What is a Mac Address and How Can I Find It?


This article discusses what a MAC address is and why you might need to locate it for your device.

What is a MAC Address?

A MAC (Media Access Control Address) address is a unique identifier assigned to every active network device that has a Network Interface Card (NIC). It is 12 characters long consisting of digits (0-9) and letters (A-F). It can be represented in different notations depending on the manufacturer of the device.  Wireless access points often use MAC addresses for access control.  The access points will only allow access for known devices (MAC addresses are unique).

Some examples are below:

Why would I need to know my MAC Address?

Any Internet-capable device will have a MAC address, which is a unique identifier for that particular device.  This identifier is often used in either registering devices on a network or when troubleshooting a network connectivity issue.

Students living in on-campus residence halls have the benefit of being able to connect their gaming devices, smart TVs and streaming devices to a network called GameNet.  In order to register your device, you will need to know the MAC address. Click here for more information on GameNet.

Employees may need to locate a MAC address when submitting a Network Incident.

Below you will find lists containing common devices and instructions on how to find the MAC address on those devices.

Finding the MAC Address of a Gaming Device

Most manufacturers of gaming devices will print the MAC address on a label on the back or on the bottom of the device. To find the MAC address quickly, it is recommended that you physically inspect your device for this label. If you cannot find the label or it is not printed on the device, you will need to go through the device’s system menus to find it. Below is a list of common devices with instructions on how to find the MAC address by navigating system menus.

Game Consoles (Nintendo, Playstation, Xbox, Wii)

  1. Select "System Settings" from the Home Menu.
  2. Scroll down through the menu and select "Internet."
  3. The Nintendo Switch console’s MAC address will be listed under System MAC Address.
  1. Select "Settings."
  2. Select "Nintendo Wi-Fi Connections Setup" or "Nintendo WFC Setup".
  3. Select "Options."
  4. Select "System Information."
  5. The MAC address will be displayed.
  1. Select "System Settings."
  2. Select "Internet Settings."
  3. Select "Other Information."
  4. Select "Confirm MAC Address."
  5. The MAC address will be displayed.

Note: This game console supports both a wired and wireless connection. Be sure you know what type of connection you will be using for the corresponding MAC address.  If you live in an Auburn University Residence Hall your connection will always be wireless.

  1. From the main menu, select "Settings."
  2. Select "Network."
  3. Select "View Connection Status."
  4. The MAC address will then be displayed on the screen.

Note: This game console supports both a wired and wireless connection. Be sure you know what type of connection you will be using for the corresponding MAC address.  If you live in an Auburn University Residence Hall your connection will always be wireless.

  1. From the main menu, select "Settings."
  2. Select "System Settings."
  3. Select "System Information."
  4. The MAC address will then be displayed on the screen.
  1. From the main menu, select "Settings."
  2. Select "System Settings."
  3. Select "System Information."
  4. The MAC address will then be displayed on the screen.
  1. Select "Settings" from the Home screen.
  2. Select "Start."
  3. Select "System Options."
  4. Select "System Information."
  5. The MAC address will be displayed.
  1. Turn on your Wii.
  2. From the home screen, select the "Wii" button in the lower left corner.
  3. Select "Wii Settings."
  4. Select the right arrow to advance to the next set of Settings.
  5. Select "Internet."
  6. Select "Console Information."
  7. The MAC address will then be displayed on the screen under LAN Adapter MAC Address. If the LAN Adapter MAC Address reads 00-00-00-00-00-00, this is incorrect and you must use your computer to get the correct MAC address.
  1. Select "System Settings" from the Wii U menu.
  2. Select "Internet."
  3. Select "View MAC Address."

Note: This game console supports both a wired and wireless connection. Be sure you know what type of connection you will be using for the corresponding MAC address.  If you live in an Auburn University Residence Hall your connection will always be wireless.

  1. Select the "Settings" tile.
  2. Select the "Network" tile.
  3. Select the "Advanced Settings" section.
  4. The MAC address will then be displayed.

Note: This game console supports both a wired and wireless connection. Be sure you know what type of connection you will be using for the corresponding MAC address.  If you live in an Auburn University Residence Hall your connection will always be wireless.

  1. From the Xbox Dashboard, go to the "System" area and select "Network Settings."
  2. Select "Edit Settings."
  3. Select the "Additional Settings" tab.
  4. Select the "Advanced Settings" section.
  5. At the bottom of the screen, the MAC address will be displayed.

Finding the MAC Address of a Home Automation Device

Home Automation Devices (Google Home, Echo Dot, etc.)

Some manufacturers of home automation devices will print the MAC address on a label on the back or on the bottom of the device. Some will also print the MAC address on the bottom of the original packaging or box that the device came in.  To find the MAC address quickly, it is recommended that you physically inspect your device for this label. If you cannot find the label or it is not printed on the device, you will need to go through the device’s system menus to find it. Below is a list of common devices with instructions on how to find the MAC address by navigating system menus.

  1. Download the Amazon Alexa app to a phone or computer (free for iOS, Android, and Fire).
  2. Turn off WiFi on your Smartphone.
  3. Open the Alexa App and sign in with your Amazon Account credentials.
  4. Once signed into the app, you will be prompted to follow set up instructions.  In order to locate the MAC address prior to setup click "Later."
  5. In the app, select the device you wish to find the MAC address for and you will see the message "Device is offline." 
  6. Tap the gear icon in the upper right corner to see the device settings.
  7. Scroll down to and tap "About."
  8. The MAC address can be found here.
  1. Ensure you have the Google Home application installed on your smartphone or mobile device.
  2. Open the application and set up your Google Home.
  3. To obtain the MAC address, click the three lines on the top left inside the application.
  4. Select "Devices", and then select your Google Home.
  5. Click on "Settings", scroll down to information and your Mac address should be revealed.

 

Finding the MAC Address of a Streaming Device or Smart TV

Streaming Devices (Apple TV, Roku, etc.)

  1. From the Home screen, press "Menu."
  2. Select "Settings." You should see the WiFi MAC address located in the Device Info section.

Note: This device supports both a wired and wireless connection. Be sure you know what type of connection you will be using for the corresponding MAC address.  If you live in an Auburn University Residence Hall your connection will always be wireless.

  1. Select "Settings."
  2. Select "About."
  3. The MAC address will be displayed as Ethernet ID or Wireless ID depending on your preference.

Note: This device supports both a wired and wireless connection. Be sure you know what type of connection you will be using for the corresponding MAC address.  If you live in an Auburn University Residence Hall your connection will always be wireless.

  1. From the Home screen, press "Up" on your remote and the Menu bar should appear.
  2. Select "Settings."
  3. Select "Player Info."
  4. The MAC address will be displayed.

Note: This device supports both a wired and wireless connection. Be sure you know what type of connection you will be using for the corresponding MAC address.  If you live in an Auburn University Residence Hall your connection will always be wireless.

  1. Go to the "Network" menu.
  2. Select "Wireless."
  3. Select "Scan for Networks."
  4. Go to "Private Network."
  5. The MAC address will be displayed.

Note: This device supports both a wired and wireless connection. Be sure you know what type of connection you will be using for the corresponding MAC address.  If you live in an Auburn University Residence Hall your connection will always be wireless.

  1. Press the "Settings Button" on the remote.
  2. Go to "All Settings" in the menu.
  3. Select "Connection."
  4. Select "Network Connection Settings."
  5. Select "WiFi Connection."
  6. Select "Advanced WiFi Settings."
  7. The MAC address will be displayed.

Note: This device supports both a wired and wireless connection. Be sure you know what type of connection you will be using for the corresponding MAC address.  If you live in an Auburn University Residence Hall your connection will always be wireless.

  • Select "Network Settings."
  • Select "Network Status."
  • The MAC address will be displayed.

 

Finding the MAC Address of a Personal Computer

  1. In the search bar in the bottom left type "cmd" for Command Line access.
  2. Type "ipconfig /all" (note the spacing between the "g" and the "/").
  3. Look for "Physical Address". This will be your MAC address.
  1. Click the Apple in the upper left corner.
  2. Click "System Preferences."
  3. Click "Network."
  4. The top option will be WiFi and it should be highlighted. Click "Advanced."
  5. The MAC address is at the bottom of the displayed window.