How to Put an eero Gateway in Bridge Mode

What bridge mode does

An eero gateway normally works as a router, a network switch, and a Wi-Fi access point all in one. It assigns IP addresses, translates traffic between your local network and your internet provider, and broadcasts Wi-Fi to your devices. When you switch the gateway to bridge mode, the eero stops performing routing and lets another router take over those jobs. The eero still passes traffic and broadcasts Wi-Fi, but it is no longer the device managing your network. For a fuller look, read bridge mode explained.

Why use bridge mode

Many people keep eero hardware because they like the mesh coverage and the simple app, but they want a different router to handle network decisions. A separate router may offer more advanced parental controls, VPN settings, quality-of-service rules, or firewall options. Putting eero into bridge mode also avoids double NAT, which can happen when two routers are both trying to manage the same network. Double NAT can make port forwarding and online gaming more frustrating. You can avoid that by letting only your primary router perform routing. Compare your options in ISP router vs your own router.

Bridge mode is not the same as turning eero into a plain access point, but the effect is similar: your own router becomes the traffic director, and the eero nodes become wireless access points. If you mainly need to extend coverage from an existing router, bridge mode is one way to make that happen. The mesh still works, so devices can move between eero nodes without you needing to reconnect manually.

Before you start

Before you change anything, make sure you know how your network is connected and whether your internet provider expects a specific router or login method. The goal is to have one device acting as the router, with the eero in bridge mode behind it.

• Confirm your primary router supports the features you need, such as guest networks, VPN support, or parental controls.
• Check your internet connection type. If your provider uses PPPoE or another login method, your primary router must be able to handle that login. See router ISP compatibility.
• Plan the Ethernet path. Connect the eero gateway to a LAN port on your primary router, not to the modem when the primary router is already connected to the modem.
• Write down your current Wi-Fi network name and password so you can reconnect devices after the change.

How to enable bridge mode

The exact location of the bridge mode setting can change with app versions, but the process follows the same pattern.

• Open the eero app and select your gateway from the network settings.
• Look for a bridge mode, DHCP and NAT, or router mode option.
• Turn bridge mode on and confirm the change when the app asks.
• Wait for the gateway to restart before making any cable changes.
• Connect an Ethernet cable from a LAN port on your primary router to the WAN port on the eero gateway.
• Reconnect your devices and confirm that the primary router is assigning IP addresses.

What changes after bridge mode

After bridge mode is active, the eero stops acting as a DHCP server. Your primary router decides which IP address each device gets. The eero still provides Wi-Fi, and the mesh nodes continue to communicate as a single network. You will manage port forwarding, parental controls, and similar settings on the primary router, not in the eero app. Any eero feature that depended on the eero being the router may be limited after the change.

Security should stay at the top of your list. Choose a primary router that supports the latest Wi-Fi security, and keep its firmware updated. The Wi-Fi Alliance notes that WPA3 provides more robust authentication and is mandatory for newer certified devices. Your primary router should use strong encryption, and you can follow general guidance in router security basics.

Troubleshooting bridge mode

If you run into problems after switching, the most common issues come from cabling and the order of the network. Work through these checks before you reset anything.

• If you have no internet after enabling bridge mode, confirm that the eero gateway is connected to a LAN port on your primary router and not directly to the modem. See bridge mode no internet.
• If you still see double NAT, restart both the primary router and the eero gateway. Check that only the primary router is assigning IP addresses. See double NAT detected.
• If the eero app cannot find the gateway, wait a few minutes for it to restart, then close and reopen the app. See eero app cannot find router.
• If you need to undo bridge mode, turn it off in the same network settings area. If the gateway is unreachable, reset it and set it up again.

Bridge mode vs access point mode

Bridge mode and access point mode are often used to describe the same type of setup, but the terms can differ by manufacturer. Access point mode generally means the device only provides Wi-Fi and does not route. Bridge mode can also carry traffic between network segments while leaving routing to another device. If your goal is to use eero nodes as wireless access points behind your own router, bridge mode is the right setting. For a direct comparison, read bridge mode vs access point mode.

Choosing a router to pair with eero

Before you put eero in bridge mode, make sure the router you will use can handle your network. Look for Wi-Fi features that match your devices, enough Ethernet ports for wired equipment, and the security and management options you need. This site organizes routers by size, speed, and feature set, so you can compare models before making a change. Good places to start include best mesh Wi-Fi systems and best eero routers.

What to pick for your use

Questions

Does bridge mode turn off Wi-Fi on eero?

No. Bridge mode stops the eero from routing and assigning IP addresses, but the eero continues to broadcast Wi-Fi and operate as a mesh system.

Will I lose eero features in bridge mode?

Some features that depend on the eero being the router may be limited. Your primary router will control most network settings, so check that it supports the parental controls, VPN, or QoS features you need.

Can multiple eero units be used in bridge mode?

You set bridge mode on the eero gateway. The other eero nodes follow the same network and continue to provide Wi-Fi coverage. Your primary router manages IP addresses for all of them.

Why does bridge mode fix double NAT?

Double NAT happens when two routers both try to manage the network. Bridge mode turns off the eero routing, which leaves only your primary router in charge.

Can I switch back to normal eero router mode?

Yes. Turn bridge mode off in the eero app using the same network settings area. If the gateway is not reachable, reset the eero and set it up again.