ORBI RBR850 Access control blocks all devices when a new device is added.

Question

Hi I have an Orbi RBR850 (Firmware V4.6.14.3, which says it's the latest) and the access control is "acting up". I used to have access control enabled such that any new devices authorised by me would need to be added to the ACL, not a huge issue and no dramas. I've since changed (when I had a lot of family visit) and turned access control off completely so that any devices can connect if they have the password, however now any new device seems to force Access Control to turn on and block many, many devices (not always every device, but usually most). This then requires me to log into the web interface and turn access control off again. After that it works fine again until the next new device tries to connect and it's the same. Surely this is not "by design" and is either a bug or something else is going on?

Any help is appreciated.

Thanks

FURRYe38 · Answer

Something to make and keep backup config files for. Saves time if a reset is needed. I make a base config file back up, something that doesn't have the additional features enabled or configured. Then have one with everything enabled or configured.&nbsp;
https://kb.netgear.com/000062080/How-do-I-back-up-the-configuration-settings-on-my-Orbi-WiFi-System

CrimpOn · Answer

My guess is that you have taken some action which enabled Access Control without realizing that it was happening.
I had this happen a couple of times when I was playing with the Orbi 'app' in response to a question posed on the forum.
Must have slid the damn "Pause" slider to see what happened and did not realize this was telling the Orbi, "Oh. Boss Man wants to enable Access Control."
&nbsp;
If Access Control is disabled and you touch nothing (not the web interface, not the Orbi app) and it gets enabled, then I would say there is a problem.

S7u · Answer

I've literally typed the WIFI password into the guests device. Nothing else is touched and then "bang" many of my devices are blocked and when I go into the web interface I can see that access control is "on" and several devices (many) are now on the denied list.

FURRYe38 · Answer

Does following this help any?
https://community.netgear.com/t5/Orbi-Wi-Fi-5-AC-and-Orbi-with/quot-Block-all-new-devices-from-connecting-quot-Blocks-All/m-p/2333803/highlight/true#M142833

S7u · Answer

I read that thread previously and it sounds similar but it's not. I'm not trying to block any devices now as I've turned that off because it was inconsistent. But now, even with that turned off new devices (and previously connected devices) are blocked and it's turned on when a new device connects.

Forum Discussion

ORBI RBR850 Access control blocks all devices when a new device is added.

7 Replies