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Forum Discussion
buzzoff
Aug 06, 2025Luminary
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...
- Aug 10, 2025
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.
buzzoff wrote:
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.
buzzoff
Aug 10, 2025Luminary
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.
As always, I appreciate your help!
FURRYe38
Aug 10, 2025Guru - Experienced User
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.
buzzoff wrote: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.
- buzzoffAug 11, 2025Luminary
Furrye38, thanks for all your help. If I understand FIXED from what you are saying, it is a randomized MAC address but doesn't continue to rotate to a new one. For me, if this is correct, turning the feature off when I am home is better as I don't have to approve another Mac address in Access Control.
Having to remember to turn on/off is one frustration but I can get used to it. However anyone that comes over I also have to remember to have them turn off Private WiFi Address or the next time the come over we are back to their phone or pcs not being able to login to my WiFi.
I get that this is the way it is and sometimes I just have to accept that this is the case. Don't have to be happy about it though :)
- FURRYe38Aug 11, 2025Guru - Experienced User
Enjoy.