Where to find your iPad's MAC address

Your iPad's MAC address (also called a physical address) is a unique identifier that your device uses to connect to Wi-Fi networks. You can find it in the Settings app under Wi-Fi or Bluetooth settings, depending on which connection type you need the address for.

The fastest route is Settings > Wi-Fi, then tapping the information icon next to your connected network. The MAC address appears as a string of letters and numbers separated by colons, like A1:B2:C3:D4:E5:F6. If you need the Bluetooth MAC address instead, go to Settings > Bluetooth and look for a similar information option.

Some networks and devices ask for your MAC address before letting you connect — schools, offices, and guest networks sometimes use MAC filtering as a security measure. Knowing where to find yours saves you from having to call tech support or dig through your router settings.

Key Takeaways

  • Your iPad has a separate MAC address for Wi-Fi and for Bluetooth, and you may need either one depending on what you are connecting to.
  • The Wi-Fi MAC address is in Settings > Wi-Fi, next to your connected network name, under the information icon.
  • The Bluetooth MAC address is in Settings > Bluetooth, visible when you tap the information icon next to a paired device.
  • MAC addresses look like six pairs of letters and numbers separated by colons, and they never change unless you reset your network settings.

Finding the Wi-Fi MAC address step by step

Open the Settings app on your iPad and tap Wi-Fi from the left menu. Make sure Wi-Fi is turned on and you are connected to a network — you cannot see the MAC address for a network you are not connected to.

Next to the network name you are currently connected to, you will see a small information icon (a circle with an "i" inside it). Tap that icon. A panel will slide in from the right showing details about your connection, including your iPad's Wi-Fi MAC address listed as MAC Address or sometimes Wi-Fi Address.

You can copy this address by pressing and holding on it, then selecting Copy from the menu that appears. This is useful if you need to paste it into a form or email it to someone managing your network.

Finding the Bluetooth MAC address

If you need the Bluetooth MAC address instead — for connecting to a Bluetooth speaker, headphones, or other device — go to Settings > Bluetooth from the left menu.

Make sure Bluetooth is turned on. If you have already paired a device, tap the information icon next to it to see that device's details. However, if you need your iPad's own Bluetooth MAC address (not a paired device's address), look for an option labeled About or iPad Info in the Bluetooth settings, or return to the main Settings menu and tap General > About to find it listed there.

What to do if you cannot find the information icon

If you are on an older version of iPadOS, the layout may be slightly different. Try going to Settings > General > About instead. This screen shows both your Wi-Fi MAC address and your Bluetooth MAC address in one place, labeled as Wi-Fi Address and Bluetooth Address respectively.

If you still do not see the address, make sure you are running the latest version of iPadOS. Go to Settings > General > Software Update to check. Older versions sometimes hide this information in different locations or label it differently.

Why networks ask for your MAC address

Schools, offices, and public networks sometimes use MAC filtering — a security feature that only allows devices with approved MAC addresses to connect. When you register your iPad on one of these networks, you are usually asked to provide your MAC address so the network administrator can add it to an allowlist.

This is different from a password. A password protects the network itself; a MAC address identifies your specific device. Some networks require both. If a network asks for your MAC address, it means the administrator needs to manually approve your device before you can connect, even if you have the correct password.

What happens if you reset your network settings

If you ever reset your iPad's network settings — by going to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Reset > Reset Network Settings — your Wi-Fi and Bluetooth MAC addresses will change. This is because resetting network settings clears all saved networks and pairs, and sometimes generates a new MAC address.

If you have registered your old MAC address on a network that uses MAC filtering, you will need to find your new MAC address and register it again. This is one reason to write down or screenshot your MAC address if you know you will need it later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my iPad's MAC address?

Not permanently through settings. Your MAC address is tied to your device's hardware. You can temporarily spoof a MAC address using developer tools or third-party apps, but this is rarely necessary and can violate some network policies. For most situations, you simply need to find and report your real MAC address.

Is my MAC address the same as my IP address?

No. Your MAC address is a hardware identifier that stays the same on your device. Your IP address is assigned by your network and changes depending on which Wi-Fi network you connect to. Networks use MAC addresses for device identification and IP addresses for routing data.

Do I need both the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth MAC addresses?

Usually just one. If a network is asking for your MAC address, it is almost always the Wi-Fi address. You would only need the Bluetooth address if you are registering your iPad to connect to a specific Bluetooth device that requires MAC filtering, which is rare.

What if the information icon is not showing next to my network?

Make sure you are connected to the network — you cannot see details for networks you are not currently using. If you are connected and still do not see the icon, try Settings > General > About instead, which displays both MAC addresses in one list.