Disabling Private and Random Wi-Fi MAC addresses

Starting with iOS 14, Apple introduced the private Wi-Fi address feature.  This feature creates a new private MAC address for each wireless network the device joins and is enabled by default. 

Android 10 and higher has a similar feature, MAC address randomization.

These features are in conflict with the MAC address registration used for the "SwatDevice" wireless network SSID. Since the MAC address is "new" the device is no longer recognized by the network and is prompted to register. Once the private address function is disabled the registered device will connect again. Since the private address function can be disabled on an individual Wi-Fi network, this only needs to be done for "SwatDevice" at this time.

iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

  1. Open the Settings app, then tap Wi-Fi.

  2. Tap the Information button 

     next to a network.

  3. Tap to turn Private Address off.

These instructions are adapted from the following page https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211227.

Android 10 or higher

  1. Open the Settings app.

  2. Select Network and Internet.

  3. Select WiFi.

  4. Connect to the SwatDevice wireless network.

  5. Tap the gear icon next to the current Wi-Fi connection.

  6. Select Advanced.

  7. Select Privacy.

  8. Select "Use device MAC".



Ways you can contact ITS or find information:

ITS Support Portal: https://support.swarthmore.edu
Email: support@swarthmore.edu
Phone: x4357 (HELP) or 610-328-8513
Check out our remote resources at https://swatkb.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/remote/overview
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