How do I randomize the MAC address on Android?

Starting from Android 8.0, Android devices use random MAC addresses when searching for new networks while not currently associated with a network.

In Android 9, you can enable a developer option (disabled by default) to have the device use a random MAC address when connecting to a Wi-Fi network.

In Android 10, MAC randomization is enabled by default for client mode, SoftAp, and Wi-Fi.

For devices running Android 10 or later, the framework uses randomized MAC addresses by default.

Turn MAC randomization on or off for a particular network

These steps describe a typical path on Google Pixel and devices with a similar Android interface. Menu names, locations, and option availability vary by manufacturer and Android version.

  1. Go to the Settings app on your Android device.
  2. Select Network & internet > Internet (Wi-Fi on older versions).
  3. Tap the gear icon next to the Wi-Fi network you want to configure.
  4. Open Privacy. If needed, expand Advanced first.
  5. Select Use randomized MAC to enable MAC randomization for this network, or Use device MAC to use the factory MAC address for this network.

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Technical claims on this page follow the primary sources below; operating-system interfaces change between releases, so check them against your own device version.

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