MAC Address Lookup

A MAC (Media Access Control) address is a unique identifier assigned to network interface controllers (NICs) for use as a network address. Every network device - computers, phones, routers, IoT devices - has a unique MAC address.

MAC Address Structure

A MAC address is a 48-bit (6 bytes) identifier, typically displayed as 12 hexadecimal digits:

• First 3 bytes (OUI): Organizationally Unique Identifier - identifies the manufacturer
• Last 3 bytes (NIC): Network Interface Controller specific - unique to the device

Common Formats

• 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E - Colon separated (Unix/Linux)
• 00-1A-2B-3C-4D-5E - Hyphen separated (Windows)
• 001A.2B3C.4D5E - Dot separated (Cisco)
• 001A2B3C4D5E - No separator

OUI Database

The IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) maintains a public database of OUI assignments. This tool uses the OUI prefix to identify the device manufacturer.

Finding Your MAC Address

Windows:

ipconfig /all - Look for "Physical Address"

macOS / Linux:

ifconfig or ip link - Look for "ether" or "HWaddr"

iOS:

Settings → General → About → Wi-Fi Address

Android:

Settings → About Phone → Status → Wi-Fi MAC Address

Privacy Note

Many modern devices use MAC address randomization for privacy. This means the MAC address shown when scanning for networks may be randomized and won't match the device's actual hardware MAC.