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Netgear stated firmware to be released to fix inability to work with iOS Private Relay
Netgear published an article, located at https://kb.netgear.com/000065057/The-Nighthawk-or-Orbi-app-on-my-Apple-iOS-device-only-connects-to-my-router-or-mesh-system-with-Anywhere-Access-What-can-I-do...
Fixed I believe is a different MAC address that differs from the actual HW MAC address that is burned in to devices and would be as safe to use as randomizer is. This seems to stay unchanging and limits what other devices seen when connected using Fixed. This seems to be Apple attempt to help with some issues seen when using the randomizer that changes the MAC address every so often. So you could use this while at home as well if you feel that randomizer may cause problems.
I feel that most NG routers are handling the randomizer ok now days, users just need to be aware if odd issue they may see with it enabled and router may not indicate what these devices are when the randomizer is enabled and connected. As we see "unknown" for a device name rather than the actual device name. MAC Filters rely on static unchanging MAC addresses to make filtering work so no, having randomizers enabled would not work well for MAC Filtering. That would be the nature of the beast. Why I leave mine disabled and my choice. I don't do lots of traveling and when I go, then I enable it at that time. You'll need to make your own choice when it comes to these features. All that's up to you. No body is force you do anything. Features are there in Apple devices. Up to you to use them or not.
Any more details, contact Apple regarding there products and features. They'll have the best information to provide.
It maybe possible that with the older AC series, since it's EoL, FW may not handle the newer generation iOS features and no work well with randomizers enabled. Not sure if this is a FW issue or combined FW and iOS issue as well. I just had a 50 series online for a few days last month, did not see any log in issues with either Apple iOS 18 or Android devices having randomizers enabled.
Furrye38, I apologize and you are correct. I misstated using Private Relay and the issue is Private WiFi Address. I do keep it Private WiFi turned OFF.
What is different in using Fixed versus Off?
My frustration is users shouldn't be forced to remember to turn this feature on and off as they leave and return home to their LAN.
It appears that Netgear reloaded the entire web site on July 7, 2025 and this reset the "date" on every article to 07/07/2025. Thus, it is not possible to determine when that article was written.
The entire WiFi5 Orbi product line is now End of Life, so my guess is there will not be a firmware update for the RBR40 to address this issue.
I find the article confusing. Can you please comment on the specific problem:
i.e. Does the Orbi app connect to the router with Anywhere Access both (a) when not connected to the local network, and (b) when connected to the local network.
and thus the problem is that it is not possible to "Connect Locally" instead of using Anywhere Access?
CrimpOn, thanks for your help!
Another faux pas by Netgear with the date changes on the articles. Seems par for the course and why I am looking at other Mesh systems that seem to be more customer friendly with issues.
In answer to your question, I like the thoughts of Private Relay and masking the MAC address when I am having to access public networks. However, I use MAC addresses to block any new devices coming into my LAN so every time I approve someone, the next time they attach (iPhone users all) they are blocked. The reason is Private Relay is turned on. It is a PITA to deal with this on a regular basis when this should have been fixed, as discussed in the Netgear letter, already.
It appears that Netgear reloaded the entire web site on July 7, 2025 and this reset the "date" on every article to 07/07/2025. Thus, it is not possible to determine when that article was written.
Well, it goes back at least to 8 July 2022 per this archived article:
- https://web.archive.org/web/20230121154558/https://kb.netgear.com/000065057/The-Nighthawk-or-Orbi-app-on-my-Apple-iOS-device-only-connects-to-my-router-or-mesh-system-with-Anywhere-Access-What-can-I-do
