04-04-2022 04:12 AM
04-04-2022 10:45 AM - edited 04-04-2022 10:46 AM
Unless you reserve an IP address for a specific MAC address there is no guarantee that any device will have the same IP address each time it connects.
Some devices will randomize it's MAC address as a way of maintaining privacy so networks can't track it. There is usually a setting to control this feature and it's normally only useful for connecting to public WiFi. It's possible one of your known devices is doing this.
The name and device type detected by the router isn't 100% accurate and depends on how forthcoming the device is at report it's identity. I have several smart devices that show up as the manufacturing company of the WiFi chip and has nothing to do with the brand or model of the device.
The only 100% way of finding out whether the mystery device is yours or not is to change your WiFi password and see what doesn't work after you update all the known devices.
04-04-2022 12:31 PM
04-04-2022 11:58 AM - edited 04-04-2022 12:03 PM
Newer device now have "Randomized" MAC addressing. And Apple is one of them. So you can turn that off, I believe. That way you can lockdown your device/iPhone to one IP address. otherwise it'll float around even with one static MAC address.
I get "unknown device" all the time with known devices, MAC isn't always reliable nor the named Meta data of said device. I've never played with Apples WiFi settings that have Randomization, so you will have to find it, if it exists. I have only turned it off on newer Window based laptops and PCs.
04-04-2022 12:26 PM
04-04-2022 12:20 PM
04-04-2022 12:25 PM
Since you only have a few devices to update just change your WiFi password and be done with it so you can stop worrying.
04-04-2022 12:43 PM
04-04-2022 12:32 PM - edited 04-04-2022 12:34 PM
After doing what XRAY suggests, you can rest assure that the only devices on your network will be yours. I assume you have a unique/secured PW for your Telus router? If you still see more devices connected than what you know are actually connect, you can rest assure that that is "historical" info retained by your router. Routers have "lease periods" for devices that are/were connect. being that your Apple devices have randomization MAC, just adds to the confusion.
04-04-2022 12:41 PM
04-04-2022 12:47 PM
It most likely is safe. The thing is, in order for someone to be on your "WiFi" they'd have to be within close proximity of your router, other than neighbors, who could that be? And even that would be such a bad connection it would be not worth it. I personally change the router's default management PW, just as a good house keeping practice.
04-04-2022 01:13 PM
04-04-2022 03:54 PM
As mentioned this is likely related to Apple turning on private Wi-Fi addresses in IOS 14 (and higher). More info here:
Use private Wi-Fi addresses on iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, and Apple Watch - Apple Support
05-19-2022 05:49 PM
I had an unknown device connected to my brand new wifi hub. I restart my wifi hub and it's gone.
1. Unplug the power cord from the back of the modem.
2. Wait 30 seconds.
3. Plug the power cord back into the back of the modem.