MAC (Multimedia Access Control) addresses are a series of unique codes assigned to electronic devices that identify them on a network. MAC Filters (MAC Filtering on many routers) work by allowing or denying access to specific MAC addresses. MAC filters are an excellent safety measure; However, if your network needs to be open to the public or guests, or you often add or remove devices, you should consider turning off MAC filters.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Wireless Router (Windows)
Step 1. Open Command Prompt
You can access it from the Start menu, or press ⊞ Win + R and type cmd.
Step 2. Type
ipconfig and press Enter.
Step 3. Find the active network connection
Many connections may be listed in the results, and you may need to scroll up to find the active one.
Step 4. Search for the entry
Default Gateway. This is the address of your router. Write it down.
Step 5. Open a browser
You can access the router configuration page from all web browsers if your computer is connected to the network.
Step 6. Enter the address of the
Default Gateway in the browser address bar.
Step 7. Log in with your administrator account
The routers are protected with login credentials. Check your router documentation or search for the template online to find the default login information.
- If you can't figure out how to log into your router, you can reset it by holding the Reset button on the back for about 30 seconds. After the router restarts, you will be able to log in with the default administrator credentials.
- Most templates use "admin" as the username, then "admin", "password" or a blank field as the password.
Step 8. Open the "Advanced" section and search for "MAC Filtering", "Access Control" or something similar
Defining where the "MAC Filtering" section is located is very difficult, because its location and title are different for each router. Generally, you can find the "MAC Filtering" or "Access Control" setting in the "Advanced" section, although it may be in the "Security" or "Wireless Settings" sections.
Not all routers use MAC address filtering. Some routers restrict access based on the static IP addresses assigned to each device
Step 9. Disable MAC Filtering
Remember again that the definition and location of this feature may change, but generally you can choose "Disable" to disable MAC Filtering.
It could be a box, a button or a selection
Step 10. Save your changes
Click "Apply" or "Save" to save the changes to the router settings. Your router will apply the changes in seconds.
If you are configuring the router wirelessly, you may be disconnected after saving the changes
Method 2 of 3: Wireless Router (OS X)
Step 1. Click on the Apple menu and select "System Preferences"
Step 2. Click on the "Network" item
Step 3. Select the active network adapter from the list on the left
Connected adapters will have a green signal next to them.
Step 4. Write down the IP address of the
Router. This is the address you can use to access the router settings.
If you are using an AirPort router, go to the next section
Step 5. Enter the address of the
Router in the browser address bar.
Step 6. Log in with your administrator account
The routers are protected with login credentials. Check your router documentation or search for the template online to find the default login information.
- If you can't figure out how to log into your router, you can reset it by holding the Reset button on the back for about 30 seconds. After the router restarts, you will be able to log in with the default administrator credentials.
- Most templates use "admin" as the username, then "admin", "password" or a blank field as the password.
Step 7. Open the "Advanced" section and search for "MAC Filtering", or something similar
Defining where the "MAC Filtering" section is located is very difficult, because its location and title are different for each router. Generally, you can find the "MAC Filtering" or "Access Control" setting in the "Advanced" section, although it may be in the "Security" or "Wireless Settings" sections.
Not all routers use MAC address filtering. Some routers restrict access based on the static IP addresses assigned to each device
Step 8. Disable MAC Filtering
Remember again that the definition and location of this feature may change, but generally you can choose "Disable" to disable MAC Filtering.
It could be a box, a button or a selection
Step 9. Save your changes
Click "Apply" or "Save" to save the changes to the router settings. Your router will apply the changes in seconds.
If you are configuring the router wirelessly, you may be disconnected after saving the changes
Method 3 of 3: Apple AirPort Router
Step 1. Open the Utilities folder
You can access it from the menu Go, or from the Applications folder.
Step 2. Open the AirPort Utility
This program allows you to easily configure your AirPort router without having to use a web interface.
Step 3. Select your AirPort base station
If you have multiple AirPort routers installed in your network, select the one you want to apply changes to and click Edit.
Step 4. Click on the "Access Control" tab
Step 5. Click on the "MAC Address Access Control" drop-down menu and select "Not Enabled"
Step 6. Click
Update.
You will save the changes for your AirPort router by disabling MAC filtering.
