what does address filtering mean

Here is the related documentation for this Epson printer error:

https://support.epson.net/setupnavi/connect/general/EN/_files/nwchk.htm

Check the Epson printers for any firmware updates, and load the most recent available. This all assuming that the unidentified Epson printers has firmware that can be updated.

Once the printer is running current firmware, also restart the Wi-Fi router or access point.

Check for any available firmware updates for the Wi-Fi router or access point.

Check for MAC filtering somehow enabled on the Wi-Fi router or access point too, obviously. Disable, if so.

If the problems persist with current firmware and a restarted router and restarted printer, check with Epson support, and potentially also check with your Wi-Fi router or access point vendor.

It may be possible that the router has barred or blocked your device's MAC address. The MAC address is a unique identifier assigned to each network interface card (NIC) in a device. By blocking a specific MAC address on the router, you can prevent that device from connecting to your Wi-Fi network.

The process of blocking/unblocking a MAC address varies depending on the router's manufacturer and model. Here are general steps to block a MAC address on most routers:

1. Open a web browser on a device connected to the router's network and enter the router's IP address in the address bar. You can usually find the router's IP address on the bottom of the router or in the router's manual.
2. Enter the router's username and password when prompted. If you haven't changed them, the default credentials are often found on the router or in the router's manual.
3. The location of these settings may vary depending on the router's interface. Look for a section related to "MAC filtering," "Access Control," "Wireless Security," or similar.
4. In the MAC filtering or access control settings, there should be an option to add a MAC address to the blocked list or delete a Mac Address from the blocked list. Enter the MAC address of the device you want to block/unblock and save the changes.
5. Apply the changes and restart the router: Once you have removed/added the MAC address to the blocked list, save the settings and apply the changes. Some routers may require a restart for the changes to take effect.

After blocking the MAC address on the router, the device with the blocked MAC address will no longer be able to connect to the Wi-Fi network. Keep in mind that MAC address blocking is not foolproof, as MAC addresses can be spoofed or changed on some devices. For enhanced security, it's recommended to use additional authentication methods such as strong Wi-Fi passwords and encryption protocols.

Possible Fixes:

1. Disable Private Wi-Fi Address:
   1. Go to Settings > Wi-Fi, tap on your work network, and turn off Private Wi-Fi Address.
   2. The router may have whitelisted a specific MAC address; make sure the phone is using the correct one.
2. Turn Off Wi-Fi Assist:
   1. Go to Settings > Cellular > Wi-Fi Assist and toggle it off.
   2. Sometimes, this setting can interfere with connecting to hidden networks.
3. Ensure iPhone Saves the Network Properly:
   1. After manually entering the SSID and password, make sure Auto-Join is enabled.
   2. If the issue persists, try Reset Network Settings (Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings).
4. Ask IT to Consider Broadcasting the SSID: Hidden SSIDs do not add security and often cause connection instability.

vickifromnapa wrote:

My printer will not connect wirelessly to my MacBook because the printer tells me the MAC address filter failed. It worked fine, until now it doesn't.

Any help would be appreciated

No mention of—

what exact Mac?

what exact macOS?

what exact printer?

Old issue, new issue, what changed?

Did you turn off and restart all devices(?) Mac, modem, router and restart to compare your results

see if there is anything here—

Solve printing problems on Mac

Solve printing problems on Mac - Apple Support

MAC (not to be confused with Mac) Address Filtering is a router setting. If that is in fact preventing communication with the printer, it needs to be fixed in the router.

MAC is an acronym for Media Access Control. As it applies to routers, MAC Address Filtering limits communication to specific device addresses.

Try power cycling your router (unplug it, wait 30 seconds, plug it back in and wait for it to come back online). They try printing again.