Troubleshooting Wi-Fi: Private MAC Settings Explained

What Is a Private MAC Address?

A Private MAC (often called Randomised Hardware Address or Private Wi-Fi Address) is a privacy feature that aims to prevent tracking by automatically disguising your hardware address. Most modern devices have this enabled by default.

When to turn it off?

With Private MAC enabled, users will need to sign into the Wi-Fi and managed their account more often.

We recommend disabling Private MAC address on networks you know.

For student accommodation users and other managed networks, we recommend disabling for private MAC on our networks have a smoother experience. However, don't worry - our networks are designed with security in mind - this is why you have an account.

Note: You may need manage your known devices on your account.

Here’s how to turn off Private MAC Address (also known as Randomised MAC Addressing) on common devices including Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.

Windows 10

1. Click the Network Settings icon and select Network Settings
2. Go to the Wi-Fi tab and select Manage known networks
3. Choose your connected network (e.g. Superloop Wi-Fi), then click Properties
4. Under Random hardware address, select Off

Windows 11

1. Open Settings and go to Network & Internet
2. Click Wi-Fi, then select your connected network
3. Under Random hardware addresses, toggle the setting to Off

macOS (Sequoia or later)

1. Click the Apple menu and open System Settings
2. Select Wi-Fi from the sidebar
3. Choose your connected network
4. Toggle Private Wi-Fi Address to Off

iPhone / iPad (iOS 14 and later)

1. Open Settings
2. Tap Wi-Fi
3. Tap the info icon (ℹ️) next to your connected network
4. Toggle Private Wi-Fi Address to Off

Android (varies by manufacturer)

1. Open Settings
2. Tap Network & Internet Wi-Fi
3. Tap your connected network
4. Tap Privacy or MAC address type
5. Select Use device MAC or toggle Randomised MAC to Off

Note: Android menu names may vary slightly depending on your device brand (e.g. Samsung, Pixel, Oppo).

If you have any questions or need help adjusting these settings, please contact our Support Team at smart.help@superloop.com