What a MAC Address Is and Why You Need It

A MAC address is a unique identifier assigned to your computer's network card — the hardware that connects you to Wi-Fi or ethernet. It looks like a string of letters and numbers separated by colons or hyphens, such as 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E. Your device has one MAC address for Wi-Fi and a separate one for ethernet if you use a wired connection.

You need to find your MAC address when setting up a new Wi-Fi network, connecting to a restricted network that only allows certain devices, or troubleshooting connection problems with your internet provider. Some routers and networks keep a list of approved MAC addresses and will block any device not on that list.

Key Takeaways

  • Your MAC address is a unique identifier for your network card and appears as a string of letters and numbers separated by colons or hyphens.
  • Windows computers show the MAC address in Settings under Network Status, or in the Command Prompt using the ipconfig /all command.
  • Mac computers display the MAC address in System Settings under Network, or in Terminal using the ifconfig command.
  • You will see two different MAC addresses if your computer has both Wi-Fi and ethernet — use the one that matches the connection type you need.
  • The MAC address label on your router is not the same as your computer's MAC address; you need to look at your computer's network settings.

Finding Your MAC Address on Windows

The fastest way on Windows is through Settings. Open the Start menu, type Settings, and select it. Go to Network & Internet, then click Wi-Fi or Ethernet depending on which connection you use. Scroll down and select Advanced Network Settings. Look for the section labeled Physical address — that is your MAC address.

If you prefer the Command Prompt method, right-click the Start menu and select Windows Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin). Type ipconfig /all and press Enter. Scroll through the output until you find your network adapter name. Next to Physical Address, you will see your MAC address listed as a series of pairs separated by hyphens, like 00-1A-2B-3C-4D-5E.

Finding Your MAC Address on Mac

Open System Settings and click Network in the sidebar. Select the connection type you want — Wi-Fi or Ethernet. Click the Details button. In the window that opens, look for MAC Address near the top. The address will be displayed with colons between each pair of characters.

Alternatively, open Terminal from Applications > Utilities. Type ifconfig and press Enter. Find the section for your connection type — en0 for ethernet or en1 for Wi-Fi on newer Macs. Look for the line starting with ether; the address that follows is your MAC address.

Understanding What You See

Your MAC address will always be the same on your computer unless you manually change it, which is rare. If you see two different addresses when you look at Wi-Fi and Ethernet settings, that is normal — each physical connection has its own address. Use the one that matches the network you are connecting to.

The MAC address on a sticker attached to your router is the router's address, not your computer's. Do not confuse the two. Your computer's MAC address comes from your computer's network hardware, not from the router.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not copy the MAC address from a label on your device or router — that is usually the device's serial number or a different identifier. Always pull the MAC address from your network settings as described above.

If you are setting up a network that filters by MAC address, make sure you are using the address for the correct connection type. A Wi-Fi MAC address will not work if you are trying to connect via ethernet, and vice versa. Double-check which connection method you plan to use before you provide the address to your network administrator.

What to Do Once You Have Your MAC Address

Once you have found your MAC address, write it down or take a screenshot — you may need it later. If your internet provider asks for it, provide the address exactly as it appears in your settings, including all the colons or hyphens. If a network administrator asks you to register your device, they will enter this address into their system to allow your computer to connect.

If you are troubleshooting a connection problem, having your MAC address ready will help your internet provider or network support team locate your device in their logs more quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my MAC address?

Yes, but it is rarely necessary. Both Windows and Mac allow you to change your MAC address through advanced network settings or terminal commands, though the change usually resets when you restart your computer. Most people never need to do this.

Why does my computer have two MAC addresses?

Your computer has one MAC address for each physical network connection. If you have both Wi-Fi and ethernet, you have two separate addresses. Use the one that matches the connection type you are using.

Is my MAC address the same as my IP address?

No. Your MAC address identifies your network card and does not change when you move to a different network. Your IP address is assigned by the network you connect to and changes each time you join a new network or reconnect.

What if I cannot find the MAC address in Settings?

Make sure you are looking in the correct section for your connection type — Wi-Fi settings show the Wi-Fi MAC address, and Ethernet settings show the ethernet address. If you still cannot find it, try the Command Prompt or Terminal method instead, which often displays the information more clearly.

Do I need to share my MAC address with anyone?

Only share your MAC address with someone you trust who is setting up a network or troubleshooting a connection problem. It is not sensitive information like a password, but there is no reason to post it publicly.