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Why is a device displayed as an unknown device on the MERCUSYS App?

This Article Applies to:
Halo H47BE Halo H27BE Halo H25BE Halo H90X Halo H80X Halo H70X Halo H60X Halo H50G Halo H30G Halo H30 MR47BE MR37BE MR27BE MR25BE MR90X MR80X MR70X MR60X MR50G MR30G AC12G AC10 AC12 MW305R MW325R MB110-4G MB112-4G MB115-4G MB130-4G MB520-5G

Sometimes, some unknown devices may appear on the Clients list in the MERCUSYS App, and you may be concerned about the network security. Don't worry, it's probably related to the Wi-Fi settings of the client devices.

Generally speaking, the MERCUSYS routers identifies the connected devices through their hostname or MAC address (unique physical address). However, for privacy and security purpose, devices with iOS 14, Android 10, Windows 10, and later versions, have released a new feature called Private Address or Random Address, which will use a random and unrecognizable MAC address to connect to your network. In this case, the MERCUSYS device cannot identify them and will display them as unknown devices.

Here are some suggestions for you to avoid this problem.

1. Disable the Private Address or Random Address feature on the client devices

1) For devices with iOS 14 or later versions: Please refer to https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211227.

2) For devices with Android 10 or later versions: Go to Settings > Wi-Fi > Connect to MERCUSYS device’s Wi-Fi > Tap the gear icon next to the current Wi-Fi connection > Advanced > Privacy > Use device MAC.

3) For devices with Windows 10 or later versions: Please refer to https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/how-to-use-random-hardware-addresses-in-windows-ac58de34-35fc-31ff-c650-823fc48eb1bc#WindowsVersion=Windows_11 and turn off “Random hardware address”.

2. Rename the unknown devices

If you don't want to disable the Private Address or Random Address feature, you could reconnect your devices one by one to the MERCUSYS router, and rename them in the MERCUSYS App. However, since the Private Address or Random Address feature may change the Wi-Fi address periodically, these devices will display as unknown devices again after their Wi-Fi address changed.

3. Block the truly unknown devices

If you confirm a specific device is not a known device on your network, you can add it to the block list to protect your network security.

For details, please refer to How do I block devices on MERCUSYS Router through the MERCUSYS app.