WiFi: Turn Off Private Addresses on iOS or Android (2024)

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 withiOS 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 Pixel Watches use Randomized MAC addresses, and there is currently no way to disable them. They will not be able to connect to UT'snetwork until this issue is fixed by 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
   • MAC Address Type > Phone MAC
   • Advanced >Privacy >Use Device MAC
   • Advanced > MAC Address Type > Phone MAC