Skip to main content
Cisco Meraki Documentation

Finding the MAC Address of Windows or Mac Computer

 

Many times it is helpful to obtain the MAC address (Physical Address) of a client computer.  Applicable cases may be to  troubleshoot a specific device's connection or to add a device to an allow list of block list.

Below are the processes used to locate the MAC address of a Windows or Mac computer:

Windows XP

  1. Open a Command Prompt
    1. Method 1: 
      1. Press the Windows key + “R” to open the run command
      2. Type “cmd” in the Run command window in the box labeled “Open:” This will open the Command Prompt.
    2. Method 2:
      1. Press Start → Programs → Accessories → Command Prompt
  2. Type “ipconfig /all” at the command line and then hit enter.  i.e.       C:\Users\administrator>ipconfig /all
  3. You should see a listing of information about all of your network cards. Look for the section named “Wireless LAN adapter…” in the output text. The MAC address is the string of numbers and letters to the right of the section “Physical Address”
  4. i.e. Physical Address . . . . . . 58-94-6B-AA-16-34

Windows Vista / 7 / 8

 

  1. Open a Command Prompt
    1. Method 1: 
      1. Press the Windows key + “R” to open the run command
      2. Type “cmd” in the Run command window in the box labeled “Open:” This will open the Command Prompt.
    2. Method 2:
      1. Press Start → All Programs → Accessories → Command Prompt
  2. Type “ipconfig /all” at the command line and then hit enter.  i.e.       C:\Users\administrator>ipconfig /all
  3. You should see a listing of information about all of your network cards. Look for the section named “Wireless LAN adapter…” in the output text. The MAC address is the string of numbers and letters to the right of the section “Physical Address”   i.e. Physical Address . . . . . . 58-94-6B-AA-16-34

 

Mac OS X (10.6)

 

  1. Open the System Preferences
    1. Click on the Apple icon in the top left and select System Preferences
  2. Select “Network”
  3. Select “AirPort” from the list of adapters on the left
  4. Push the “Advanced” button
  5. The MAC address will be labeled as “AirPort ID:”
    1. i.e. AirPort ID: d8:a2:5e:92:8b:53

Following the above steps will locate the MAC address of a Windows or MAC computer.

  • Was this article helpful?