Unassigned Device Control automatically controls unknown or unrecognized devices that join your network by setting network access rules in advance.
How does it work?
An Unassigned device is any device that connects to your eero network with an unrecognized MAC address. When these devices join your network, they automatically join the Unassigned profile.
When combined with New Device Notifications, you'll be notified whenever an unrecognized device joins your network, with the option to assign it to your personalized Profiles or leave it in Unassigned.
Devices in the Unassigned profile can be controlled with:
- Pause devices
- Schedule pauses
eero Plus subscribers can use additional features to control devices in the Unassigned profile, which helps enforce Parental Controls even on devices that rotate their MAC address for privacy (like iPhones):
- Ad blocking
- Content filters
- Block apps
- Block & Allow Sites
Note: This affects all devices in the Unassigned profile, including new devices that join your network.
When you change scheduling or pause devices, you'll see a confirmation notification to prevent accidentally blocking internet access.
How do I enable Unassigned Device Controls?
Unassigned Device Controls are off by default. In the Home tab of the eero App, they can be configured under the Unassigned profile icon.
Unassigned Device Controls are available on all network types. To use scheduling and eero Plus features, you need:
- Your gateway eero requires eeroOS firmware version 7.12.4 or higher
- Network must be in NAT mode (not bridged)
- Your gateway eero must be eero (Gen 2) or newer
How can I identify unknown or unrecognized devices?
If a device you personally recognize connects to the network for the first time, you can add it to another profile to further adjust its connection permissions as needed.
If a device connects with a randomized MAC address, it will connect as an Unassigned device when joining the network. This behavior will persist regardless of what randomized MAC address is used.
MAC address randomization is an effective way to maintain privacy in public settings, where you don't know who is looking at your connectivity and location history. But your eero network is managed by you. You don't necessarily need this protection for devices in your home. For more information on MAC address randomization, see Does eero support devices that use MAC Address Randomization?
Frequently asked questions
Can I use Unassigned Device Controls if I don't have eero Plus?
Unassigned Device Controls work for all users. However, content filtering and website access control require an eero Plus subscription.
What if I don't want my devices on the Unassigned profile?
The Unassigned profile cannot be removed or renamed. If a connected device requires a different level of access than what is configured through Unassigned Device Control, assign the device to another profile.
Why do I see new devices populate in the profile when I haven't connected anything new?
Some devices have a built-in feature that randomizes MAC addresses for improved network security in public spaces. These devices will populate in the profile under an assumed MAC address, which will show in the app as a "new" device. For more information, see Does eero support devices that use MAC Address Randomization?
What are some use cases where Unassigned Device Controls can be helpful?
Unassigned Device Controls provide additional options for users in a variety of situations. Some common examples include:
- Managing network access in large, public spaces (such as coffee shops, convention centers, or church lobbies)
- Managing network access for guests in homes
- Resolving content filter issues related to MAC address randomization
Why are my Unassigned Profile controls greyed out?
If you previously configured the Unassigned Profile feature but now see the controls greyed out, your eero network may need a software update.