How can I find my MAC address on any device: Windows, macOS, iPhone, and Android
Ever needed to find your device's MAC address for network troubleshooting or security settings but weren't sure where to look? Finding your MAC address takes a few quick steps, whether you're using Windows, macOS, iPhone, or Android.
A MAC address is a unique identifier assigned to your device's network adapter. Many users confuse it with the IP address which identifies your device on a network or the internet. In this guide, you'll learn where to find your MAC address on any device and for what you might need it.
If you're looking for IP instead, read our IP address lookup guide.
What is a MAC address?
A MAC (Media Access Control) address is a unique hardware identifier assigned to your Wi-Fi or Ethernet adapter. It allows devices to identify and communicate with each other on a local network.
Every network adapter has its own MAC address, so your laptop's Wi-Fi and Ethernet connections may have different MAC addresses.
How can I find my MAC address on Windows
There are two ways to find your MAC address on Windows: one with a visual interface and the quicker one with the command line.
Method 1: Using settings
Open Settings → Network & Internet.
Select Wi-Fi or Ethernet, depending on your connection.
Click Hardware properties.
Find Physical address (MAC).
Method 2: Through a command prompt
Press Win + R, type cmd, and press Enter.
Run:
ipconfig /allFind your active network adapter and see the Physical Address, which is your MAC address.
How can I find my MAC address on a Mac
You can find your MAC address in System Settings or by using Terminal. If you're trying to find your IP address on a Mac, note that the MAC address is listed separately from your network's IP address.
Method 1: In system settings
Open System Settings → Network.
Select Wi-Fi (or Ethernet).
Click Details.
Find the MAC Address (or Wi-Fi Address, depending on your macOS version).
Method 2: Through the terminal
Open Terminal.
Run:
ifconfigLocate your active network interface (such as en0 for Wi-Fi — though on some Macs it could be en1 ) and find the ether value. This is your MAC address.
Looking for your IP address instead? If you're wondering how to find your IP address on your Mac, read our article about IP address lookup.
How can I find the MAC address on an iPhone
To find your iPhone's MAC address:
Open Settings.
Tap General → About.
Scroll down to Wi-Fi Address. This is your iPhone's MAC address.
Important: If you're connected to a Wi-Fi network, your iPhone may use a Private Wi-Fi Address (MAC randomization) for privacy. The address shown in Settings → About is your actual hardware MAC. The randomized one appears per network under Wi-Fi settings.
For screenshots and a more detailed explanation of Private Wi-Fi Address (MAC randomization), see our complete guide on how to find the MAC address on an iPhone.
How can I find my MAC address on Android
The exact steps vary by manufacturer and Android version, but you can usually find your MAC address in your device settings.
Method 1: Using settings
Open Settings.
Tap About phone or About device.
Select Status, Hardware information, or Wi-Fi.
Find Wi-Fi MAC address.
Method 2: Through Wi-Fi settings
Open Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi.
Tap your connected network or Wi-Fi preferences.
Look for MAC address, Device MAC, or Wi-Fi MAC address.
Pro tip: If you can't find it, use the Settings search bar and search for "MAC address" or "Wi-Fi MAC address."
On Android 10 and newer, you can see a randomized MAC – it’s used for privacy when connecting to Wi-Fi networks. To see your real hardware MAC, click the "Device MAC" or "Phone MAC" (it’s usually listed separately from the randomized one).
MAC address vs. IP address: The difference
A MAC address and an IP address are often confused. However, in reality they serve different purposes. A MAC address identifies your device on a local network, while an IP address identifies your device on a network or the internet. For example, if you use a USA proxy, websites will see that your connection is coming from the United States.
The table below highlights the key differences.
MAC address | IP address |
|---|---|
Hardware identifier | Network identifier |
Used on local networks | Used on the internet and local networks |
Doesn’t change when you use a proxy | Can be masked with proxy/VPN |
Assigned to a network adapter | Assigned by a router or ISP |
Stays with the network adapter | Can change over time |
Not routed over the internet | Routed over the internet |
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When do you need a MAC address?
You might think a MAC address is something only IT pros need, but there are several everyday scenarios where you'll be asked for it:
Setting up network security — Adding your device to a router's MAC address filtering list to allow or block specific devices from connecting to your Wi-Fi.
Troubleshooting connection issues — Your ISP or network admin may ask for your MAC address to diagnose problems or provision your internet connection.
Connecting to a restricted network — Dorm networks, office Wi-Fi, or hotel internet often require you to register your device's MAC address before you can get online.
Identifying devices on your network — When you look at your router's connected devices list, you'll see MAC addresses. Knowing yours helps you spot unfamiliar devices that don't belong.
Parental controls — Many routers let you set internet access times for specific devices using their MAC addresses.
Use the right proxy for your workflow
A MAC address identifies your device on a local network, but websites and online services primarily identify your connection by its public IP address. If you need to access region-specific content, manage multiple accounts, automate browser tasks, or collect data, choosing the right proxy is just as important as configuring your device.
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