The MAC address, or Media Access Control address, is a unique identifier assigned to your laptop’s network adapter. It is used for network communication and can be useful for troubleshooting connectivity issues, setting up network permissions or securing your home network.
If you want to find the MAC address on your laptop this guide will show you how to do it on both Windows and macOS systems with simple step-by-step instructions.
What Is a MAC Address
A MAC address is a 12-digit hexadecimal code that identifies your device on a local network. It is different from your IP address because it is fixed to the hardware and does not change unless the network adapter is replaced.
MAC addresses are often formatted as six pairs of characters separated by colons or hyphens, such as 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E.
Finding the MAC Address on a Windows Laptop
To find your MAC address on a Windows laptop, start by opening the Command Prompt. Press Windows + R to open the Run box, type cmd and press Enter.
In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
bash
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ipconfig /all
Look through the information displayed to find your active network adapter. The MAC address is listed as the Physical Address under the relevant adapter, typically your Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection.
Another way to find it is through the Settings app. Click the Start menu and select Settings. Go to Network & Internet, then click on Status or Wi-Fi depending on your connection type. Select Hardware properties and look for the Physical address (MAC) entry.
Finding the MAC Address on a MacBook
On a MacBook, click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select System Settings or System Preferences. Choose Network and select your active connection, such as Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
Click Advanced then navigate to the Hardware or Wi-Fi tab. Here you will see the MAC address listed as MAC Address or Wi-Fi Address.
Alternatively, open the Terminal app and type the command:
perl
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ifconfig en0 | grep ether
Press Enter and the MAC address will be displayed next to the word ether.
Why You Might Need Your MAC Address
You may need your MAC address to configure router settings, set up MAC filtering to control device access or troubleshoot network problems. Some networks require devices to be registered by their MAC address before they can connect.
It can also be useful when using VPNs or proxy services that tie access to specific hardware.
Keeping Your MAC Address Private
While MAC addresses are not generally sensitive information, avoid sharing them publicly as they can be used to track devices on networks. Some modern operating systems offer options to randomise MAC addresses to enhance privacy when connecting to public Wi-Fi.
Conclusion
Finding the MAC address on your laptop is a simple process whether you use Windows or macOS. Using command prompts, system settings or terminal commands you can quickly locate this unique hardware identifier. Knowing your MAC address can help with network setup, security and troubleshooting.