Wi-Fi MAC address changing - Samsung Galaxy R i9103
Hello everybody!
I have managed to change the Wi-Fi MAC address of my device and now I share this technique with you. With this method, you can change your address permanently!
What is a MAC address?
A Media Access Control address (MAC address) is a unique identifier assigned to network interfaces for communications on the physical network segment. It may also be known as a burned-in address, an Ethernet hardware address (EHA), hardware address or physical address. (Source: Wikipedia)
Why would somebody change his/her MAC address?
- To access the internet where it is restricted to particular addresses.
- To hide his/her illegal activity. (Though this is not effective enough since the Android system sends product information and a lot of other things to the Google servers and I'm sure that previous IP addresses could be searched for if somebody does something really nasty.)
Is it legal to change the MAC address?
As far as I know, it is. However, I firmly discourage you on doing anything illegal with changed/unchanged MAC.
Let's do it!
What do you need?
- A rooted device.
- A kernel with MAC address changing support. (I include my ICS kernel (version 3.1.10) for those who want to try it out and the method of implementing it into other custom kernels.)
- A file manager that can explore the root filesystem.
How does this exactly work?
Normally, the Wi-Fi driver gets the MAC address from the built-in chip then it writes the address to '/efs/wifi/.mac.info' and '/data/.mac.info'. This is the original burned-in address. This cannot be changed with software modifications, but only by soldering off the chip from the motherboard and rewriting its contents. Our Wi-Fi device is a Broadcom BCM4330. It has very good built-in features and the open source driver can be found in our kernel sources.
There are two different options in the driver (READ_MACADDR and RDWR_MACADDR (actually, there is a WRITE_MACADDR option too, which stands for creating the two files I have mentioned before)), which enable us changing the address. I tested both and found READ_MACADDR better. By enabling it in the kernel, you get some options regarding MAC changing.
Before you change your MAC address in any way, turn off Wi-Fi! I recommend writing down your original address somewhere (just to be extra secured). You can always return to your original one using the second method (read further) or by flashing a kernel that doesn't have the patch.
- If you flash a patched kernel and delete the '/efs/wifi/.mac.info' file, the driver will generate (!!) a custom MAC address based on some predefined rules (The first 24 bits are common in all generated addresses.).
- Of course you can set your own custom MAC address. Do this by editing the '/efs/wifi/.mac.info' file with a file manager. If you change it to an incorrect address, the system will automatically use the original (burned-in) MAC.
For kernel developers who want to enable this:
Find '#define WRITE_MACADDR' after '#ifdef CONFIG_MACH_N1' in 'drivers/net/wireless/bcmdhd/src/dhd/sys/dhd_sec_feature.h' and insert '#define READ_MACADDR' after that line. This is for ICS kernels (version 3.1.10), but the patch must work on GB ones too. You just have to insert the define somewhere else (I didn't look into this.).
(I count on you guys in implementing this! )
I attach my prebuilt (secure, MMC_ERASE_CAP disabled) kernel for trying out this feature. It is an ICS kernel (version 3.1.10).
Every custom modification to devices have risks. Use this at your own risk!
Have fun and enjoy!
Thanks!
Just tried patching the kernel, it works! So, this feature will be included in my next kernel.
Before flashing the patched kernel, when I turn off wifi, delete .mac.info file, re-enable wifi, the MAC address is not changed.
However, after flashing the patched kernel, after I turn off wifi, delete .mac.info file and re-enable wifi, the MAC address is changed!
Thanks very much for the useful guideline from Adam77Root :good:
Hey bro can u explain this in a more simpler manner...I'm a newbie here and i need this! bcuz my brother alwayz blocks my wifi mac address so i cannot access wifi. I hav a rooted Samsung galaxy ace s5830 using cm 10.1 rc4......thanks in advance!:good:
Abuzzz said:
Hey bro can u explain this in a more simpler manner...I'm a newbie here and i need this! bcuz my brother alwayz blocks my wifi mac address so i cannot access wifi. I hav a rooted Samsung galaxy ace s5830 using cm 10.1 rc4......thanks in advance!:good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If kernel supports only we change the WIFI MAC Address, we can not use it on all the kernels...
Hello,
Is it possible on Samsung Galaxy SII GT-I9100 ?
thanks
miradorid said:
Hello,
Is it possible on Samsung Galaxy SII GT-I9100 ?
thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just have taken a look into your kernel sources and it seems it is.
Check this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=37299543
Somebody will surely compile a kernel for you.
thanks ! I hope anyone will do this
Is it possible to port this to nexus 7 wifi edition with Dirty Aokp rom?
I already have this on my r with cm10.1 kernel
Sent from my GT-I9103 using Tapatalk 2
Deadfreak said:
Is it possible to port this to nexus 7 wifi edition with Dirty Aokp rom?
I already have this on my r with cm10.1 kernel
Sent from my GT-I9103 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have looked into the sources of your Wi-Fi driver (the same BCMDHD) and it seems it doesn't support it. Maybe this is a Samsung-only feature.
any suggestion...?
mj.vikram said:
If kernel supports only we change the WIFI MAC Address, we can not use it on all the kernels...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you suggest me a ROM with the suitable kernel to change the mac address of my Samsung Galaxy Ace S5830 please?? It would be of great help...
Abuzzz said:
Can you suggest me a ROM with the suitable kernel to change the mac address of my Samsung Galaxy Ace S5830 please?? It would be of great help...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think your best bet would be the galaxy ace forums. You could search if there's an existing kernel with this functionality or else you could direct one of the kernel developers there to have a look at this thread.
I'm a beginner, plz explain in detail such that I can do it.
I'm using Karbonn A11(rooted).
I need to change my Wi Fi mac address because my network administrator blocked my device mac address.
yo be able to connect to wi fi I need to change my wi fi MAC address...
plzz help me..
plzzz
---------- Post added at 02:42 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:20 PM ----------
I'm using Karbonn A11(rooted).
I need to change my Wi Fi mac address because my network administrator blocked my device mac address.
yo be able to connect to wi fi I need to change my wi fi MAC address...
plzz help me..
plzzz
You need a kernel that supports it.
BTW: Why on earth is this thread in the Q&A??
Adam77Root said:
You need a kernel that supports it.
BTW: Why on earth is this thread in the Q&A??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK then asked mod to move this one to General Forum.
hmm, good idea . but not for all mobiles, I think.
not working for N7100.
thanks anyway.
CracKey said:
hmm, good idea . but not for all mobiles, I think.
not working for N7100.
thanks anyway.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you didn't say, I would have tried it out on my refrigerator.
...not on my refrigerator, but on my U8860
Adam77Root said:
If you didn't say, I would have tried it out on my refrigerator.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello experts,
since a long time I'm trying to fix my mutating MAC on a Huawei U8860 (so called Honor).
Your Thread gives me new hope. Atm I'm running a custom rom (baidu v.5, ROM 43) on my device.
Do you think, it's possible to insert the phrase into the kernel-source to make the MAC fix again? The wlan-chip is nearly the same as in your tested device (bcm4329).
What else do I have to patch? Is it necessary to write the MAC (seen on the label under battery) into any config-file?
I apprecheate your help - thanx for reading...
Works on Samsung S4 mini with CM 11, however I need to reboot after changing .mac.cob even when deleting .mac.info (which does not automaticly returns), as turning off/on WiFi isn't enough.
I guess the READ_MACADDR option is missing, and at one point I'd like to make my own CM modification. Or is there a more simple solution?
I'm new here..
I have rooted my galaxy note 2 gt-N7100
I want to change my mac address to another one that i want
Can you tell me how can I do it?
Hi,
Just over a year ago, I asked you a solution for my Galaxy S2, and you found me a solution thanks to this post on the Galaxy S2 forum.
Is there a similar kernel for Galaxy S4 GT-I9505 ?
Related
How to Connect Your Android Device to Ad-hoc Wifi Network
http://www.emoiz.com/how-to-connect-your-android-device-to-ad-hoc-wifi-network
Thanx, will try it later
Wpa_supplicant link is not working
hystrix65 said: Wpa_supplicant link is not working Click to expand... Click to collapse +1 Not Found Sorry, but you are looking for something that is not here.
Do you know where can i find it?
Not working with my chinese device
tried and failed with it.....any solution ?????
I checked few more posts about wpa_supplicant. It looks like the generic or posted files works on some device models. May be It depends on device configuration as well. wpa_config is associated file which may also need some change relavant to the wpa_supplicant or need modification for specific device models. I am dont understand the code fully. I hope someone will sort it out
it's working on samsung galaxy s and many htc phones with 2.1 / 2.2 / 2.2.1 ( some 2.3.3 also if )
[Q] Static loopback address showing in ipconfig.txt
/data/misc/wifi/ipconfig.txt Can someone please explain why this file specifies a static proxy host (127.0.0.1) and proxy port (8)? What does your ipconfig.txt file show? Why would these settings be necessary on the Xoom when it's not like that on my Galaxy S3 phone? Sorry for the noob questions but I'm rather new to rooting and am learning as fast as I can. I'm running EOS JDQ39 Nightly 176 on a MZ602. (edit...updated to Nightly 177). Same issue. Thanks.
atloops said: /data/misc/wifi/ipconfig.txt Can someone please explain why this file specifies a static proxy host (127.0.0.1) and proxy port (8)? What does your ipconfig.txt file show? Why would these settings be necessary on the Xoom when it's not like that on my Galaxy S3 phone? Sorry for the noob questions but I'm rather new to rooting and am learning as fast as I can. I'm running EOS JDQ39 Nightly 176 on a MZ602. (edit...updated to Nightly 177). Same issue. Thanks. Click to expand... Click to collapse I've found that something in the build is modifying my wifi Proxy Hostname to 127.0.0.1 and Proxy Port to 3128. I can change the settings to NONE and everything works fine, but upon reboot they are switched back to the manual settings. Is anyone else seeing the same thing? Is this normal behavior for a custom ROM? Update: Problem solved. It was Kaspersky Mobile Security app changing the settings. I uninstalled the mobile version, installed tablet version and all is well again. Guess they don't want me using my mobile subscription on my tablet.
[Q] PPPWidget + Huawei E353 +Cyanogenmod10.1
Hi All Anyone with the P5110 running PPPWidget with Cyanogen 10.1 ? Is this just a config of the APN details? Its on T-Mobile uk APN - general.t-mobile.uk USERANME - user Password - mms any help or guidance much appreciated! UPDATE: Ok so it looks like after a reboot and another attempt this IS actually a lack of drivers problem. Can anyone suggest a Jelly Bean Rooted Rom that will work with PPPWidget or simply have the APN/Mobile network settings so that I can get this working Please Many Thanks jason
Here are some useful links read through and they will sure to help http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1513490 http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1894999 http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1795591 Sent from my C6603 using Tapatalk 2
Hi thanks will check out the links. From Josh - PPP Widget creator - and rereading his forum in day light it is clear that he does not tackle custom roms, obviously there are too many when you stop to think about it. so two options seem open to me - 1 get these files for the rom "ppp_async", "option" and "cdc_acm" 2 go to stock ROM that PPP have already got working Will read the links and see if they help clear up which direction to head in. Jarope
NEXT kernel has option, ppp_async, and usb_wwan kernel modules. Is cdc_acm really necessary?
Any suggestions on how to install this on my archos g9 101 withi this rom? http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2104491&highlight=wlan pppwidget is installed but when i connect my usb-ethernet device it comes no driver. on another rom it worked perfectly...
[APP] [ROOT] [Android 4.1+] [v1.106] nMAC - Nil MAC Changer
What is nMAC? nMAC(Nil MAC Changer) is a root application that can change your Android device's MAC address. Why? There are a lot of privacy concerns regarding Android's static MAC addresses. The possibility of being tracked everywhere is just one of the problems involved. This app aims to solve this issue by giving you, the user, control over your device's wireless identity. nMAC is intended to be used only for legal, non-malicious purposes, which do not involve unfairly abusing various wireless services. If you do not comply with these terms, please do not use this app. Features: A unique MAC file layout system Works when other tools can't Very fast and easy to implement support for more devices Yet a generic approach Persistent change Safe backup and restore of original MAC address Asynchronous, non-blocking & responsive design No reboot required MAC randomization functionality Ability to set custom MAC address Officially supported devices: Google: Nexus 5X Nexus 5 Samsung: Samsung Galaxy S3 Neo Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini Samsung Galaxy S5 Mini Samsung layout information provided by @Thargorsson OnePlus: One OnePlus One layout provided by @topjor Yu: Yuphoria Yu Yuphoria layout provided by @GokulNC FAQ - 2nd post Change log - 3rd post Download: Releases Source: GitHub Unsupported device? Create a new device layout Request support for your device As usual, please report any bugs you may encounter. Enjoy!
F.A.Q. : Q: My phone can't connect to any Wi-Fi network after I change my MAC address! A: The first 6 hex digits represent your device's manufacturer. You will get kicked from some routers if these digits are totally random. More here Q: I messed up! A: Restore the backup (original MAC address) by clicking on the button. Q: I messed up and I deleted the app! A: Reinstall the app and restore the backup (original MAC address) by clicking on the button. The backup file is saved on your external storage under /.nMAC/ and you may also restore it manually. Q: My device is unsupported! A: Create a new device layout Request support for your device Q: I really, really messed up and something doesn't work anymore A: If restoring the backup doesn't help, try flashing your factory images.
Change log (outdated) Check GitHub repository commits and/or release information 02 Jun 2016 - v1.1 Re-wrote MAC changing engine for higher compatibility New devices supported Non-ASCII MAC files supported 12 May 2016 - v1.01 Removed arm64-v8a ABI Faster app startup Reduced app size 7 May 2016 - Initial release - v1.0
/Reserved
ViRb3 won't give any updates anymore! You can stay at his version but when you want your phone being supported please contact ME THIS THREAD HAS MOVED
Thanks for another useful app!
@Thargorsson I believe I fixed your issue, please review and update your post appropriately. Thanks!
Hey, my device is not supported and i would like to see it get supported, how can i help making it compatible I have a oneplus one with cm13 (android 6.0.1, se linux enforced) Edit: i found the file where the MAC address is found and the lines I only need to check if 5ghz uses a different MAC because there are 4 MAC addresses / interface configurations pressent but i already know one of them as it matched the one in the WiFi settings /persist/WCNSS_qcom_cfg Intf0MacAddress=C0EEFB43FAxx (removed last 2 hex characters) this is 1 of the 4 addresses present that us sure te be one of them Edit2; if i have time tomorrow i might look into making a pull request
I have an Xperia L with Resurrection Remix (a CM13-based ROM). Unfortunately not supported Sent from my taoshan using XDA Labs
topjor said: Hey, my device is not supported and i would like to see it get supported, how can i help making it compatible I have a oneplus one with cm13 (android 6.0.1, se linux enforced) Edit: i found the file where the MAC address is found and the lines I only need to check if 5ghz uses a different MAC because there are 4 MAC addresses / interface configurations pressent but i already know one of them as it matched the one in the WiFi settings /persist/WCNSS_qcom_cfg Intf0MacAddress=C0EEFB43FAxx (removed last 2 hex characters) this is 1 of the 4 addresses present that us sure te be one of them Edit2; if i have time tomorrow i might look into making a pull request Click to expand... Click to collapse This would be immense help! Please check my newly created guide to implementing support here - you will save yourself a lot of time. If you can't make it work or don't have time, please let me know and I will implement it ASAP. If that's the case, please make sure you send me this info first. Also, I never thought about 2.4GHz and 5GHz having a different MAC. Please let me know if you find they are different because currently I change only one of them on the Nexus 5X! Thanks! Aenadon said: I have an Xperia L with Resurrection Remix (a CM13-based ROM). Unfortunately not supported Sent from my taoshan using XDA Labs Click to expand... Click to collapse Please check this on how to request device support. Good luck!
ViRb3 said: Also, I never thought about 2.4GHz and 5GHz having a different MAC. Click to expand... Click to collapse My access points don't seem to be reporting other macs also they are not AC access points. Using hotspot will use a different MAC address, i found a option for that.
topjor said: My access points don't seem to be reporting other macs also they are not AC access points. Using hotspot will use a different MAC address, i found a option for that. Click to expand... Click to collapse Very good to know! I haven't considered changing the hotspot MAC (yet). It can be added on my to do if it's important to people.
ViRb3 said: Very good to know! I haven't considered changing the hotspot MAC (yet). It can be added on my to do if it's important to people. Click to expand... Click to collapse For me it's not a priority, also in my config it is already set to something completely different, don't know how unique it is though.
@ViRb3 i only have one question does the regex work per file or per line.?
Can u please support Samsung Galaxy S3 LTE? Thanks. ???? Sent from my Samsung GT-I9305 using XDA Labs
topjor said: @ViRb3 i only have one question does the regex work per file or per line.? Click to expand... Click to collapse It matches the whole file. This is crucial for safely reasons. larswars said: Can u please support Samsung Galaxy S3 LTE? Thanks. ???? Click to expand... Click to collapse Please follow this guide on how to request support: https://github.com/ViRb3/nMAC/wiki/Requesting-support-for-a-new-device I'd be happy to do the rest!
ViRb3 said: It matches the whole file. This is crucial for safely reasons. Click to expand... Click to collapse My pull request should work then, haven't tested as i don't have a android development environment setup
v1.105 released with OnePlus One support and bug fixes + improvements! @topjor please confirm it works on your device.
Could you add Support for the LG G5?
1619415 said: Could you add Support for the LG G5? Click to expand... Click to collapse Absolutely, if you provide me with: https://github.com/ViRb3/nMAC/wiki/Requesting-support-for-a-new-device
[Completed] Spoofing Wifi MAC Address in Snapdragon.
I have searched a lot in xda forums and google but i couldnt find it. Its about how to spoof MAC Address of my device with sd430 processor. Device : Redmi 3s Prime Rom : Stock Miui Processor : Snapdragon 430 I tried a lot of apps like Chamelemac and mac address ghost but didnt work. I also tried searching for a file in the device containing the MAC address and i found a file with path - /sys/devices/soc/a000000.qcom,wcnss-wlan/wcnss_mac_addr The file contains my MAC address. But by editting the file and saving the file, the phone instantly reboots and the file comes back to normal. If anyone found a method please help. I would like to know if anyone having ANY SNAPDRAGON PROCESSOR was able to change mac address.
P€πtex4869 said: I have searched a lot in xda forums and google but i couldnt find it. Its about how to spoof MAC Address of my device with sd430 processor. Device : Redmi 3s Prime Rom : Stock Miui Processor : Snapdragon 430 I tried a lot of apps like Chamelemac and mac address ghost but didnt work. I also tried searching for a file in the device containing the MAC address and i found a file with path - /sys/devices/soc/a000000.qcom,wcnss-wlan/wcnss_mac_addr The file contains my MAC address. But by editting the file and saving the file, the phone instantly reboots and the file comes back to normal. If anyone found a method please help. I would like to know if anyone having ANY SNAPDRAGON PROCESSOR was able to change mac address. Click to expand... Click to collapse Greetings and welcome to assist. I found this thread that may be helpful https://forum.xda-developers.com/general/xda-assist/how-to-change-mac-address-snapdragon-t3390848 I think you need khali nethunter which requires a modded kernel Regards Sawdoctor
sawdoctor said: Greetings and welcome to assist. I found this thread that may be helpful https://forum.xda-developers.com/general/xda-assist/how-to-change-mac-address-snapdragon-t3390848 I think you need khali nethunter which requires a modded kernel Regards Sawdoctor Click to expand... Click to collapse Thanks for the reply. I have tried Kali nethunter on my device. Many of the features wotk fine on my device. When I tried to change mac address through it, it show 'successfully changed'. But it actually didnt change/spoof the mac address.