How to Find Your Computer's MAC Address in Windows, Mac, and Linux

What a MAC address is and why you need it

A MAC address is a unique identifier assigned to every network device — your computer's network card has one, your phone has one, your printer has one. It stands for Media Access Control address and looks like a string of six pairs of numbers and letters, such as 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E. Your MAC address is different from your IP address; the IP address is what routes data across the internet, while the MAC address identifies your device on a local network.

You need your MAC address when you set up a new router, register a device on your workplace or school network, troubleshoot connection problems with your internet service provider, or configure your network to allow only certain devices to connect. Some networks use MAC filtering — a security feature that only lets devices with approved MAC addresses join. If you cannot connect to a network and the administrator asks for your MAC address, you need to know how to find it quickly.

Key Takeaways

Your MAC address is a unique identifier for your network card and looks like six pairs of numbers and letters separated by colons.
In Windows, open Command Prompt and type ipconfig /all to find the "Physical Address" listed for your network adapter.
On a Mac, open System Settings, go to Network, select your connection, and click Details to see the MAC address labeled "Wi-Fi Address" or "Ethernet Address".
In Linux, open a terminal and type ip link show or ifconfig to display your MAC address next to "link/ether" or "HWaddr".
If you have multiple network adapters, you may see more than one MAC address — use the one that matches the connection type you are using.

Finding your MAC address in Windows

The fastest way in Windows is through Command Prompt. Press the Windows key, type cmd, and press Enter to open Command Prompt. Type ipconfig /all and press Enter. A list of network adapters will appear on your screen.

Look for the section labeled with your connection type — either "Ethernet adapter" if you are plugged in with a cable, or "Wireless LAN adapter" if you are using Wi-Fi. Under that section, find the line that says Physical Address. The value next to it is your MAC address. Write it down exactly as it appears, including the hyphens.

If you prefer not to use Command Prompt, you can also find it through Settings. Open Settings, go to Network & Internet, select your connection type (Wi-Fi or Ethernet), click on the connection name, scroll down to "Advanced", and look for "Physical address (MAC)". Both methods show the same information.

Finding your MAC address on a Mac

On Apple computers, the process is straightforward through System Settings. Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner, select System Settings, then click Network in the left sidebar. Select the connection you are using — Wi-Fi or Ethernet — and click the Details button.

A window will open showing your network information. Look for the line labeled Wi-Fi Address if you are on Wi-Fi, or Ethernet Address if you are using a wired connection. The address shown there is your MAC address. It will be formatted as six pairs of numbers and letters separated by colons.

An alternative method is to use the Terminal app. Open Terminal (found in Applications > Utilities), type ifconfig, and press Enter. Search through the output for your connection type — en0 for Ethernet or en1 for Wi-Fi — and look for the line starting with ether. The address after ether is your MAC address.

Finding your MAC address in Linux

Linux users can find the MAC address through the terminal. Open a terminal window and type ip link show, then press Enter. Your network adapters will be listed with names like eth0, wlan0, or enp0s3. Look for the line that starts with link/ether — the address when ready after it is your MAC address.

If ip link show does not work on your system, try the older command ifconfig. Type ifconfig and press Enter. Find your active network adapter and look for the line labeled HWaddr (hardware address). The value shown is your MAC address.

If you have multiple network adapters listed, identify which one you are actually using. For Wi-Fi, look for adapters named wlan0 or similar. For a wired connection, look for eth0 or enp followed by numbers. Use the MAC address that corresponds to the connection type you need.

What to do if you see multiple MAC addresses

Computers with both Wi-Fi and Ethernet cards will show two different MAC addresses — one for each adapter. If you are connecting via Wi-Fi, use the MAC address from your wireless adapter. If you are using a wired Ethernet connection, use the address from your Ethernet adapter. Using the wrong one will cause connection problems.

Virtual machines and some software can also create additional network adapters that show up in your MAC address list. If you are unsure which address belongs to your physical network card, check your computer's hardware specifications or contact your network administrator. They can tell you which adapter you should be registering on the network.

Saving and sharing your MAC address safely

Once you have found your MAC address, write it down or take a screenshot. Keep it in a safe place — your MAC address is not sensitive information like a password, but you will need it if you ever have to troubleshoot your network or register your device on a new network.

When sharing your MAC address with a network administrator or IT support person, copy and paste it exactly as it appears. Do not retype it by hand, because a single wrong character will prevent your device from connecting. If the administrator asks you to format it differently — some systems use colons, others use hyphens or no separators — ask them for the exact format they need before you submit it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my MAC address?

Yes, you can change your MAC address through software, a process called MAC spoofing. However, most people should not do this. Changing it can break your network connection or violate your network's rules. Only change your MAC address if a network administrator specifically tells you to, or if you are testing network security on your own equipment.

Is my MAC address the same as my IP address?

No. Your MAC address identifies your device on a local network (like your home Wi-Fi), while your IP address routes data across the internet. Your MAC address stays the same, but your IP address can change when you connect to different networks or restart your router.

Why does my network administrator need my MAC address?

Network administrators use MAC addresses to register devices on find networks, set up MAC filtering to allow only approved devices, assign static IP addresses to specific computers, or troubleshoot connection problems. Providing your MAC address is a normal part of connecting to a workplace or school network.

Will finding my MAC address affect my computer or network?

No. Looking up your MAC address does not change anything on your computer or network. You are only reading information that is already stored on your network card. The process is completely safe.

What if the MAC address I found does not work?

Double-check that you copied it correctly — even one wrong character will cause problems. If you have multiple network adapters, make sure you are using the address for the connection type you are actually using. If it still does not work, contact your network administrator or IT support to confirm you have the right address.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.