Need to turn off random mac address on Chromecast with Google TV

[Snowbird1]

The reply from David in this post

https://www.googlenestcommunity.com/t5/Chromecast/Need-to-turn-off-random-mac-address-on-Chromecast-...

only works if you can connect to the Network first.  Since the Network requires the MAC address of the device to authenticate it, it doesn't connect and therefor not able to turn off random MAC Address.  

The below only works for Network you can connect to with Random MAC and since Random MAC is different for each Network the address we get from a hotspot will not connect the the Network we need the random MAC turned off prior to connecting to a New Network.

To stop the Wi-Fi MAC address randomization, you need to go to the Chromecast's settings and disable the "Use randomized MAC" option. Here's how:

1. On your Chromecast, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi.
2. Select the Wi-Fi network you want to change the MAC address for.
3. Scroll down and select Advanced.
4. Under "Privacy," uncheck the box next to "Use randomized MAC."
5. Select Save.

How can we turn off the Random MAC Address during Setup or prior to Connecting to a New Network?

[David_K]

You're right, this only works for networks that don't use MAC address filtering or whitelists unfortunately. Strictly speaking Chromecast doesn't support these kinds of Wi-Fi networks known as captive portals, so these kinds of issues aren't a surprise. One other possible workaround I've seen is to use a Wi-Fi adapter connected via USB to the Chromecast, as that will have a fixed MAC address.

[Snowbird1]

@David_K  Thanks for the reply and that's what we tell our residents. They do not like that answer and end up not using the Chromecast.

[David_K]

No problem. I’d also encourage you to also send this feedback directly to Google as it would be good if it were possible to disable MAC randomisation for all Wi-Fi networks, without having to connect to each one first.

[Kimy]

Hi folks,

Thanks for helping out here, @David_K.

@Snowbird1, I hope you've found the answer you're looking for. If you're still in need of assistance, please let us know, as we would be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Thanks,

Kimy

[Snowbird1]

Hi,

No. Chromecast doesn't work on Captive Portal Networks and the only work around is for students to pay for another device to add to their Chromecast.

[Kimy]

Hi Snowbird1,

Thanks for the details. Although these types of networks are not supported, our team is working hard to deliver the best experience for our users — we'll take this as feedback. Keep an eye on the Google Nest Community page for any updates.

Please let me know if you have other questions or concerns, as I will be locking this in 24 hours if I don't hear back from you again. Feel free to start a new thread, and we'll be happy to help.

Regards,

Kimy