Android OS13 has a privacy feature for when handheld learner and teacher devices connect to a Wi-Fi network, especially if MDM (Mobile Device Management) software like Cisco Meraki, Samsung Knox, etc. is installed.

Overview:

MDM Software like the above mentioned, identifies devices using a few key unique components:

• Hostname or Device Name (e.g. RedMi Note 11, Lumination’s Device)
• MAC address (e.g. AB:CD:EF:01:23:45, A9:B8:C7:D6:E5:FF)

By default, when an Android device connects to a WiFi network, it will mask its true MAC address and instead broadcast a ‘randomised MAC’ – this feature is useful in Open WiFi networks such as Airports and Cafes where it is difficult to ensure a secure connection, but not so much when connecting to an Enterprise-grade network that already has security measures in place such as an MDM solution.

How to fix this:

Whilst the device is connected to the intended WiFi network:

• Open the network-specific settings
• Scroll down to Privacy and tap on it
• Change the setting from Use randomised MAC to Use device Mac