A MAC address is the local hardware identifier for a network adapter. Unlike an IP address, which can change often, routers use MAC addresses to recognize devices for network maps, device names, parental controls, and access rules.
Does this affect you?
Use this when a router, parental-control tool, workplace network, or support technician asks for a device MAC address. The steps cover Windows, Mac, iPhone, Android, smart TVs, and game consoles.
Find it on Windows
Windows shows the address in Settings and Command Prompt.
- Open Settings > Network & Internet.
- Choose Wi-Fi or Ethernet, depending on the connection you are using.
- Open the active connection and scroll to Properties.
- Look for Physical address (MAC).
- Or open Command Prompt, run ipconfig /all, and find Physical Address under the active adapter.
The address is normally six pairs of numbers and letters, such as 00-1A-2B-3C-4D-5E or the same format with colons.
Find it on Mac
macOS keeps it in the network hardware details.
- Open System Settings or System Preferences.
- Go to Network.
- Select Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
- Click Details or Advanced.
- Open Hardware and read the MAC Address or Wi-Fi Address.
You can also use Apple menu > About This Mac > System Report > Network > Wi-Fi for a detailed hardware listing.
Find it on iPhone or Android
Modern phones may show both the permanent hardware address and a private address for the current network.
- iPhone: open Settings > General > About and look for Wi-Fi Address. For the address used on a specific Wi-Fi network, open Settings > Wi-Fi, tap the info button beside the network, and check Private Wi-Fi Address details.
- Android: open Settings > About Phone > Status and look for Wi-Fi MAC Address. On some brands it is under About Phone > Hardware Information.
More control
Private MAC addresses can affect router controls
iPhones and many Android phones use a randomized MAC address for each Wi-Fi network. For MAC filtering or parental controls, use the address shown for that specific Wi-Fi network, or turn private address off for that network if you need a consistent identifier.
Use the router if you cannot reach the device
Log into the router and open Connected Devices, Attached Devices, or DHCP Client List. Most routers show names, local IP addresses, and MAC addresses for connected devices.
Smart TVs and consoles usually show it in network status
Look under Settings > Network > Network Status or a similar advanced network info screen on the device.
Sources
- Microsoft Support – Find Your Network Adapter MAC Address (2025)
- Apple Support – Find the MAC Address of Your Mac or iPhone (2025)
- Android Help – Find Your Device Wi-Fi MAC Address (2025)