WiFi: Turn Off Private MAC Address

My device keeps asking me to register it on the network. How do I turn off private addresses?

iOS (Apple)

Apple added a new privacy setting beginning with iOS 14, iPadOS 14, and watchOS 7 that periodically changes the MAC address your device uses with each Wi-Fi network. This randomized MAC address is your device's private Wi-Fi address for that network—until the next time it joins with a different address. Our network registration system that grants Internet access relies on the MAC address being the same. To avoid needing to re-register your device, you will need to turn off private addresses (or see below).

iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

1. Open the Settings app, then tap Wi-Fi.
2. Tap the information icon next to GeauxWifi.
3. Tap Private Address (it may also say Private Wi-Fi Address) to turn it off. If your device joined the network without using a private address, a privacy warning explains why.

Apple Watch

1. Open the Settings app, then tap Wi-Fi.
2. Tap the name of the network you joined (GeauxWifi). If you haven't joined the network yet, swipe left on its name and tap more.
3. The more button in Wi-Fi settings
4. Tap Private Address to turn it off.

Android

Google Pixel Watches use Randomized MAC addresses, and there is currently no way to disable them. They will not be able to connect to UL Lafayette's network until this issue is fixed by Google.

Note: The instructions may vary as Android varies per device manufacturer. 

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Go to "Network & Internet" or "Connection", then choose "Wi-Fi" to access Wi-Fi settings.
3. Tap the gear icon associated with GeauxWifi. If there is no gear, just tap the network name.
4. Click View More.
5. Most common places to find Private Address setting within this pop-up:
   • MAC Address Type > Device MAC
   • MAC Address Type > Phone MAC
   • Advanced > Privacy > Use Device MAC
   • Advanced > MAC Address Type > Phone MAC

macOS

Starting with macOS Sequoia, macOS now has three options for private addressing: Rotating, Fixed, and Off. Before registering your Mac on GeauxWifi, the private address setting needs to be turned off.

1. Choose the Apple Menu in the top left, then select System Settings.
2. Choose Wi-fi in the sidebar.
3. Choose the Details/More Info button beside the network you wish to connect to.
4. From the menu next to Private Wi-Fi address, choose Off. (We do not recommend choosing Fixed.)

More information about private Wi-Fi addresses on Apple devices is available on Apple's Support site.

Windows

There are two controls for using random hardware addresses in Windows — one is for all Wi-Fi networks and the other is for the specific Wi-Fi network you choose. When connected to GeauxWifi, this setting in Windows can cause issues with your network registration. OIT recommends turning random hardware addresses off for the UT wireless networks.

Turn off random hardware addresses for all networks:

1. Select the Start  button, then select Settings  > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi.
2. Turn off Use random hardware addresses.

Turn off random hardware addresses for a specific network:

1. Select the Start  button, then select Settings  > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi  > Manage known networks.
2. Choose a network, then select Properties and choose the setting you want under Use random hardware addresses for this network.