How to Unblock a Device from WiFi? Complete Guide

If you want to know how to unblock a device from WiFi, you have come to the right place. It’s actually pretty easy, and anyone can do it.

You might think that this is just about typing in the correct password or that your device has limited internet access.

This issue is all about getting your device out of the blacklist so you can use the WiFi network without any problems.

Unblocking a device from WiFi is easy. If your device is blocked from connecting to your WiFi network, your device’s MAC address is likely filtered by the router. You can change your device’s MAC address or turn off filtering on your router. Doing this will allow your device to connect to the WiFi network once again.

Why Is My Device Blocked from WiFi

Getting your device blocked from your WiFi network means someone changed a few settings.

It could be that someone has blacklisted you from the network or excluded you from devices that can access the router.

1. You Have Been Blacklisted from the Network

The most likely reason you could not access WiFi is that your device is blacklisted.

The one that manages your network has intentionally blocked you from connecting to the WiFi. It could be personal or not, but there is a reason why they blocked you from the network.

2. There is a Network Whitelist

Another way to limit the users of a WiFi network is by using a network whitelist. It’s a list opposite of the blacklist since all the MAC addresses on the list can connect to the WiFi.

However, if your device’s address is not on the list, you will not be able to use the WiFi.

3. WiFi Password Has Changed

Using an old WiFi password will not allow you to connect to the router.

Your device is not technically blocked, but if you cannot get your hands on the right password, you will not connect to the internet.

How to Unblock a Device from WiFi – Top Solutions

Since you need access to WiFi to connect to the internet, how to unblock a device from WiFi is a fair question to ask.

As long as you follow the different solutions documented here, you will be able to gain access to the router and connect to the WiFi network.

Solution #1: Unblock Device Using Your Router’s Settings

If you feel like the network administrator has blocked you or put you on the device blacklist, the best thing you can do is ask to be unblocked nicely.

If that’s not an option, you will want to gain access to the WiFi router’s admin password so you will be able to unblock yourself.

 Here’s how to do it:

 Ask the network administrator nicely to unblock your device.

1. If you know the router’s admin, use a different device to access it.
2. Find the blacklist or blocked clients list.
3. Search for your device on the list.
4. Select Unblock.

Note: One thing to remember here is that you need to use a different device to get into your router’s settings.

The one that’s blacklisted will not be able to detect the router until it gets unblocked by the network administrator or you.

Solution #2: Unblock Device Using Your ISP’s App

The convenience also makes it prone for other people who have access to ISP’s app to accidentally block you from the network.

You can also set up settings that can automatically block users if they detect actions that undermine the network’s security.

 Here’s how to unblock your device using your ISP or router’s app:

1. Open the app on your phone.
2. Log in using your username and password.
3. Look for the blacklist or blocked devices list.
4. Search for your device and unblock it.
5. Connect to the WiFi.

Note: Not all ISPs or routers have this feature, but it will surely make your life a lot easier if they do. 

You can also turn off advanced security settings, so the app will not automatically block devices.

Solution #3: Change Your Device’s MAC Address

This is the solution you want to take if you are blocked from the WiFi network and do not have access to the router.

Since you will not be able to open up your router’s settings and unblock your device that way, you will need to switch your device’s MAC address.

It’s a good thing that the MAC addresses are not hardware locked, which means that you will still be able to change the one on your device.

Changing the MAC Address for Android devices:

If you are using an Android phone, one of the ways to do this will be to get root access.

It’s now possible to do it without rooting your device. However, you need to get a free app called Terminal Emulator for Android.

Here’s how to switch the MAC address on your Android device:

1. Go to Settings > About Phone > Status.
2. Write down your MAC address. You will need it later.
3. Get the Terminal Emulator for Android app from Google Play Store.
4. Run the app, type “IP link show,” and remember your network interface name.
5. Type “IP link set <network interface> <new MAC address>.

Note: Since this is a method that does not require you to root your phone, the settings you configure will not be permanent. 

Your MAC address will revert to its original one when you restart your phone.

Changing the MAC Address for iOS devices:

1. Connect to the WiFi network you want to change your MAC address.
2. Open your phone’s Settings, then select WiFi.
3. Tap on the “i” icon next to the network you are connected to.
4. On the next screen, turn on Private address.
5. Reconnect to the WiFi network.

Note: This method for iOS devices also does not need jailbreaking. You should have no problem using this as it will not affect your phone’s security and performance.

Solution #4: Disable MAC Address Filtering

Using MAC address filters is an excellent way to secure your network. You can consider this as whitelisting devices using their MAC address.

However, if you often add or remove devices to your network, this may not be the best idea.

If your WiFi network is public and guests are allowed to connect at any time, you want to turn off MAC address filtering, so you don’t inadvertently block your devices.

You can turn off this feature to unblock your device:

1. Go to your router’s admin panel.
2. Look for the Advanced menu.
3. Click on MAC Filtering or Access Control.
4. Choose Disable and save the settings.
5. Try connecting to the WiFi with your blocked device.

Note: You will be able to disable MAC address filtering and allow virtually any device to connect to your WiFi. 

If you have a private network where only a limited number of users can connect, this is a great security solution.

Solution #5: Reset Your WiFi Router

You can consider this the nuclear option since it will revert your router to its factory settings.

This means that you will clear your blacklist and whitelist, and devices that have been blocked will be unblocked.

Use this solution if you forgot your router’s admin access credentials but still have control of your router.

Here are the steps to reset your WiFi router:

1. Look for the reset button at the back of your router.
2. Use a pin or a paperclip to push the button.
3. Hold it for 15 to 20 seconds.
4. Wait for your router to shut down and turn back up again.
5. Try connecting your device to the WiFi.

Note: Resetting your router back to its factory settings will remove all of your current configurations. 

You will need to create a new WiFi name and password so you can connect your device to it again.

Thus, unblocking a device from a WiFi network is easy. You do have some options here. Of course, the first one is to talk to the network administrator. If you have control of the router, simply turn off MAC address filtering. You can also reset your router to its factory settings.

Read Next: How to Stop Hackers From Using My WiFi?

Last Thoughts

If you are still asking how to unblock a device from WiFi, all you need to do is follow these solutions.

You have a choice between incredibly easy technical solutions to one that is super easy to do.

You can always contact your router manufacturer’s customer support if you have tried all of our solutions but still could not get access to the internet for your favorite device.