Your iPhone's MAC address is in Settings under Wi-Fi

Open Settings, tap Wi-Fi, then tap the information icon (a small circle with an "i") next to the network you are currently connected to. Scroll down and you will see MAC Address listed there. Write it down or take a screenshot — you will need this exact string of letters and numbers if a network requires it before you can connect.

This is the quickest way to find it. The MAC address shown is specific to Wi-Fi only; your iPhone has a separate Bluetooth MAC address that you cannot view in Settings, but most networks and devices ask for the Wi-Fi version.

If you are not currently connected to a network, you can still find the MAC address by going to Settings > General > About and scrolling to Wi-Fi Address. This shows the same number whether you are connected or not.

Key Takeaways

  • The fastest way is Settings > Wi-Fi, then tap the information icon next to your network name and look for MAC Address.
  • You can also find it in Settings > General > About under Wi-Fi Address without needing to be connected to a network.
  • Write down or screenshot the exact string of letters and numbers — networks often need it formatted precisely.
  • Your iPhone has separate MAC addresses for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, but networks almost always ask for the Wi-Fi one.

Why a network might ask for your MAC address

Some networks use MAC filtering — a security feature that only lets devices with approved MAC addresses connect. Hotels, offices, and schools sometimes use this to control which devices can access the network. When you check in or register, they ask for your MAC address so they can add it to their approved list.

This is different from a password. A password protects the network itself; a MAC address identifies your specific device. You might need to provide both, or a network might use MAC filtering instead of a password for certain guest networks.

What to do if you cannot find the information icon

If you are looking at the Wi-Fi list and do not see an information icon next to your network name, make sure you are tapping on the network itself, not just looking at the list. The icon appears only when you select a network you are already connected to.

If you still do not see it, try disconnecting from the network and reconnecting, then when ready going back to Settings > Wi-Fi. Sometimes the icon takes a moment to appear. If the network is a guest network or a captive portal (one that opens a login page), the information icon may not show — in that case, use the Settings > General > About method instead.

How to share your MAC address with someone else

Once you have found your MAC address, the safest way to share it is by screenshot or by reading it aloud and having the other person type it. MAC addresses are case-insensitive (uppercase and lowercase letters are treated the same), but they must be exact — a single wrong character will prevent your device from connecting.

Do not email or text your MAC address unless you trust the recipient completely. While a MAC address alone cannot be used to hack your device, it is still a piece of identifying information about your hardware. If someone asks for it, make sure you know why they need it and that they represent the network or service you are trying to use.

What happens if you change your MAC address

Starting with iOS 14, iPhones use private Wi-Fi addresses by default. This means your device generates a different MAC address for each network you connect to, rather than using the same one everywhere. This protects your privacy by making it harder for networks to track your device across different locations.

You cannot manually change your MAC address on an iPhone the way you can on a computer. If a network requires your MAC address and you are having trouble connecting, the issue is usually that you typed it incorrectly or the network's approved list is full. Contact the network administrator to confirm they have added your address correctly.

Difference between MAC address and IP address

Your iPhone has both a MAC address and an IP address, and they serve different purposes. The MAC address identifies your device on a local network (like your home Wi-Fi). The IP address identifies your device on the internet and is assigned by your router or your internet provider.

Networks use MAC addresses for filtering and device recognition on their own system. Websites and online services use IP addresses to know where to send data. If a network asks for your MAC address, they are controlling access to their local network, not tracking you online. You can find your IP address in the same Settings > Wi-Fi information screen — it is listed as IP Address.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone use my MAC address to hack my iPhone?

A MAC address alone cannot be used to hack your device. It only works on the local network where it is registered. However, do not share it with people you do not trust, because it can be used to impersonate your device on a network if someone has access to that network's systems.

Why does my MAC address keep changing?

iOS 14 and later use private Wi-Fi addresses by design. Your iPhone generates a different MAC address for each network to protect your privacy. This is normal and intentional. If a network requires your MAC address, you may need to turn off private address for that specific network in Settings > Wi-Fi > [Network Name] > Private Address.

Do I need my MAC address to connect to public Wi-Fi?

Most public Wi-Fi networks do not ask for your MAC address. They use a password or a login page instead. You only need to provide your MAC address if the network specifically asks for it during registration or if the owner tells you they use MAC filtering.

Is my MAC address the same on all networks?

No. Because of private Wi-Fi addresses, your iPhone uses a different MAC address on each network. If you need to register your device on multiple networks, you may need to provide a different address for each one. Check with the network administrator if you are unsure.