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 Wi-Fi or ethernet. It looks like a string of letters and numbers separated by colons: 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E. Your router uses MAC addresses to recognize which devices are on your network and decide what they're allowed to do.

You need to know your MAC address when you're setting up network security features like MAC filtering (allowing only certain devices to connect) or when troubleshooting why a device won't join your network. Some routers also require you to register a device's MAC address before it can access the internet. If you're managing a home network, you'll likely need to look this up for at least one device.

The process differs slightly depending on whether you're using Windows, Mac, iPhone, Android, or a printer, but the information is always stored in the same place: your device's network settings.

Key Takeaways

Your MAC address is a unique identifier your router uses to recognize your device on the network, formatted like 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E.
On Windows, open Command Prompt and type ipconfig /all to find the "Physical Address" listed for your network adapter.
On Mac, go to System Settings > Network, select your connection, and click Details to find the MAC address in the Wi-Fi tab.
On iPhone and Android, the MAC address is in Settings under Wi-Fi or Network settings, sometimes labeled as "Wi-Fi Address" or "MAC Address".
Write down the MAC address exactly as it appears — capitalization and punctuation matter when you enter it into your router.

Finding your MAC address on Windows

Open Command Prompt by pressing the Windows key, typing cmd, and pressing Enter. At the prompt, type ipconfig /all and press Enter. A list of information will appear for each network adapter on your computer.

Look for the section labeled with your network adapter name (usually "Ethernet" if you're plugged in with a cable, or "Wireless LAN adapter Wi-Fi" if you're using Wi-Fi). In that section, find the line that says "Physical Address" — that's your MAC address. It will be a series of letters and numbers separated by hyphens, like 00-1A-2B-3C-4D-5E. Copy it exactly as shown, including the hyphens.

If you have multiple network adapters listed (which is common), make sure you're copying the MAC address for the one you actually use. If you're on Wi-Fi, use the Wi-Fi adapter's address. If you're plugged in with ethernet, use the Ethernet adapter's address.

Finding your MAC address on Mac

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select System Settings. In the sidebar, click Network. Select the connection you use (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) from the list on the left, then click the Details button.

In the window that opens, click the Wi-Fi tab (or Ethernet tab if you're using a wired connection). Look for the line labeled "MAC Address" — it will be formatted with colons, like 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E. Copy it exactly as shown.

If you're not sure which connection to select, choose Wi-Fi unless your Mac is physically connected to the router with an ethernet cable. Most home networks use Wi-Fi, so that's the address you'll need for MAC filtering or device registration.

Finding your MAC address on iPhone and iPad

Open Settings and tap Wi-Fi. Find the network you're currently connected to (it will have a checkmark next to it) and tap the information icon (the small circle with an "i" inside) next to the network name. Scroll down to find "Wi-Fi Address" — that's your MAC address.

Write it down exactly as it appears. Some routers also ask for the MAC address when you're setting up a new device, so you may need this information before your iPhone can connect in the first place. If that's the case, you can find the MAC address on another device that's already on your network, or check your iPhone's box or settings on a computer before connecting.

Finding your MAC address on Android

Open Settings and go to About Phone (the exact name varies by manufacturer — it might say "Device Info" or "System"). Look for a section called Network or Wi-Fi. Tap it and look for "MAC Address" or "Wi-Fi MAC Address" — that's the address you need.

If you can't find it in About Phone, try going to Settings > Network and Internet > Wi-Fi, then tap the network you're connected to and look for MAC Address in the details. Android devices format the address with colons, like 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E. Copy it exactly.

Finding your MAC address on printers and other devices

For a printer or other networked device, check the device's own settings menu. Most printers have a Settings or Network menu accessible from the device's touchscreen or control panel. Look for Network Status, Network Settings, or Device Information — the MAC address is usually listed there.

If the device doesn't have a screen, check the manual or the manufacturer's website. Some devices print a network configuration page when you press a specific button combination (often documented on a sticker on the back of the device). That page will include the MAC address. You can also log into your router and look at the list of connected devices — your router displays the MAC address of every device it recognizes.

What to do once you have the MAC address

Once you've found your MAC address, write it down or save it somewhere you can find it later. You'll use it when you're setting up MAC filtering in your router (which restricts network access to only devices you've approved), registering a device with your internet provider, or troubleshooting connection problems.

When you enter the MAC address into your router or another system, type it exactly as you wrote it down — capitalization and punctuation matter. Some systems accept colons, some accept hyphens, and some accept no punctuation at all. If you get an error, try removing the punctuation or replacing colons with hyphens.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone use my MAC address to hack my network?

Not directly from the address itself — a MAC address is broadcast openly on your network and isn't secret. The real risk is if someone is physically close enough to see your network and spoof (fake) a MAC address to bypass your MAC filtering. MAC filtering is one layer of security, but it works best combined with a strong Wi-Fi password and keeping your router's firmware updated.

Why does my device have more than one MAC address?

Devices with both Wi-Fi and ethernet have two separate MAC addresses — one for each connection type. Some devices also have a Bluetooth MAC address. You only need the address for the connection type you actually use. If you're setting up Wi-Fi security, use the Wi-Fi address.

What if I can't find the MAC address in my device settings?

Check your router's admin panel instead — log in and look for a list of connected devices. Your router displays the MAC address of every device it recognizes. You can also check the device's manual or the manufacturer's support website for the exact location of network settings on that specific model.

Does my MAC address change?

Not normally. Your MAC address is burned into your device's network hardware when it's manufactured. Some newer devices allow you to randomize your MAC address for privacy reasons (so websites can't track you by your hardware), but this is a setting you have to turn on manually and is separate from your actual MAC address.

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.