Unnamed and duplicate devices

[Pshepard]

I see so many old, locked threads about this topic, and they all say the same thing... "Devices should drop off in 30 days...". The problem is they don't. Not only that, but you can have multiple duplicates and they never drop. Unnamed devices all over the place, and if you pause them, then the next time that particular device joins and registers as Unnamed device, they don't have internet access. I just had to unpause every Unnamed device I had today to give my daughter's phone internet access again. Filtering down to the "last 7 days" doesn't help, either, because even MY phone, with static IP and NO VPN re-registers as Unnamed Device on occasion. 

This needs escalated and addressed before it becomes a real security issue and some one gets ripped off... 

Please don't just lock or ignore this post, and please provide some type of feedback that's NOT "The devices should roll off in 30, 60, 90 days", because they don't... They don't roll off in 720 days...

[olavrb]

One reason for the ever growing list of unknown devices could be MAC randomization, a privacy feature built in to most OS-es to make devices harder to track across networks.

• Apple: [1] https://support.apple.com/en-us/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

It can help to make sure this is disabled for all devices connected to your Nest Wifi network.

[Pshepard]

So I should ask all my visitors to turn off a safety feature built into their devices? This should NOT be a fix.

Also, just to add, I've found this problematic for the "family wifi group" I've created to shut off internet for my children's devices at bedtime. It's also a MASSIVE safety issue as anyone I've blocked can simply rejoin with a random MAC or another name.

Google really needs to get this fixed before someone has a massive security breach because of it. 

[olavrb]

I agree. I've raised this concern for years, but us PEs (product experts, not working at Google) doesn't have much insight or power. I've also escalated this thread.

I just wanted to share with you what might cause this. And it's clear that Google after all this years where MAC randomization has been a thing still does not handle it. And they still claim their Wi-Fi products have a working parental control feature.

Moving to a different Wi-Fi system is the only quick fix here, unfortunately.

[Pshepard]

It's strange that I didn't have this issue when it was Google WiFi. This only started after the switch to Google home.

Apparently the techs also don't scan posts for buzzwords like "security breach" or even just "security". You'd think they're at least looking at new posts to find places to patch or upgrade...

Wonder if "going to go to Alexa" or "going to drop Google" will get their attention...

[Alex_S]

Hi everyone,
 

We appreciate the help here, olavrb.

Pshepard, I understand that this has been inconvenient for you. Our team would like to take a look at this. Kindly fill out this form and let us know once you're done.

Kind regards,
Alex

[Pshepard]

I've completed and submitted the form.

[Kimy]

Hi Pshepard,

We got your form — thanks for filling it out. Our team will reach out to you via email anytime soon. Let us know if there’s anything else we can help you with.

Best,
Kimy

[Pshepard]

Nothing yet I guess? 

[LovelyM]

Hello Pshepard, 

Sorry if this is taking some time. I'll follow up on your case with our senior specialist team so they can get a hold of you over email sooner. 

Thanks, 
Lovely

[Pshepard]

It's just that this is an issue that's been around for a long time, as proven by the shear number of posts regarding this. I myself made a post months ago that was ignored. It's a safety concern and it's incredibly frustrating. I've had this system for nearly 5 years now, and as much as I dread the thought, I'm going to switch providers. Half of what we have is already Alexa, so it won't take much...

[Pshepard]

Unnamed Offline devices on Nest WiFi

The above named thread was opened in early 2021. 2.5 years you've been "working on it" and have not supplied any results, and in many cases haven't even responded. 

I'm DONE  with this Google/Nest mesh wifi system. I'm going to sell them and by something that's NOT Google. I'm switching my search engine, I'm switching my default emai... everything Google I have is going away. I hope this inspires others to do the same...

[Pshepard]

Just another placating response without any action behind it. 

I am removing Google from my house this week and moving to Linksys and Alexa.

Wish I could say its been a great run, but then I wouldn't be switching. 

[Dan_A]

Hey there Pshepard,

Apologies for the delay.

We’ve checked your case and our higher tier of support sent you an email. Kindly reply to the email and please continue the conversation there.

Kind regards,

Dan