For demonstration purposes here, we will refer to your network interface name as HAL9000.

Type “IP link show” and then hit “Enter” again so that you can write down the interface name of your current network.

If the device asks you to allow the app to access root, tap on “Allow.”.

Run the terminal emulator app and type “su” (which stands for “super” user), then press “Enter.”.

Install Terminal Emulator for Android from Google Play.

If not, skip to the next section, where we show you how to change the MAC address on your Android device without having root access. If the Root Checker app confirmed that your device has root access, then just read on. In other words, the hacker impersonates you!! Just as the SSN identifies you globally, a Mac address identifies your device in the network. That number gives the perpetrator direct access to credit applications and more by having your actual SSN. Just think of this situation as using someone’s social security number. Spoofing your Mac address prevents direct hacking because the impersonator cannot access your device directly without the actual address. The danger occurs in schools, public Wi-Fi, and workplaces alike. Of course, you’d have to use only one of the two devices that use the same MAC address.įurthermore, hackers on the same network as your devices do exist, depending on circumstances.

This process allows your spoofed device to gain benefits from the other device. If your ISP or local domain restricts a device’s bandwidth, app use, or priority based on the identified Mac address, changing it to another device’s Mac address fools the ISP.

Another term for this transition is Mac spoofing, which is done for legitimate and illicit purposes alike. Other times, you may want your device to appear as another one even though it is not. Sometimes, you may want your device to bypass access control lists on routers or servers to hide it from other networked devices and users.

What does wifi mac address mean