MAC Randomization for UNC PSK Networks

This article contains instructions for faculty, staff, and students on MAC (Media Access Control) Randomization for UNC PSK Networks which requires MAC address registration. These networks include the annual PSK network i.e. 24-25-UNC-PSK and the Listen-Everywhere network.

MAC Registration

MAC registration is required to use the annual PSK network such as 24-25-UNC-PSK.  Therefore, MAC randomization must be disabled to use the annual PSK network.
 

How to identify a randomized MAC

Look at the second character.  If you see a 2,6,A or E in the second character for the registered MAC the physical MAC address of the device has not been registered.  You will need to register the physical MAC address.

Disabling MAC randomization at the device level will make using any network that requires MAC registration work with the fewest number of steps.  However, it is worth noting that this can allow impact user privacy. Therefore, instruction for disabling MAC randomization at the network level have been provided. 
 

MAC Randomization on iOS Devices

Turn off private addressing (MAC Randomization) on the 24-25-UNC-PSK SSID for iOS devices

To stop using a private address for a specific Wi-Fi network (from Apple):

iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

1. Open the Settings app, then tap Wi-Fi.
2. Tap the information button next to 24-25-UNC-PSK.
3. Tap to turn Private Address off.
   
   

Apple Watch

4. Open the Settings app, then tap Wi-Fi.
5. Tap the name of the network you joined. If you haven't joined the network yet, swipe left on its name and tap more. Tap to turn Private Address off.
    

To Disable MAC Randomization at the network level for Android Devices:

There could be variations in exactly how to do this due to the many versions of Android OS.

1. Open Settings
2. Tap Network & Internet (Also might be Connections) -> Wi-Fi
3. Tap on 24-25-UNC-PSK.
4. Enter the PSK passphrase. 
5. Scroll to the bottom to the MAC Address Type field.  Choose Phone Mac. 
6. Click Connect.
   
    

Windows 10

1. Click the wireless icon located in the right-hand corner of the Task Bar.  Right-click on the 24-25-UNC-PSK network.  Click Properties.
   
    
2. In the network profile for the 24-25-UNC-PSK network profile random hardware address section select off.
   
    

MacOS

Mac OS does not perform MAC randomization.