Finding your computer's wired ethernet (MAC) address

Overview¶

Every computer’s network interface has a unique identifier called a MAC address (Media Access Control address). It is a 12-digit hexadecimal number usually delimited by colons, e.g. ab:01:23:ef:45:dc. Both wired and wireless network interfaces have these addresses.

Finding the Ethernet MAC Address¶

Microsoft Windows¶

Open the Command Prompt by searching for “cmd” in the Start menu or search bar. When the command window appears, type:

ipconfig /all

The Physical Address value for your ethernet card is your MAC address. Make sure you’re looking at your ethernet interface and not your wireless interface.

Apple macOS¶

From the Terminal¶

Type the following in a Terminal window:

networksetup -listallhardwareports

The “Ethernet Address” field for the ethernet hardware port is your MAC address. If there are too many ports listed and you’re not sure which is your active ethernet port, try one of the options below.

Recent macOS (System Settings)¶

1. Go to the Apple menu > System Settings > Network.

2. Click on the wired network device you plan on using, then click Details.

3. Click on the Hardware label in the left column. The MAC address will be on the right.

Older macOS (System Preferences)¶

1. Go to the Apple menu > System Preferences > Network (under “Internet and Wireless”).

2. Make sure that the ethernet interface is selected on the left side.

3. Click on the Advanced button on the right, and then the Hardware tab. The MAC address is listed there.

Linux¶

Type the following in a terminal window:

ip link

The link/ether field associated with your ethernet interface is your MAC address.