Modern smartphones (iOS and Android) often use "Private MAC addresses" that change periodically. This can bypass your filters unless you disable "Private Wi-Fi Address" for your home network on the device itself.
Launch the app on your smartphone. Ensure you are logged in as the Primary Account owner.
A more restrictive security measure where only devices you manually approve can join the network. How to Configure MAC Filtering via the Deco App To set up filtering on your TP-Link Deco M4
Let’s walk through the configuration. Ensure your phone is connected to the Deco M4’s Wi-Fi before starting.
Connect to your Deco Wi-Fi and enter tplinkwifi.net or 192.168.0.1 in your browser. Log in with your owner password (default is often admin ). Navigate to > Security > Access Control .
You frequently host parties, have many smart home devices with randomizing MACs, or you don’t want the headache of maintaining a list.
While the TP-Link Deco M4 lacks the traditional MAC address filter table found in older routers, its feature effectively blocks unwanted devices. For most home users, this is sufficient. For high-security environments requiring a strict Whitelist, consider enabling HomeShield Pro or using a different router for critical network segments.