How to Find MAC Address on Windows, macOS, Android, and iPhoneA Media Access Control (MAC) address is a unique identifier assigned to a device’s network interface. It’s used for local network communication, device filtering on routers, and troubleshooting. This guide explains what a MAC address is, when you might need it, and step‑by‑step instructions to find it on Windows, macOS, Android, and iPhone.
What is a MAC address and why it matters
A MAC address is a 48‑bit identifier typically shown as six groups of two hexadecimal digits (for example, 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E). It’s burned into a device’s network interface by the manufacturer, though many modern devices support randomized or user‑configurable MAC addresses for privacy.
Common reasons to locate a MAC address:
- Setting MAC filtering on a router (allow/deny specific devices).
- Identifying devices on a local network.
- Troubleshooting network connectivity or addressing duplicate MAC issues.
- Registering devices with network access controls in workplaces or schools.
Windows
Option A — Settings (Windows 10 and 11)
- Open Settings (Windows key + I).
- Go to Network & Internet.
- Select Wi‑Fi or Ethernet depending on your connection.
- For Wi‑Fi: click the network name or Hardware properties. For Ethernet: click the adapter name or Hardware properties.
- Look for Physical address (MAC) or MAC address — a value like 00-1A-2B-3C-4D-5E.
Option B — Command Prompt
- Open Command Prompt (press Windows key, type cmd, press Enter).
- Run:
ipconfig /all - Find the adapter you’re using and read the Physical Address field (MAC).
Option C — PowerShell
- Open PowerShell.
- Run:
Get-NetAdapter | Format-Table Name, MacAddress, Status - The MacAddress column shows each adapter’s MAC.
macOS
Option A — System Settings (Ventura and later) / System Preferences
- Click the Apple menu → System Settings (or System Preferences).
- For Wi‑Fi: select Wi‑Fi, click Details (or Advanced in older versions). For Ethernet: select the adapter under Network.
- Look for Wi‑Fi Address or Ethernet ID — a value like 00:1a:2b:3c:4d:5e.
Option B — Terminal
- Open Terminal (Finder → Applications → Utilities → Terminal).
- For Wi‑Fi, run:
ifconfig en0 | grep ether(If en0 is not your Wi‑Fi interface, try en1.)
- For Ethernet, run a similar ifconfig for the Ethernet interface. The returned value after ether is the MAC.
Android
Note: Exact steps vary by device manufacturer and Android version.
Option A — Settings (common)
- Open Settings.
- Go to About phone (or About device) → Status → Wi‑Fi MAC address or Hardware information.
- The MAC will appear as xx:xx:xx:xx:xx:xx.
Option B — Wi‑Fi network details
- Open Settings → Wi‑Fi.
- Tap the connected network or the gear/info icon.
- Look for MAC address or Device MAC.
Option C — Developer options (if present)
- Enable Developer options if needed (Settings → About phone → tap Build number seven times).
- Open Developer options → Networking → view Wi‑Fi MAC address entries.
Note on MAC randomization: Android often uses a randomized MAC per Wi‑Fi network for privacy. If you need the hardware MAC, look for “Wi‑Fi MAC address (real)” or check advanced/about settings.
iPhone (iOS)
Option A — Settings
- Open Settings → General → About.
- Scroll down to Wi‑Fi Address — this is your device’s MAC address (format xx:xx:xx:xx:xx:xx).
Option B — Wi‑Fi network details
- Open Settings → Wi‑Fi.
- Tap the info (i) icon next to the network you’re connected to.
- See Wi‑Fi Address.
Note on Private Address: iOS also supports “Private Address” for each Wi‑Fi network (a randomized MAC). To use the real hardware MAC for a specific network: tap the network’s info (i) → toggle off Private Address.
Quick reference table
| Platform | Common path/command | Where it appears |
|---|---|---|
| Windows | Settings → Network & Internet → Hardware properties OR ipconfig /all | Physical address (MAC) |
| macOS | System Settings → Network → Details OR ifconfig | Wi‑Fi Address / ether |
| Android | Settings → About phone → Status OR Wi‑Fi → network details | Wi‑Fi MAC address |
| iPhone | Settings → General → About OR Wi‑Fi → (i) | Wi‑Fi Address |
Troubleshooting tips
- If you see multiple MACs, each network interface (Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet, virtual adapters) has its own MAC.
- For wireless privacy, many devices use randomized MACs; disable “Private Address” or per‑network randomization if you need the hardware MAC for filtering.
- If a MAC appears in a different format (dashes, colons, or no separators), it’s the same number — separators are cosmetic.
Security and privacy considerations
- Sharing your MAC publicly is generally unnecessary and can expose device identity on local networks.
- Using randomized MACs protects privacy on public Wi‑Fi. Only disable this when required for trusted network configurations.
If you want, tell me your device model and OS version and I’ll give exact steps tailored to it.
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