Should I use random MAC address when connecting to SSID?

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When to Use a Random MAC Address

1. Privacy: Using a random MAC helps protect your privacy by preventing tracking across different networks. This is especially useful on public or unsecured Wi-Fi networks, where unique device identifiers could be collected.

2. Public Networks: If you’re connecting to public Wi-Fi networks (e.g., in cafes, airports), enabling a random MAC address can help mask your device identity.

When Not to Use a Random MAC Address

1. Network-Specific Settings: Some networks, especially corporate or school networks, use MAC-based security settings (such as MAC filtering) to control device access. In these cases, a random MAC may prevent you from connecting or maintaining a stable connection.

2. Device Management and Tracking: If the network administrator needs to identify and manage specific devices (e.g., for bandwidth allocation or parental controls), using a fixed MAC address will ensure you’re recognized consistently.

In general, using a random MAC address is beneficial for privacy on public networks but may cause issues on private, secured networks with strict access controls. If you’re unsure, you can enable the random MAC address and switch back to the device’s real MAC if you encounter connection issues.