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So when connecting an Apple device to a Wi-Fi network I have noticed that it shows up as “Unknown Device“ or “Apple Inc”. This is happening on both an iPhone and iPad. They are both updated to the latest software, both netgear and unifi are used as routers with the same thing happening on both. And when connecting an other device like android the name does show up. I’m wondering why this is happening and what could possibly be done to fix it?
iPad mini (6th generation)
You are very likely using Apple’s Private Wi-Fi Address feature. This feature hides the unique “burned-in” MAC Address of your iPad/iPhone from the WiFi network to which you have connected - the MAC Address being used by your WiFi router to identify the manufacturer of the connected device.
Some elements of the true MAC Address identifies the device manufacturer - and this attribute can be used for tracking and profiling. The Private Address feature replaces the true MAC address with a randomly selected MAC address, that periodically changes - this being intended to reduce opportunity for client identification and tracking.
The Private Address feature is largely unnecessary for your home WiFi network. Should you choose to disable the feature, you can do so; this is enabled or disabled for each individual network.
Use private Wi-Fi addresses in iOS 14, iPadOS 14, and watchOS 7 - Apple Support
As such, nothing is “broken” per-se; as described, this privacy feature is seemingly performing its intended function.
You are very likely using Apple’s Private Wi-Fi Address feature. This feature hides the unique “burned-in” MAC Address of your iPad/iPhone from the WiFi network to which you have connected - the MAC Address being used by your WiFi router to identify the manufacturer of the connected device.
Some elements of the true MAC Address identifies the device manufacturer - and this attribute can be used for tracking and profiling. The Private Address feature replaces the true MAC address with a randomly selected MAC address, that periodically changes - this being intended to reduce opportunity for client identification and tracking.
The Private Address feature is largely unnecessary for your home WiFi network. Should you choose to disable the feature, you can do so; this is enabled or disabled for each individual network.
Use private Wi-Fi addresses in iOS 14, iPadOS 14, and watchOS 7 - Apple Support
As such, nothing is “broken” per-se; as described, this privacy feature is seemingly performing its intended function.
Wi-Fi
