# Network Registration Information on registering devices for network access. # 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](https://kb.itd.commonwealthu.edu/books/network/page/mac-address-randomization#bkmrk-we-have-step-by-step).

Check out the [locating your device's MAC address](https://kb.itd.commonwealthu.edu/books/network/page/locating-your-devices-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**](https://kb.itd.commonwealthu.edu/books/network/chapter/wi-fi). - 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**](https://kb.itd.commonwealthu.edu/books/network/chapter/wi-fi) 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](https://kb.itd.commonwealthu.edu/books/network/page/locating-your-devices-mac-address). - Head to our [registration portal](https://netreg.commonwealthu.edu) 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](https://kb.itd.commonwealthu.edu/books/network/chapter/wi-fi) — you’re good to go! ### Managing Devices *Manage your devices at [netreg.commonwealthu.edu](https://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**](https://kb.itd.commonwealthu.edu/books/network/chapter/wi-fi). - 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 ##### 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](https://kb.itd.commonwealthu.edu/books/network/page/device-registration#bkmrk-devices-without-a-we)
#### Gaming Consoles
Microsoft Xbox (original) ##### 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](https://kb.itd.commonwealthu.edu/books/network/page/device-registration#bkmrk-devices-without-a-we)
Microsoft Xbox 360 ##### 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](https://kb.itd.commonwealthu.edu/books/network/page/device-registration#bkmrk-devices-without-a-we) **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](https://kb.itd.commonwealthu.edu/books/network/page/device-registration#bkmrk-devices-without-a-we)
Microsoft Xbox One ##### 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](https://kb.itd.commonwealthu.edu/books/network/page/device-registration#bkmrk-devices-without-a-we) - 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](https://kb.itd.commonwealthu.edu/books/network/page/device-registration#bkmrk-devices-without-a-we)
Microsoft Xbox Series S/X ##### 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](https://kb.itd.commonwealthu.edu/books/network/page/device-registration#bkmrk-devices-without-a-we)
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Nintendo DS ##### 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 ##### 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](https://kb.itd.commonwealthu.edu/books/network/page/device-registration#bkmrk-devices-without-a-we)
Nintendo Switch ##### Nintendo Switch - From the Main Menu, select "System Settings" - Scroll down and select "Internet" - Document the MAC address - [Register your device](https://kb.itd.commonwealthu.edu/books/network/page/device-registration#bkmrk-devices-without-a-we)
Nintendo Switch 2 ##### Nintendo Switch 2 - From the Main Menu, select "System Settings" - Scroll down and select "Internet" - Document the MAC address - [Register your device](https://kb.itd.commonwealthu.edu/books/network/page/device-registration#bkmrk-devices-without-a-we)
Nintendo Wii ##### 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](https://kb.itd.commonwealthu.edu/books/network/page/device-registration#bkmrk-devices-without-a-we)
Nintendo Wii U ##### 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](https://kb.itd.commonwealthu.edu/books/network/page/device-registration#bkmrk-devices-without-a-we)
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Sony PlayStation 3 ##### 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](https://kb.itd.commonwealthu.edu/books/network/page/device-registration#bkmrk-devices-without-a-we)
Sony PlayStation 4 ##### 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](https://kb.itd.commonwealthu.edu/books/network/page/device-registration#bkmrk-devices-without-a-we)
Sony PlayStation 5 ##### 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](https://kb.itd.commonwealthu.edu/books/network/page/device-registration#bkmrk-devices-without-a-we)
Sony PlayStation Portable (PSP) ##### Sony PlayStation Portable (PSP) - Select System Settings - Select System Information - Document the MAC Address - [Register your device](https://kb.itd.commonwealthu.edu/books/network/page/device-registration#bkmrk-devices-without-a-we)
Sony PlayStation Vita ##### 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](https://kb.itd.commonwealthu.edu/books/network/page/device-registration#bkmrk-devices-without-a-we)
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Steam Deck ##### Stream Deck - Go to Settings - Select "Internet" - Select "Info" - Document the MAC address - [Register your device](https://kb.itd.commonwealthu.edu/books/network/page/device-registration#bkmrk-devices-without-a-we)
#### Media Players and TVs
Amazon Fire TV ##### 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](https://kb.itd.commonwealthu.edu/books/network/page/device-registration#bkmrk-devices-without-a-we) **After Initial Setup** - From the main menu, select "Settings" - Select "System" (last option to the right) - Select "About" - Select "Network" - 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](https://kb.itd.commonwealthu.edu/books/network/page/device-registration#bkmrk-devices-without-a-we)
Apple TV ##### 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](https://kb.itd.commonwealthu.edu/books/network/page/device-registration#bkmrk-devices-without-a-we)
Roku ##### 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](https://kb.itd.commonwealthu.edu/books/network/page/device-registration#bkmrk-devices-without-a-we)
Smart TVs ##### 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 ##### 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](https://kb.itd.commonwealthu.edu/books/network/page/device-registration#bkmrk-devices-without-a-we)
Google Home ##### 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](https://kb.itd.commonwealthu.edu/books/network/page/device-registration#bkmrk-devices-without-a-we)
Hatch Alarm Clock ##### Hatch Alarm Clock

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

- Contact [**Hatch Support**](https://www.hatch.co/contact) for your device's MAC address - Once they have provided the MAC address, you may [register your device](https://kb.itd.commonwealthu.edu/books/network/page/device-registration#bkmrk-devices-without-a-we)
#### Smart Watches
Samsung Galaxy Watch ##### 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](https://kb.itd.commonwealthu.edu/books/network/page/device-registration#bkmrk-devices-without-a-we) - 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](https://kb.itd.commonwealthu.edu/books/network/chapter/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) ##### 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) ##### Apple Mac (macOS)

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.

**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 ##### Apple Watch

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 **CU Registered Open** or **CU Registered** - Change **Private Address** to **Off**
Google Pixel (Android) ##### Google Pixel (Android)

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.

- 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) ##### Samsung Galaxy Phone/Tablet (Android)

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.

- 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 ##### Samsung Galaxy Watch

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.

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

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.

- 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.