Why does my phone show a different MAC address on every Wi‑Fi network?

Question

Weirdo · Accepted Answer

To stop tracking, phones use a random MAC address per network. iPhone calls it Private Wi‑Fi Address and Android calls it MAC randomization; both are on by default, so the address in settings differs per Wi‑Fi and isn't the hardware one.

A device identifies itself to a Wi‑Fi network with its MAC address. Apple explains that if a device used the same address on every network, operators and observers could more easily tie it to your activity and location over time. Android's documentation adds that MAC addresses are sent unencrypted, and the factory address is globally unique and static, which makes it trackable.

From iOS 18, each network's Private Wi‑Fi Address has three settings. Off uses the hardware MAC. Fixed keeps one private address for that network and is the default on WPA2 or stronger networks. Rotating switches to a new private address every two weeks and is the default on weak or open networks. Erasing the phone or resetting network settings also gives a network a new address. Android 10 and later use a per-network random MAC by default that normally stays the same until a factory reset.

If your home router uses a MAC allow-list or hands out fixed IPs by MAC, a rotating address can break that. Apple recommends updating software and retrying first; if a network still won't work, turn the feature off for that network only via Settings › Wi‑Fi › the info button next to its name. Everywhere else, keep the private address.

Why does my phone show a different MAC address on every Wi‑Fi network?

A fixed MAC is an ID card you leave everywhere

iPhone: Off, Fixed, Rotating

When you might turn it off