What is a MAC Address and to How to Find it on Your Devices

A MAC (Media Access Control) address is a unique identifier assigned to a network interface controller (NIC) for use in communications on the physical network segment. Typically, MAC addresses are used for the following:

  1. Local Network Communication: MAC addresses are used within local area networks (LANs) for communication between devices.

  2. Ethernet Networks: In Ethernet networks, MAC addresses are used to ensure that data packets are delivered to the correct destination device.

  3. Wi-Fi Networks: In Wi-Fi networks, MAC addresses help in identifying devices and managing wireless connections.

How to Find a Device's MAC Address

Finding the MAC address of a device varies depending on the type of device and the operating system it uses. Here are the steps for various devices:

Windows

  1. Via Command Prompt:

    • Press Win + R, type cmd, and press Enter.
    • Type ipconfig /all and press Enter.
    • Look for the network adapter you are using. The MAC address will be listed as "Physical Address."

  2. Via Network Settings:

    • Go to Settings > Network & Internet.
    • Select Status on the left, then click on Network and Sharing Center.
    • Click on your network connection (Ethernet or Wi-Fi).
    • Click on Details. The MAC address will be listed as "Physical Address."

macOS

  1. Via System Preferences:

    • Click on the Apple menu and select System Preferences.
    • Click on Network.
    • Select your active network connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) from the list on the left.
    • Click on Advanced.
    • The MAC address will be listed at the bottom of the Wi-Fi or Hardware tab.

Android

  1. Via Settings:
    • Open Settings.
    • Go to About phone or About device.
    • Select Status or Hardware information.
    • The MAC address will be listed under Wi-Fi MAC address or similar.

iOS (iPhone/iPad)

  1. Via Settings:
    • Open Settings.
    • Go to General > About.
    • The MAC address will be listed as Wi-Fi Address.

PlayStation 5

  1. Via Settings:
    • Go to Settings from the home screen.
    • Select Network.
    • Select View Connection Status.
    • The MAC address will be listed under MAC Address (LAN) and MAC Address (Wi-Fi).

PlayStation 4

  1. Via Settings:
    • Go to Settings from the home screen.
    • Select Network.
    • Select View Connection Status.
    • The MAC address will be listed under MAC Address (LAN Cable) and MAC Address (Wi-Fi).

Xbox Series X|S

  1. Via Settings:
    • Press the Xbox button to open the guide.
    • Select Profile & system > Settings.
    • Select General > Network settings.
    • Select Advanced settings.
    • The MAC address will be listed under Wired MAC and Wireless MAC.

Xbox One

  1. Via Settings:
    • Press the Xbox button to open the guide.
    • Select System > Settings.
    • Select Network.
    • Select Network settings.
    • Select Advanced settings.
    • The MAC address will be listed under Wired MAC and Wireless MAC.

Nintendo Switch

  1. Via System Settings:
    • From the home screen, select System Settings.
    • Scroll down and select Internet.
    • Select Internet Settings.
    • The MAC address will be displayed at the bottom of the screen.
Print Article