Family wifi decives turns to unamed device

[Memojuass]

The family control its by device name, when I create a schedule and add devices to that schedule, it works, from time to time, devices are recognized by the system as unamed devices and the schedule do not apply the rules to that device anymore. It's frustrating..

[olavrb]

This is due to a privacy related feature of newer OSes (Windows, Android, iOS) known as MAC randomization, which makes it look like a new/different device connects to your Nest Wifi.

Both the Family Wi-Fi/parental control and the pausing functionality has been broken by design ever since MAC randomization became a thing years ago. More on MAC randomization from:

• Apple: [1] https://support.apple.com/en-ca/guide/security/secb9cb3140c/web, [2] https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211227
• Google / Android: https://source.android.com/docs/core/connect/wifi-mac-randomization-behavior
• Microsoft Windows: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/ac58de34-35fc-31ff-c650-823fc48eb1bc

You should probably look at controlling access on a different level, for instance the device itself. With products like:

• Apple screen time: https://support.apple.com/en-ca/guide/ipad/ipadb15cb886/ipados
• Google Family Link: https://families.google.com/familylink
• Microsoft Family Safety: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/family-safety

[AbigailF]

Hey folks, 

Thanks for lending a hand, @olavrb.
@Memojuass, I wanted to follow up and see if you are still in need of any help. Please let me know if you are still having any concerns or questions from here, as I would be happy to take a closer look and assist you further.

Thanks,
Abi

[AbigailF]

Hi Memojuass,

Checking back in should you still have some questions here. Let us know by replying to this thread. 

Best, 
Abi

[AbigailF]

Hey there,

We haven't heard from you in a while so we'll be locking this thread if there is no update within 24 hours. If you have any new issues, updates or just a discussion topic, feel free to start a new thread in the Community.

Regards, 
Abi