What is MAC address filtering?
Some internet service providers (ISPs) require you to register your router's MAC address before you can connect to their network. This process is called MAC address filtering or MAC whitelisting. It's a security measure that helps your ISP verify which devices are allowed to connect to your internet service.
Think of it like a guest list—your ISP needs to add your eero's MAC address to their approved list before it can access the internet.
Do I need to allow my eero’s mac address?
Most major ISPs don't require MAC address filtering. However, some smaller or regional ISPs do. If you're having trouble getting your eero online during setup and you've confirmed your modem has an active internet connection, contact your ISP to ask if they require MAC address whitelisting.
Understanding MAC addresses on your eero
Each eero has multiple MAC addresses—one for each network connection point. This includes separate addresses for each Ethernet port and each wifi radio. You'll need to provide the MAC address that matches how your eero connects to your ISP's equipment.
For example, if your eero plugs into your modem using the first Ethernet port, you'll need the MAC address for that specific port.
How to find your eero's MAC address
You can find your eero's MAC addresses in the eero app after you've completed setup. If you need the MAC address as part of your ISP’s setup process, please contact eero Support for further assistance.
To locate MAC addresses in the eero app:
Open the eero app and tap on the eero that's connected to your modem (your gateway eero).
Select Device information from the menu.
Scroll down to see the MAC address for each Ethernet port and wireless interface listed below the serial number.
Note that ports are numbered from left to right when looking at the back of your eero.
What to do with the MAC address
Once you've found the correct MAC address, you'll need to add it to your ISP's approved device list. The exact process varies by ISP, so check your ISP's help center or contact their support team for specific instructions on how to register your eero's MAC address.
Still having trouble?
If you've added your eero's MAC address to your ISP's whitelist but you're still unable to get online, contact your ISP for additional troubleshooting assistance. They can verify that the MAC address was registered correctly and help identify any other potential connection issues.
