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Apple Privacy Features May Conflict with Secure Wireless Networks Access

Last Updated: January 2026

With recent updates to Apple's operating systems, these privacy features—iCloud Private Relay, Limit IP Address Tracking, Private Wi-Fi Address, and Wi-Fi 6E Mode—may be automatically enabled on your devices. Because the University's secure Wi-Fi networks (noted below) are already private and encrypted, having these additional privacy features turned-on may cause connectivity issues with our Wi-Fi networks.

Secure Wi-Fi Networks:

  • CaneNet Wireless (for students)
  • UMiamiWireless (for Coral Gables/Marine faculty and staff)
  • SecureCanes (for UHealth/MSOM faculty and staff)

Recommendations

If you're having difficulty connecting to the CaneNet Wireless, UMiamiWireless, and SecureCanes secure Wi-Fi networks or notice intermittent connectivity issues, we recommend turning off iCloud Private Relay, Limit IP Address Tracking, Private Wi-Fi Address, and Wi-Fi 6E Mode for a better experience on these wireless networks.

Step-by-step instructions are noted below:

Quick Drop-Down Links: iCloud Private Relay Feature - Limit IP Address Tracking Feature - Private Wi-Fi Address Feature - Wi-Fi 6E Mode

How to Turn Off the iCloud Private Relay Feature

iOS Devices (iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Apple Vision Pro):

  • Open the Settings app.
  • Tap your Apple ID at the top.
  • Select iCloud.
  • Tap Private Relay and toggle the switch to Off.

Mac Devices:

  • Click the Apple menu  > System Settings.
  • Select Apple ID from the sidebar.
  • Click iCloud.
  • Locate Private Relay and turn it Off.

How to Turn Off the Limit IP Address Tracking Feature

iOS Devices (iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Apple Vision Pro):

  • Open the Settings app.
  • Tap Wi-Fi.
  • Tap the blue, circled "i" button next to the Wi-Fi network name.
  • Turn off Limit IP Address Tracking.

Mac Devices:

  • Click the Apple menu  > System Settings.
  • Select Network from the sidebar.
  • Click Wi-Fi.
  • Click on the Details button next to the Wi-Fi network name.
  • Turn off Limit IP Address Tracking.
  • Click OK to save changes.

How to Turn Off the Private Wi-Fi Address Feature

iOS Devices (iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Apple Vision Pro):
(Requires iOS 14, iPadOS 14, VisionOS, or later.)

  • Open the Settings app.
  • Tap Wi-Fi.
  • If you're not currently connected to the network, tap Edit in the upper-right corner.
  • Tap the More Info button next to the network name.
  • For iOS 18, iPadOS 18, VisionOS 2, or later, tap Private Wi-Fi Address, then tap Off. Alternatively, if you're using an earlier OS version, simply turn Private Wi-Fi Address off.

Mac Devices:
(Requires macOS Sequoia or later.)

  • Choose the Apple menu  > System Settings.
  • Click Wi-Fi from the sidebar.
  • Click the Details or More Info button, next to the network name.
  • From the menu next to Private Wi-Fi Address, select Off.

Apple Watch Devices:
(Requires watchOS 7 or later.)

  • Open the Settings app.
  • Tap Wi-Fi.>
  • Tap the network name. If you're not connected, swipe left on the network, then tap the More Info button.
  • If using watchOS 11 or later, scroll down and tap Off. If using an earlier version, simply turn Private Wi-Fi Address off.

How to Disable Wi-Fi 6E Mode*

For Mac Users:

  • Choose the Apple menu  > System Settings.
  • Click Wi-Fi from the sidebar.
  • Click the Details button, next to the network name.
  • From the Wi-Fi 6E Mode menu, select Off.

For iPhone & iPad Users:

  • Open the Settings app.
  • Tap Wi-Fi.
  • Tap the More Info button next to the network name.
  • Tap Wi-Fi 6E Mode and select Off.

*Note: If you do not see the "Wi-Fi 6E Mode" option, your device does not support this specific band or it is already disabled, and no further action is required.

Making these changes should help ensure that your device can easily access and maintain a stable connection on our secure wireless networks.

If you have any questions, or if you need technical support, please contact the IT Service Desk.

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