Your Mac address is a unique identifier for your MacBook's network connection
Your Mac address (also called a physical address or hardware address) is a string of letters and numbers that identifies your MacBook on a network. It looks something like a4:5e:60:d1:2d:3f and is different from your IP address. You need it when connecting to certain WiFi networks, registering devices with your internet provider, or troubleshooting network problems.
You can find your Mac address three ways: through System Settings, by using the Terminal, or through your router. The System Settings method is fastest for most people and takes about one minute.
Key Takeaways
- Your Mac address appears in System Settings under Network, listed as the WiFi address or Ethernet address depending on your connection type.
- The Terminal command ifconfig shows your Mac address if you prefer the command-line method.
- Your router's admin page displays the Mac address of every device connected to it, which is useful if you cannot access your MacBook directly.
- Write down your Mac address or take a screenshot because you may need it later for network registration or troubleshooting.
Finding your Mac address through System Settings
This is the easiest method and works on any recent MacBook. Open System Settings by clicking the Apple menu in the top-left corner, then select System Settings. On older MacBooks running Monterey or earlier, the menu item says System Preferences instead.
Click Network in the left sidebar. You will see a list of connection types — WiFi, Ethernet, Bluetooth, and others. Click whichever connection type you use most often. For most people, this is WiFi. A panel opens on the right side showing connection details.
Look for the line labeled WiFi Address (if you selected WiFi) or Ethernet Address (if you selected Ethernet). The Mac address appears next to it. It will be 12 characters long, made of letters and numbers separated by colons, like a4:5e:60:d1:2d:3f. Copy this address by clicking it, then pressing Command+C.
Finding your Mac address using Terminal
If you prefer typing commands, Terminal shows your Mac address in seconds. Open Terminal by pressing Command+Space to open Spotlight, typing terminal, then pressing Enter.
Type this command exactly as shown and press Enter: ifconfig | grep ether. The Terminal will display one or more lines, each starting with ether followed by a Mac address. If you have only one network connection active, you will see one address. If you have WiFi and Ethernet both connected, you will see two.
The address you need depends on how your MacBook connects to the network. If you are on WiFi, look for the address under the line that says en0 or en1. If you are using Ethernet, look for the address under en0 or en2. When in doubt, copy all the addresses you see — the one you need will match what appears in System Settings.
Finding your Mac address through your router
If your MacBook is not responding or you cannot access System Settings, you can find the Mac address by logging into your router. Open a web browser and type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar. You will be asked for a username and password — these are usually printed on the bottom or back of your router, or you can find them in your router's manual.
Once logged in, look for a section called Connected Devices, Device List, or DHCP Clients. The exact name varies by router brand. This section shows every device connected to your network, including your MacBook. Find your MacBook by name and look for the Mac address listed next to it. It will have the same format as the addresses you saw in System Settings.
What to do with your Mac address once you have it
Save your Mac address somewhere you can find it later. Take a screenshot, write it in a notes app, or email it to yourself. You will need it if your internet provider asks you to register your device, if you are setting up a guest network and need to whitelist certain devices, or if a technician is helping you troubleshoot network problems.
Do not share your Mac address with anyone you do not trust. While a Mac address alone cannot be used to hack your MacBook, it can be used to track your device on a network or to impersonate it. Treat it the same way you would treat your device's serial number.
Troubleshooting if you cannot find your Mac address
If System Settings shows no address or the address field is blank, your network connection may not be working. Try clicking a different connection type in the Network menu — if you selected WiFi but are not connected, switch to Ethernet if available, or vice versa. A connected network always shows a Mac address.
If you see multiple addresses and are not sure which one to use, ask the person or organization requesting the address which connection type they need. Most of the time they want your WiFi address, which is the one under WiFi in System Settings. If they do not specify, provide the address for whichever connection type you use to reach the internet most often.
If Terminal shows no output when you type the command, try typing ifconfig by itself and pressing Enter. This shows all network information on your MacBook. Look through the output for lines starting with ether — each one is a Mac address for a different network connection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my Mac address the same as my IP address?
No. Your Mac address is a physical identifier for your network hardware and stays the same. Your IP address is assigned by your network and can change. Think of the Mac address as your MacBook's permanent name on a network, and the IP address as a temporary location assigned to it.
Will my Mac address change if I update macOS?
No. Your Mac address is tied to your network hardware, not your operating system. It stays the same through updates, restarts, and even if you erase and reinstall macOS. The only way it changes is if you replace the network hardware inside your MacBook.
Can someone use my Mac address to hack me?
A Mac address alone is not enough to hack your MacBook. However, someone on your network could use it to impersonate your device or block you from connecting. Do not post your Mac address publicly, but sharing it with your internet provider or IT support is safe.
What if I have multiple Mac addresses showing?
Most MacBooks have two or more network connections — WiFi, Ethernet, and sometimes Bluetooth. Each one has its own Mac address. Use the one that matches the connection type the person asking for it specified. If they did not specify, use your WiFi address.
Do I need my Mac address to connect to WiFi?
No. You only need your WiFi password to connect to a network. Your Mac address is used behind the scenes by your router and network, but you never type it in when joining a WiFi network.