Question

How do I find a MAC address for my networked devices?

Answer

If you are asked to provide your computer MAC address (Media Access Control address) you can locate this on your devices by following the instructions below.

Note: Your machine may have multiple MAC addresses. There will be a MAC address for each connection type your computer has (wireless, wired, bluetooth, etc). You will need to supply the MAC address for the connection type you are having issues with. 

Windows Operating System:

1. Click the Start Menu
2. Click the Settings gear
3. Click Network & Internet
   1. For Wireless connection issues:
      1. Click Wi-Fi in the left panel
      2. Click Hardware properties
      3. Look for Physical address (MAC):
   2. For Wired connection issues
      1. Click Ethernet
      2. Double click the listing present. This will change depending on the network you are connected to. If on campus it may say ND.EDU. If not connected to anything, it will say Ethernet
      3. Look for Physical address (MAC):

Apple Operating System:

There is a MAC address for each way your machine can connect to the Network. If you are having trouble with your Wi-Fi, you will need to provide the MAC address for your wireless adapter. If you are having trouble with a Wired Ethernet connection, you will need to provide the MAC address for the wired adapter. Review the following directions for instructions on how to find both.

1. Open System Preferences
2. Select the Network icon
   1. For the Wi-Fi MAC address:
      1. Highlight the Wi-Fi selection on the left, and click the Advanced button in the lower right hand corner
      2. Select the Hardware Tab. The MAC Address should be the first piece of information listed.
   2. For the Ethernet MAC Address
      1. Highlight the Ethernet selection on the left, and click the Advanced button in the lower right hand corner.
      2. Select the Hardware tab. The MAC Address should be the first piece of information listed. 

iOS Device (iPad/iPhone/iTouch)

1. Tap Settings
2. Select General
3. Select About
4. The MAC address is listed as Wi-Fi Address (Example: AB:CD:EF:12:34:56)

Android Device (Phone/Tablet)

1. Tap on the Settings App
2. Select System
3. Select About
4. the MAC address is listed as Wi-Fi MAC address (Example: AB:CD:EF:12:34:56)

For other types of devices, check the manufacturer's documentation for how to locate the MAC address.