On-Campus WiFi For Mobile Devices - Disable Private MAC Addresses

Recently both Apple and Google have released updates to the operating systems on their smartphones and tablets. These updates which randomize device MAC addresses have caused major issues with mobile devices registered to use the campus Wi-Fi network. Students and faculty using smartphones and tablets have been unable to access the Internet while on campus. The randomized MAC address option is configured for each wireless connection, so there is no way to configure this globally. The following instructions show how to turn off the feature and once completed, the device should be able to access the campus Wi-Fi again.  

Disable Private MAC Address on iOS 14 - iPhones and iPads

If you are encountering connectivity issues on Eastern’s wireless network after updating to iOS 14 or iPadOS 14, try disabling the “Private Address” feature, which randomizes MAC addresses when joining Wi-Fi networks.

1. Open the Settings app, then go to “Wi-Fi”
2. Find the network you’re connected to, then tap the  button next to the network name
3. Toggle the switch with Private Address to the OFF position
4. You may need to reboot your device

Disable MAC Address Randomization in Android 10

By default this MAC Randomizer will be enabled once the device is updated to Android 10. To disable it follow the steps below. You may have to enable Developer mode on the phone. This is a secret menu that once enabled/unlocked allows you to access the option to disable the MAC Randomizer. The steps may differ depending on your brand. Multiple methods are described below.

Method 1

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Select Network and Internet.
3. Select WiFi.
4. Select the gear icon next to the ECSU wifi connection.
5. Select Advanced.
6. Select Privacy.
7. Select Use device MAC

Method 2

1. Open Settings
2. Using search bar type in build
3. Select Build number. It will take you to the menu with this setting.
4. Select the Build number option 5-10x to unlock Developer options It may prompt for passcode
5. Go back to Settings
6. Using search bar type in Developer options
7. Select Developer options
8. Locate MAC Randomizer
9. Disable MAC Randomizer
10. Scroll up to the top and turn off Developer options This will hide those options

Method 3

1. Open Settings
2. Select About phone
3. Scroll down to Build number
4. Select the Build number option 5-10x to unlock Developer options It may prompt for passcode
5. Go back to Settings
6. Select System
7. Select Advanced
8. Select Developer options On Some phones it may now show Developer options directly on the settings menu.
9. Locate MAC Randomizer
10. Disable MAC Randomizer
11. Scroll up to the top and turn off Developer options This will hide those options

Method 4

1. Open Settings
2. Select About phone
3. Select Software information
4. Scroll down to Build number
5. Tap the Build number option 5-10x to unlock Developer options It may prompt for passcode
6. Go back to Settings
7. Select Developer options
8. Locate MAC Randomizer
9. Disable MAC Randomizer
10. Scroll up to the top and turn off Developer options This will hide those options

Method 5

1. Open Settings
2. Select General
3. Select About phone
4. Select Software information
5. Scroll down to Build number
6. Tap the Build number option 5-10x to unlock Developer options It may prompt for passcode
7. Go back to Settings
8. Select General
9. Select Developer options
10. Locate MAC Randomizer
11. Disable MAC Randomizer
12. Scroll up to the top and turn off Developer options This will hide those options