Changing your MAC address can enhance privacy and security on an Android device, and this guide will show you how to change your MAC address permanently on a rooted device or temporarily on an unrooted device.

Before you start: You will need a rooted Android device for permanent changes, a MediaTek chipset for Method 3, and the Terminal Emulator or ChameleMAC app installed. Ensure you have your current MAC address written down.

How to change a MAC address on an Android device

Follow the steps below to modify your device’s network identifier using one of the available methods.

Method 1: Using Terminal Emulator on a Rooted Android (Permanent)

  • Check if your phone has root access:
    • Open the Google Play Store.
    • Type Root Checker in the search bar.
    • Tap Root Checker in the search results.
    • Tap Install next to Root Checker.
    • Tap Open once Root Checker is installed.
    • Tap Agree to agree to the disclaimer.
    • Tap Get Started at the bottom of the screen.
    • Tap Verify Root on screen.
  • Write down your current MAC address. You can find this in Settings under Network & Internet > Wi-Fi > Network Details.
  • Download and install BusyBox from the Google Play Store and tap Install inside the app.
  • Download and install Terminal Emulator from the Google Play Store.
  • Open Terminal Emulator for Android.
  • Type su and tap Enter on the keyboard. Tap Allow if prompted for root permission.
  • Type IP link show and tap Enter. Write down the interface name displayed.
  • Type busybox ip link [interface name] using the interface name found in the previous step.
  • Type busybox config [interface name] hw ether XX:XX:XX:YY:YY:YY to change your MAC address. Replace XX:XX:XX:YY:YY:YY with a valid 12-character MAC address. Warning: If you get an error, try another address or revert to your original one.

Method 2: Using Terminal Emulator on an Unrooted Android (Temporary)

  • Write down your real MAC address in Settings under Network & Internet > Wi-Fi > Network Details.
  • Download Terminal Emulator from the Google Play Store.
  • Open Terminal Emulator for Android.
  • Type IP link show and tap Enter. Write down the interface name displayed.
  • Type ip link set [interface name] XX:XX:XX:YY:YY:YY and tap Enter. Replace XX:XX:XX:YY:YY:YY with your desired MAC address and [interface name] with the name from the previous step. This change is temporary and will revert after a reboot.

Method 3: Using ChameleMAC on a Rooted Android (Permanent)

  • Check if your phone has a MediaTek chipset:
    • Open the Google Play Store.
    • Type Droid Hardware Info in the search bar.
    • Tap Droid Hardware Info and Install.
    • Open the app and tap the System tab.
    • Verify Chipset says MediaTek.
  • Check if your phone has root access using the Root Checker app as described in Method 1.
  • Write down your current MAC address in Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi > Network Details.
  • Download and install ChameleMAC by going to ChameleMAC on APKPure, tapping Download APK, and installing the file.
  • Open ChameleMAC from your Apps menu.
  • Tap Allow when asked to grant root access.
  • Tap Generate random MAC or manually input a MAC address.
  • Tap Apply new Mac.
  • Tap Change in the confirmation pop-up.
Pro tip: Always back up your original MAC address before making changes, so you can easily revert if you experience connectivity issues.

After successfully changing your MAC address, you should test your network connectivity by connecting to a Wi-Fi network and ensuring internet access works correctly. If you used a temporary method, remember that the change will not persist after a reboot, so you will need to repeat the steps if you want to maintain the new address.

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If you plan to use your device for enhanced privacy, consider exploring other security measures such as using a VPN or disabling location services. Always ensure you understand the implications of modifying system identifiers on your device.