The MAC address changes when my phone connects to different Wi-Fi networks

Problem:

When connecting to different Wi-Fi networks, phones running EMUI 10.x or later will use different randomized MAC addresses by default. This protects the real MAC address of your device.

Cause:

To protect user privacy and improve Wi-Fi security, randomized MAC addresses are used.

By default, the phone uses the same randomized MAC address for connecting to a specific Wi-Fi network (the Wi-Fi name is not changed). You can select the device MAC address manually, which is fixed and unique.

Solution:

1. Perform the following when connecting to a Wi-Fi network:
   • For encrypted hotspots:

   On the login screen, select Show advanced options, touch Privacy, and select Use randomized MAC or Use device MAC for this connection. You can then view the network details screen and Use device MAC will be displayed.

   • For unencrypted hotspots:

   On the hotspot list screen, scroll to the end, select Add network, and manually add the target hotspot. Select Show advanced options, set Privacy to Use device MAC, and then start connecting.

2. For a connected Wi-Fi hotspot:

Touch and hold the Wi-Fi name, go to Modify network > Show advanced options, and select Use randomized MAC or Use device MAC.

If you want to quickly obtain the device MAC address, enable Wi-Fi, go to Settings > About phone > Status, and find Wi-Fi MAC address.