Use private Wi-Fi addresses on iPhone, iPad, iPod touch and Apple Watch

To improve privacy, your device will use a different MAC address with each Wi-Fi network.

To communicate with a Wi-Fi network, a device must identify itself to the network using a unique network address called a Media Access Control (MAC) address. If the device always uses the same Wi-Fi MAC address across all networks, network providers and other network observers can more easily relate that address to the device's network activity and location over time. This allows a kind of user tracking or profiling, and it applies to all devices on all Wi-Fi networks.

Starting with iOS 14, iPadOS 14 and watchOS 7, your device will improve privacy by using a different MAC address for each Wi-Fi network. This unique MAC address is your device's private Wi-Fi address, which it will only use for that network.

In some cases, your device will change its private Wi-Fi address:

  • If you erase all content and settings or reset network settings on your device, it will use a different private address the next time it connects to that network.
  • Starting with iOS 15, iPadOS 15 and watchOS 8, if your device hasn't joined the network in six weeks, it will use a different private address the next time it connects to that network. And if you make your device forget the network, it will also forget the private address it used with that network, unless it's been less than two weeks since the last time it was made to forget that network.

Join Wi-Fi networks with a private address

Connect to Wi-Fi networks as you normally would. A private address won't affect how you join or use most Wi-Fi networks, but if a network isn't allowing your device to join, or isn't giving it further network or internet access after it's joined, you can turn off Private Address for that network.

Turn Private Address off or on for a network

Private Address is turned on by default. For improved privacy, leave it on for all networks that support it.

iPhone, iPad or iPod touch

Apple Watch

For network administrators

If you manage a Wi-Fi router that's been configured to notify you when a new device joins the network, you'll be notified when a device first joins with a private address.

Businesses and other organisations may need to update their Wi-Fi network security to work with private addresses. Or they can use an MDM-defined network profile to turn off Private Address for enrolled devices that join their Wi-Fi network. Find out more about private Wi-Fi addresses and enterprise.

Information about products not manufactured by Apple, or independent websites not controlled or tested by Apple, is provided without recommendation or endorsement. Apple assumes no responsibility with regard to the selection, performance or use of third-party websites or products. Apple makes no representations regarding third-party website accuracy or reliability. Contact the vendor for additional information.

Published Date: