Network Registration

Information on registering devices for network access.

Device Registration
Locating your device's MAC address
MAC Address Randomization

Device Registration

Before using the University Wi-Fi, personal devices must be registered. Once registered, devices will be authorized to connect to either:

CU Registered Open
CU Registered (an encrypted network with a unique, per-device password)

Devices registered using a CU account stay active for 9 months from their last use – after that, you'll need to register again.

Getting Connected

Some devices use a random MAC address by default – you'll want to turn that off before registering! Here's how.

Check out the locating your device's MAC address page for step-by-step instructions on connecting and registering common devices.

Devices with a web browser

Computers, phones, and tablets

Connect to CU Registered Open.
Register your device — your MAC address will automatically be detected.
- If you don't automatically get prompted to register:
  - On Apple iOS Devices: Make sure auto-login is enabled in CU Registered Open settings.
  - Try forgetting the CU Registered Open network and setting it up again.
  - Open a web browser and visit any website to manually initiate the registration process.
- Select which type of account you will be using to sign in
  - If you have a CU or PASSHE account, you can register your device using it.
  - Otherwise, you will need to request a guest account. Guest accounts are limited to fewer devices and a shorter duration of network access.
- Select Register this device
- Log in using your CU, PASSHE, or guest account
- Provide a device nickname that helps you know which device this is later
- Optional: Specify your own Wi-Fi password for this device
- Optional: Enter a phone number to receive a text message with your device registration information
- Review and accept the terms of use
- Click or tap Create Device
- Your device will briefly disconnect from the Wi-Fi. When it reconnects, you will have network access.
Optional: Connect to CU Registered using the unique password that was generated for your device.

Devices without a web browser

Gaming consoles, media players, and TVs

Find your device’s MAC address.
Head to our registration portal on a different device.
- Log in using your CU, PASSHE, or guest account
- Under Devices, click Create Device
- Provide a device nickname that helps you know which device this is later
- Optional: Specify your own Wi-Fi password for this device
- Optional: Enter a phone number to receive a text message with your device registration information
- Review and accept the terms of use
- Click Create Device
Connect to Wi-Fi — you’re good to go!

Managing Devices

Manage your devices at netreg.commonwealthu.edu.

View and manage your registered devices, update Wi-Fi passwords, and add or remove devices anytime. Log in with your CU, PASSHE, or guest account.

Visiting campus?

No problem — guests can easily get online by registering for temporary access.

Here’s how it works:

Connect to CU Registered Open.
When prompted, select I am a guest, then request guest account.
Enter your name, email address, and mobile phone number.
We’ll text you a temporary username and password.
Follow the steps above to register your device.
Optional: Check your email for a confirmation link, if you need guest access longer than 24 hours.

Locating your device's MAC address

To register devices without a screen or web browser on the campus network, you’ll need their unique hardware ID, called a MAC address. Every device has one, and it’s usually listed in the network or Wi-Fi settings. Follow the steps below to locate it on your specific device.

eReaders

Amazon Kindle

E-Ink Version

Access the menu on your Kindle
Select "Settings", then scroll down
Document the "Wi-Fi MAC address", listed under "Device Info".
Register your device

Gaming Consoles

Microsoft Xbox (original)

Turn on your Xbox with no game disc in the disc tray
From the Dashboard, select "Xbox Live"
You should receive the following message: "Could not connect to Xbox Live. Do you want to troubleshoot your network connection?"
From the "Connect Status" screen, select "Settings"
Document the MAC address at the lower right corner of the "Network Settings" screen (the 12-digit hexadecimal value)
Register your device

Microsoft Xbox 360

NXE Dashboard

Go to "My Xbox" on the dashboard
Select "System Settings"
Select "Network Settings"
Select the appropriate network. If you want to use both wired and wireless, each adapter uses a unique MAC address and both must be registered.
Select "Configure Network"
Select "Advanced Settings"
Under "Additional Settings", select "Advanced Settings"
Document the MAC address displayed at the bottom of the screen
Register your device

Original Dashboard

Go to the "System" area of the dashboard
Select "Network Settings"
Select the appropriate network. If you want to use both wired and wireless, each adapter uses a unique MAC address and both must be registered.
Select "Edit Settings"
Under "Additional Settings", select "Advanced Settings"
Document the MAC address displayed at the bottom of the screen
Register your device

Microsoft Xbox One

The Xbox One initial setup will not complete successfully until you have full network access. You must register the device before this is possible. The initial setup must be completed with a wireless connection; it is not possible to obtain the wired MAC address during the initial setup.

If you have previously used your Xbox One, follow the instructions under "After Initial Setup".

During Initial Setup (newer software)

Power on your new Xbox One
Select your language
Select your location
Which one's yours?
- Select "CU Registered Open"
Additional authentication needed
- Select "Authenticate now"
Select "I have a CU account" using the left analog stick and "A" button
Select "Register this device"
Enter your CU username and password
Enter a device name
Select "Create Device"
Wait for internet connection to be detected
It's all good
- Select "Continue"

During Initial Setup (older software)

Power on your new Xbox One
Select your language
Select your location
Which one's yours?
- Select "Add wireless network"
Enter the name (SSID) of your network
- Enter a non-existant network (random letters should work)
What type of security is used for "[previously entered SSID]"?
- Select "None"
Connecting to "[previously entered SSID]" wireless network...
Checking your connection...
Where's the Internet?
- Select "Let's fix it"
Which network do you want to check?
- Select "Wireless"
Change settings
- Select "Add wireless network"
Change settings
Specify SSID
- Enter a non-existant network (you may use the same value as earlier)
Change settings
Network "[previously entered SSID]" Security type
- Select "None"
Connecting to "[previously entered SSID]" wireless network...
Searching for solutions
Can't connect to your wireless network
- Select "That didn't work"
Document your console's wireless MAC address, displayed in the format of XX-XX-XX-XX-XX-XX
Register your device
Power your Xbox One off and on again to return to the beginning of the initial setup

After Initial Setup (newer software)

Navigate to the "Settings" page
Select "Network"
Select "Network settings"
Select "Set up wireless network"
Which one's yours?
- Select "CU Registered Open"
Additional authentication needed
- Select "Authenticate now"
Select "I have a CU account" using the left analog stick and "A" button
Select "Register this device"
Enter your CU username and password
Enter a device name
Select "Create Device"
Wait for internet connection to be detected
It's all good
- Select "Continue"

After Initial Setup (older software)

Navigate to the "Settings" page
Select "Network"
Select "Advanced Settings"
Document the MAC address displayed at the right side of the screen
Register your device

Microsoft Xbox Series S/X

Navigate to the "Settings" page
Select "Network Settings"
Select "Advanced Settings"
Document the appropriate MAC address, depending on which connection type (wired or wireless) you plan to use. You must register both if you want to use both network adapters.
Register your device

Nintendo DS

The Nintendo DS implementation of wireless is not compatible with modern high-speed wireless networks and is incompatible with the university network.

Nintendo 3DS

From the Main Menu, highlight "System Settings" and tap "Open"
Tap "Internet Settings"
Tap "OK"
Enter your PIN and tap "OK"
Tap "Other Information"
Tap "Confirm MAC Address"
Document the MAC address
Register your device

Nintendo Switch

From the Main Menu, select "System Settings"
Scroll down and select "Internet"
Document the MAC address
Register your device

Nintendo Switch 2

From the Main Menu, select "System Settings"
Scroll down and select "Internet"
Document the MAC address
Register your device

Nintendo Wii

The Nintendo Wii's implementation of wireless is not compatible with modern high-speed wireless networks and is incompatible with the university network.

If you have a wired adapter for your Wii and have obtained an active network port in your room, you may register your Nintendo Wii.

From the Wii Channel menu, select the "Wii Options" button (located on the lower left)
Select "Wii Settings"
Select "Internet"
Select "Console Information"
Document the "LAN Adapter MAC Address".
- Please note the "MAC address" is the wireless adapter and is not compatible with the campus network.
- If your "LAN Adapter MAC Address" is 00-00-00-00-00-00, you do not have the wired network adapter installed or it is not functioning properly.
Register your device

Nintendo Wii U

On your Wii U Gamepad, go to the Wii U Menu, and tap "System Settings"
Tap "Internet"
Tap "View MAC Address"
Document the MAC address
Register your device

Sony PlayStation 3

From the XrossMediaBar (XMB) menu, select "Settings" (located on the left)
Select "Network Settings"
Select "Settings and Connection Status List"
Scroll down until the MAC address is visible
Document the MAC address
Register your device

Sony PlayStation 4

From the main menu, select "Settings" (located on the upper right)
Select "Network"
Select "View Connection Status"
Scroll down until the MAC addresses are visible
Document the appropriate MAC address, depending on which connection type (wired or wireless) you plan to use. You must register both if you want to use both network adapters.
Register your device

Sony PlayStation 5

From the main menu, select "Settings" (located on the upper right)
Select "Network"
Select "Connection Status"
Select "View Connection Status"
Document the appropriate MAC address, depending on which connection type (wired or wireless) you plan to use. You must register both if you want to use both network adapters.
Register your device

Sony PlayStation Portable (PSP)

Select System Settings
Select System Information
Document the MAC Address
Register your device

Sony PlayStation Vita

Select the "Settings" bubble from the main menu
Scroll down near the bottom of the Settings menu and select "System"
Select "System Information"
Document the MAC address
Register your device

Steam Deck

Stream Deck

Go to Settings
Select "Internet"
Select "Info"
Document the MAC address
Register your device

Media Players and TVs

Amazon Fire TV

During Initial Setup

On the "Connect to your network" screen, both MAC addresses will be displayed in the last box to the right
Document the appropriate MAC address, depending on which connection type (wired or wireless) you plan to use. You must register both if you want to use both network adapters.
Register your device

After Initial Setup

Apple TV

During Initial Setup

It is not possible to retrieve the MAC address during the initial setup. Press the "Menu" button on the remote control to skip the initial setup.

After Initial Setup

From the home screen, select "Settings"
Select "General"
Select "About"
Document the appropriate MAC address, depending on which connection type (wired or wireless) you plan to use. You must register both if you want to use both network adapters.
- If you do not have the wired adapter connected, the wireless MAC address will be displayed as "Wi-Fi Address".
- If the wired adapter has a network connection, the display will change to show the wired MAC address as "Ethernet Address".
Register your device

Roku

The following procedure may be completed either during or after the initial setup.

Press the following button sequence on your remote control:
- Home 5 times
- ▶▶ (FF) 3 times
- ◀◀ (RW) 2 times
Document the appropriate MAC address, depending on which connection type (wired or wireless) you plan to use. You must register both if you want to use both network adapters.
Select "Back" or "Cancel" to return
Register your device

Smart TVs

Most Smart TVs are compatible with the university network. You will need to obtain the MAC address from your TV prior to registering.

A MAC address consists of letters (A-F) and numbers (0-9), typically in one of the following formats: XX-XX-XX-XX-XX-XX or XX:XX:XX:XX:XX:XX.

Due to differences between each TV and the variety of models being used, it is not possible to maintain accurate instructions for every TV. The MAC address should be noted in your TV's settings menu or printed on the rear of the TV.

Tip: You may be able to find specific instructions for your TV by searching the internet for "MAC address" with the model number.

Smart Speakers, Displays, and Alarms

Amazon Echo

Download the Amazon Alexa app to a phone or computer
Sign in with your Amazon Account
Connect to the wireless network transmitted by the Echo device
Document the MAC address at the bottom of the Echo Setup screen
Register your device

Google Home

Download the Google Home app on your phone or tablet
Select your Google Home from the list of nearby devices and press Set Up
Accept the prompt to allow your phone to connect to the Google Home
Enter the location of your Google Home and press Continue
Document the MAC address at the bottom right corner of the screen
Register your device

Hatch Alarm Clock

Hatch only supports password protected Wi-Fi and must be used with CU Registered

Contact Hatch Support for your device's MAC address
Once they have provided the MAC address, you may register your device

Smart Watches

Samsung Galaxy Watch

Open the Settings app
Navigate to About Watch > Status Information
Document the MAC address from Wi-Fi MAC Address
Register your device
Return to the Settings app
Navigate to Connections > Wi-Fi
Select CU Registered Open or CU Registered
Select Advanced
Disable Randomized MAC
If you are using CU Registered, go back and enter your device's unique Wi-Fi password
Connect to the network

Other Devices

Most other personal devices support username/password wireless authentication and should use the CommonwealthU wireless network instead, which does not require registration. More information about getting connected is available in the Wi-Fi section.

MAC Address Randomization

Most modern smartphones, laptops, and tablets use MAC address randomization by default. This means your device generates a temporary, random MAC address each time it connects to a new Wi-Fi network — which is great for privacy on public networks, but causes issues when your device needs to be identified by a consistent address, like in our registration system.

When you register your device, we authorize the specific MAC address you provide. If your device keeps changing its MAC address, the network won’t recognize it as registered – and you’ll either get blocked from connecting or be asked to register again and again.

To avoid this, you’ll need to disable MAC address randomization for our campus Wi-Fi networks on your device. This ensures it always uses the same, consistent MAC address when connecting here.

Instructions

Follow the steps below to disable MAC address randomization on your device.

Apple iPhone/iPad (iOS)

This setting only applies to the individual Wi-Fi network where you change it. If you intend on using CU Registered after registering your device using CU Registered Open, you must complete these steps again when switching networks.

Go to Wi-Fi settings
Tap the blue information icon next to CU Registered Open or CU Registered
Change Private Wi-Fi Address to Off

Apple Mac (macOS)

Sequoia and newer

Click the Apple menu
Select System Settings
Select Wi-Fi from the sidebar
Click the three dots next to CU Registered Open or CU Registered
Select Network Settings
Change Private Wi-Fi Address to Off

Apple Watch

Go to Wi-Fi settings
Tap CU Registered Open or CU Registered
Change Private Address to Off

Google Pixel (Android)

Pull down the notification area
Long press Internet
If there is a gear next to CU Registered Open or CU Registered:
- Tap the gear
If not:
- Long-press CU Registered Open or CU Registered
- Select Modify
- Tap Advanced options
Under Privacy, select Use device MAC

Samsung Galaxy Phone/Tablet (Android)

Pull down the notification area
Long press Wi-Fi
Tap Details
Tap the gear next to CU Registered Open or CU Registered
Tap View More
Select MAC Address Type, then choose Phone MAC, Tablet MAC, or Device MAC

Samsung Galaxy Watch

Open the Settings app
Navigate to Connections > Wi-Fi
Select CU Registered Open or CU Registered
Select Advanced
Disable Randomized MAC

Windows

Click the Start button
Navigate to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi
Click Manage known networks
Select CU Registered Open or CU Registered
Change Random hardware addresses to Off

Why is there a "Privacy Warning"?

When connecting to our Wi-Fi, some devices may show a "Privacy Warning." This message appears because the network requires devices to use their actual hardware (MAC) address instead of a randomly generated one.

The wording can sound alarming, but here’s what it really means:

Why the message appears: Many devices now use randomized MAC addresses by default to reduce the chance of being tracked across different networks. The warning is just letting you know this feature has been turned off.
What it does not mean: It does not mean your browsing, communications, or personal data are exposed. Your internet traffic is still encrypted (when using HTTPS, VPNs, apps, etc.) and private to you.
What it does mean: The network can recognize your device as the same one when you reconnect in the future. That's the only "tracking" the warning refers to. On a campus network like ours, this is normal and intentional.

In short: The warning is about device identification, not your online privacy. Using your device's actual MAC address is safe and required for a reliable connection here.