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 that they will assign through an individual modem. DHCP uses a devices 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 will become <strong>MAC locked</strong> and will refuse to assign an IP address to the new device. The instructions listed below will help you to clear MAC lock from a customer's 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>Customer 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>Customer 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>Customer should now be able to surf!</li></ol> </article> </main>
