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How can I know the WiFi MAC address before the iphone is activated?

Just got a new iPhone. In order to activate it, I have to get it connected to the home WiFi network. However, my network is configured with enhanced security which only allows devices with MAC addresses in the white list to get connected. I turned to Apple store support, they told me the only way is to activate it with other networks, then get the MAC address from the settings, and then wipe the device in order to transfer the data from the old iPhone directly. It's a stupid solution but I have to admit I have no other ways... :S

I just wonder why Apple doesn't print the MAC address on the label together with SN and IMEI, which will make user much easier?

iPhone 13, iOS 15

Posted on Dec 24, 2021 7:20 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Dec 24, 2021 9:16 AM

Steven_Apple wrote:

Just got a new iPhone. In order to activate it, I have to get it connected to the home WiFi network. However, my network is configured with enhanced security which only allows devices with MAC addresses in the white list to get connected.

That mean that you use private Wi-Fi addresses.

You can assign the iPhone a MAC & a private IP address.

Log in to the router, add your iPhone NAME + iPhone MAC  + private IP address.


Your iPhone MAC address is: go to Settings -> General -> About ->the Wi-Fi address (note this address).

Assign a private IP address to the iPhone, for example 192.168.x.xxx or 169.254.x.xxx. 

This depends on the router & other iDevices that have already been added.

What is important, check the list and the last xxx must be different from the iDevices that have already been added.


See the following Apple articles:

Use private Wi-Fi addresses on iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, and Apple Watch

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211227


Recommended settings for Wi-Fi routers and access points

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT202068

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3 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Dec 24, 2021 9:16 AM in response to Steven_Apple

Steven_Apple wrote:

Just got a new iPhone. In order to activate it, I have to get it connected to the home WiFi network. However, my network is configured with enhanced security which only allows devices with MAC addresses in the white list to get connected.

That mean that you use private Wi-Fi addresses.

You can assign the iPhone a MAC & a private IP address.

Log in to the router, add your iPhone NAME + iPhone MAC  + private IP address.


Your iPhone MAC address is: go to Settings -> General -> About ->the Wi-Fi address (note this address).

Assign a private IP address to the iPhone, for example 192.168.x.xxx or 169.254.x.xxx. 

This depends on the router & other iDevices that have already been added.

What is important, check the list and the last xxx must be different from the iDevices that have already been added.


See the following Apple articles:

Use private Wi-Fi addresses on iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, and Apple Watch

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211227


Recommended settings for Wi-Fi routers and access points

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT202068

How can I know the WiFi MAC address before the iphone is activated?

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