MAC Address Randomization
General Networks Protected and Unprotected
On May 22, 2022, all Wi-Fi devices will be set to the “Protected” network profile which enables additional firewall protection from other on-campus devices. In some specific use cases a device profile may need to be changed to "Unprotected" and have any MAC address randomization features disabled for proper wi-fi network registration and connectivity. MAC address randomization may also be referred to as MAC address rotation and disabling this feature can aid in network connection troubleshooting. For more information on the Protected/Unprotected profile change please refer to the following article: General Networks Protected and Unprotected
Users granted access to, or use of, System Information Resources must be aware of and agree to abide by UT's acceptable use requirements: Acceptable Use Policy
What is MAC Address Randomization?
MAC address randomization is the process of concealing a device's identity by creating a random MAC address while connected to wi-fi networks. The second character of a randomized MAC address frequently contains a 2, 6, A or E, however this is not true for all MAC addresses. (Ex: 9A:7F:B5:58:B2:75). The following operating systems include MAC address randomization settings for their Wi-Fi network connections:
- iOS 14 or later (enabled by default)
- iPadOS14 or later (enabled by default)
- watchOS 7 or later (enabled by default)
- Android 8.0 or later (enabled by default)
- Windows 10 or later
MacOS does not currently support MAC address randomization. MAC Address randomization should be disabled for connections with the utexas-iot network or on any other UT network when an unprotected profile is enabled for that device.
How to Turn Off MAC Address Randomization on iOS and iPadOS 14 or Later
To turn off MAC address randomization on iOS and iPadOS 14 or later, please follow the steps below:
- Click the 'Settings' app
- Select 'Wi-Fi'
- Select the Wi-Fi network your device is connected to
- Tap on 'Private Wi-Fi Address' to toggle the setting off
- After a pop-up will display and select 'Continue' to turn the setting off
How to Turn Off MAC Address Randomization on Android 8.0 or Later
To turn off MAC address randomization on Android 8.0 or later, please follow the steps below:
NOTE: Android 9.0 has MAC address randomization disabled by default
- Open the 'Settings' app
- Select Network & Internet
- Select 'Wi-Fi'
- Tap the gear icon next to the Wi-Fi network the device is connected to
- Select 'Advanced'
- Select 'Privacy'
- Select 'Use Device MAC'
How to Turn Off MAC Address Randomization on Windows 10 or Later
To turn off MAC address randomization on Windows 10 or later, please follow the steps below:
NOTE: This setting is disabled by default on Windows devices
- Select the 'Start' icon
- Select the 'Settings' icon
- Select 'Network & Internet'
- Select 'Wi-Fi'
- Select 'Random hardware addresses' to toggle the setting off