Disabling MAC Randomization or MAC Privacy

MAC Randomization and MAC Privacy have existed for several years. They work when a computer, phone or tablet uses a different MAC address each time it connects to a network. Device manufacturers like Apple and Google use this feature to improve privacy. The randomly changing identity reduces the risk of tracking a device, user, and location through the device's unique MAC address. Unfortunately, this feature can cause duplicate devices to appear in a student’s account in School Community Platform, and should therefore be disabled on student devices where possible. 

Follow the steps below to disable this feature for your chosen device.

Disabling MAC Randomization

Disabling MAC randomization is simple and only takes a few button presses.

Apple iOS 14+

1. Open Settings, then tap Wi-Fi
2. Tap the information button (i) next to the school's Wi-FI network
3. Tap to turn Private Address off

• Gray is off
• Green is on

Android 10+

1. Open Settings
2. Tap Network and internet > Wi-Fi
3. Tap the Gear icon next to the school's Wi-Fi network
4. Tap Advanced > Privacy

• For Android 10: Tap Use Phone MAC
• For Android 11: Tap Use device MAC

Windows 10 +

1. Select Start
2. Type Wi-Fi settings and press Enter
3. Select Manage known networks
4. Choose the school's Wi-Fi network
5. Select Properties
6. Under Random Hardware Addresses for this network, select Off