Disable MAC Randomization via StageNow

What is MAC Randomization?

• MAC Randomization is a feature automatically turned on in Android 11 and newer versions.
• It changes the device’s fixed MAC address, which is part of the Wi-Fi hardware, to a new random one.

How Does It Work?

• Android creates a unique, randomized MAC address for each Wi-Fi network you connect to.
• This random MAC address is based on the network’s settings, like its name (SSID) and security type.

Key Points:

• Consistency: The randomized MAC address stays the same for a specific Wi-Fi network. Even if you disconnect and reconnect to the network, it won’t change until you do a full reset of your device.
• Privacy Benefit: This feature can help protect your location privacy by not using a fixed address to track your device.

When to Consider Disabling:

• You might need to turn off MAC Randomization if you’re having problems with Wi-Fi connections or moving between different networks (roaming).

This feature enhances privacy while using Wi-Fi, but can sometimes be a factor in connectivity issues.

 

Zebra Mobile Computer Pre-Requisites 

• Zebra SDM660-platform and newer platform devices such as MC9300, VC8300, MC33x, TC53, ET40 and more.
• MX version 8.1 or later (not supported on QC8956 platform devices such as MC3300 and TC51).
• Recommended to use MX 9.3 and later as this resolves a bug in the StageNow that configures all unchanged Advanced Options to defaults.

 

Procedure:

1. From StageNow, create an Xpert mode profile using MX version 8.1 or higher.

2. Add the Wi-Fi Manager.

 

3. In Wi-Fi Manager, enable Specify Advanced Options.

 

4.  Scroll down and disable MAC Randomization.

   This setting can be included when creating a wireless network profile.

5. Save the profile, then proceed to Device Staging.  

• StageNow Barcode for use with Android 11 and Android 13 or newer 

 

• StageNow Barcode for use with Android 11 and Older

• Sample StageNow generated XML:

<wap-provisioningdoc>
  <characteristic version="9.1" type="Wi-Fi">
    <parm name="UseRegulatory" value="0" />
    <parm name="UseDiagnosticOptions" value="0" />
    <parm name="UseAdvancedOptions" value="1" />
    <characteristic type="AdvancedOptions">
      <parm name="MACRandomization" value="0" />
    </characteristic>
    <parm name="UseHotspotOptions" value="0" />
  </characteristic>
</wap-provisioningdoc>

 

Helpful Information:

• StageNow Support
• Disable MACRandomization via OEMConfig