In the world of network technologies, every connected device has a unique digital fingerprint, which is necessary for the proper operation of the local network. This identifier, known as MAC address, assigned by the network equipment manufacturer and remains unchanged throughout the device's lifespan. Understanding how to find this code is critical for setting up parental controls, restricting Wi-Fi access, or diagnosing connection issues.
Users often need to whitelist a specific device on their router to prevent unauthorized access. In such cases, the default Wi-Fi password may not be secure enough, so the network administrator resorts to filtering by hardware address. Media Access Control — this is the parameter that allows the router to distinguish your smartphone from your neighbor's smartphone, even if both devices are trying to connect to the same access point.
There are several proven methods for obtaining this information, and the specific method you choose depends on your device's operating system. You can use the command line, the graphical settings interface, or even a physical sticker on the device's body. In this article, we'll cover all the current options for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, so you can quickly access the data you need.
Finding an address using the command line in Windows
The Windows operating system provides the fastest and most reliable way to obtain network parameters through the built-in console. This method is universal and works on all OS versions, from Windows 7 to the latest Windows 11, without requiring any additional software installation. First, open the command window by pressing the keyboard shortcut Win + R on the keyboard and enter the command cmd, then press Enter.
In the black terminal window that opens, enter the command ipconfig /all and confirm the action by pressing Enter. The system will display an extensive list of all network interfaces, including virtual adapters and Bluetooth connections. You need to find the section corresponding to your wireless connection, which is usually called "Wireless Network" or contains the word Wi-Fi and the name of the adapter manufacturer.
In this information block, look for the line "Physical Address." This six-character value, separated by hyphens, is the identifier you're looking for. Please note that the system may display multiple addresses if you have additional virtual machines or emulators installed, so it's important to select the active wireless interface.
What should I do if the address is not displayed?
If the command line displays zeros or dashes instead of the address, this may mean the wireless adapter driver is not installed or the device is disabled in Device Manager. Try updating the drivers through Device Manager or check if the adapter is disabled using the button on the laptop.
Using the command line is often preferable to the graphical interface, as it displays the "clean" hardware address, unaltered by privacy protection software. In modern versions of Windows, randomization features may hide the real address in the settings menu, but console utilities often display the true value hardcoded into the chip.
Finding your MAC address using Windows settings
For users unaccustomed to working with console commands, the operating system offers a user-friendly graphical interface. In Windows 10 and 11, accessing the necessary settings has become more logical and accessible. Open the Start menu and go to the Settings section, indicated by a gear, or simply click Win + I.
In the window that opens, select the "Network and Internet" category, then go to the "Wi-Fi" subsection. Here, click the "Hardware Properties" or "Manage Known Networks" link, depending on your OS version. The current connection's properties page will display detailed technical information, including the "Physical Address (MAC)" line.
- 📱 In Windows 11, the information may be located deeper: click "Advanced network settings", then "Hardware properties".
- 🔍 If you have multiple network cards, make sure you're looking at the properties of the wireless adapter, not the Ethernet one.
- ⚙️ In some OS builds, the address may be hidden by a security feature, in which case the system will display a random address.
It's important to note that modern Windows interfaces often have the "Randomize device addresses" feature enabled. This means the code displayed in the settings may differ from the actual hardware address set at the factory. To configure filtering on your router, always use the address obtained via the command line (ipconfig), as it is the most reliable source.
macOS Instructions: Search in System Preferences
For computer owners Apple You also need to know how to access network IDs, although the macOS interface is significantly different from Windows. The search process is highly visual and doesn't require complex commands, unless you prefer the Terminal. Open System Preferences by clicking the apple in the upper left corner of the screen.
Depending on the operating system version (macOS Ventura, Sonoma (or older versions), the path may differ slightly. In newer versions of macOS, go to the "Network" section, select your Wi-Fi interface, and click "Details" or "Advanced." In the window that opens, switch to the "Hardware" tab.
Here you'll see a "MAC address" line containing the character combination you're looking for. In older versions of macOS (before Catalina), you had to hold down the [key] Option on the keyboard and simultaneously click the "More" button in the lower-right corner of the Wi-Fi status window. This hidden trick opened an extended menu with technical information.
⚠️ Note: macOS also has a "Private Wi-Fi Address" feature enabled to enhance privacy on public networks. Make sure you're viewing the primary interface address, not the temporary ID created for a specific network.
If you prefer using the Terminal, it's also available and functional in macOS. Launch the Terminal app via Spotlight search and enter the command networksetup -listallhardwareportsThe system will display a list of all network ports, where the corresponding Ethernet Address will be indicated next to the "Wi-Fi" label.
How to find your MAC address on Android and iOS
Mobile devices are the most frequent guests on home Wi-Fi networks, and their addresses are often required to set up guest access. On smartphones and tablets, the search process is standardized, but menu names may vary depending on the manufacturer's operating system.
On devices Android (Samsung, Xiaomi, Pixel) The path usually lies in the settings: “Connections” or “Wi-Fi” → “Advanced” (or the three dots in the corner) → “MAC address.” In some firmware versions, for example MIUI or OneUI, this information may be hidden in the section "About phone" → "All specs" → "Status".
In the ecosystem iOS (iPhone, iPad) Apple has implemented strict privacy protection measures. By default, devices use a random MAC address for each new network. To see the real, factory address, you need to:
- Go to “Settings” → “General” → “About this device”.
- Find the line “Wi-Fi Address” (this is the actual hardware address).
- Please note that a specific network may use a "Private Address" which is displayed in the Wi-Fi settings under the network name.
The difference between a "Wi-Fi Address" and a "Private Address" in iOS is critical. If you're setting up filtering on your router, you need the static address from the "About" section. Using a private address will result in the device receiving a new identifier each time it reconnects and losing network access.
View the address on the router body and in the web interface
If you need to find out the MAC address of the router itself (WAN MAC), which the ISP uses to identify the subscriber, there are two main ways. The easiest is to turn the device over and look at the sticker on the bottom of the case. The parameters are usually listed there. Default Access, SSID And MAC.
However, the sticker may fade or become damaged. In this case, you will need to log into the router's web interface. Enter the gateway IP address (often 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1) and log in. The information you need is usually found on the main status page ("Status," "Network Map") or in the WAN/Internet settings section.
In the interfaces of modern routers, such as Keenetic, TP-Link or AsusThe address is often displayed as a clickable link or in the "System Information" section. This is also where you'll often find the "MAC Address Clone" feature, which allows the router to pretend to be your computer to your ISP.
| Device/OS | Path to settings | Parameter name | Recording format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows | cmd: ipconfig /all | Physical address | XX-XX-XX-XX-XX-XX |
| macOS | System Preferences → Network | MAC address | XX:XX:XX:XX:XX:XX |
| Android | Settings → About phone → Status | Wi-Fi MAC address | XX:XX:XX:XX:XX:XX |
| iOS | Settings → General → About | Wi-Fi address | XX:XX:XX:XX:XX:XX |
MAC Address Structure and OUI Table
Understanding the address structure helps not only find it, but also determine the device manufacturer, which is useful for network administration. An address consists of 48 bits (6 bytes) and is written in hexadecimal notation. The first three bytes (24 bits) are called OUI (Organizationally Unique Identifier) and are assigned to the manufacturer.
The last three bytes are a unique number assigned by the manufacturer to a specific device. Knowing the OUI prefix allows you to accurately determine the device attempting to connect to your network, even if it's simply named "Android-1234." Special online OUI tables and databases exist that allow you to decipher the first six characters.
- 🏭 Apple: usually starts with prefixes 00:1C:B3, 00:25:00, A4:83:E7.
- 💻 Samsung: often uses prefixes 00:1C:2E, 44:6D:57, DC:1E:D9.
- 🌐 TP-Link: characteristic beginnings 50:C7:BF, 14:CC:20, 3C:46:D8.
When setting up filters on a router, knowing the manufacturer helps you quickly filter out unknown devices. For example, if you see a device with a MAC address starting with the prefix in the client list, Sony, and you don’t have Sony TVs at home, this is a reason to worry and change your passwords.
Common issues and privacy protection
With the introduction of new security standards in iOS 14, Android 10, and Windows 10, the concept of a static MAC address has become less clear. Operating systems now randomize addresses by default when scanning networks and connecting to new access points. This is designed to protect against user tracking via public Wi-Fi hotspots.
For home users, this can be a problem: if you've configured MAC address filtering on your router, and your phone changes its identifier every time it connects, it simply won't be able to connect to the network. In such cases, you'll need to disable random addresses for your home network in the Wi-Fi settings for that specific device.
⚠️ Note: Disabling MAC address randomization reduces anonymity in public places. Only do this for trusted home networks that require a fixed IP address or filtered access.
It's also worth remembering that software-based MAC address spoofing is possible on most computers. This allows you to bypass ISP restrictions or filtering, but can lead to address conflicts on the network if two devices share the same identifier. For the average user, it's best to leave the default address.
☑️ Check before setting up filtering
Is it possible to completely change the MAC address permanently?
Changing the MAC address hardwired into the network card chip by the manufacturer is virtually impossible without flashing the firmware, which is risky. However, the operating system can programmatically spoof this address for external observers. Resetting the network settings or reinstalling the drivers usually restores the original factory address.
What happens if I enter an incorrect MAC address in my router settings?
The device simply won't be able to connect to the network. The router will reject the connection because the entered address doesn't match the address of the requesting device. A single digit error is enough to block access, so use copy and paste if the router interface allows it.
Why does my ISP need my router's MAC address?
Providers use MAC addresses to authenticate subscribers and bind services to specific equipment. This is a simple security measure against unauthorized access to the provider's network. When replacing a router, it's often necessary to call the provider or use the MAC address cloning feature.