Disabling randomization MAC-Xiaomi addresses: why you need and how to do it right

Modern Xiaomi devices by default use the randomization function MAC-This technology is designed to improve user privacy, but often creates problems, from blocking access to corporate networks to unstable operation of smart devices on the local network. If you are faced with the need to disable this function - our material will help to understand all the nuances.

In this article, we will take a closer look at why the manufacturer activates default randomization, in which cases it is really worth turning off, and provide step-by-step instructions for different versions. MIUI (including MIUI 14) and smartphone models, with particular attention to hidden settings that are not displayed in the standard menu but allow you to fully control your behavior. MAC-address.

What is randomization? MAC-addresses and why you need them

MAC-Media Access Control is a unique network interface identifier that is assigned to a device during the manufacturing phase, and randomization means that every time you connect to a Wi-Fi network, your smartphone will use a randomly generated address instead of a real one. This feature appeared in Android 10 and became mandatory for all manufacturers, including Xiaomi.

The main reasons for the use of randomization:

• 🔒 Increased privacy: Network operators and access point owners cannot track your movements across different networks.
• 🛡️ Protecting against targeted advertising. MAC It is more difficult to collect data about your preferences.
• 📡 Bypassing restrictions. Some networks block devices by MAC-address (for example, in hotels or cafes).

But there's a downside to this technology, and a randomized address can cause problems with:

• 🏢 Enterprise networks where access is only allowed for registered MAC-address.
• 🤖 Smart devices (lamps, sockets, robot vacuum cleaners) that require a stable address to work on the local network.
• 🎮 Online games with cheating protection, where the change MAC It can be considered an attempt at deception.

When to Turn Off Randomization

Before you deactivate the function, evaluate whether it is actually interfering with your work. Here are specific cases where disabling is justified:

1. Your company is using your MAC-filtering in the office network, and IT-The department only registered your real address.
2. You have a local network with device-related connections (for example, for DLNA, Samba or Home Assistant).
3. You use specialized software that requires stable MAC (some VPN, streaming programs, development tools).
4. Your router blocks devices with frequently changing addresses (found in older TP-Link models or other devices). ASUS).

If your situation doesn’t make it to this list, leave randomization on, and remember that turning it off reduces your anonymity on public networks (airports, cafes, shopping malls).

⚠️ Note: Some banking applications and services with high security requirements (for example, Public Services or SberBank Online) may request real-world applications. MAC-Address for additional authentication. Disabling randomization in this case can simplify the authorization process.

How to Check if Randomization is Enabled on Your Xiaomi

Before you turn off the function, make sure it's actually active. Here are two reliable ways to check:

Method 1: Through Wi-Fi settings

Open Settings → Wi-Fi and do the following:

Tap by the name of your network (connected)|Select “More” or “Network settings»|Look at the item «MAC-address” or “Private address»|If there is a switch "Use random" MAC» — function-->

Method 2: Through network information

Connect to Wi-Fi and check the current one. MAC-address:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → General Information → Status.
2. Find the section MAC-Wi-Fi address and write it down.
3. Turn off and reconnect Wi-Fi, then check the address again.
4. If the address has changed, randomization is enabled.

On some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro) POCO X3 Pro) real MAC-You can only see the address in developer mode:

Settings → About the phone → MIUI version (shap 7 times)


Settings → Additional → For Developers → MAC- Wi-Fi address (real)

Step-by-step instructions for disabling randomization

The process of disconnection depends on the version MIUI We're going to look at the actual ways that we can do this. MIUI 12, 13 and 14.

Method 1: Standard shutdown (MIUI 12 and newer)

This is the easiest way to work on most modern devices:

1. Open the Settings. → Wi-Fi.
2. Tap on the name of your network (must be connected).
3. Select Additional or Network Settings (depending on the model).
4. Find a Private Address or Use a Random Address MAC.
5. Turn off the switch.
6. Confirm the action and reconnect to the network.

On some devices (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T or POCO F4) this paragraph may be called MAC-randomization or randomization MAC. If you don’t see this option, move on to the next method.

Method 2: Through Developer Modes (for hidden settings)

If the standard method didn’t work, try activating the developer mode and using the advanced settings:

Activate the developer mode (7 taps according to the version) MIUI)|Go to "Settings" → Additionally. → For developers»|Find it «MAC-Wi-Fi address (randomization)»|Turn off the "random" option. MAC»|Reset the device-->

On some firmware (e.g. MIUI 13 Global), the path may be different:

Settings → Additional → Privacy → Advanced settings → MAC- Randomization

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI China, the randomization disablement point, can be hidden even in developer mode. ADB-commands (see the following method).

Method 3: Through ADB (for power users)

If previous methods have failed, you can disable randomization via Android Debug Bridge. MIUI, It requires a computer and basic skills to work with ADB.

Instructions:

1. Install Platform Tools on your computer.
2. Activate debugging over USB in the developer settings.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell settings put global wifi_use_random_mac 0
4. Reset the device.

To return randomization, use:

adb shell settings put global wifi_use_random_mac 1

💡

If the network still doesn’t work after disabling randomization, try “forgetting” the network (hold your finger on the Wi-Fi name). → «Delete" and reconnect. This will reset all the saved connection settings.

Features of disconnection on different models Xiaomi

The manufacturer uses different firmware versions even for devices of the same model range, here are the key differences that should be considered:

Devices with MIUI Global (Europe, Russia, India)

On international firmware (MIUI Global) disabling randomization is usually available through the standard menu:

• 📱 Redmi 9/9A/9C — The item is hidden, the developer mode is required.
• 📱 POCO M3/M4 Pro – Randomization is only disabled for a specific network, not globally.
• 📱 Xiaomi 11 Lite NE — After disconnection, it may be necessary to restart the router.

Devices with MIUI China (Chinese firmware)

On the Chinese versions. MIUI Randomization is often hardwired into the system:

• 🔧 Use it. ADB-teams (see above).
• 🔄 Install Global ROM Fastboot (the risk of loss of warranty).
• 🛠️ Use Magisk modules (requires root).

For example, on the Xiaomi 12 Pro (Chinese version), the standard disabling of randomization leads to automatic on-line after the reboot. ADB custom-made.

Devices on Android One (Mi) A1/A2/A3)

Xiaomi smartphones with pure Android One use standard Android settings to disable randomization:

1. Go to Settings → Network and Internet → Wi-Fi.
2. Choose your network. → Additionally. → Confidentiality.
3. Turn off Use random MAC-address.

⚠️ Attention: POCO X3 NFC and POCO M2 Pro MIUI for POCO When randomization is disabled, the Internet may disappear when connecting to some public networks (for example, in the subway or shopping centers), this is due to the fact that networks block devices with non-randomized devices. MAC. The solution is to temporarily include randomization for such networks.

What to do if randomization is not turned off

If none of these methods worked, here are the alternatives:

1. Use of static IP

Sometimes the problem with access to the network is not related to the MAC-address, but with a dynamic IP. Set up static. IP manually:

1. Go to the Wi-Fi settings → Your network. → Additionally.
2. Select Settings IP → Static.
3. Indicate. IP-address from your router’s range (e.g. 192.168.1.100).
4. Enter the gateway (192.168.1.1) and DNS (for example 8.8.8.8).

2. Reference by device name

If your router supports filtering by host name (not just by host name) MAC), This method can be used:

• 📛 Find out your device name on the network: Settings → The phone. → Name of device.
• 🔗 Go to the router settings and add a rule for that name.

3. Alternative firmware

If it is critical for you to disable randomization, consider installing custom firmware:

• 🔄 LineageOS allows you to fully control MAC-address.
• 🔄 PixelExperience – has flexible network settings.
• 🔄 MIUI EU (unofficial European firmware – often includes advanced options.

Note that installing custom firmware resets the warranty and can lead to unstable operation of the device.

Safety after disabling randomization

By disabling randomization, you make your real life. MAC-So this is a very visible address for all the networks you're connecting to, and it can affect privacy:

1.Use. VPN public-network

VPN-Services (e.g. ProtonVPN, NordVPN) hide your network activity, but do not MAC-But it makes it harder to track.

2. Turn off Wi-Fi in the background

B Settings → Wi-Fi → Additionally, disable the option Scan is always available, and this will prevent automatic connection to open networks.

3. Change regularly MAC manually

If you want to temporarily hide your real address, you can use apps like Mac Changer (requires root). MAC specific networks.

4. Set up filtering on the router

Add yours. MAC-whitelist your router and turn off all other devices, which will protect your home network from unauthorized connections.

💡

Disabling randomization MAC-The only way to use the address is to use it when it is really necessary for the network services to work. In all other situations, it is best to keep the function on to protect privacy.

FAQ: Frequent questions about randomization MAC Xiaomi