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My brand new IPad will not allow me to access the MAC address without going through the setup routine. How mad is that? My WiFi network is secure and I need the MAC address before I start!
It is crazy that many companies provide this on the outside packaging to facilitate this sort of REQUIREMENT, but not apple?
iPad Pro (5th generation)
It should be printed on the label on the original box that it came it.
It should be printed on the label on the original box that it came it.
Be aware that iPadOS will, by default, use its Private WiFi Address feature when first connecting to any new WiFi network - and this will mask the true MAC Address of the iPad. As such, whether or not the network MAC address is printed on any packaging won’t help with your issue - as the iPad’s WiFi radio will be using a different MAC address.
If you intend to use your iPad with a WiFi network secured with MAC-based access control list, you’ll need to first complete initial device setup, joining an accessible WiFi network (that doesn’t use a MAC-based ACL) - and then review your iPad settings.
You can find the true MAC addresses for WiFi, Cellular and Bluetooth interfaces here:
Settings > General > About
To use your iPad with your secured network, you’ll need to disable the WiFi Private Address feature. This feature is intended to provide additional privacy and security when using “public” (untrusted) WiFi networks.
Settings > WiFi > [Your WiFi Network / SSID] - tap the “i” icon - Private Address
Once disabled, your iPad will use the unique burned-in MAC for its network connection.
The Private Address feature is largely unnecessary for your home WiFi network; if enabled, Private Addressing can cause issues if specific MAC addresses are expected by your WiFi Router - and will definitely cause issues with Access Control systems. This feature is enabled/disabled for each WiFi network that you join; there isn’t a global setting for this feature in exposed iOS/iPadOS settings.
When enabled, Private WiFi Addressing is intended to eliminate use of your MAC address as an element for device profiling/tracking by the host network.
Where is my Mac address on new iPad BEFORE going through setup?
