedicate bandwidth to a device. Instead, it temporarily allocates more network resources to that device for a set period of time. This ensures that while the prioritized device gets a smoother connection, other devices still remain connected and functional.
Steps to Prioritize Devices on Eero
If you want to prioritize devices on your Eero network, you can do so directly from the Eero mobile app. The process is simple and user-friendly
- Open the Eero app on your smartphone.
- Go to the list of connected devices.
- Select the device you want to prioritize.
- Choose the option to prioritize that device.
- Set the duration for prioritization, typically one to four hours.
Once enabled, the selected device will receive priority bandwidth for the specified time. After the period ends, the prioritization automatically resets, keeping the network balanced.
When to Use Device Prioritization
While not every situation requires prioritization, there are many cases where this feature can make a noticeable difference. For example
- Remote work– Prioritize your laptop during important video conferences to avoid lag or dropped connections.
- Online gaming– Give your gaming console priority to reduce latency and prevent interruptions during gameplay.
- Streaming– Ensure smooth playback of movies or shows on your smart TV without buffering issues.
- Smart devices– Occasionally, prioritize a device like a security camera if you need the feed to remain stable while monitoring an event.
Limitations of Device Prioritization on Eero
Although the feature is convenient, it has some limitations that users should understand
Temporary Allocation
Prioritization on Eero is not permanent. You cannot set one device to always receive the most bandwidth. Instead, you must enable it each time, and it lasts for only a few hours.
Single Device at a Time
Currently, Eero allows you to prioritize only one device at a time. This means you cannot give priority to both your gaming console and your laptop simultaneously.
Shared Network Impact
While prioritization helps one device, it may slightly slow down other devices on the network. However, because Eero balances connections intelligently, the overall impact is often minimal.
Comparing Eero with Other Routers
Many traditional routers and advanced mesh systems also offer device prioritization or Quality of Service (QoS) features. However, Eero’s implementation is designed for simplicity. Instead of asking users to configure complex rules and settings, Eero keeps it straightforward with just a few taps. This makes it easy for households where not everyone is technically inclined.
Traditional QoS vs. Eero Prioritization
In many routers, QoS settings allow you to permanently allocate bandwidth to specific devices or applications. While this offers greater control, it can be complicated to set up. Eero simplifies the process by focusing on temporary prioritization, making it accessible to anyone who uses the app.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Eero Prioritization
If you plan to use device prioritization frequently, here are some tips to maximize its effectiveness
- Prioritize only when necessary to keep the network fair for all users.
- Use it during peak hours when multiple people in your home are online.
- Inform others in the household when you are prioritizing a device, especially if they notice slower speeds.
- Combine prioritization with good network management, such as upgrading your internet plan if bandwidth is consistently insufficient.
Real-World Scenarios
Imagine a family with several connected devices smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, laptops, and gaming consoles. During the evening, one person is streaming a movie, another is playing an online game, and someone else is attending a virtual class. Without prioritization, the network may struggle to keep everything smooth. With Eero’s feature, you can quickly give bandwidth priority to the device that needs it most, ensuring that critical tasks like online classes or important work calls are not disrupted.
Future of Device Prioritization on Eero
As more smart devices enter homes, demand for flexible network management grows. While Eero’s current prioritization is limited to temporary adjustments, future updates may expand the feature to allow multiple device prioritization or longer-term settings. Users often request more advanced controls, and it is possible that Eero will continue refining its system to meet these needs while maintaining ease of use.
So, can you prioritize devices on Eero? Yes, you can, but with some limitations. Eero makes it easy to give temporary priority to a single device, ensuring smoother performance for activities like gaming, streaming, or video conferencing. While it may not offer the advanced Quality of Service options found in other routers, its simplicity makes it accessible for everyday users. By understanding when and how to use prioritization, you can optimize your Wi-Fi network and make sure your most important devices perform at their best, even in a busy household with many connected gadgets.