For greater privacy, units managing Android 10 or later on use a randomized Wi-Fi MAC address by default. In some conditions, you could possibly want to disable this feature. Here’s how to do it.
Why Disable the Random Wi-Fi MAC on Android?
For most people today, it is Alright to depart randomized MAC addresses turned on. It’s a privacy and protection characteristic that makes you more difficult to track.
One particular very good reason to disable it, nonetheless, is if you use MAC filtering on your router. In this situation, if your unit makes use of a random MAC deal with, your router will not be capable to discover your system, and you won’t be capable to use MAC-unique settings for your device.
Also, if you have your router configured to usually assign a selected static IP address to a unit on your community network, you will need to backlink that IP with a selected device’s MAC deal with.
Linked: Why You Shouldn’t Use MAC Deal with Filtering On Your Wi-Fi Router
How to Disable Randomized MAC Addresses on Android
It is effortless to change a randomized MAC handle on or off every time you want. But prior to you do this, know that numerous Android designs and variations use different names for specific Settings possibilities. For case in point, a OnePlus mobile phone suggests, “Wi-Fi & Community,” and a Samsung one claims, “Connections,” but they the two consider you to the very same Wi-Fi settings menu.
With that in mind, open the “Settings” app on your Android phone. On most telephones, pull down from the prime of your display screen and faucet the gear icon to open Options. You can also open up your applications list and tap “Settings.”
In Settings, faucet “Wi-Fi & Network” (or “Connections” or “Network & Internet” relying on your gadget).
Following, tap “Wi-Fi” to see your Wi-Fi networks.
When you see your Wi-Fi community title in the record, faucet the gear icon beside it.
Next, faucet “Advanced.” Then tap “Privacy.”
On OnePlus and Pixel telephones, choose “Use gadget MAC.” If you use a Samsung product, tap “MAC deal with type” and pick “Phone MAC.” If your unit is different than the two of these, look for a comparable possibility that says “MAC” and allow it.
That’s it! Exit Configurations, and you’re finished. Make certain that you adhere to this course of action for every Wi-Fi network the place you want to use the phone’s actual MAC deal with.
If you use an Iphone or iPad, your product also randomizes the MAC address. The good news is, you can turn that option off on your Apple products, far too.
Connected: How to Disable Non-public Wi-Fi MAC Addresses on Iphone and iPad