new ipad mac address, how do I find it?

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Level 1

96 points

new ipad mac address, how do I find it?

I bought a new iPad. It connects to my iPhone really well, but then it asks to join a Wi-Fi network. Well, I have access control on my Wi-Fi network. There's nothing on the box that tells me the Mac Address. I can't opt out of the setup to go to settings to find the MAC address so I can't add the address to my Airport access control list.

How do I find out the WiFi mac? Why isn't it prominently displayed on this page of the setup?

Yes, I can reboot my Airport with Access control turned off, but that's a dumb thing to do.

iPad Pro 10.5-inch, Wi-Fi

Posted on Jun 3, 2019 5:48 PM

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Answer 1

John Zwiebel Author

Level 1

96 points

Jun 3, 2019 6:04 PM in response to ckuan

I guess you didn't read that I'm trying to set up a new iPad. I have no access to anything but the setup application. Every time I press the home button it asks if I want to erase the settings that have been input so far and start over or continue. There is no option to "discover the WiFi MAC address".

I had to reboot my router with Access Control turned off. I admit that I'm no internet security expert, but I do know that with access control turned off -anyone- can join my network. I feel naked.

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Answer 2

ckuan

Level 10

121,084 points

Jun 3, 2019 6:10 PM in response to John Zwiebel

For a short moment to setup your iPad, you'll be alright.

You are not insecure just because you broadcasting your SSID.

You should have a strong password to your router anyway. With or without broadcasting your router SSID.

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Answer 3

John Zwiebel Author

Level 1

96 points

Jun 3, 2019 6:18 PM in response to ckuan

There is no reason that the MAC address isn't provided to me so that I don't have to turn off Access Control.

I have a strong password on my airport, yet, my new iPad logged on to that network without that password after I turned off Access Control. (I imagine it got it from my iPhone)

Let's just say, you don't think it a big deal to have to turn off access control, and I don't think it a big deal to ensure the MAC address is provided on the iPad when the "select a Wi-Fi network" screen shows up during the setup. Obviously, I much prefer my solution.

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