The MAC Address of Your Device

The MAC Address stands for the Media Access Control address.  Despite the name, you have at least one MAC address on most network capable devices including desktop and laptop computers, tablets, phones, and chromebooks - whether they are Windows, Apple, Linux, Android, iOS or something else.  A MAC address is a unique identifier assigned to each networking technology on your device or system.  MAC addresses will be assigned to most networking technologies, including Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth so if you have a system that is capable of connecting to all 3, the hardware/card for each one will have it's own unique MAC address, as shown in the graphic below.  

A laptop displaying network interface details, including hostname and MAC addresses for various network connections like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, on a light background.

The following knowledge base article provides information for finding the MAC address of a device, listed by the type of system on which you need your address.  Select the most appropriate option for your specific system from the links below:

  1. On Desktop or Laptop Computers
    1. On Windows
      1. By opening a network connection properties window
      2. By using a command prompt
    2. On a Macintosh/Apple Computer
    3. On a Linux Computer
      1. Through the command prompt
      2. Using the connection GUI
  2. On Your Phone or Tablet
    1. iOS
    2. Android Phone
    3. Android Tablet
  3. On your gaming system
    1. Xbox
    2. Playstation

Finding addresses for your computer (laptops or desktops)

When asked by UW IT to provide your MAC address, we are likely asking for your Ethernet MAC however we may also be asking for the MAC you're currently using to connect to the internet.  It's best to verify which MAC address(es) they need from you so you can provide the correct one.  If you're not sure, you can provide the 

Windows by viewing your network connections:

  1. Press both the Windows Key and the R key simultaneously.
  2. Type ncpa.cpl into the search box and press ENTER.  This allows you to view network connections in a new window as shown below:  
    Windows 11 Network Connections window showing four network icons: Bluetooth (disabled), Ethernet (disabled), vEthernet (default switch, disabled), and active Wi-Fi, with the title at the top.
  3. Right-click the Ethernet (Local Area Connection) or Wi-Fi (depending on how you are connected to the network).  A new menu should be available as shown in the image below:  
    Screenshot of Windows 11 Network Connections window showing an Ethernet connection icon with a context menu that includes the bold "Status" option. A Bluetooth network connection is also visible with a red X indicating it is inactive.
  4. select Status to see more information about this connection.  The screenshot below specifies information about an Ethernet connection.
    Windows 11 Ethernet Status window displaying connection properties, including IPv4 internet connectivity, media state enabled, duration, speed, and data sent and received.
     
  5. Click Details.  The alpha-numeric Physical Address is your MAC Address.  Your individual network information will be different, but you will want to make note of the physical address as that is what you will need to provide:  
    Network connection details window showing Ethernet properties including IP address, DHCP status, and lease information. The Physical Address (AKA, MAC Address) is circled in red.
     

OR use the command prompt:

  1. On your computer, search for cmd.exe and open this program.
  2. On the black Command Prompt screen, type: getmac /v
  3. This will list all your adapters. All Physical Addresses listed are MAC addresses for communication hardware on your system.  

Apple OS

  1. Select System Preferences from the Apple menu at the top left of your screen.
  2. Click Network from the System Preferences menu.
  3. Choose Wi-Fi from the list of interfaces on the left and click the Advanced button.
  4. Choose the Hardware tab under which you will see the MAC address of your wireless card.
  5. Press Cancel to return to the Network menu. Choose Ethernet from the list of interfaces on the left and click the Advanced button.
  6. Choose the Hardware tab under which you will see the MAC address of your ethernet card.

Linux 10.10.X using CLI

  1. Open the terminal of your choice
  2. Type in: ifconfig then hit enter to run e command.  Output will display a list of network adapters.  The MAC address will be listed after HWaddr.  

Linux 10.10.X or Newer by viewing connections GUI

  1. Right click on the network arrow's and select Edit Connections.
  2. In the Network Connections, click on your Ethernet adapter so it's orange and select "Edit..."
  3. The Device MAC address shows the MAC address.

 

Finding the MAC Address on smart devices (phone or tablet)

Apple iOS

  1. Tap on Settings
  2. Tap on General
  3. Navigate to and tap on "About"
  4. Scroll down to "Wi-Fi Address"

Android Phone

  1. On the Home screen, tap the Menu button and go to Settings.
  2. Tap About Phone.
  3. Tap Status or Hardware Information (depending on your model of phone).
  4. Scroll down to see your WiFi MAC address.

Android Tablet

  1. Press the Menu key and go to Settings.
  2. Scroll down and tap About Tablet then tap Hardware Info or Wi-Fi Settings and then scroll down to view WiFi Mac address.

 

Finding the MAC Address on gaming consoles

Xbox One

  1. Navigate to My Games and Apps.
  2. Select Settings.
  3. Select Network.
  4. Select Advanced Settings.
  5. The MAC Addresses for the wired and wireless adapters should be displayed.

Playstation

  1. On the XMB, arrow up to the very top until we see the XMB Menus.
  2. Scroll over to the right to Settings
  3. Go down to Network
  4. Then down to View Connection Status
  5. From this area, we can get the WiFi and Ethernet MAC Address.
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