Keep your phone recognised
This WiFi uses WiFi Doorman: every new device waits for the owner to say yes. Most phones and laptops hide behind a made-up "private" address, and if that address changes, the network sees a brand-new device and it has to be allowed again.
One setting fixes it. On your device, set the private address for this WiFi to Fixed or Off. Only “Rotating” or “Change daily” causes repeats. It takes a minute and only affects this one network.
iPhone and iPad
- Open Settings → Wi-Fi.
- Tap the ⓘ next to this WiFi.
- Tap Private Wi-Fi Address.
- Choose Fixed or Off (not Rotating).
- Tap Rejoin if asked.
On older iOS it's a single switch: turn Private Wi-Fi Address off.
Android (Pixel and most phones)
- Open Settings → Network & internet → Internet.
- Tap the gear next to this WiFi.
- Tap Privacy.
- Choose Use device MAC.
“Use randomized MAC” is also fine on most phones: it stays the same for one network. Menu names vary a little by brand.
Samsung
- Open Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi.
- Tap the gear next to this WiFi.
- Tap View more (if shown), then MAC address type.
- Choose Phone MAC.
“Randomized MAC” stays the same for one network on most Samsung phones, so it's usually fine too.
Windows
- Open Settings → Network & internet → Wi-Fi.
- Open this WiFi's properties.
- Set Random hardware address to Off.
If it says “Change daily”, that's the setting that causes repeats.
Mac
- Open System Settings → Wi-Fi.
- Click Details next to this WiFi.
- Set Private Wi-Fi address to Fixed or Off.
- Click OK.
Older macOS versions don't change addresses, so there's nothing to do.
Also good to know
- After changing it, your device rejoins once more and may need to be allowed one last time.
- Avoid “Forget this network” on your phone: rejoining afterwards can give it a new address.
- It only changes how your device appears on this WiFi. Other networks keep their own private address.
WiFi Doorman · Privacy · Terms