An iPhone uses a private MAC address to reduce tracking across Wi-Fi networks. On a college network that registers devices by address, the value saved by IT must match the value your iPhone actually presents.
Off, fixed and rotating
On current Apple software, Private Wi-Fi Address can be Off, Fixed or Rotating. Fixed keeps one private address for the network; Rotating changes it periodically; Off uses the hardware address. Availability depends on the software version.
Check the current address
- Open Settings → Wi-Fi.
- Tap the information button beside the campus network.
- Open Private Wi-Fi Address.
- Note both the selected mode and the displayed Wi-Fi address.
Match the registered record
Ask college IT whether it supports a fixed private address. If it does, register that value. If the administrator requires the hardware address, choose Off only for the institution’s network—not for every Wi-Fi network.
Privacy trade-off
A stable address makes device registration work but lets that network recognise the device over time. This is why the setting should be network-specific and based on the institution’s documented requirement.
Official reference
Apple explains the current settings in Use private Wi-Fi addresses on Apple devices.