# 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.