WiFi: Turn Off Private Addresses on iOS or Android

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iOS | 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 icon next to eduroam or UT-Open.
  3. 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

  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

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. Click View More.
  5. 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
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