Purpose
This article explains how to find the device MAC address on an Android phone. MAC addresses are a type of identifier that all computers send when they make a network request. Finding and providing your device's MAC address to OIT helps us troubleshoot network-related issues you might be having.
Procedure
- On the Home screen, go to Settings.
- Scroll down to see your Wi-Fi MAC address.
- If you do not see your Wi-Fi Mac address, open Status or Hardware Information (depending on your model of phone) and scroll to see your Wi-Fi MAC address.
MAC Address Randomization
Many modern phones implement a mechanism known as MAC address randomization in which they send a random MAC address when they make a network request instead of the device's actual MAC address. The random MAC address is cycled periodically, which makes it harder for third-parties to track your device. It is generally a good idea to leave this setting enabled.
However, when troubleshooting network-related issues, it is beneficial to temporarily turn off MAC address randomization for the networks you're having trouble with so that the system administrators can identify your device in the network logs. Here are the instructions for doing so:
Google Pixel
- Open the Settings app.
- Select Network and Internet.
- Select Wi-Fi.
- Connect to CometNet (or the network you're troubleshooting).
- Tap the gear icon next to the current connection.
- Select Advanced.
- Select Privacy.
- Select Use Device MAC.
Samsung Galaxy
- Navigate to Settings.
- Select Connections.
- Select Wi-Fi.
- Connect to CometNet (or the network you're troubleshooting).
- Tap the gear shaped icon next to the network you connected to.
- Select Advanced.
- On the next screen, click on the menu labeled MAC Address Type.
- Select Use Phone/Device MAC.
Once troubleshooting has been performed and the network-related issue is resolved, you can switch the network back to the default MAC address randomization setting.