Networking

How do I check a MAC address?

Updated 2026-08-14

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Quick answer

You can check a MAC address through your device's network settings or by using command line tools, depending on your operating system.

This guide provides steps to find the MAC address on various platforms, including Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Steps

1
Windows - Using Command Prompt
1. Open Command Prompt by searching for 'cmd'. 2. Type 'getmac' and press Enter to view the MAC addresses.
2
Windows - Using Network Settings
1. Go to Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network Connections. 2. Right-click on your network connection and select 'Status'. 3. Click 'Details' to view the MAC address.
3
macOS - Using System Preferences
1. Open System Preferences and select 'Network'. 2. Choose your active network connection and click 'Advanced'. 3. The MAC address is listed under 'Hardware'.
4
macOS - Using Terminal
1. Open Terminal. 2. Type 'ifconfig' and press Enter. 3. Look for 'en0' or 'en1' and find the 'ether' line for the MAC address.
5
Linux - Using Terminal
1. Open Terminal. 2. Type 'ifconfig' or 'ip addr' and press Enter. 3. Find the interface (like 'eth0' or 'wlan0') and locate the 'ether' line for the MAC address.

To find the MAC address on a Windows device, you can use the Command Prompt or access the network settings.

On macOS, the MAC address can be found in the System Preferences under Network settings or via the Terminal.

Linux users can check the MAC address using the terminal command 'ifconfig' or 'ip addr'.

What is a MAC address?

A MAC address is a unique identifier assigned to network interfaces for communications on the physical network segment.

Can I change my MAC address?

Yes, it is possible to change your MAC address using software tools or command line methods, but it may not be permitted by your network policies.

Why do I need to know my MAC address?

Knowing your MAC address can help with network troubleshooting, device identification, and ensuring proper network access.