How to Blacklist or Block a Device from Your WiFi

If someone is using your WiFi without permission or you want to stop a specific device from connecting, you can block it using your router’s access control or MAC filter. The steps depend on your router brand.

What You Need First: The Device’s MAC Address

Routers identify devices by MAC address (a unique code like AA:BB:CC:11:22:33). To block a device you usually add its MAC to a block list. On most routers you can see connected devices and their MAC addresses in the admin panel under Connected Devices, DHCP Client List, or Wireless → Statistics. Note the MAC of the device you want to block.

TP-Link: Block a WiFi User

Log in at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1. Go to Wireless → Wireless MAC Filtering (or Access Control on newer firmware). Enable MAC Filtering and choose Block mode. Add the MAC address of the device you want to blacklist. Save. The device will be disconnected and cannot reconnect until you remove it from the list.

D-Link: Access Control / Block List

After logging in at 192.168.0.1, open Advanced → Network Filter or Access Control. Enable the feature and add the MAC address to the block list. Some D-Link models use Wireless → MAC Filter. Save and apply. The blocked device will lose access immediately.

NETGEAR: Block a Device

In the NETGEAR interface (192.168.1.1 or routerlogin.net), go to Advanced → Security → Access Control. Turn on Access Control and select “Block” for the listed devices, or add a new MAC to the block list. Apply. The user will be unable to use your WiFi until you unblock them.

Tenda and Other Routers

On Tenda routers (192.168.0.1), look for Wireless → MAC Filter or Access Control. Add the device’s MAC to the deny list. ZTE and Huawei modems often have a MAC Filter or Blacklist under WLAN or Security. The idea is the same: enable the filter and add the MAC to block that device.

Alternative: Change WiFi Password

If you prefer not to use MAC filtering, change your WiFi password. All devices will be disconnected and must enter the new password. Anyone who doesn’t have the new password cannot connect. See your router’s Wireless or WiFi settings to set a new WPA2 password. For brand-specific steps, use the Router Brands menu.

Finding a Device’s MAC Address

You need the device’s MAC address to add it to the block list. On the router, check Connected Devices, DHCP Client List or Wireless → Statistics; the list usually shows device name, IP and MAC. On Windows, run ipconfig /all and look at “Physical Address” for your adapter. On a phone or tablet, check under WiFi settings (e.g. Settings → About → Status or WiFi details). The MAC is often shown as six pairs of hex digits (e.g. AA:BB:CC:11:22:33).