How to Find Your Mac Address on Any Device

What a Mac address is and why you need it

A MAC address (Media Access Control address) is a unique identifier assigned to every device that connects to a network — your laptop, phone, printer, smart TV, anything with WiFi or ethernet. It looks like a string of letters and numbers separated by colons or hyphens, such as 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E. Your device's MAC address is different from its IP address, which changes when you move between networks.

You need your MAC address when you're setting up a new WiFi network, registering a device with your internet provider, troubleshooting connection problems, or configuring network access rules on your router. Some workplaces and schools require you to register your device's MAC address before it can connect to their network. If your internet provider is having trouble identifying your modem or router, they'll ask for the MAC address printed on the device itself.

The MAC address is printed on a sticker on most routers and modems, but finding it in your device's settings is usually faster and more reliable than hunting for the physical label.

Key Takeaways

Your MAC address is a unique identifier for your device on a network, printed on a sticker but also visible in your device settings.
On Windows, open Command Prompt and type ipconfig /all to find the Physical Address, which is your MAC address.
On Mac, go to System Settings > Network, select your connection, and click Details to see the MAC address listed as Wi-Fi Address.
On iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > General > About and look for the Wi-Fi Address field.
On Android, go to Settings > About Phone > Status or Settings > System > About Phone > Status to find the MAC address.

Finding your MAC address on Windows

The fastest way on Windows is through Command Prompt. Press the Windows key and type cmd, then press Enter. In the black Command Prompt window, type ipconfig /all and press Enter. Scroll through the output until you find the section for the network connection you're using — either Ethernet Adapter or Wireless LAN Adapter. Look for the line labeled Physical Address. That's your MAC address.

If you prefer not to use Command Prompt, you can also find it through Settings. Open Settings, go to Network & Internet, then select your connection type (WiFi or Ethernet). Click on your active connection name, then scroll down and click Details. Look for the field labeled Physical Address (MAC).

Write down or screenshot your MAC address exactly as it appears — the colons or hyphens matter if you're entering it into a form. If you have multiple network adapters (WiFi and ethernet, for example), each one has its own MAC address. Make sure you're looking at the right one for the connection you actually use.

Finding your MAC address on Mac

Open System Settings and click Network in the sidebar. Select the connection you want to check — WiFi or Ethernet. Click the Details button. In the window that opens, look for the field labeled Wi-Fi Address (for WiFi) or Ethernet Address (for wired). That's your MAC address.

If you're using an older version of macOS, the steps are slightly different. Open System Preferences, click Network, select your connection, and click Advanced. Go to the WiFi or Ethernet tab depending on your connection type. Your MAC address will be listed there.

You can also find your MAC address by opening Terminal and typing ifconfig, then pressing Enter. Look for the line that starts with ether — the address next to it is your MAC address. This method works the same way on all versions of macOS.

Finding your MAC address on iPhone and iPad

Go to Settings and tap General. Scroll down and tap About. Look for the field labeled Wi-Fi Address — that's your MAC address. It will be a string of letters and numbers separated by colons.

This is the only place to find your MAC address on iOS devices. You cannot access it through any other settings menu, and it does not appear in Command Center or Control Center. If you need to share it with someone, take a screenshot or write it down carefully, since the letters and numbers are easy to mistype.

Finding your MAC address on Android

The exact path depends on your phone's manufacturer and Android version, but the general route is the same. Open Settings and look for an option called About Phone or Device Information. Tap it. Look for a field labeled MAC Address, Wi-Fi MAC Address, or Physical Address. Some phones list it under Status instead.

If you can't find it in About Phone, try going to Settings > System > About Phone > Status. On some Samsung phones, it's under Settings > About Phone > Status. If your phone has a Settings search function (usually a magnifying glass icon at the top), you can search for "MAC address" and jump straight to it.

If you're still having trouble, check your phone's manual or manufacturer website for your specific model. Different Android manufacturers organize settings differently, so the exact location can vary.

Finding your MAC address on a router or modem

The MAC address is usually printed on a sticker on the back or bottom of the device. Look for a label that says MAC, MAC Address, or Physical Address. It will be a string of letters and numbers separated by colons or hyphens. Write it down exactly as printed.

If the sticker is worn or unreadable, you can log into your router's admin panel to find it. Open a web browser and type your router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) into the address bar. Log in with your router's username and password — these are often printed on the same sticker as the MAC address. Once you're logged in, look for a section called Device Information, System Settings, or Status. Your router's MAC address will be listed there.

What to do if you can't find your MAC address

If you've looked in all the places above and still can't find it, restart your device and try again. Sometimes the information doesn't display until the device has fully booted up and connected to the network.

If you're looking for a device's MAC address and that device is no longer working or available, contact the manufacturer with your device's serial number. They can sometimes provide the MAC address based on the serial number, though this is not may provide. For routers and modems, your internet provider can look up the MAC address in their system if you give them your account number.

If you're registering a device with a network and don't have the MAC address yet, most networks will let you register it later. Ask the network administrator or IT support whether you can connect first and provide the MAC address afterward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone use my MAC address to hack my WiFi?

A MAC address alone is not enough to hack a network. Your WiFi password is what protects your network. However, someone with access to your network can see your MAC address, and a skilled person could theoretically spoof (fake) a MAC address to impersonate your device. This is why you should keep your WiFi password strong and change your router's default admin password.

Do I need a different MAC address for WiFi and ethernet?

Yes. If your device has both WiFi and an ethernet port, each connection has its own MAC address. When you're connected to WiFi, use the WiFi MAC address. When you're connected by ethernet cable, use the ethernet MAC address. Your device automatically uses the right one depending on which connection is active.

Will my MAC address change if I reset my device?

No. Your MAC address is burned into your device's network hardware and does not change when you reset, update, or restart your device. It stays the same for the life of the device. The only exception is if you replace the network adapter itself.

What's the difference between MAC address and IP address?

Your MAC address is permanent and identifies your device on a local network. Your IP address is assigned by your router or internet provider and can change when you move to a different network or restart your modem. Think of MAC address as your device's serial number and IP address as your current location on the internet.

Why does my device show multiple MAC addresses?

If you see more than one MAC address in your settings, you likely have multiple network adapters — for example, WiFi, ethernet, and Bluetooth. Each adapter has its own MAC address. Use the one that matches the connection type you're actually using.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.