By: Alexia Reynolds | Updated at: 09 / Oct / 2024

How to Find the MAC Address: A Step-by-Step Guide

A MAC address (Media Access Control) is a unique identifier assigned to network interfaces for communication on a physical network. Every device connected to the internet or a local network, whether it's a laptop, smartphone, or Raspberry Pi, has a MAC address. It's useful when managing your network, allowing or blocking devices from connecting, or troubleshooting connectivity issues.

Here�s a comprehensive guide on how to find the MAC address on different types of devices, including PCs, laptops, Raspberry Pi, Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iPhone.

How to Find the MAC Address on Windows (PC & Laptops)

Method 1: Using Command Prompt

  • Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
  • Type cmd and press Enter to open the Command Prompt.
  • Type this command: ipconfig /all
  • Look for the section called "Wireless LAN adapter" or "Ethernet adapter" depending on your connection. The Physical Address is the MAC address.

Example: 00-14-22-01-23-45

Method 2: Through Network Settings

  • Open Settings.
  • Navigate to Network & Internet.
  • Select either Wi-Fi or Ethernet, depending on your connection type.
  • Under the connected network, click Properties. Your MAC address will be listed under Physical address (MAC).

How to Find the MAC Address on macOS (MacBook or iMac)

  • Click the Apple logo in the top left corner of the screen.
  • Select System Settings or System Preferences.
  • Click on Network.
  • Choose Wi-Fi from the list on the left (or Ethernet if you are connected via cable).
  • Click Advanced at the bottom right.
  • In the Hardware section, you will see the MAC Address listed as Wi-Fi Address or Ethernet Address.

How to Find the MAC Address on Linux

Using Terminal:

  • Open the Terminal.
  • Run this command: ifconfigOR (on newer distributions): ip addr
  • Find the relevant network interface (eth0 for Ethernet or wlan0 for Wi-Fi).
  • The MAC address is labeled as ether.

Example: ether 08:00:27:12:34:56

How to Find the MAC Address on Raspberry Pi

Raspberry Pi runs on a Linux-based OS, so you can find the MAC address similarly to Linux.

Using Terminal:

  • Open the Terminal.
  • Type the following command:
    ifconfig
  • For Wi-Fi, look under wlan0. For Ethernet, look under eth0. The HWaddr or ether section shows the MAC address.

Example: eth0: HWaddr b8:27:eb:xx:xx:xx

Alternatively, if you are using Raspberry Pi OS with a GUI:

  1. Open the Taskbar.
  2. Click on the Network icon.
  3. Select Network Information, where you'll find the MAC address.

How to Find the MAC Address on Android Devices

Method 1: Through Settings

  1. Open Settings on your Android device.
  2. Scroll down and select About Phone or About Device.
  3. Select Status or Hardware Information.
  4. Scroll down to find the Wi-Fi MAC address and Bluetooth MAC address.

Method 2: Using Wi-Fi Settings

  1. Go to Settings.
  2. Select Wi-Fi.
  3. Tap on the connected network or the three dots (menu) in the corner.
  4. In the network details, your MAC address will be displayed.

How to Find the MAC Address on iPhone (iOS Devices)

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Tap General.
  3. Select About.

  4. Scroll down to find the Wi-Fi Address, which is the MAC address of your iPhone.

    Example: 20:3a:07:b2:34:e1

How to Find the MAC Address on a Chromebook

  1. Click the Clock or the System tray in the bottom-right corner of your screen.
  2. Select Settings.
  3. Go to the Wi-Fi or Ethernet network you're connected to.
  4. Click on the name of the connected network. Your MAC address will be listed under Hardware address.

How to Find the MAC Address on a Smart TV

If you're trying to find the MAC address of a smart TV, like Samsung, LG, or Android TV, follow these steps:

Samsung Smart TV:

  1. Go to the Settings menu.
  2. Navigate to Support ? About This TV or Contact Samsung.
  3. The MAC Address should be listed under Wired MAC Address or Wireless MAC Address.

LG Smart TV:

  1. Press the Home button on the remote.
  2. Go to Settings ? All Settings.
  3. Select Network ? Wired Connection (Ethernet) or Wi-Fi Connection.
  4. The MAC Address will appear on the right-hand side.

Android Smart TV:

  1. Go to Settings.
  2. Scroll down to About ? Status.
  3. The MAC Address will be listed under Wi-Fi MAC address.

Conclusion

Finding the MAC address on various devices is a relatively straightforward process but differs depending on the operating system and type of device. Whether you're working with a Windows PC, a MacBook, Linux-based devices like Raspberry Pi, or even smartphones, following these simple steps will help you find the MAC address in no time.

The MAC address can be particularly useful when setting up a home network, diagnosing network problems, or using network filtering tools for enhanced security. Keep this guide handy for any device you use frequently!

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