A MAC address is a unique ID number assigned to every device that can connect to the internet. These addresses are essential because they tell online servers two things: where a request came from and where to send the response. They also contain details about the device type and its manufacturer.
Can a MAC address be changed?
A device's MAC address is permanent and cannot be changed. However, it can be hidden using a feature called MAC address randomization.
Does eero support MAC address randomization?
Yes. Whether your devices use randomized MAC addresses or not, your eero system will still provide the same seamless, whole-home wifi connectivity. Randomized MAC addresses are becoming more popular in new devices as a way to protect user privacy.
What problems will I have on my eero network if I enable MAC address randomization?
eero networks use the MAC address as a unique ID to provide connectivity. When a device changes its MAC address, your eero network might not recognize it. It will show up as an "Unknown" type in the eero app.
These eero features may be affected when MAC address randomization is enabled:
- IP reservations and port forwarding
- New device notifications
- Device nicknames and identification
- Pausing and blocking devices
- Profile assignment and schedules
How can I protect eero Plus features from devices with MAC address randomization?
Unassigned Device Control can stop devices with MAC address randomization from skipping eero Plus features including Ad Blocking, Content Filters, Block Apps, and Block & Allow Sites.
When should I use MAC address randomization on my devices?
MAC address randomization is a good way to protect your privacy in public places. Use it when you don't know who might be tracking your connectivity and location. But because your eero network is secure and managed by you, this protection may not be necessary for devices in your home.
Can I disable MAC address randomization on my devices?
On certain devices, you can disable MAC address randomization when joining your eero network in the device's network settings. Please note that "MAC address randomization" goes by different names on different devices. On macOS and iOS, it's called "private Wi-Fi addressing."