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What is a Random/Private MAC Address?
A MAC (Media Access Control) address is a unique hardware identifier assigned to a network interface card (NIC) by the manufacturer. It's like a serial number for your device on a network. Traditionally, this address is fixed and doesn't change.
Random MAC addresses, also known as private Wi-Fi addresses or MAC address randomization, is a privacy feature in modern operating systems like Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS. Instead of using the device's true, static MAC address, it generates a different, random MAC address for each new Wi-Fi network it connects to. This makes it harder for network providers, advertisers, or third parties to track your location or your device's activity across different networks.
How Random/Private MAC Addresses Can Affect Wi-Fi Networks
While a great privacy feature, MAC address randomization can cause issues on some Wi-Fi networks, particularly those with features that rely on a static MAC address.
- Network Access Control (NAC): Some networks use the MAC address to grant or deny access. If the MAC address changes, your device might be seen as a new, unauthorized device and be unable to connect.
- Static IP Addresses: Networks that assign a specific, static IP address based on your MAC address won't be able to find your device if the MAC address changes.
- Parental Controls & Content Filtering: Many routers and network management tools use MAC addresses to enforce parental controls or filter content for specific devices. When the MAC address changes, these rules no longer apply, and the device might be able to bypass them.
- Captive Portals: In places like hotels or airports, you often have to sign in to a captive portal. If you've already signed in, and your device's MAC address changes, you may be prompted to sign in again.
How to turn off Random/Private MAC addresses?
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
- Open the Settings app, then tap Wi-Fi.
- Tap the information icon next to GeauxWifi.
- 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
- Open the Settings app, then tap Wi-Fi.
- 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.
- The more button in Wi-Fi settings
- Tap Private Address to turn it off.
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.
- Open the Settings app.
- Go to "Network & Internet" or "Connection", then choose "Wi-Fi" to access Wi-Fi settings.
- Tap the gear icon associated with GeauxWifi. If there is no gear, just tap the network name.
- Click View More.
- 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
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.
- Choose the Apple Menu in the top left, then select System Settings.
- Choose Wi-Fi in the sidebar.
- Choose the Details/More Info button beside the network you wish to connect to.
- 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.
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 UL Lafayette wireless networks.
Turn off random hardware addresses for all networks:
- Select the Start button, then select Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi.
- Turn off Use random hardware addresses.
Turn off random hardware addresses for a specific network:
- Select the Start button, then select Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi > Manage known networks.
- Choose a network, then select Properties and choose the setting you want under Use random hardware addresses for this network.