What Is MAC Randomization and How Does It Work
A MAC (Media Access Control) address is 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 the Windows key + I to open the Settings app and head to Network & internet > Wi-Fi.
Step 2: Turn on the toggle for the Random hardware addresses option.
Step 3: In the Wi-Fi section, click the Manage known networks option.
Step 4: Click on the Wi-Fi network you want to configure.
Step 5: Click the drop-down next to Random hardware addresses and select On or Change daily.
How to Enable MAC Randomization on Android
Most phones updated to Android 10 or later have 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 the Settings app and head to Wi-Fi.
Step 2: Look for the Wi-Fi network connected to your Android and tap the gear icon next to it.
Step 3: Under Network details, go to Advanced > Privacy. Then, select Use 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 the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad and tap on Wi-Fi.
Step 2: Tap the info icon next to your network and enable the Private Wi-Fi Address toggle.
Can You Enable MAC Randomization on Mac?
Unfortunately, Apple doesn’t support MAC randomization directly on Macs. To achieve this, you’ll need to install Homebrew, 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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