MAC Addresses and Private Addressing

Private Addressing (Random MAC Addressing)

Devices usually connect to the network using a static MAC address identifier assigned to them during manufacture.  This enables the network to identify specific devices. Some device operating systems offer enhanced privacy by randomising and changing this MAC address on a regular basis (known as Private Address). When devices use private addressing, the network is unable to recognise it connecting and reconnecting, and as a result,  MAC address based controls (such as Access Controls)  stop working for these devices. It is possible to disable the randomised MAC address feature on most devices through their Wi-Fi settings. Information on how to do this and the impact can be found on the device manufacturer’s website.

Private Addressing and Fing

Private Addressing can cause a range of issues for all network toolkits, including Fing, and we advise disabling this functionality if you're connecting and testing on a trusted, home network. To disable this we have some guidelines, however these may not be identical for your situation and you may need to research the device(s)yourself and find how to disable this functionality if they do come with this functionality.

Turn Off Private Addressing On iOS

1. Open the Settings app, then tap Wi-Fi.
2. Tap the More Info button next to a network.
3. Tap to turn Private Wi-Fi Address off or on. If your device joined the network without using a private address, a privacy warning explains why.

Turn Off Private Addressing on macOS

Turning off Private Address When Already Connected to a Network. To turn off Private Address when already connected to a network, tap Settings, Wi-Fi, and the network in question, and then tap the switch next to Private Address to turn it off. The switch will turn from green to grey, indicating it is off.

Turn Off Private Addressing on watchOS

1. Open the Settings app, then tap Wi-Fi.
2. Tap the name of the network. If you aren’t currently connected to the network, swipe left on its name and tap the More Info button.
3. Configure the setting:
4. If using watchOS 11 or later, scroll down and tap Off, Fixed, or Rotating (whichever setting is shown), then choose a setting. Learn more about these settings.
5. If using an earlier version of watchOS, turn Private Address off or on.

For more information: Use private Wi-Fi addresses on iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, and Apple Watch - Apple Support

Turn off Private Addressing on Android

Note: The instructions may vary as Android varies per device manufacturer.

General procedure:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Go to "Network & Internet" or "Connection", then choose "Wi-Fi" to access Wi-Fi settings.
3. Tap the gear icon associated with eduroam or UT-Open. If there is no gear, just tap the network name.
4. Most common places to find Private Address setting within this pop-up:
5. MAC Address Type > Device MAC
6. Advanced > Privacy > Use Device MAC
7. Advanced > MAC Address Type > Phone MAC

Turn Off Private Addressing on Windows

How to Turn Off 'Random Hardware Address' on Windows

1. Activate your licenses on a USB flash drive. Or.
2. Follow the steps below to turn the Random MAC address feature off:
3. Select the Start button, type 'settings'. Select Settings > Network internet > Wi-Fi.
4. Set Use random hardware addresses to Off.

Limitations to access the list of MAC Addresses and iOS and Android

The Fing App for iOS and Android can no longer show MAC addresses in a network scans performed from the mobile device.

In iOS Version 11 and later versions, as well as Android 13 and later versions, all apps can no longer access MAC addresses during scans. The quality of the device recognition of scans performed by the Fing App may be decreased and identification will be based on IP addresses. Some feature, like  Wake On LAN feature, is no longer available.

The Fingbox, Fing Desktop and Fing Agent are not affected by these limitation.

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