How to Enable MAC Filtering on UniFi Network

UniFi by Ubiquiti is a powerful software-defined networking (SDN) platform. It integrates a wide range of enterprise devices—including Wi-Fi access points, switches, security gateways, and surveillance cameras—into a single, centralized management system.

Unlike traditional networking solutions, UniFi provides a license-free interface, making it one of the most cost-effective and scalable networking platforms.

Why Use MAC Filtering?

As a Network Administrator, IT Executive, or Engineer, you may already use different methods to control network access, such as:

• Wi-Fi passwords
• VLANs
• Firewall or policy controls

However, if your Wi-Fi password is shared with others, unauthorized users can easily connect to your home or office network without your permission.

This issue applies to both wireless and wired users.

A simple and effective solution is MAC Filtering (also known as MAC Binding). This allows you to control exactly which devices can access your network.

Important Note

You do not need a UniFi Gateway (cloud or non-cloud) to enable MAC filtering.

You can configure this feature using:

• UniFi Access Points
• UniFi Switches

This works at Layer 2 (Data Link Layer) of the network.

Enable MAC Filtering for UniFi Wi-Fi

Step 1: : Log in to UniFi Controller

• Cloud: Go to UniFi Site Manager and access your site
• Local: Use your local IP address or domain name

Step 2 : Go to Wi-Fi Settings

• Click on Settings
• Select WiFi from the menu

Step 3: Select the SSID

• Choose the Wi-Fi network (SSID) where you want to enable MAC filtering

Step 4: Enable MAC Address Filter

• Scroll down to Behavior Controls
• Enable MAC Address Filter

Step 5: Choose Filter Mode

• Allow List → Only selected devices can connect
• Block List → Selected devices will be denied access

Step 6: Add MAC Addresses

You can:

• Add MAC addresses manually
• Create groups
• Select from currently connected devices

Step 7 Apply Changes

• Click Apply Changes to save settings

✅ MAC filtering is now enabled for your Wi-Fi network.

Enable MAC Filtering for Wired Users (Switch)

Step 1: Select UniFi Switch

• Go to Devices
• Select your UniFi Switch
• Click on Port Manager

Step 2: Open Port Manager

• You will see a graphical view of all switch ports
• Choose the port where you want to apply MAC filtering

Step 4: Enable Port Security

• Open port settings
• Change Advanced Settings to Manual

Step 5: Enable MAC Filtering

• Enable MAC Address Filter

Step 6: Save Settings

• Apply the changes

✅ MAC filtering is now enabled for wired users.

Conclusion

By enabling MAC filtering on UniFi Access Points and Switches, you can easily improve network security and control user access.

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