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 operators 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 affects all devices on all Wi-Fi networks. The Private Wi-Fi Address feature is designed to address this concern.

Using a private Wi-Fi address helps reduce tracking of your Mac by Wi-Fi network operators. Tracking can occur when your address always appears the same to other devices and networks.

Turn this feature off or on for a network:

• On your Mac, choose Apple menu > System Settings..., then click Wi-Fi in the sidebar
• Click the "Details..." button
• Click the “Private Wi-Fi address” pop-up menu, then choose an option:

Off: Private Wi-Fi address is turned off. This Mac can be identified and tracked on this network, and across other networks.

Fixed: A fixed private address allows this network to track this Mac, but helps reduce tracking across other networks.

Rotating: A rotating private address reduces tracking on this network, and across other networks.

• Click OK

A private Wi-Fi address doesn't affect how you join or use most Wi-Fi networks. For improved privacy, allow your device to continue using a private addresses with all networks and software that support it.

If your Mac is a managed computer, you may not be able to change this setting. Contact a system administrator in the school or organization that provided you with the computer for more information.