Disable Private Wi-Fi in macOS Sequoia

Overview

Beginning with macOS Sequoia, Apple included MAC address randomization, called Private Wi-Fi Address, to provide users with additional privacy and anti-tracking measures. Occasionally, this can cause issues when connecting to Wi-Fi networks. The steps below outline how to disable Private Wi-Fi Address on a Wi-Fi network.

Instructions

1. Click the Apple Menu in the upper-left corner
2. Select System Settings

   

3. Click Wi-Fi

   

4. Click Details... beside the network in which you'd like to disable Private Wi-Fi

   • Note: You can also click the three dots beside the network and select Network Settings... to get to a similar menu, if you aren't currently connected to the network in which you'd like to disable Private Wi-Fi

   

5. Click the dropdown menu beside Private Wi-Fi Address

   

6. Select Off

   

7. When prompted, click Turn Off

   

8. Verify Private Wi-Fi Address is set to Off and click OK

   • Note: Disabling Private Wi-Fi Address for a Wi-Fi network does not disable Private Wi-Fi Address globally. Each Wi-Fi network has its own Private Wi-Fi Address.

   

Privacy Warning

Disabling Private Wi-Fi Address will cause macOS to display a warning in System Settings and in the Wi-Fi menu. This is intended behavior and will remain as long as Private Wi-Fi Address is disabled.

See Also

Use private Wi-Fi addresses on Apple devices