How to Find MAC Address on Mac (3 Ways)

This guide shows you how to find the MAC address (also called Wi-Fi address or Ethernet ID) on any Mac running macOS. You’ll learn three quick methods: System Settings, System Information, and Terminal. No special tools are needed—just your Mac and a few clicks.

What You’ll Need

• A Mac running macOS Ventura or later (for System Settings method) or an earlier version (System Preferences).
• Administrator access is not required—any user can view the MAC address.
• If you need the MAC address of a device that isn’t currently connected, you may need to plug in an Ethernet cable or join a Wi-Fi network first.

Step-by-Step

Method 1: System Settings (macOS Ventura and later)

1. Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen.
2. Select System Settings from the dropdown menu.
3. In the sidebar, click Wi-Fi (or Ethernet if you’re using a wired connection).
4. On the right side, click the Details button next to your current network connection.
5. A new window opens. The MAC address is listed as Wi-Fi Address (for wireless) or Ethernet ID (for wired). It looks like a series of six pairs of letters and numbers, e.g., 3C:22:FB:54:9A:10.

Method 2: System Information (works on all macOS versions)

1. Hold down the Option key on your keyboard.
2. Click the Apple menu .
3. Select System Information (or System Profiler on older macOS versions).
4. In the left sidebar, under Network, click Wi-Fi (or Ethernet).
5. Look for the entry labeled MAC Address (or Ethernet ID). It’s usually near the top of the list.

Method 3: Terminal (fastest for advanced users)

1. Open Terminal from Applications > Utilities, or search for it with Spotlight (Cmd+Space).
2. Type one of the following commands and press Enter:
   • ifconfig en0 | grep ether – shows the MAC address for Wi-Fi (en0 is typically Wi-Fi).
   • ifconfig en1 | grep ether – shows the MAC address for Ethernet (en1 is often Ethernet, but may vary).
   • networksetup -getmacaddress Wi-Fi – shows the Wi-Fi MAC address directly.
3. The output will show something like ether 3c:22:fb:54:9a:10. The part after ether is your MAC address.

Common Mistakes

• Confusing the IP address with the MAC address. The IP address looks like 192.168.1.5 and changes depending on your network; the MAC address is fixed and looks like 3C:22:FB:54:9A:10.
• Using the wrong interface. If you’re on Wi-Fi, you need the Wi-Fi address, not the Ethernet ID. If you’re on Ethernet, the opposite is true. On a MacBook, both are listed in System Information.
• Looking for “MAC” in System Settings. The label is “Wi-Fi Address” or “Ethernet ID,” not “MAC Address.”
• Mistaking the “Router” or “Gateway” address for your Mac’s MAC address. That’s the router’s address, not your device’s.

Tips

• The MAC address is a permanent hardware identifier assigned by the manufacturer. It does not change unless you use a feature like “Private Wi-Fi Address” (macOS Sequoia and later) or manually spoof it.
• If you need the MAC address for network filtering or registration, copy it exactly, including colons. Some systems accept dashes (3C-22-FB-54-9A-10) or no separators, but it’s safest to keep the colons.
• On modern Macs, the Wi-Fi MAC address is printed on the underside of the device near the regulatory markings, but it’s easier to check in software.
• If you’re using a Mac with Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3), the methods above work exactly the same.

Troubleshooting

• “Details” button is missing in System Settings. Make sure you’re connected to a network. If you’re not connected, the Details button may not appear. Connect to any Wi-Fi network or plug in an Ethernet cable, then try again.
• Terminal says “en0: no such interface.” This means your Wi-Fi interface isn’t named en0. Run ifconfig to list all interfaces. Look for one with ether and an IP address (like 192.168.x.x). Usually en0 is Wi-Fi, but on some Macs it’s en1. Use the correct interface name.
• You see “Private Wi-Fi Address” instead of the actual MAC address. macOS Sequoia and later randomize your Wi-Fi MAC address for privacy. To find the real hardware address, go to System Settings > Wi-Fi > Details, and look for “Private Wi-Fi Address” toggle. Turn it off temporarily to see the actual address, or check System Information which shows the hardware address.
• System Information shows multiple MAC addresses. That’s normal—each network interface (Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Thunderbolt bridge) has its own MAC address. Make sure you’re looking at the correct one for the connection you’re using.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a MAC address used for?

It’s a unique hardware identifier for your network interface. It’s used by routers to assign IP addresses, by network admins to filter devices, and by some public Wi-Fi networks for authentication.

Is the MAC address the same as the IP address?

No. The IP address is a logical address that can change; the MAC address is a physical address burned into the hardware. Your IP address is like your mailing address, while the MAC address is like your name.

Can I change my Mac’s MAC address?

Yes, but it’s not recommended. You can spoof it using Terminal commands, but it may break network connections and violate terms of service. The built-in “Private Wi-Fi Address” feature does this automatically for privacy.

Why does my Mac show a different MAC address than the one printed on the box?

If you have “Private Wi-Fi Address” enabled, your Mac uses a random MAC address for each network. The printed address is the hardware address. Turn off Private Wi-Fi Address to see the real one.

Do I need the MAC address to connect to Wi-Fi?

Normally no—your Mac uses it automatically. But some networks (like school or corporate) require you to register your device’s MAC address to allow access.

How do I find the MAC address on an older macOS (Mojave or earlier)?

Use System Preferences > Network > select your connection > Advanced > Hardware tab. The MAC address is listed there.

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