Where to find your Mac address in System Settings

Your Mac address (also called a physical address or hardware address) is a unique identifier for your MacBook's network card. You can find it in System Settings under Network, and the exact path depends on whether you're using Wi-Fi or Ethernet.

Open System Settings, then click Network in the sidebar. If you're connected by Wi-Fi, click Wi-Fi, then click Details. Look for the "Wi-Fi Address" field — that's your Mac address. If you're using Ethernet instead, click Ethernet, then Details, and find the "Ethernet Address" field.

The address appears as six pairs of numbers and letters separated by colons, like a4:5e:60:c2:8f:1b. Write it down or take a screenshot if you need it for a form or device setup.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Mac address is found in System Settings under Network, in the Details section for either Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
  • The address is a string of six pairs of characters separated by colons, unique to your MacBook's network hardware.
  • You may need your Mac address to register a device on a network, set up MAC filtering, or troubleshoot connection problems.
  • The Mac address is different from your IP address — one identifies your hardware, the other identifies your connection to the internet.

Finding it through Terminal if System Settings doesn't work

If you prefer using Terminal or System Settings isn't showing the information clearly, you can retrieve your Mac address from the command line. Open Terminal (search for it in Spotlight by pressing Command-Space), then type ifconfig and press Enter.

Look for the section labeled either en0 (usually Wi-Fi) or en1 (usually Ethernet). Find the line that starts with "ether" — the address next to it is your Mac address. It will look the same as what you'd see in System Settings.

Mac address for different network types

Your MacBook may have more than one Mac address if it connects to networks in different ways. Wi-Fi has its own Mac address, Ethernet has its own, and if you use Bluetooth tethering or other connection methods, each has a separate address.

When someone asks for your Mac address, ask which network they mean. Usually they want the Wi-Fi address if your MacBook is a laptop, or the Ethernet address if you're plugged in. If you're not sure, provide both — it's faster than guessing.

Why you might need your Mac address

Networks sometimes use MAC filtering to allow only certain devices to connect. If you're setting up a new Wi-Fi network or joining a corporate one, the administrator may ask for your Mac address to add your MacBook to an approved list.

You may also need it for device registration on a guest network, to troubleshoot connection problems with your internet provider, or to set up automatic IP address assignment on your home network. In most cases, you'll know when you need it because someone will ask for it directly.

Difference between Mac address and IP address

Your Mac address and your IP address are two different things, and it's easy to confuse them. Your Mac address is permanent and tied to your hardware — it doesn't change unless you replace the network card. Your IP address is assigned by your network and can change every time you connect or reconnect.

Think of it this way: your Mac address is like the serial number on your MacBook. Your IP address is like your home address on the internet — it tells the network where to send data to reach you right now. If someone asks for your "network address," they usually mean your IP address, not your Mac address.

Copying your Mac address to use elsewhere

Once you have your Mac address, you may need to paste it into a form or email it to a network administrator. The easiest way is to highlight the address in System Settings, press Command-C to copy it, then paste it where you need it.

If you're copying from Terminal, click and drag to select the address after "ether," then Command-C to copy. Make sure you're copying only the address itself and not the word "ether" or any extra spaces before or after.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my Mac address?

Yes, but only temporarily through Terminal using commands like ifconfig with the lladdr option. Any change you make this way resets when you restart your MacBook. Permanently changing it requires replacing your network hardware, which is not practical for most users.

Is my Mac address the same as my device name?

No. Your device name is what appears in Finder and on your network — you can change it anytime in System Settings under General. Your Mac address is a hardware identifier that stays the same. They serve different purposes on a network.

Why does my Mac address look different in different places?

It shouldn't. If you see different addresses for the same network type, you may be looking at different network interfaces (Wi-Fi versus Ethernet, for example). Check the label next to the address to confirm which network it belongs to.

Do I need my Mac address to connect to Wi-Fi at home?

Not usually. Most home networks don't use MAC filtering. You only need your Mac address if the network owner specifically asks for it, or if you're setting up a guest network with restricted access.

What if I can't find the Details button in Network settings?

Make sure you've selected the network type (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) in the left sidebar first. The Details button appears only after you select a network. If it still doesn't appear, try clicking the network name itself to expand its options.