wi-if certificates

[kerock]

When I go to wi-fi settings, I see "install certificates". The is a MAC address. What is that? How can i, or should I remove it? I've had problems with wi-fi

 

[svim]

Web certificates are used by the browser to authenticate secure web sites. If you want to see the listing of certificates on your phone, go to Settings >> Security >> Trusted credentials. Normally you should just leave it as is but there could be a time when there is a site you visit that might require you to add a specific certificate (also referred to as a CA or Certificate Authority). And it doesn't happen a lot but there have been times when a CA is found to be a problem so if there's enough chatter about it online it might be safer to just uncheck it in that 'Trusted credentials' menu.
https://www.us-cert.gov/ncas/tips/ST05-010

As for the MAC address, that's not a typical user-changeable item although in certain situations you can temporarily use a different MAC address (referred to as 'spoofing'). The Media Access Control identifier is in a loose way similar to an IP address, it identifies your phone with a unique 'name' that distinguishes it from other devices on a network. While an IP address is a variable that can change each time you connect to a different network, the MAC address is a fixed identifier on a lower level that's tied permanently to your phone's hardware.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MAC_spoofing

 

[kerock]

Thanks svim. Is there a way I can private message you on here? I Need some help

 

[svim]

If you're having a problem it's best to make a post about it. A great thing about Android Forums is all the collective knowledge that gets shared here. No one knows everything so whatever problem you're having has a much better chance at getting answered when lots of people are reading it.

 

[kerock]

Nevermind. I know how message boards work. I've been a regular on a few for years. If it was something I wanted to start a thread about, I would have.