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How to Block a MAC Address on a Router

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Updated February 11, 2023

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Difficulty Medium

Steps 4

Time Required 10 minutes

Sections

Things to Know

If you are trying out the various features of your wireless network, you may wonder how to block a MAC address on a router. The best routers, after all, allow for a multitude of settings adjustments, MAC addresses included. Why would you block a MAC address on a router and how would you do it? Keep reading to find out.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Blocking or filtering a MAC address can help prevent suspicious activity on your wireless network or wireless routers, as each MAC address is tied to a particular wireless device.
Start the process of filtering out unwanted MAC addresses by heading into the router’s settings page.
Once you are in the access control panel, look for MAC settings and turn on filtering, setting any parameters you wish.

Why Block a MAC Address on a Router?

This is something of a misnomer, as you aren’t blocking a particular MAC address, per se, but you are using MAC address filtering to block unwanted devices and unwanted traffic from using your network. If your network becomes flooded with suspicious devices, you’ll be learning how to turn off the WiFi on a router in no time.

How to Block MAC Address in Router

This process varies from router to router, depending on the manufacturer, but it is typically fairly simple, in line with learning how to block websites through a router or how to enable the UPnP. Still, we’ve tried to keep these guidelines universal, so as to suit many consumers.

Insider Tip

Once you are on the settings page, take the time to look at parental controls and adjust them appropriately.

STEP 1

Make sure your wireless connection is operating normally. Check to see that your router is plugged into your modem via Ethernet cable and that both devices are working in tandem to deliver a decent Internet connection to your connected devices.

STEP 2

Access the admin control panel of the router on the settings page. There are many different ways to do this depending on your router, so check the instructions that came with the device or perform a quick web search for specific steps.

STEP 3

You can typically access a router’s settings page by entering the public IP address or static router IP address into the address bar of a standard web browser. In some cases, you may need to open up the firmware or access a mobile app provided by the manufacturer.

STEP 4

Once you are on the settings page, look for a section on the MAC address, which should be in advanced wireless settings or something similar. Turn on the MAC address filtering option and the parameters how you see fit. Save the changes and, if necessary, restart the router. You should be good to go.

F.A.Q.S

How do I block devices from my router?

To block any devices from your network, even USB devices, head to the settings page or access control panel and follow the aforementioned steps.

Can you kick someone off your WiFi?

This is done in a wide variety of ways, one of which is outlined above. Using this filtering option will indeed kick unwanted individuals and mobile devices from your network.

Where to find your model number?

The model number is typically found on the exterior of the router itself. Read the instructions regarding product installation for more information.

STAT: MAC address filtering allows you to block certain traffic coming from certain known machines or devices. The router uses the MAC address of a computer or device on the network to identify it and block or permit access. Traffic coming in from a specified MAC address will be filtered depending upon the policy. (source)

REFERENCES:

Lawrence Bonk

Lawrence Bonk is a copywriter with a decade of experience in the tech space, with columns appearing in Engadget, Huffington Post and CBS, among others. He has a cat named Cinnamon.