MAC (Multimedia Access Control) addresses are a unique set of codes assigned to electronic devices to identify them on a network. Using MAC filters, access to specific MAC addresses can be either allowed or denied. MAC filters are an excellent security measure. However, if you want your network to be available for public use or guests, or you frequently add and change devices, then you should consider disabling MAC address filtering.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Wireless Routers (Windows)
Step 1. Open Command Prompt
You can open it from the start menu or press Win + R and type cmd.
Step 2. Enter
ipconfig and hit enter.
Step 3. Find an active network connection
The output may show multiple connections and you may have to scroll up to find your active connection.
Step 4. Look for the entry
Default Gateway This is the address of your router. Write it down!
Step 5. Open your web browser
You can access the router's configuration page from any web browser while the computer is connected to the network.
Step 6. Enter the address
Default gateway (default gateway) in the browser address bar.
Step 7. Log in to the system with an administrator account
Login to the router interface is protected by username and password. Refer to the documentation that came with your router, or search your model on the Internet for how to log in by default.
- If you cannot figure out how to enter the router interface, you can reset its settings by clicking the button Reset (Reboot), which is located at the back, and hold it for about 30 seconds. After restarting the router, you will be able to log in with the factory settings.
- For most logins, the default username is "admin", and the password is also "admin", "password", or this field is not filled in.
Step 8. Open the Advanced section (More settings) and find MAC Filtering (MAC address filtering), Access Control or something similar.
In fact, it is very difficult to determine where the MAC Address Filtering section is because its location and designation is different for each router. Typically, you can find MAC Address Filtering or Access Control settings under Advanced Settings, although it can also be found under Security (Security) or Wireless Settings (Wireless network settings).
Not all routers use MAC filtering. Some routers are limited to access based on static IP addresses assigned to each device
Step 9. Disable MAC address filtering
Again, depending on the router, the text itself and its location will be different, but to disable MAC address filtering, you usually need to select Disable (Disable).
It can be a checkbox, button, or other selectable option
Step 10. Save your changes
Click the button Apply (Apply) or Save (Save) to save the changes made to the router settings. The changes will be made to the router, which may take a few minutes.
If you are configuring your router wirelessly, you may be kicked out of the system when the configuration changes are saved
Method 2 of 3: Wireless Routers (OS X)
Step 1. Open the Apple menu and select System Preferences
Step 2. Select Network
Step 3. Select the active network adapter from the list on the left
Connected adapters have a green light next to them.
Step 4. Make a note of the IP address
router. Using this address, you can access the settings of the router.
If you are using an AirPort router, click here
Step 5. Enter the address
router in the browser address bar.
Step 6. Log in with an administrator account
Login to the router interface is protected by username and password. Refer to the documentation that came with your router, or search your model on the Internet for how to log in by default.
- If you cannot figure out how to enter the router interface, you can reset its settings by clicking the button Reset (Reboot), which is located at the back, and hold it for about 30 seconds. After restarting the router, you will be able to log in with the factory settings.
- For most logins, the default username is "admin", and the password is also "admin", "password", or this field is not filled in.
Step 7. Open the Advanced section (More settings) and find MAC Filtering (MAC address filtering), Access Control or something similar.
In fact, it is very difficult to determine where the MAC Address Filtering section is because its location and designation is different for each router. Typically, you can find MAC Address Filtering or Access Control settings under Advanced Settings, although it can also be found under Security (Security) or Wireless Settings (Wireless network settings).
Not all routers use MAC filtering. Some routers are limited to access based on static IP addresses assigned to each device
Step 8. Disable MAC address filtering
Again, depending on the router, the text itself and its location will be different, but to disable MAC address filtering, you will usually need to select Disable (Disable).
It can be a checkbox, button, or other selectable option
Step 9. Save your changes
Click the button Apply (Apply) or Save (Save) to save the changes made to the router settings. The changes will be made to the router, which may take a few minutes.
If you are configuring your router wirelessly, you may be kicked out of the system when the configuration changes are saved
Method 3 of 3: Apple AirPort Routers
Step 1. Open the Utilities folder
You can access it using the menu Go Go to or from the Applications folder.
Step 2. Open AirPort Utility
Using this software, you can easily set up your AirPort router without having to use a web browser interface.
Step 3. Select your AirPort base station
If you have multiple AirPort routers connected to your network, select the one you want to edit and click the Edit button.
Step 4. Click the Access Control tab
Step 5. Click on MAC Address Access Control from the drop down menu and select Not Enabled
