The basic concept of the internet is a vast network connection of billions of digitally associated devices reaching every corner of the globe. However, this is exactly the most significant challenge that comes with networking: billions of devices connected together worldwide.
Thus, each device requires a distinctive and valid identification system that helps separate it from the other global networks and from the devices in its own network. As for the solution, we have the Mac Addresses.
In today’s discussion, we will explore the basics of Mac Address and its significance in networking. Moreover, we will learn to find the Mac Address of a variety of devices, including Chrome OS, Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, iOS, and other devices.
Therefore, stay with us till the end of the discussion and give it a thorough read! Let’s dig in…
What is Mac Address: A Quick Rundown
Abbreviated for Media Access Control, the Mac Address is a unique 12-character alphanumerical attribute that works as a physical address for identifying devices on the network.
Also referred to as Hardware address, Physical address, or Burned-in Address (BIA), this unique identifier format of addresses is found in the device’s Network Interface Card and is assigned to the device during the manufacturing process.
The six first characters of MAC Address refer to the manufacturing company of the device, known as the OUI, abbreviated for Organizational Unique Identifier. Whereas the remaining 6 characters of the address are Network Interface Controller, assigned by the manufacturers.
Using Mac lookup tools is the most cost-effective and quick solution for identifying the device’s manufacturing company, as it provides a complete and comprehensive report of the device.
The biggest benefit of Mac addresses is the easy, quick, and effective management of multiple connected devices in the local network.
Moreover, Mac Addresses makes the devices compatible with a wide variety of networks worldwide. It also streamlines the device communication on the network for efficient and trouble-free functioning without additional routing or managing the network layers.
How Do I Find the Mac Address of Network Devices? A Step-By-Step Guide
Here’s a quick guide to finding the Mac address on a variety of devices. Let’s have a look at them!
Chrome OS
- Sign in to Chromebook.
- Click on the “Time” located at the bottom right.
- Click “Network” on the left.
- Choose the network for which you want to find the Mac Address.
- Find the desired Mac Address listed below.
Mac OS
- Click on the Apple menu on the top left.
- Select “System Settings.”
- Choose “Network.”
- Select your desired network and click on the “Details.”
- Click on the “Hardware” button.
- Find the Mac addresses listed.
Windows OS
- Open the “Start” menu.
- Search and open the “Control Panel.”
- Find the “Network and Internet” option.
- Open “Network and Sharing Center.”
- Select your desired network option to view your Mac address.
- Click on the “Details” button.
- Find the Mac Address listed below the Network.
Linux OS
- Open a “Terminal” or “Console Window”.
- Type “ifconfig.”
- The Mac Address will be shown as HWaddr.
Android
Device Mac
- From home, tap open the “Menu” and open “Settings” on your phone/device.
- Find “Status” or Hardware Information” in the settings and open it.
- Scroll down to “Wi-Fi Mac Address” and view the address there.
Wireless Connection Mac
- From home, tap open “Menu” and scroll down to “Setting Connections.”
- Tap the Wi-Fi Connection name.
- Tap on the “Gear” icon for the current network details.
- Tap on the “View More” option.
- Scroll down to the “Mac Address” option and view your device’s Mac Address.
iOS
Device Mac
- Tap open the “Settings.”
- Scroll down to the “General” section and open the “About.”
- Find and open the “Wi-Fi Address.”
Wireless Connection Mac
- Tap on the “Settings” and open the “Wi-Fi” section.
- Clock on the “i” next to the wireless network.
- Scroll down to “Wi-Fi Address” and find the Mac address there.
Mac Addresses For Additional Devices
Amazon Alexa
- Install the Amazon Alexa application from the Playstore/Apple Store on your phone or device.
- Log into the Amazon account.
- After successful login, connect to the “Echo Device Wi-Fi.”
- Find the “Echo Setup” section.
- You can view your device’s Mac Address in this section at the bottom.
Google Home
- Install the Google Home application from the Playstore/Apple Store on your device.
- Open the application after installation and log in to the account.
- Tap on the menu located at the top left of the app.
- Tap on the “Devices.”
- Open the “Google Home” option.
- Tap the “Settings.”
- You can find the Mac Address enlisted in the information.
Samsung TV
- Select “Network Settings” on your device.
- Open the “Network Status” section.
- You can view the Mac Address listed on the screen.
Apple TV
- Open “Settings” and click on the “About” option.
- You can view the Mac Address of your device, which is listed as Ethernet ID for wired connections and Wireless ID for wireless connections.
Amazon Fire Stick/TV
- Select “Menu” from the home screen.
- Open the “Settings” section.
- Click on the “Device Info.”
- Scroll down to “Wi-Fi Mac Address” and find the address there.
iPad
- Tap open the “Settings” in your device.
- Open the “General” option.
- Click on the “About.”
- Scroll down to the “Wi-Fi Mac Address” field and find the address there.
PlayStation 3,4, And 5
- Open “Menu” from the home screen.
- Tap open the “Settings” section.
- Select “Systems.”
- Click on the “System Information” and view the device’s Mac Address listed below.
Nintendo Switch
- Open the “Menu.”
- Click on the “System Settings” option.
- Tap open “Internet Settings.”
- Open “Other Information.”
- Select “Confirm Mac Address” to view the Mac Address.
Conclusion
Mac Addresses are a significant aspect of every device for an effective and hassle-free networking experience. They give devices unique and distinctive identification from billions of globally connected devices. Moreover, they make browsing more secure by restricting connections to devices with unauthorized Mac addresses, along with making the troubleshooting journey easy and quick for users.
