Find MAC Address: Easy Steps for Windows, Mac, iPhone & Android

Updated 6 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

This guide shows you exactly where to find the MAC address on Windows, macOS, iPhone, iPad, Android, and other common devices. You’ll get step-by-step instructions for each platform, plus what a MAC address is, why you might need it, and how to avoid common mistakes.

What Is a MAC Address?

A MAC (Media Access Control) address is a unique 12-character identifier assigned to a network interface by its manufacturer. It looks like 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E or 00-1A-2B-3C-4D-5E and is used at the data link layer (Layer 2) of networking to identify devices on a local network. Unlike an IP address, which can change, a MAC address is typically permanent, though some devices allow you to spoof or randomize it.

Every device that connects to Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or Bluetooth has at least one MAC address. Phones, laptops, smart TVs, game consoles, and even smart home gadgets all have one. The address is assigned by the manufacturer and is globally unique, which is why it’s sometimes called a “physical address” or “hardware address.”

Why Would You Need Your MAC Address?

There are several common reasons you might need to look up a MAC address:

To set up MAC address filtering on your router, which only allows specific devices to join your Wi-Fi.
To register a device on a college campus or hotel network that requires MAC-based authentication.
To troubleshoot network issues, since some network admins ask for your MAC address to identify your device.
To clone a MAC address on a new router or when replacing a device that was previously authorized.
To track down a device on your network using your router’s client list.

How to Find MAC Address on Windows

Windows offers several ways to find the MAC address, but the quickest is through the Command Prompt or Settings.

Using Command Prompt (all Windows versions)

Press Windows + R, type cmd, and press Enter.
Type ipconfig /all and press Enter.
Look for the network adapter you’re using (e.g., “Wireless LAN adapter Wi-Fi” or “Ethernet adapter Ethernet”).
Find the line labeled “Physical Address” – that’s your MAC address.

Using Settings (Windows 10/11)

Open Settings > Network & Internet.
Click on Wi-Fi or Ethernet, then click on the connected network.
Scroll down to find the “Physical address (MAC)” field.

How to Find MAC Address on macOS

On a Mac, the MAC address is called “Wi-Fi Address” or “Ethernet Address.”

Click the Apple menu > System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS).
Go to Network.
Select your active connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) on the left.
Click Details (for Wi-Fi) or Advanced (for Ethernet).
Look for the “Wi-Fi Address” or “Ethernet ID” – that’s your MAC.

You can also open Terminal and type ifconfig and look for ether next to your interface (e.g., en0 for Wi-Fi).

How to Find MAC Address on iPhone and iPad

iOS devices have a simple path:

Open Settings > General > About.
Scroll down to find Wi-Fi Address – that’s your MAC address for Wi-Fi.
If you have an iPhone with cellular, you’ll also see Bluetooth and Ethernet addresses (the latter only if you use a Lightning-to-Ethernet adapter).

Note: Since iOS 14, iPhones use a private MAC address by default when joining Wi-Fi networks. This is different from your actual hardware address. To see the real one, you need to disable “Private Wi-Fi Address” in the Wi-Fi network settings, or just look at the About page – that shows the true hardware address.

How to Find MAC Address on Android

Android steps vary slightly by manufacturer and version, but the general path is:

Open Settings > About phone (or About device).
Tap Status or Hardware information.
Look for Wi-Fi MAC address (or just “MAC address”).

On some Samsung phones, you may need to go to Settings > Connections > Wi-Fi > tap the gear icon next to the connected network > scroll to the bottom for “MAC address.”

Like iOS, Android 10+ also randomizes MAC addresses for privacy when connecting to new Wi-Fi networks. The “About” section shows the real hardware address, while the network details may show a randomized one.

How to Find MAC Address on Other Devices

Here are quick steps for common devices:

PlayStation 5: Settings > System > Console Information > MAC Address.
Xbox Series X/S: Settings > General > Network settings > Advanced settings > Alternate MAC address.
Nintendo Switch: System Settings > Internet > View MAC Address.
Smart TVs (varies): Usually under Settings > Network > Network Status or About.
Roku: Settings > Network > About (shows both Wi-Fi and Ethernet MAC).
Amazon Fire TV: Settings > My Fire TV > About > Network.

Common Mistakes and Misconceptions

One of the biggest mistakes is confusing the IP address with the MAC address. An IP address is a logical address that changes, while the MAC address is physical and permanent. Another common issue is copying the wrong MAC address when you have multiple adapters (Wi-Fi vs. Ethernet). Make sure you’re looking at the adapter you actually use.

Also, be aware of MAC address randomization. Modern phones and some laptops automatically use a random MAC address for each Wi-Fi network to protect your privacy. If you’re trying to set up MAC filtering, you need to either disable this feature or use the actual hardware address from the About page, not the randomized one shown in network settings.

Another misconception is that you can change your MAC address to bypass network restrictions. While it’s possible to spoof a MAC address on many devices, doing so may violate your network’s terms of service and can cause connectivity issues. It’s not recommended unless you fully understand the consequences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a MAC address the same as an IP address?

No. A MAC address is a permanent hardware identifier burned into your network card, while an IP address is a temporary logical address assigned by your network. Think of the MAC as your name and the IP as your current street address – your name stays the same, but your address can change.

Can I change my MAC address?

Yes, on many devices you can spoof or change the MAC address for privacy or troubleshooting, but it’s not a permanent change. On Windows, you can set a custom MAC address in the network adapter’s properties. On macOS, you can use the Terminal. On Android and iOS, it’s more difficult and often requires root or jailbreak. However, changing your MAC address can break network access if not done carefully.

Why does my phone show a different MAC address on different Wi-Fi networks?

That’s because of MAC randomization. Modern phones generate a random MAC address for each Wi-Fi network to prevent tracking. Your actual hardware MAC address remains the same, but the network sees a different one each time you connect to a new network. You can usually disable this per-network in your Wi-Fi settings.

How do I find the MAC address of a device on my network?

Log into your router’s admin page (usually via a web browser at an address like 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) and look for a section called “Attached Devices,” “Client List,” or “DHCP Clients.” It will show the IP and MAC addresses of all connected devices. You can also use a network scanner app on your phone or computer.

Does every network device have only one MAC address?

No. A device with multiple network interfaces (e.g., a laptop with both Wi-Fi and Ethernet) has a separate MAC address for each. Some devices also have virtual adapters (like virtual machines or VPN software) that have their own MAC addresses.

What does a MAC address look like?

It’s a 12-digit hexadecimal number, usually written in pairs separated by colons, hyphens, or dots. For example: 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E or 00-1A-2B-3C-4D-5E. The first six digits identify the manufacturer, and the last six are unique to the device.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.