Advice Request Does factory resetting iPad give it a new MAC Address?

[Cool12445]

I factory reset my iPad and Kaspersky is saying there are two iPad devices that have been connected to my network when I only have one. Would factory resetting change the MAC address? I can’t remember if only one of the iPads is actually connected to the network.

 

[Balrog]

The MAC address is tied to the network adapter, each manufacturer has a range of addresses. So returning a device to "factory state" does not change the MAC address.

 

[blackice]

By default Apple mobile devices use private MAC addresses to obscure the hardware mac address and avoid tracking. iPhones do this as well. They use randomized private mac addresses to connect to new networks. When you factory reset it the iPad probably chose a new randomized private MAC.

 

[Kantry123]

the MAC addresses do not change when doing a factory reset.

 

[blackice]

Look at the WiFi network information on your iPad for your network. And see if this option is turned on:

If it is there will be a MAC address under it. These are generated private addresses, they do change when you first connect to a new network. I turn this off at home, it causes confusing issues whenever you change network setting or upgrade firmware.

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

To improve privacy, your device uses a different MAC address with each Wi-Fi network.

support.apple.com