WiFi: Turn Off Private Addresses on iOS or Android

Overview

My iOS or Android 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 button next to eduroam or UT-Open.
3. Tap Private 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 (eduroam or UT-Open). 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)

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

General

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 eduroam or UT-Open. If there is no gear, just tap the network name.
4. Most common places to find Private Address setting within this pop-up:
   • MAC Address Type > Device MAC
   • Advanced > Privacy > Use Device MAC
   • Advanced > MAC Address Type > Phone MAC