To ensure optimal security, devices running Android 10 and above use random WiFi MAC addresses by default. However, in some cases, you may want to disable this feature. Here's how.
Why Randomly Disable Wi-Fi MAC on Android?
For most regular users, having random MAC addresses enabled does not cause any harm or negative effects, and on the contrary, it helps improve security when browsing the web (making you harder to track).
However, one good reason to disable random MAC addresses is if you use MAC filtering on your router. In this case, if your mobile device uses a random MAC address, the router will not be able to recognize the device and therefore you will not be able to use MAC-specific settings for your device.
Additionally, if you have configured your router to always assign a certain static IP address to a device on your local network, you will need to associate that IP with the MAC address of a particular device.
Turn off random MAC address on Android
Overall, the process of enabling or disabling a random MAC address on Android is straightforward. However, due to the variations in Android customizations from each manufacturer, the setup steps will be slightly different. For example, on OnePlus phones, you have to tap on “Wi-Fi & Networks,” while on Samsung phones, you need to access “Connections.” But both will basically take you to the same WiFi settings menu.
To get started, go to the Settings app on your phone.
In the Settings menu, tap “Wi-Fi & Network” (or “Connections” or “Network & Internet” depending on the device you're using).
Next, tap “WiFi” to see available WiFi networks.
When you see your WiFi network name in the list, tap the gear icon next to it.
Next, tap “Advanced,” then select “Privacy.”
On OnePlus and Pixel phones, select “Use device MAC.” If you’re using a Samsung phone, tap “MAC address type” and select “Phone MAC.”
If the smartphone you are using is from a different manufacturer, look for a similar option that says “MAC” and turn it on.
That's it. Exit Settings and you're done. Make sure you follow this process for each WiFi network you want to use your phone's real MAC address on.
Do you remember how many times you installed an app, quickly tapped Allow on the prompt asking for photo access, and moved on without a second thought?
These days, users can pay to protect all their devices – whether it’s a PC, Mac, or smartphone. But with so many options on the market today, it can be hard to know where to start. Here’s a list of the best internet security suites available today.
Microsoft Office has supported ActiveX for years as an option for document extensibility and automation, but it's also a serious security vulnerability.
When you turn this feature off, only registered accounts can use your Chromebook. It's super simple to do.
Security and privacy are increasingly becoming major concerns for smartphone users in general.
The world-famous cybersecurity company Fortinet has just officially confirmed that a large amount of user data was stolen from the company's Microsoft Sharepoint server, and was posted on a hacker forum early in the morning of September 15.
A new strain of ransomware called Qilin has been discovered using a relatively sophisticated, highly customizable tactic to steal account login information stored in the Google Chrome browser.
Some high-end smartphones are now gradually moving users from password and fingerprint security authentication to more convenient facial recognition technology.
Security researchers around the world have warned of a large-scale brute force attack underway, using nearly 2.8 million IP addresses to attempt to guess login credentials for a variety of network devices.
Gmail just turned 21, and Google chose to celebrate its special birthday by launching a very meaningful feature for users: an extremely easy and useful automatic email encryption feature.
Discover what a SIM PIN is, its security features, and why you should use it for your mobile device. Learn more about SIM PIN and enhance your security today.
Learn how to enable two-factor authentication for your Blizzard account, and use the Blizzard Authenticator app or SMS Protect to log in securely. Protect your favorite games like World of Warcraft, Overwatch, Hearthstone, or Diablo 3.
The article tested 3 different passwords with an open source password cracking tool to find out which method really works when it comes to password security.
It can be said that the photo library and message archive are two of the most private locations that need to be tightly secured on Android smartphones and tablets.
Through this action button, you can call ChatGPT whenever you want on your phone. Here is a guide to open ChatGPT using the action button on iPhone.
Are you looking for funny phone unlock wallpapers? Check out the wallpapers below and choose a cool phone unlock wallpaper for yourself.
Your expensive Samsung Galaxy doesn't have to look exactly like every other phone on the market. With a few tweaks, you can make it more personal, stylish, and unique.
After getting bored with iOS, they finally switched to Samsung phones, and have no regrets about that decision.
While Google's mid-range phones are great value, what about its flagship products?
If you've been using an Android phone for long enough, you probably already know and use many of its features. However, there are likely some hidden features that you don't know about.
iPhone users can create polls in messages to ask for opinions from group chat members.
Apple has redesigned the Phone app in iOS 26 with a new Unified interface. If you don't like the new look of the Phone app, you can revert back to the old interface, following the instructions below.
Most of us treat our smartphone's charging port as if its sole job is to keep the battery alive. But that little port is much more powerful than it gives it credit for.
Changing the brightness of your Android phone screen is a simple way to help you choose the screen brightness that suits your surroundings, avoiding the phone screen being too bright or too dark, affecting your health, especially your eyes.
If you're on the hunt for a new smartphone, the first thing you'll naturally look at is the specs sheet. It's packed with clues about performance, battery life, and display quality.
To be able to insert emoji into photos on iPhone, we will need a few small tricks, according to the instructions below.
VPNs have a number of advantages, such as protecting your online identity and allowing you to access content in other countries. You may even experience faster connection speeds.
Years ago, some people decided to buy the first Pixel phone without thinking twice about whether it was worth the price. Time has proven that they are definitely worth every penny.
The buttons on your Android phone aren't just for adjusting the volume or waking up the screen. With a few simple tweaks, they can become shortcuts for taking a quick photo, skipping songs, launching apps, or even activating emergency features.
