“Additional Authentication Needed”? Why do I keep getting this please help?

SlitherySline · Mar 25, 2023

I haven’t played my xbox (Series S) in over a couple months because work and stuff. I plugged it in and booted it back up today. It couldn’t update the xbox because that error kept popping up about the Internet problem as listed above. It gives me 2 options in “order to get online” which are Authenticate Now or Enter Alternate Mac Address. I’ve tried both options. The authenticate now leads me to a page that doesn’t load, I’ll probably have to talk to my internet provider, and the other option of MAC address. I’ve tried different addresses on my network. I’ve tried clearing it. I’ve followed various steps as seen on other posts on here. I’ve unplugged my router/modem since I only have one, AT&T did it, and it still gives me error. I’ve unplugged my Xbox, waited a couple mins, turned back on and still didn’t work. I’ve tried connecting to wifi countless times too and at this point idk what else I have left to do…

:)

Rostom L

Hi there!

I appreciate all your efforts. Let's do our best to sort this out.

To further isolate the issue, I recommend that you try to connect to your mobile data hotspot.

If you're getting the same issue, let's perform instead an offline system update. Check your guide from the link below.
- https://support.xbox.com/help/hardware-network/...

taidara

Are you connecting your console to a hotspot, or a guest network at a hotel, which are secured by a captive portal (authentication web page)?

The second option require you to spoof the MAC address of an already associated/authenticated/authorized device and not the MAC address of whatever interface you're using to connect your Xbox (ethernet/wireless).

Also, make sure you're not concurrently connected with the current associated/authenticated/authorized device and your console, as they use the very same layer 2 identity.

XBF Diego M

Hi Kevin,

Every hardware device that connects to a network has an identifier code that is called a MAC address. This is how devices recognize each other because every device has a set and unique MAC address, unlike an IP address that cycles and changes periodically.

If I'm not mistaken the additional authentication required is your internet provider asking for your Xbox's MAC address to add it to the approved list of devices that your router allows to connect to. When you select the authenticate now button, it will
not load the page since it's trying to load a secure site that your ISP would authenticate the MAC address by first signing in to your router settings.

We have seen higher instances of this happening with AT&T for some reason, but essentially you need to make sure with AT&T that your Xbox is not being MAC filtered out from your router.

Before contacting AT&T, I suggest troubleshooting the console's MAC address and see if makes the Xbox more discoverable. Go to Settings>Network>Network Settings>Advanced Settings>Alternate MAC address>Clear and then select Restart Now when prompted.

If that doesn't work, call AT&T and ask for assistance with making sure your Xbox is not being filtered out. The console's MAC address can be found under the Advanced settings so have that ready when contacting your provider.

Njal the Blue

Are you talking about WiFi authentication?

InsectCentaur37

Hello!

Can you share more of what exactly happens?

Thanks!

“Additional Authentication Needed”? Why do I keep getting this please help?