How to change MAC- address on Android-smartphones Xiaomi Redmi: all working methods

Why Change MAC- Address to Xiaomi Redmi and When You Need It

MAC- is a unique identifier of the network interface of your Xiaomi Redmi, which is assigned at the hardware level. Unlike the IP, which can change, the MAC remains constant... until you interfere with the system settings. But why would you need it?

The main reasons for changing MACs to Redmi Note 12/11/10 or other models in the series are bypassing Wi-Fi restrictions (for example, in hotels or corporate networks with MAC binding), increasing anonymity when connecting to public access points, testing network applications or solving device lock problems on some networks. However, it is important to understand that changing the MAC does not make you completely anonymous - carriers and providers can still track activity through other metrics.

On the other hand, starting with Android 10 (MIUI 12+), Xiaomi has been actively blocking the change of MACs by rootless software methods.This is due to Google's policy of tightening control over network identifiers. However, workarounds exist - and we'll look at them all, from the simplest to the most technically complex.

Before you start, check your Redmi’s current MAC:

Open Settings → About Phone → General Information → Status → MAC- Wi-Fi address. Write it down – it may be needed to roll back changes.

Method 1: Change the MAC without root through Developer Mode (Android 9 and below)

This method worked on older versions of MIUI (up to 12) and is relevant for devices on Android 9 Pie or lower (for example, Redmi Note 7/8 on stock firmware). On new models (Redmi Note 12 Pro+, Redmi 11 Prime), it, unfortunately, will not work due to system limitations.

Instructions:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and tap on MIUI Version 7 times.
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
3. Find the option Do not save MAC- address when connecting to Wi-Fi (in English firmware - Wi-Fi MAC address randomization).
4. Turn it on and restart the phone, and the next time you connect to the network, the MAC will be generated randomly.

⚠️ Warning: On MIUI 13/14 this option may be missing or not working properly. If MAC hasn't changed after turning on, check it through the WiFi Analyzer app - sometimes the system shows the old address in the settings but uses the new one for connections.

Advantages of the method:

✅ Doesn't require root rights

✅ Safe for the system

✅ Reverse (suffice it to disable the option)

Disadvantages:

❌ Does not work on all models

❌ MAC resets with each new connection (not fixed)

Method 2: Using ADB to change MAC (Android 10–14)

A more versatile method that works on most Xiaomi Redmi with Android 10-14 (including Redmi Note 10 Pro, Redmi 11T) requires a PC connection and USB- enabled, but does not need root rights. The essence of the method is to temporarily change the MAC through system commands.

Step-by-step:

1. Install ADB and Fastboot Tools on PC.
2. Turn on the phone: ⚙️ Settings → Developer → Debugging on USB ⚙️ Unlock OEM (same menu)

Redmi

File transfer

Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (Linux/macOS) in the folder with ADB and do:

adb shell


su -c "ip link set wlan0 down"




su -c "ip link set wlan0 address XX:XX:XX:YY:YY:YY"




su -c "ip link set wlan0 up"

Where XX:XX:XX:YY:YY:YY is a new MAC- address (e.g., 02:1A:11:FC:45:89).The first two characters after the colon must be even (0, 2, 4, 6, 8, A, C, E).

⚠️ Warning: Once the phone is restarted, MAC will reset to the original. To fix the change, you'll need to create a script in /data/adb/service.d/ (root needed) or use a Tasker with ADB- plagin to automatically apply the command when you turn on Wi-Fi.

Verification of the result:

• 🔍 Run in ADB: adb shell cat /sys/class/net/wlan0/address
• 📱 Or look at Settings → Wi-Fi → Current Network → More

Method 3: Applications to change MAC (root required)

If your Xiaomi Redmi has an unlocked bootloader and Magisk (root) installed, you can use specialized applications. This method gives you a constant change in the MAC, which is stored after the reboot.

Top.-3 tested applications:

Instructions for Change My MAC:

1. Install the application and provide root access.
2. Select a network interface (usually wlan0 for Wi-Fi).
3. Enter a new MAC or generate a random one.
4. Press Apply and restart the phone.

If the Wi-Fi has stopped working after the change:

• 🔄 Reboot the phone.
• 🔧 Manually turn on/off the aircraft mode.
• 📛 Return the original MAC via the app.

💡

Before changing MAC via root, backup the original address in a text file or screenshot. Some applications (e.g. banking) can block devices with suspicious MAC- addresses.

Method 4: Modifying MACs via TWRP (for advanced users)

This method is suitable for owners of Xiaomi Redmi with installed custom recoverer TWRP. It allows you to edit system files where the MAC- address is stored, but requires caution - an error can lead to loss of network connection.

Algorithm of action:

1. Boot to TWRP (hold Power + Volume up when turned on).
2. Go to Advanced → File Manager.
3. Open /data/nvram/APCFG/APRDEB/WIFI (the path may vary depending on the model).
4. Find the string with the current MAC (usually in MacAddr=XX:XX:XX:YY:YY:YYY format).
5. Edit it, save the file and reboot it.

⚠️ Warning: On Redmi with Snapdragon 8xx processors (e.g., Redmi K40, K50), a file with MAC may be stored in a /persist partition or encrypted, in which case editing without decoding will cause a Wi-Fi not turning on error.

Alternative path for devices on MediaTek (Redmi Note 11/10):

• The 📁 file may be called /data/nvram/APCFG/APRDEB/WifiAddress.
• 🔧 If the file is binary, use the HEX- editor (e.g., Hex Editor from TWRP).
• 🔄 After the changes, be sure to clear the Dalvik cache (Wipe → Advanced Wipe → Dalvik Cache).

💡

Changing MACs via TWRP is the most reliable way to change addresses, but it is also the riskiest way to change them, and an error in editing system files can lead to a Wi-Fi module being “bricked.”

Risks and consequences of changing MAC- address

Before you change the MAC on your Xiaomi Redmi, consider the possible negative consequences:

1. Problems with network connectivity

• 🚫 Some routers block devices with "incorrect" MAC (e.g., starting at 00:00:00 or with an odd first byte).
• 🔒 Enterprise networks can detect a spoof and lock a device permanently.

2. Disruption of services

• 🏦 Banking applications (Sberbank, Tinkoff) may suspect fraud and block access.
• 🎮 Services like Google Play Games or Mi Account may require re-authorization.

3. Technical failures

• 📡 On some Redmis with Qualcomm Snapdragon (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro+), an incorrect MAC can lead to Wi-Fi error 10.
• 🔄 After changing MAC, the Wi-Fi Direct or Miracast function may break through the root.

4. Legal aspects

In most countries, changing the MAC is not illegal unless used for fraud.

• 📜 In some corporate networks, this may be considered a breach of security policy.
• 🚔 If MAC is substituted to bypass internet payments (e.g., in a hotel), this could qualify as service theft.

💡

If you need to temporarily hide the real MAC (for example, for testing), use the MAC Randomization feature in Wi-Fi settings (available on Android 10+).

Alternative ways: when a change in MAC is not necessary

Before you start changing your MAC, check if you can solve your problem in a simpler way:

1. Bypassing Wi-Fi restrictions

• 🔑 Ask the network administrator to add your MAC to the whitelist.
• 🌐 Use VPN (e.g., ProtonVPN or Warp from Cloudflare) to bypass locks over IP.
• 📶 Connect via an access point on another device (laptop, second phone).

2. Enhancing anonymity

• 🕶️ Enable Incognito Mode in your browser + VPN.
• 🔄 Regularly clear cache and cookies in the settings of Google Services.
• 🛡️ Use Tor Browser or Orbot to route traffic.

3. Solving Connection Problems

• 🔧 Reset network settings: Settings → System system → Reset → Resetting Wi-Fi, Mobile Network and Bluetooth.
• 📡 Update the router’s firmware (sometimes problems are caused by outdated hotspot-side software).
• 🔄 Switch to a different Wi-Fi frequency (2.4 GHz instead of 5 GHz or vice versa).

If your goal is to test network applications, consider using Android emulators (like Genymotion or Android Studio Emulator) that allow you to set any MAC without risking the main device.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the MAC to Xiaomi Redmi