What Is MAC Randomization and How to Use It on Your Devices
Ayush is a tech-savvy writer and self-proclaimed geek with a passion for technology and gadgets. He is always on the cutting edge of the latest trends in the world of technology and is dedicated to sharing his insights and expertise with the world.
Pankil is a Civil Engineer turned freelance writer. Since his arrival at Guiding Tech in 2021, he delves into the world of how-tos, and troubleshooting guides for Android, iOS, and Windows. Besides his new-found love for mechanical keyboards, he’s a disciplined footfall fan and loves international travel with his wife.
What Is MAC Randomization and How Does It Work
A MAC (Media Access Control) addressis a unique 12-digit identifier assigned to internet-capable devices, which helps identify devices on a network. When you connect to a Wi-Fi network, your device’s MAC address is visible, which can expose its identity and location.
Enabling MAC randomization assigns a temporary MAC address to your device, reducing the privacy risk by hiding the original one. This ensures the safety and privacy of your devices on public or shared Wi-Fi networks.
How to Enable MAC Randomization on Windows 11
You may occasionally need to connect your Windows 11 laptop to public Wi-Fi networks. Before doing so, it’s essential to enable MAC randomization for added privacy.
Step 1:Press theWindows key + Ito open the Settings app and head toNetwork & internet>Wi-Fi.
Step 2:Turn on the toggle for theRandom hardware addressesoption.
Step 3:In theWi-Fi section, click theManage known networksoption.
Step 4:Click on the Wi-Fi network you want to configure.
Step 5:Click the drop-down next toRandom hardware addressesand selectOnorChange daily.
How to Enable MAC Randomization on Android
Mostphones updated to Android 10 or laterhave MAC randomization enabled by default. However, it’s wise to verify, as different manufacturers may implement varying configurations across devices.
Here’s how you can enable MAC randomization on your Android phone or tablet:
Step 1:Open theSettingsapp and head toWi-Fi.
Step 2:Look for the Wi-Fi network connected to your Android and tap thegear iconnext to it.
Step 3:Under Network details, go toAdvanced>Privacy. Then, selectUse randomized MAC (default).
How to Enable MAC Randomization on iOS and iPadOS
Apple requires users to enable MAC randomization manually for each wireless network, as it doesn’t allow it for all networks by default. The steps are similar for both iPhone and iPad.
Step 1:Head to theSettingsapp on your iPhone or iPad and tap onWi-Fi.
Step 2:Tap theinfo iconnext to your network and enable thePrivate Wi-Fi Addresstoggle.
Can You Enable MAC Randomization on Mac?
Unfortunately, Apple doesn’t support MAC randomization directly on Macs. To achieve this, you’ll need to installHomebrew, a free open-source package manager, and use a tool called Spoof-mac. The process is more complex and requires technical steps.
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Last updated on 04 September, 2024
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