How to Find a Device's MAC Address on Any OS
Learn how to locate the MAC address on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. Understand what a MAC address is, why it matters, and how to keep your privacy.
How to find the MAC address of a device
Ever stare at a blinking router and wonder why your connection keeps hiccuping? The answer might just be a tiny hex code—your MAC address. Think of it as a fingerprint for every networked device. It’s more than a label; it’s the first line of defense when you’re troubleshooting.
At the same time, that same address can track you. ISPs log every MAC, tying a device to your habits. That’s why privacy‑savvy users turn on MAC randomization or use VPNs to stay hidden.
A MAC address is 48 bits long, written as six groups of two hex digits: XX:XX:XX:XX:XX:XX.
- The first three groups are the OUI (Organizationally Unique Identifier) and identify the manufacturer.
- The last three groups are unique to the device.
OUI (first 3 octets) | Manufacturer |
|---|---|
00:1A:4A | Apple |
00:1E:67 | Samsung |
00:1B:44 | Cisco |
00:1F:4C | Dell |
00:1B:63 | HP |
00:0C:29 | Lenovo |
00:17:88 | Xiaomi |
Finding a MAC Address on Windows
- Open Settings → Network & Internet → Status.
- Click Network and Sharing Center → Change adapter settings.
- Right‑click the active connection → Status → Details….
- The Physical Address field shows the MAC.
Finding a MAC Address on macOS
- Click the Apple menu → System Settings → Network.
- Select the active interface.
- Click Details → Wi‑Fi Address or Ethernet Address.
Finding a MAC Address on Linux
- Open a terminal.
- Run
ip link show eth0. - Look for
link/ether XX:XX:XX:XX:XX:XX.
Finding a MAC Address on Android
- Settings → About Phone → Status.
- Scroll to Wi‑Fi MAC address.
Finding a MAC Address on iOS
- Settings → General → About.
- Find Wi‑Fi Address.
OUI Lookup Tools
Tool | How to Use | Notes |
|---|---|---|
IEEE OUI Database | Visit the list, search by OUI | Official source |
maclookup.org | Web interface or | Vendor and country info |
Wireshark | Capture a packet, view Ethernet frame | Diagnostic use |
| | Shows permanent MAC |
| | Lists local MACs |
Common OUIs for Popular Hardware Brands
Brand | Sample OUI | Example Device |
|---|---|---|
Apple | 00:1A:4A | iPhone, MacBook |
Samsung | 00:1E:67 | Galaxy S |
Cisco | 00:1B:44 | Catalyst Switch |
Dell | 00:1F:4C | XPS |
HP | 00:1B:63 | Pavilion |
Lenovo | 00:0C:29 | ThinkPad |
Xiaomi | 00:17:88 | Mi Phone |
Privacy and Security Implications
Issue | Description | Mitigation |
|---|---|---|
MAC Spoofing | Changing the MAC to conceal identity | Use MAC filtering with authentication |
Device Tracking | ISPs log MACs, linking activity | Enable MAC randomization |
Regulatory Concerns | GDPR limits MAC collection | Obtain consent, hash MACs |
MAC Cloning | Attackers copy a legitimate MAC | Deploy NAC and 802.1X |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How can I find the MAC address on a Windows PC? A1: Follow the steps under “Finding a MAC Address on Windows” above. The Physical Address shown in the Details dialog is the MAC.
Q2: Is MAC randomization the same as MAC spoofing? A2: No. MAC randomization changes the address used by the device for privacy, while MAC spoofing is a deliberate change to impersonate another device.
Q3: Can my ISP track me using my MAC address? A3: Some ISPs log MAC addresses in their network data, which could be used to identify device usage patterns. Enabling MAC randomization reduces this risk.
Further Reading
Takeaway
Knowing where to find a MAC address turns a frustrating network glitch into a solvable puzzle. With the steps above, you can locate the address on any device, use OUI lookup tools, and protect yourself from unwanted tracking. Your network’s health depends on it—so go ahead and check your own device’s MAC address today.