Finding a MAC Address on Your Device


A MAC address (media access control address) is a 12-digit hexadecimal number assigned to each device connected to the network. Primarily specified as a unique identifier during device manufacturing, the MAC address is often found on a device's network interface card (NIC). This document is intended to guide end users on how to obtain the MAC address from the equipment when requested by support teams. 

 

Table of Contents

 

 

Information

 

What is a MAC address?

The MAC (Media Access Control) address is a unique identifier assigned to a network adapter of a system. It is also known as a physical address for the device. MAC addresses are typically assigned by the hardware vendor and are used to allow network communication for a system.

How do I find a MAC address on my device?

There are various ways to find a MAC address, and the instructions may change based on the operating system and device. Keep in mind that some devices may have multiple MAC addresses, such as one for a wireless connection and one for a wired connection.

For Windows

Method 1: PowerShell

  1. Select Start or press the Windows key on your keyboard. 
  2. Input Windows PowerShell in the search bar.
  3. Select Windows PowerShell.
  4. Input get-netadapter in the PowerShell window and press Enter.
  5. Find the MAC address that you are looking for. The MAC address will be listed for each connection type.
    • The wireless MAC address will be listed next to Wi-Fi MAC address.
    • The wired MAC address will be listed next to Ethernet MAC address.

Method 2: Command Prompt

  1. Select Start or press the Windows key on your keyboard.
  2. Input command prompt or cmd in the search bar.
  3. Select Command Prompt.
  4. Input ipconfig /all in the Command Prompt windows and press Enter.
  5. Find the MAC address that you are looking for. The MAC address will be listed as the Physical Address for each connection.
    • The wired MAC address is listed as the Physical Address for Ethernet adapter Ethernet.
    • The wireless MAC address is listed as the Physical Address for Wireless LAN adapter Wi-Fi.

Method 3: Windows Settings

  1. Select Start or press the Windows key on your keyboard.
  2. Select Settings.
  3. Select the Network & internet tab.
  4. Select the connection type that you are trying to find the MAC address for.
    • For wireless, select Wi-Fi > Hardware Properties.
    • For Ethernet, select Ethernet.
  5. Find the MAC address, which is listed under Physical address (MAC):.

For macOS

  1. Select the Apple logo in the top-left corner of the screen.
  2. Select System Preferences.
  3. Select Network.
  4. Select Wi-Fi for a wireless connection or Ethernet for a wired connection.
  5. Select Advanced.
  6. Select the Hardware tab. The MAC address should be listed for the connection you chose.

For Android

For a device running Android version 13, follow the instructions below. Keep in mind that the specific instructions may vary slightly based on the device model and manufacturer.

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Select About phone or About tablet.
  3. Find the wireless MAC address, which is listed under Device Wi-Fi MAC address.

For iOS

The instructions may vary slightly based on the device model and manufacturer.

  1. Open the Settings app. 
  2. Select General.
  3. Select About.
  4. Find the wireless MAC address, which is listed next to Wi-Fi Address.

Other Resources

What is a MAC address?

How do I find the MAC address for my game console?

What are other options on how to find a MAC Address on my Windows device?

 

Escalation

 

Any questions on process or content contained in this document should be escalated through the NCSU Help desk and a have an incident assigned to the OIT_DESKTOP_SUPPORT team. 

 

 

Related Documentation

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MAC_address

https://ncsu.service-now.com/sp?id=kb_article_view&sysparm_article=KB0021020

https://www.windowscentral.com/how-find-your-pcs-mac-address-windows-10

 

 

 

Title:Finding a MAC Address on Your Device 

Service: Network & Connectivity Management

Template if applicable: NA

Assignment Group(s): OIT_DESKTOP_SUPPORT

Document Owner: OIT_DESKTOP_SUPPORT

Available Priorities: Medium, Low

Keywords: OIT Managed Desktop Service, Mac Address, Media Access Control, unique identifier, unique, hardware address, get-netadapter