How To Clear MAC Lock - TekSavvy Community
<main> <article class="userContent"> <h2 data-id="introduction">Introduction</h2><p>In an effort to conserve IPv4 addresses, cable providers generally limit the number of unique IP addresses they will assign through an individual modem. DHCP uses a device's MAC address to determine if it has given an IP address lease to that device.</p><p>When the maximum number of allowed devices is reached, the modem becomes MAC Locked and refuses to assign an IP address to the new device. The instructions listed below will help you to clear MAC Lock from your cable modem by attempting to release an IP lease from the DHCP server.</p><h2 data-id="instructions">Instructions</h2><h3 data-id="windows"><strong>Windows</strong></h3><ol><li>On the computer that is currently functioning, open a <strong>Command Prompt</strong> window. (Small Black Window)<ul><li>Windows Key + R (Opens a RUN window)</li><li>Enter <strong>CMD</strong></li></ul></li><li>With the command prompt window open, type in <strong>ipconfig /release</strong></li><li>Disconnect the power to your cable modem.</li><li>Disconnect the Coaxial Cable from your modem.</li><li>Disconnect your PC from the modem.</li><li>Connect the device you wish to have access to the internet.</li><li>Wait 5 minutes</li><li>Reconnect the power to the cable modem</li><li>Wait 1 minute</li><li>Reconnect the Coaxial cable</li><li>Wait for the modem to synchronize</li><li>You should now be able to surf!</li></ol><h3 data-id="mac"><strong>Mac</strong></h3><ol><li>On the computer that is currently functioning, open up <strong>System Preferences</strong></li><li>Click and open <strong>Network</strong></li><li>Click and open <strong>Ethernet</strong></li><li>Click on <strong>Advanced</strong> (Bottom right-hand corner of the window)</li><li>Click on <strong>Renew DHCP Lease</strong></li><li>Disconnect the power to your cable modem.</li><li>Disconnect the Coaxial Cable from your modem.</li><li>Disconnect your PC from the modem.</li><li>Connect the device you wish to have access to the internet.</li><li>Wait 5 minutes</li><li>Reconnect the power to the cable modem</li><li>Wait 1 minute</li><li>Reconnect the Coaxial cable</li><li>Wait for the modem to synchronize</li><li>You should now be able to surf!</li></ol><h3 data-id="router"><strong>Router</strong></h3><ol><li>Disconnect the power to your cable modem.</li><li>Disconnect the Coaxial Cable from your modem.</li><li>Disconnect the power to your router.</li><li>Wait 5 minutes</li><li>Reconnect the power to the cable modem</li><li>Wait 1 minute</li><li>Reconnect the Coaxial cable</li><li>Wait for the modem to synchronize</li><li>Power on the router</li><li>You should now be able to surf!</li></ol> </article> </main>
