Blocked MAC disappeared

[LA2]

I blocked a MAC address in the Orbi web version interface.  I deleted the device in the Orbi android app too.  Later, I found that this may be one of my devices.  I went to the web interface to unblock the MAC address in the blocked list, and it was not there.  The Orbi app is showing the device again with the same MAC address.  I tried to add it back to the web interface and received a message that it was a duplicate MAC address.  I can't see this MAC address in the Orbi web interface or on amor.netgear.com. I have rebooted the Orbi twice without results.  This all started after I had to do a factory reset due to every single device getting blocked by the Orbi.  Before this happened all devices connected without issue.  How do I unblock a MAC address that I can't see in the interface in the block MAC addresses list?

Orbi CBR750

Firmware version 4.6.14.4

Orbi app is Android

version2.42.0.4260

[LA2 · Accepted solution]

@CrimpOn  & @FURRYe38 ,

I finally got it to work!  The mystery device is the ethernet device.  When I tried to log in to the router the message that it is blocked in Access Control came up.  I checked the Orbi web interface from another computer and it finally showed the device as blocked.  No more hidden mac address.  From the web interface I was able to allow it access.  It works again!  Thank you!

PS: sorry for messing up the discussion with the removed message content.  I didn't know how to delete the message after it was posted.

[CrimpOn]

Did you scroll all the way down the page to see the bottom two tables?

Generally, I do not enable Access Control (There have been a lot more posts on the forum describing problems with it than there have been posts praising "how great" it is.)

[FURRYe38]

Be sure to disable any MAC Address randomizers on phones and pads while at home:
https://community.netgear.com/t5/Orbi-App/NETGEAR-Mobile-Applications-and-Apple-Devices-FAQ/td-p/222...

---

@LA2 wrote:

I blocked a MAC address in the Orbi web version interface.  I deleted the device in the Orbi android app too.  Later, I found that this may be one of my devices.  I went to the web interface to unblock the MAC address in the blocked list, and it was not there.  The Orbi app is showing the device again with the same MAC address.  I tried to add it back to the web interface and received a message that it was a duplicate MAC address.  I can't see this MAC address in the Orbi web interface or on amor.netgear.com. I have rebooted the Orbi twice without results.  This all started after I had to do a factory reset due to every single device getting blocked by the Orbi.  Before this happened all devices connected without issue.  How do I unblock a MAC address that I can't see in the interface in the block MAC addresses list?

Orbi CBR750

Firmware version 4.6.14.4

Orbi app is Android

version2.42.0.4260

---

[LA2]

@CrimpOn , thanks for the reply.  I checked the 2 bottom tables with and without access control and the device is not showing.

Thanks for the tip regarding access control.  I will look for the discussion as this is the first I have heard of a problem.

[LA2]

@FURRYe38 ,  2 phones are set for random mac addresses by default.  I set them to the phone mac.  I didn't see much difference.  I do not get multiple mac entries in the web interface when the randomized macs are turned on which I would expect to see.  When I put the phones back to the random mac addresses the web interface shows only the phone macs as new and now offline.

[CrimpOn]

---

@LA2 wrote:

The Orbi app is showing the device again with the same MAC address.

---

I probably should have asked what sort of device this is and if it appears to be working correctly.  The Orbi 'app' lists devices by type of connection (2.4G, 5G, Wired).  I do not remember what order devices appear in the web Attached Devices display. (it might differ by model of Orbi.  Need to research that.)

[LA2]

The device is showing as a computer with the name of Luxshare in the orbi app.  It does not show up on armor.netgear.com.  I do not have a device with this name that I know of.  I think it could possibly belong to a USB-C to ethernet adapter which is why I am trying to get it back. This is the best way that I can connect to the Orbi when I need to set everything back up after a crash.  The Orbi app seems to be a disaster to use for an initial setup for me.  

As a test I have set the access control to allow all new devices to connect.  I will try the ethernet device and see how the Orbi app and the Orbi interface react.

[LA2 · Accepted solution]

@CrimpOn  & @FURRYe38 ,

I finally got it to work!  The mystery device is the ethernet device.  When I tried to log in to the router the message that it is blocked in Access Control came up.  I checked the Orbi web interface from another computer and it finally showed the device as blocked.  No more hidden mac address.  From the web interface I was able to allow it access.  It works again!  Thank you!

PS: sorry for messing up the discussion with the removed message content.  I didn't know how to delete the message after it was posted.

[FURRYe38]

Glad you got it working. Please mark your thread as solved so others will know. Be sure to save off a back up configuration to file for safe keeping. Saves time if a reset is needed.
https://kb.netgear.com/000062080/How-do-I-back-up-the-configuration-settings-on-my-Orbi-WiFi-System
Enjoy. 📡