I recently purchased a Nighthawk AX4: RAX35, not RAX40 (it seems that my model is not even available in the model recommeded section) router this past black friday. I enabled Access Controls in an attempt to block/limit internent access for certain devices. The problem I am having is that none of my changes are sticking. I will go and block a device, then 5 seconds later it gets unblock. I try to change a device name and once again it resets. Whats interesting is that I was able to enable it but now when I even tried disabling access control, but it will not disable. Whenever I make my changes I make sure to hit apply, but to no avail. My firmware is also up to date Firmware Version V1.0.3.62_1.0.1.

Last Update: Been using the replacement for some time now.I will say that the function in question still struggled to operate correctly (sometimes it behaved exactly the same as before on the original router and sometimes it will actually change and be applied after several attempts which I find odd...). Definitely seems to be just a firmware issue.I realize this isn't the most crucial component of this device however it is an important one for security purposes.I would guess if I had this issue that others would as well (having a similar issue on the same model twice) but they DID also push a firmware update recenty so I'm hoping that helps others and possibly improved toward what I saw. I was able to get this setting to stick and I'm hoping it continues to work.I also realize that this is one of the first affordable Wifi 6 models so I'm sure Netgear is likely to tweak things going forward. Again, thankful I was able to get the replacement despite it being a long process; I realize no company really wants to go through such a process ideally. Thanks all!

RAX35. Netgear support. I was on hold for more than 1.5 hours. Case number 42166452. Please call me ASAP before I return the product.

For - Nighthawk AX4: RAX35 Having same issue.When trying to change Access Control (Security > Access Control) radio button to "Block all new devices from connecting" and attempting to click the "Apply" button to enable this change it will not save which basically makes the function unavailable. I can see that "Allow all new devices to connect" is the recommended default but I've always been able to use this option on prior models. Was hoping this would be resolved by now. I have also had my router since around the middle of December 2019. Please advise.

After multiple back and forths and muliple firmware updates and/or flashing and resetting Netgear is replacing my router.I just sent the original via UPS and hopefully have a new one by the beginning of the week next week. I'm concerned that once I get the new one I'll have the same problem if others are experiencing this issue but I'm hoping not...Not sure if this helps but just wanted to update. I'm thankful that Netgear worked with me. I saw a lot of odd hour responses (like 1 to 3AM on the weekends) but maybe that is because of differing times zones. Thankfully I have the patience!

I reinstalled the router to factory settings and started from scratch So far everything is working

Access Controls Changes not Working

21 Replies

Christian_R
NETGEAR Employee Retired
Dec 30, 2019
Hello ZI_95,

Thanks for reporting the issue you're experiencing. I have sent you a message requesting for more info. Please respond at your earliest convenience.

Thanks,

Christian
- IGK
  Tutor
  Jan 11, 2020
  RAX35. Netgear support. I was on hold for more than 1.5 hours. Case number 42166452. Please call me ASAP before I return the product.
  - IGK
    Tutor
    Jan 23, 2020
    I wonder why I didn't get a response.
- anetworkinguser
  Guide
  Jan 22, 2020
  For - Nighthawk AX4: RAX35
  
  Having same issue.
  When trying to change Access Control (Security > Access Control) radio button to "Block all new devices from connecting" and attempting to click the "Apply" button to enable this change it will not save which basically makes the function unavailable.
  
  I can see that "Allow all new devices to connect" is the recommended default but I've always been able to use this option on prior models.
  
  Was hoping this would be resolved by now. I have also had my router since around the middle of December 2019.
  
  Please advise.
  - Christian_R
    NETGEAR Employee Retired
    Jan 23, 2020
    Hello anetworkinguser,
    
    Welcome to the community! Have you gotten a chance to contact our Support Team about this?
    
    https://www.netgear.com/support/default.aspx
    
    Christian
IGK
Tutor
Jan 11, 2020
I'm having the same issue. Did they tell you how to fix it?
- ZI_95
  Aspirant
  Jan 11, 2020
  So sorry, but I returned it before they could get back to me.
hyndsyte
Aspirant
Apr 15, 2020
Same issue RAX35. Access control not working or blocking anything at all. I reformatted the router it it worked for awile. I have the latest firmware V1.0.3.62_1.0.1, updated through the router itself. Access Control is the most imortant part of the router for me. The problem has been an issue with every firmware since purchase. It doesn't act up at first. Given time it stops working.
hyndsyte
Aspirant
Apr 15, 2020
With the fact that you can't find this router online. The RAX40 always comes up. Unless you registered the RAX35 with Netgear. You can't even find it listed on the netgear site. It seems this was a "BLACK FRIDAY" special. Meaning that we will likely never get a fix for this, as Netgear doesn't seem to support this model anymore. It's a shame I spent money on faulty product. I'll just have to save up for the RAX40 I guess. Even if I'm hesitant to give more money to them. This IS the first issue I've had with a Netgear product. Technically the router works, just doesn't restrict anything with Access Control. Even saying it blocks by default. A new devices wasn't denied access.

Forum Discussion

Access Controls Changes not Working