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Deactivating the random MAC address

A random MAC address is a temporary, artificially generated address that replaces the real MAC address of a device. This function improves privacy and possibly also security in public WiFi networks, but makes troubleshooting WiFi problems much more difficult as there is no unique device identification.
Since eduroam (or UMRnet_staff) is a secured WiFi network, you should deactivate the random MAC address on your end device to speed up any troubleshooting. If you are using the City WiFi of Stadtwerke Marburg or our guest access, we recommend leaving the random MAC address function active, as this is a public WiFi network.
- eduroam & UMRnet_staff = fixed MAC address
- City-WiFi & UMRnet_guest = random MAC address

  • Windows

    1. Open Settings → Network and Internet → Wi-Fi.
    2. Deactivate Random Hardware Addresses.
    - Note: This option is applied system-wide on the device.
    3. Switch the WiFi off and on again so that the WiFi address is used immediately.

  • Android

    1. Open Settings → WiFi and tap on the gear-icon next to eduroam or UMRnet_staff.
    2. Under Data protection, select fixed MAC address (phone MAC).
    - Note: This option must be deactivated separately for each WiFi.
    3. Switch the WiFi off and on again so that the WiFi address is used immediately.

  • iOS / iPadOS

    1. Open Settings → WiFi and tap on the info-icon ( i ) next to eduroam or UMRnet_staff.
    2. If Private WiFi address is active there, deactivate it.
    - Note: This option must be deactivated separately for each WiFi.
    3. Switch the WiFi off and on again so that the WiFi address is used immediately.