What a Mac address is and why you need it
A Mac address (Media Access Control address) is a unique identifier assigned to your MacBook's network hardware. It looks like a string of six pairs of numbers and letters separated by colons — for example, `A1:B2:C3:D4:E5:F6`. Every device that connects to a network has one, and it's different from your IP address, which changes depending on your network.
You'll need your Mac address when connecting to certain WiFi networks that require device registration, when troubleshooting network problems with your internet provider, or when setting up network access controls at your workplace or school. Some networks keep a list of approved Mac addresses and will only let those devices connect.
The Mac address is burned into your network hardware and stays the same unless you change your network card. It's also sometimes called a physical address or hardware address, though those terms can be confusing because they don't refer to your location.
Key Takeaways
- Your Mac address appears in System Settings under Network, in the WiFi or Ethernet section depending on how you connect.
- The address looks like six pairs of characters separated by colons and is unique to your MacBook's network hardware.
- You can also find your Mac address by opening Terminal and typing a single command that displays it when ready.
- Different network connections (WiFi, Ethernet, Bluetooth) have different Mac addresses on the same MacBook.
- Your Mac address does not change unless you replace your network hardware, so you can write it down and keep it.
Finding your Mac address in System Settings
The easiest way to find your Mac address is through System Settings, where you can see it without opening any technical tools. Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner, then select System Settings. In the sidebar on the left, click Network.
If you connect by WiFi, click WiFi in the left sidebar. On the right side of the window, you'll see a button labeled WiFi or the name of your network — click the Details button next to it. A new window opens showing your network information. Scroll down until you see "MAC Address" listed. The address appears as six pairs of characters like `A1:B2:C3:D4:E5:F6`.
If you connect by Ethernet cable instead, click Ethernet in the left sidebar and then Details. The Mac address appears in the same location. If you use Bluetooth tethering from your phone, that connection has its own Mac address — you'll find it by clicking Bluetooth in the sidebar, then Details.
Finding your Mac address using Terminal
Terminal is the command-line tool built into every Mac. It's faster than System Settings if you just need the address and don't need to see other network details. Open Spotlight by pressing Command and Space together, type Terminal, and press Enter.
In the Terminal window, type this command exactly as written and press Enter:
ifconfig | grep ether
Terminal displays a list of all your network connections and their Mac addresses. Look for the line that says `ether` followed by the address. If you connect by WiFi, look for the section labeled `en0` or `en1` (these are your wireless connections). If you connect by Ethernet, look for `en0` or `en2`. The Mac address appears right after the word `ether`.
If you want to see the Mac address for only your active WiFi connection, type this command instead:
networksetup -getmacaddress Wi-Fi
This shows only the WiFi Mac address and nothing else, which is useful if you're in a hurry or working with a slow connection.
Understanding which Mac address you need
Your MacBook has multiple Mac addresses — one for WiFi, one for Ethernet (if you use a cable), and one for Bluetooth. When someone asks for your Mac address, they almost always mean the one for the connection type you're actually using. If you connect to the network by WiFi, give them your WiFi Mac address. If you plug in an Ethernet cable, give them the Ethernet address.
The confusion happens because older MacBooks had built-in Ethernet ports, but modern MacBooks require a USB adapter to connect a cable. If you're not sure which connection you use, check System Settings and look at which network type shows a green dot or says "Connected" next to it.
Some networks ask for your Mac address before you connect — for example, a guest network at a hotel or office might require you to register your device first. In that case, you'll need to find your Mac address on another device (like your phone) or use a computer that's already connected to ask the network administrator for help.
What to do if you can't find your Mac address
If System Settings doesn't show a Mac address, your network connection may not be working properly. Try disconnecting from WiFi and reconnecting, or unplug and replug an Ethernet cable. Then check System Settings again.
If Terminal shows multiple addresses and you're not sure which one is correct, look for the one that appears under the connection type you're using. WiFi addresses usually appear under `en0` or `en1`. If you're still stuck, the network administrator or IT support person who asked for your Mac address can tell you which one they need based on how you're connecting.
On very old MacBooks (before 2015), the Mac address location in System Settings is slightly different — you'll find it under System Preferences instead of System Settings, and the path is System Preferences > Network > Advanced > WiFi. If you're using an older Mac and can't find it, the Terminal command works the same way on any Mac.
Keeping your Mac address safe
Your Mac address is not sensitive information in the way a password is. It's visible to anyone on the same network as you, and it's designed to be shared with network administrators. You can safely write it down or take a screenshot to keep it handy.
Some people worry that sharing a Mac address allows someone to track them, but that's not how it works. A Mac address only works on the local network — it doesn't travel across the internet. Someone would need to be on the same WiFi network as you to see it, and even then they can only see that a device with that address is connected, not who owns it or what you're doing.
If you're concerned about privacy on a public network, you can change your Mac address on a Mac, though this requires Terminal commands and resets each time you restart. Most people don't need to do this, and it can cause problems with networks that require device registration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my Mac address the same as my IP address?
No. Your Mac address is a permanent identifier for your network hardware that looks like `A1:B2:C3:D4:E5:F6`. Your IP address is assigned by your network and changes depending on which network you connect to. The Mac address works on your local network only, while the IP address works across the internet.
Do I need a different Mac address for WiFi and Ethernet?
Yes. If your MacBook connects to both WiFi and Ethernet, each connection has its own Mac address. When someone asks for your Mac address, tell them which connection type you're using, and they'll know which one they need. You can find both in System Settings under Network.
Will my Mac address change if I restart my MacBook?
No. Your Mac address is built into your network hardware and stays the same through restarts, updates, and years of use. It only changes if you replace your network card or use Terminal commands to spoof it, which most people never do.
What if a network says my Mac address is already registered?
This usually means someone else has already registered that address on that network, or you registered it before and the network remembers you. Try disconnecting from the network and reconnecting, or restart your MacBook. If the problem continues, contact the network administrator — they can remove the old registration or help you register again.
Can I find my Mac address if I can't connect to the network?
Yes. You can find your Mac address in System Settings or Terminal whether or not you're connected to a network. The Mac address is part of your hardware, not your network connection, so it's always visible in those locations.