Stop Chromecast from using random mac address on the newest firmware

[gt500]

I do MAC filtering in my home network. 

How do I turn off random MAC addressing with the latest firmware? There is no "Advance" when I select a network, Just Connect or Forget. I have searched and the answers I've found make sense if the options were available, I've been in the computer industry since the mid 70's and never been frustrated as I am today with trying to set this product up. (and Yes, I owned a Chromecast V1 in the day).

Thanks in advance for any help,

Bill

[David_K]

If you use MAC address filtering, the only way to resolve this is to:

1. Temporarily disable MAC address filtering on your router.
2. Setup Chromecast as normal with the Google Home app.
3. Once setup, on your Chromecast itself, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi.
4. Select your Wi-Fi network.
5. Scroll down and select Advanced.
6. Under Privacy, uncheck the box next to Use randomized MAC > Save.
7. Open the Google Home app on your phone or tablet.
8. Tap the Devices tab, then tap your Chromecast.
9. Tap the Settings cog at the top right, then Device information. You'll see the MAC address at the bottom.
10. Whitelist this MAC address in your router's settings. You can then re-enable MAC address filtering.

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[gt500]

These are the same instructions I found before my post. As I stated in my original posting. when I get to step 4, I have no "Advanced" option, only "Connect" or "Forget". This is why I created the question, I'm not seeing the option after the latest update when I installed ( or attempted to install) Chromecast.

Thanks again but still not solved,

Bill

[gt500]

Could the option be below the fold of the page, I'll attempt to check when I power it up again later today...

[David_K]

Indeed, you will need to scroll down to get to the advanced section.

[gt500]

I don't have that option even when I scroll down, this is all I get, connect, or forget. added image (hopefully)

[David_K]

You probably need to disable MAC filtering on your router first, connect to the Wi-Fi, then the Advanced menu should show.

[gt500]

That won't happen, been in networking since DECnet of the 70's and MAC filtering is one of the best way to keep unwanted devices off your home network. Problem is most people are too lazy to do it.  I've connected it to my phones hot spot and downloaded the latest update so I know it's talked to google once already and it's still not showing the option to disable. I don't believe the device has random as the default. Time to return it if I can't disable I guess.

-Bill

[David_K]

MAC randomization is indeed turned on by default for Chromecast with Google TV and it is SSID-specific, so the steps I originally shared are the only way to set it up if you want to keep using MAC filtering, and you will need to temporarily disable it. You can absolutely re-enable it once setup if you want to keep using it. I won't go into the pros and cons of MAC filtering as my view is devices need to know your Wifi password to join your Wifi so that in itself is a barrier to "unwanted" devices joining your network. This is sufficient for the vast majority of users, and explains why these types of devices are not designed to be used with MAC filtering. MAC filtering is typically only seen and used in enterprise/corporate environments, not the home. Using a hotspot will not work, even if you name it the same as your original SSID, because it knows the MAC address of the SSIDs is different.

[Kimy]

Hi folks,

Appreciate your help here, @David_K.

@gt500, I hope you've found the answer you're looking for. If you're still in need of assistance, please let us know, as we would be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Thanks,
Kimy

[Kimy]

Hi there,

I'm just checking in to make sure that you saw our responses. Please let us know if you still need our help, as we would be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Regards,
Kimy

[gt500]

Was never able to get to a menu that would allow to stop randomizing the MAC address. Changing my network set up/filtering for one device (disabling MAC filtering) is not an option in my book. Do you have a method that doesn't involve me changing my router setup?

Thanks,

Bill

[Kimy]

Hi gt500,

Thanks for the details. The options given by @David_K were applicable to Chromecast with Google TV with an older firmware version. The current ones don't have that anymore. It doesn’t randomize the MAC address any longer. Try to remove the MAC filtering from your router settings and set up your Chromecast device as normal. If it fails, then let’s isolate possible network specifics by connecting it to a non-complex network like your personal mobile hotspot. Let us know how it goes.

Thanks,

Kimy

[gt500]

I connected the device to my mobile hotspot to get the latest firmware for the device, at the same time, I added the device's MAC address to the router to allow it to use the network. I just need to confirm that the latest firmware doesn't randomizes the address before I put it back on the network. As I told David, I will not remove MAC filtering on my network, not even temporary. I'm very protective, been ever since my days on DECnet, through Ethernet, TCP/IP, to my current home network.

I'll attemp to utilize the divice tomorrow and see how it goes.

Bill

[Kimy]

Hi Bill,

Thanks for the update. We’ll wait for your response.

Regards,

Kimy

[Kimy]

Hi there,

I just wanted to follow up to see if you still need our help. Please let us know, as we would be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Regards,
Kimy

[Kimy]

Hello there,

We haven’t heard back from you, so I'll be locking this thread in 24 hours. Feel free to create a new one if you have other concerns in the future.

Best,
Kimy