Can’t join WiFi on CAX30

[iRyan · Accepted solution]

Looks like the CAX30 has Access Control settings configured to block your iPhone from connecting to the wifi network. Either the phone's MAC address specifically isn't allowed to connect or Access Control has been set to block all new devices from connecting to the network, which may very well be your problem if you never connected to it before.

If you give us more information to work with, that would help a lot because you're not giving us much to go on with only a screenshot.

[HenryTang]

After setting up my new CAC30 cable modem router, I still can’t join WiFi.

[iRyan · Accepted solution]

Looks like the CAX30 has Access Control settings configured to block your iPhone from connecting to the wifi network. Either the phone's MAC address specifically isn't allowed to connect or Access Control has been set to block all new devices from connecting to the network, which may very well be your problem if you never connected to it before.

If you give us more information to work with, that would help a lot because you're not giving us much to go on with only a screenshot.

[HenryTang]

What information you need?

[iRyan]

I just have a few questions, but I'll keep things brief since we already know what's causing your issue.

 - Was the device setup by you or somebody else?

 - How long have you owned it for?

 - Is the CAX30 brand new or pre-owned?

 - Did you set it up using the Nighthawk mobile app or the web interface from a internet browser?

 - Is your iPhone the only thing that's blocked or are other devices unable to connect as well?

One quick way you can check and see whether or not Access Control is blocking just your iPhone or blocking all devices is to change your iPhone's MAC address in the WiFi settings. To do this, go to your iPhone's settings app and then go to your WiFi options. Using the advanced connection option, join your CAX30's WiFi network by pressing the "(i)" symbol next to the network name. Turn off the "Private WiFi Address" option off (because it's enabled by default when joining a new network), then enter the network password and join the network. This will join the network using the phone's MAC address information instead of a randomly generate private MAC address. If you join successfully, that means your phone was blocked with the previous MAC address. If you still fail to join the network, Access Control is set to block all new devices and you'll need to to a factory reset on the CAX30 to fully clear the Access Control settings.

[HenryTang]

Hi Ryan,
1, device setup by myself.
2, I got it from Costco few days ago since on sale right now.
3, that is brand new.
4, Yes, I am using the Nighthawk mobile app.
5, My iPhone is the only one got blocked. My wife and my two daughters iPhone and their laptops are connected without any issue. My laptop connection is good too.

[iRyan]

So it definitely sounds like your iPhone was blocked somehow in the Access Control settings. All you have to do to fix that is remove it from the block list. You can do that by logging into the routerlogin.net config page, select the Advanced tab, select the Security option and check Access Control. Good luck!

[HenryTang]

Hi Ryan,
I followed your instructions to uncheck the private WiFi address then I can connect to WiFi but I have other concern. It pops up a warning window for turn off the private WiFi address. Will that be a problem?

[FURRYe38]

That's a Apple feature:

https://community.netgear.com/t5/Nighthawk-App/NETGEAR-Mobile-Applications-and-Apple-Devices-FAQ/td-...

If your at home, WiFi Private Address is not needed while your at home. 

[iRyan]

As @FURRYe38 stated earlier, it's totally safe to disable the Private WiFi Address option on your home network. My personal recommendation is to never use the private address feature on a home WiFi network, as it randomizes the phone's MAC address and will make certain parts of advanced router configuration a little more tedious. Most of the time a random MAC address is only beneficial for public WiFi networks, where an extra layer of privacy is warranted to prevent you from being tracked.

[HenryTang]

Hi Ryan,
My wife’s own laptop can connect to WiFi except her company’s laptop. Is there anything I can do to make it work ?

[iRyan]

You should really log into the router configuration website and check your Access Control settings, because it sounds like someone messed up and blocked your devices from the WiFi network. Do you know how to do that yourself? I don't mind walking you through the process if you haven't done it before and need some help. It's pretty simple and should only take you around 2-3 minutes.

[HenryTang]

Dear Ryan,
I haven’t done it before. Would you show me step by step on that.
Greatly appreciated it
Henry

[olympos1625]

Hi @HenryTang,

Thank you for reaching out. We are sorry to hear about your experience with the modem. Is there any error message when you connect to the wifi of the modem? Does it affect all wireless devices? Does the wired connection works?

Please do not hesitate to let me know if you need further assistance. 

Regards,

Oliver

Community Team