Are you trying to update your drivers but don't know which chipset your Wi-Fi adapter uses? Or do you want to check compatibility with a new standard? Wi-Fi 6E, but the manufacturer doesn't specify the module model in the specifications? Determining the exact chipset is a key step in resolving connection issues, selecting the right drivers, or even overclocking the adapter using alternative software.
In this article we will look at 7 working methodsHow to find out the Wi-Fi adapter chipset on any device: from a laptop to a USB dongle. You'll find step-by-step instructions for Windows 10/11, Linux, macOS and even AndroidYou'll also learn how to identify a chipset by its appearance on the board. Some methods require just a couple of clicks, while others require disassembling the device. Choose the one that suits you best!
⚠️ Important: If your adapter is integrated into your laptop or motherboard, replacing it may void the warranty. Check the manufacturer's terms and conditions before disassembling.
Method 1: Windows Device Manager (fastest)
For most users, this method will be the first and only necessary step. Device Manager shows not only the adapter's name, but also hardware identifiers (Hardware ID), by which you can accurately determine the chipset.
How to open:
- 🖱️ Click
Win + Xand select "device Manager» - 🔍 Expand the "Network adapters»
- 📋 Find the device with the names Wireless, Wi-Fi or 802.11
If the name already indicates the chipset (for example, Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX200 or Qualcomm Atheros QCA6174), you're in luck - this is the information you need. But often laptop manufacturers (for example, Dell or HP) disguise the real chipset under their brand (for example, Dell Wireless 1820A). In this case:
Open the adapter properties (right click → "Properties") | Go to the "Details" tab | From the drop-down menu, select "Hardware IDs" | Copy the first line from the list (starts with VEN_ and DEV_) -->
Example ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_2723. Here:
VEN_8086— vendor ID (Intel)DEV_2723— device ID (specific chipset model)
To decipher these codes, use the database PCILookup or DeviceHunt. For example, VEN_8086&DEV_2723 corresponds Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201.
Method 2: Windows Command Prompt (for advanced users)
If you prefer to work with the console, you can get the same information through cmdThis method is useful when the graphical interface is not available (for example, when connecting remotely).
Open Command Prompt as administrator and run:
wmic nic where "NetEnabled='true'" get Name, Manufacturer, MACAddress, DeviceIDAs a result, you'll see a table with all network adapters. We're interested in the rows where:
Namecontains Wireless or Wi-FiDeviceIDcontainsPCI\VEN_...(this is the Hardware ID)
For more detailed information, please use:
wmic nic get /valueIf you only need PCI device IDs (including Wi-Fi), use:
set DEVMGR_SHOW_NONPRESENT_DEVICES=1
start devmgmt.msc
This sequence will show all devices, including those that are currently disabled.
3. Method: Specialized utilities (AIDA64, HWiNFO, Speccy)
Third-party programs often provide more comprehensive information than standard Windows tools. They are useful if:
- 🔧 Your adapter is not recognized by the system
- 📊 You need additional data (for example, supported Wi-Fi standards)
- 🖥️ You are working with a server or a PC without a graphical interface
Let's look at three popular utilities:
| Program | How to find the chipset | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| AIDA64 | Chapter "Devices → PCI Devices" or "Network → Wi-Fi» | The most detailed information, support for older chipsets | Paid (free version with limitations) |
| HWiNFO | Tab "Summary» → section «Network» | Free, shows chipset temperature | The interface is overloaded with data |
| Speccy | Chapter "Net» → «Adapters» | Simple interface, free | Less technical details |
Sample report from AIDA64:
Wi-Fi Adapter:
Device Name: Intel(R) Wi-Fi 6 AX200 160MHz
Hardware ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_2723
Driver Version: 22.100.1.1
Supported Standards: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax
⚠️ Attention: Some utilities (eg. HWiNFO) may require running as administrator to obtain complete information about network devices.
AIDA64|HWiNFO|Speccy|Other (I'll write in the comments)|I don't use it-->
4. Method: Visual inspection of the adapter (for USB and M.2 modules)
If software methods fail (for example, the adapter isn't recognized by the system), a physical inspection remains. This applies to:
- 🔌 USB Wi-Fi adapters (For example, TP-Link TL-WN722N)
- 🖥️ M.2 modules in laptops (for example, Intel 8265NGW)
- 📶 PCIe cards for desktop PCs (eg Asus PCE-AC88)
What to do:
- Disconnect the device from the power supply (laptop - remove the battery).
- Remove the adapter:
- For USB: Carefully open the case (you may need a screwdriver).
- For M.2/PCIe: remove the cover of the laptop or system unit.
Intel 8260Broadcom BCM4352Qualcomm Atheros QCA9377
Examples of markings in the photo:
Examples of chipset markings on boards
The TP-Link Archer T4U Plus adapter usually has the chipset listed Realtek RTL8812AU>.
Asus cards often have markings Broadcom BCM4360> or Intel 7260>.
Lenovo laptops (like the ThinkPad T480) may have a module Intel 8265> with markings on the back.
⚠️ Attention: When disassembling the USB adapter, be careful - some models (for example, Edimax EW-7811Un) have fragile antennas that are easily damaged.
If there are no obvious markings on the board, pay attention to:
- 🔍 Date code (For example,
2021W33) - can help you find a model in the manufacturer's database. - 📏 Chip arrangement: the large chip under the radiator is the main chipset.
- 🖼️ Photograph of the board: upload it to Google Lens to search for similar devices.
5. Method: Linux commands (for Ubuntu, Debian, Arch, etc.)
In Linux, you can determine your Wi-Fi adapter's chipset using several commands. The most reliable ones are:
Method 1: lspci (for PCI/PCIe adapters)
lspci -vvnn | grep -i networkExample output:
03:00.0 Network controller [0280]: Intel Corporation Wi-Fi 6 AX200 [8086:2723] (rev 1a)
Here 8086:2723 - This VEN_8086&DEV_2723 in Windows terminology.
Method 2: lsusb (for USB adapters)
lsusb -v | grep -i wirelessMethod 3: iwconfig + dmesg (for detailed information)
iwconfigThen:
dmesg | grep -i firmwareThis command will show what firmware is loaded for your adapter, which indirectly indicates the chipset.
⚠️ Attention: In some distributions (for example, Arch Linux) To work with Wi-Fi, you may need to install a package iw or wireless-tools:
sudo pacman -S iwMethod 6: macOS (Terminal and System Report)
On a MacBook or iMac, you can find out the Wi-Fi chipset using built-in tools. Apple often uses chipsets Broadcom, but in the latest models there are also Intel.
Method 1: System Report
- Click on the Apple logo → «About this Mac» → «System report».
- Go to the section "Net» → «Wi-Fi».
- Find the line "Map" or "Chipset».
Method 2: Terminal
networksetup -listallhardwareportsLook for the block with Wi-Fi or AirPort. For example:
Hardware Port: Wi-Fi
Device: en0
Ethernet Address: a8:20:66:xx:xx:xx
Chipset Model: Broadcom BCM43xx 1.0 (7.77.111.1)
For more detailed information:
system_profiler SPNetworkDataType⚠️ Attention: In macOS Monterey and later, some data may be hidden due to Apple's privacy policy. In this case, only a visual inspection of the module will help (see Method 4).
7. Method: Android (via apps and ADB)
On smartphones and tablets, the Wi-Fi chipset is integrated into the main processor (SoC), but sometimes a separate module is used (for example, in flagships with support Wi-Fi 6E). You can find out its model like this:
Method 1: Diagnostic Apps
- 📱 CPU-Z (tab "SoC» → section «Wi-Fi»)
- 📊 AIDA64 (chapter "Net» → «Wi-Fi»)
- 🔍 DevCheck (tab "Hardware»)
Method 2: ADB (for advanced users)
Connect your device to your PC and run:
adb shell dumpsys wifiLook for lines with chip or driver. For example:
Wi-Fi chip: bcmdhd (Broadcom)
Driver version: 1.2.3.4
⚠️ Attention: On some devices (eg. Xiaomi (With MIUI), chipset information may be hidden by the manufacturer. In this case, only disassembling the device will help.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about identifying your Wi-Fi chipset
My adapter is detected as an "Unknown Device." What should I do?
This means there are no drivers for your chipset in the system. First, try:
- Install the driver manually through the Device Manager (right-click → “Update driver” → “Browse my computer”).
- Download the driver from the laptop manufacturer's website (for example, Lenovo or HP).
- If nothing helps, remove the adapter and inspect it visually (see Method 4).
For USB adapters, try connecting to another PC - there may be a problem with the port.
How to find out the Wi-Fi chipset on a router?
For routers the methods are different:
- 🏷️ Check the sticker on the bottom - sometimes the chipset is indicated there (for example, Broadcom BCM4708).
- 🌐 Go to the router's web interface (usually
192.168.1.1) and find the section "Status" or "System information». - 🔧 Disassemble the router and inspect the board - the chipset is usually the largest chip under the heatsink.
Popular chipsets for routers: Broadcom, Qualcomm Atheros, MediaTek, Realtek.
Is it possible to identify the chipset by MAC address?
No, MAC address indicates only the network interface manufacturer (first 3 bytes), but not the specific chipset. For example, MAC A4:83:E7:... belongs Apple, but does not indicate the Wi-Fi module model.
However, MAC can help indirectly: if you know that your laptop is from Dell, and the MAC address starts with 9C:B6:D0 (which corresponds to Intel), it probably uses a chipset Intel.
What should I do if the chipset is identified as "Realtek RTL8188EU", but the drivers do not work?
This problem is common with cheap USB adapters. Solutions:
- Download the driver from Realtek official website (select the version for your OS).
- For Linux, use the repository:
sudo apt install rtl8188eu-dkms - If the adapter is made in China (for example, from AliExpress), try universal drivers from lwfinger.
⚠️ Attention: Some adapters on RTL8188EU have counterfeit chipsets and will not work stably with any drivers.
How do I know if my chipset supports Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)?
Please refer to the chipset model:
| Manufacturer | Chipsets with Wi-Fi 6 | Chipsets with Wi-Fi 6E |
|---|---|---|
| Intel | AX200, AX201, AX210 | AX210, AX411 |
| Qualcomm | QCA6390, QCNFA765 | FastConnect 6900, 6700 |
| Broadcom | BCM4375, BCM4369 | BCM4389 (in iPhone 12/13) |
| MediaTek | MT7915, MT7921 | MT7922 |
If your chipset is not in this list, it supports a maximum of Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac).