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HappyChris's avatar
HappyChris
Follower
Nov 03, 2023

RBR10 Shows different device MAC address to that on the device

While trying to ascertain what devices are really using my home network, I compared the devices MAC addresses with those shown on the device listings made by my RBR10 and saw that none match. The devices include iPhones, iPads, two printers and an iMac.

I always thought that these usually matched each other, barring deliberate obfuscation. Chat GPT agrees with me - or are we both hallucinating?

1 Reply

  • KevinLiT's avatar
    KevinLiT
    NETGEAR Moderator
    Nov 03, 2023

    Hello HappyChris,

     

    Welcome to the NETGEAR Community!

     

    The random MAC addresses are being displayed because of a security feature that is innate to iOS/iPadOS/MacOS. 

     

    To verify this please turn off your private IP address if you are using an iOS device and then connect your device to your Orbi Mesh system network. 

    To turn off the Private IP address on your iPhone please follow the directions listed below:

    Open "Settings"
    "Wi-Fi"
    Select the "i" icon next to your connected network
    Toggle off "Private Wi-Fi Address"

    Best,
    Kevin
    Community Team