Before you start
- Access to your router settings
- The MAC addresses of your devices
Method 1 Find your devices’ MAC addresses
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Step 1: Windows
Run ipconfig /all and look for Physical Address under your Wi-Fi adapter.
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Step 2: Android
Open the Wi-Fi network’s details (gear icon). The MAC address shown is the one used for that network. Under Privacy, you can switch to Use device MAC.
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Step 3: iPhone
Settings > Wi-Fi > (i) next to your network shows the Wi-Fi Address. Private Wi-Fi Address can be set to Off or Fixed for your home network.
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Step 4: Other devices
Easiest: check the router’s connected devices list, which shows MAC addresses.
Method 2 Turn on MAC filtering
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Step 1: Open the setting
In your router admin page or app, look for Wireless MAC Filtering, Access Control or Device Access.
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Step 2: Choose a mode
Allow/Whitelist: only listed devices can join (strictest). Deny/Blacklist: listed devices are blocked, others allowed.
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Step 3: Add devices
Add each MAC address (format like A4:5E:60:12:34:56) with a name. In allow mode, add your current device first so you don’t lock yourself out.
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Step 4: Enable and save
Turn filtering on and save.
Troubleshooting
I locked myself out
Connect with an Ethernet cable (wired devices usually aren’t filtered) and remove the filter, or factory reset the router as a last resort.
My phone was allowed but can’t connect now
Its private MAC may have rotated. Set the network to a fixed private address or device MAC, and update the list.
Frequently asked questions
Does MAC filtering slow down Wi-Fi?
No noticeable effect.
Is allow mode or block mode better?
Allow mode is more secure but requires adding every new device. Block mode is easier for kicking off a few specific devices.
Summary
Collect your devices’ MAC addresses, choose Allow or Deny mode in Wireless MAC Filtering, add your own device first, and save. Use it alongside a strong WPA2/WPA3 password.
