Knowing the MAC addresses of devices continued to your network tin aid y'all manage the network, meliorate its connection speed, and foreclose unauthorized access. If the term "MAC address" sounds strange or new to y'all, go through this detailed guide explaining what a MAC address is, its significance, how it differs from other network identifiers, and how to find the MAC accost of a PC or Mac.

What you'll acquire in this guide are the unlike methods to find the MAC address of iOS (iPhone & iPad) and Android-powered devices. As a plus, we'll also bear witness you how to change your device'due south MAC accost easily.

Static Vs. Random MAC Addresses: All You Need to Know

Your device may have multiple MAC addresses: a "Static" and "Randomized" MAC address. The "Static" address is hardwired to the device'south hardware while the "Randomized" address is generated past your device's operating system to prevent network operators, ISPs, and websites from tracking your online activities.

A static MAC address is permanent, while randomized MAC addresses will differ for every network you join. By default, both iOS and Android will hide the permanent MAC address assigned to your device (by the manufacturer) and generate a random MAC accost when connecting to a new network.

Android (version 10 or newer) uses a "MAC Address Randomization" applied science to assign new MAC addresses for every Wi-Fi network you join. On iOS (version xiv or newer), the feature is known as "Private Wi-Fi Address." Using different MAC addresses on various networks makes it more difficult for network providers to track you lot.

Below, we'll dig deeper into why phone manufacturers randomize MAC addresses. Only for now, let's show you how to cheque your device'southward static and randomized MAC address.

Finding an iPhone'southward MAC Address

iOS doesn't prefer the MAC address name or characterization. What you'll find on your iPhone and iPad is a "Wi-Fi Address." But not to worry, they both mean the same affair.

To bank check the static MAC address assigned to your iPhone by Apple, get to Settings > General > Nearly and check the Wi-Fi Address row.

Y'all can notice the individual MAC address from the Wi-Fi settings carte du jour or your router's iOS app.

Cheque the iOS Wi-Fi Settings Menu

The fastest route to get your iPhone'southward randomized MAC accost is from the Wi-Fi Settings carte. Open up the Settings app, select Wi-Fi, and tap the Info icon adjacent to the agile Wi-Fi network.

You'll find your iPhone's randomized MAC accost in the Wi-Fi Address row.

Check Your Router App

If your Wi-Fi router has a dedicated mobile app, you should be able to bank check your iPhone'southward randomized MAC address via the app. Connect your iPhone to the Wi-Fi network and launch your router's iOS app.

Depending on your router's make or model, equally well as the router app's interface, you'll detect the randomized or static MAC address of connected devices in any of these sections: Device Direction, Network Management, WLAN management, Device Information, etc.

Tin't find your device'due south MAC address in any of these sections? Refer to the router's instruction transmission or contact the app developers.

Finding Android MAC Accost

Compared to iOS, Android offers more options to check MAC addresses. You'll detect your device'southward permanent (static) MAC address in Settings > Nearly phone > Wi-Fi MAC Address.

Alternatively, check the network settings card or use third-political party network applications.

Check the Android Network Settings Menu

Connect your telephone to a Wi-Fi network, launch the Android Settings app and follow the steps below.

1. Open the Network & Internet menu, and select Wi-Fi.

ii. Select the agile Wi-Fi network or tap the gear icon next to the network's name.

3. Expand the Advanced section.

iv. Scroll to the Network Details section to see your device's randomized MAC accost. You'll also find other relevant network-related info like IP accost, DNS server, etc.

Quick Tip: You can hands copy your device'southward MAC accost by long-pressing the MAC accost and tapping Copy.

Use Third-Party Wi-Fi Analyzers

Wi-Fi analyzers (also called Wi-Fi scanners) are robust network tools that provide thorough information virtually the status and performance of your Wi-Fi network. With a Wi-Fi analyzer app, yous can view your router'due south signal strength, monitor net usage, check upload and download speed, view your device's MAC randomized address, etc. Some Wi-Fi scanners can fifty-fifty help diagnose and troubleshoot connectivity issues.

Fing is a popular and gratis network analyzer that's available on the Google Play Store. Install Fing on your device, head to the Devices tab, select your Android device, and scroll to the Network details section to check the device'due south MAC address.

Network Analyzer is another reliable Wi-Fi scanning app nosotros recommend. It's free with a straightforward interface that displays detailed information well-nigh your Wi-Fi network and connected devices. Install and launch the app, roll to the Wi-Fi Details section to see your device'due south MAC address. Tap the MAC address to copy information technology to your device's clipboard.

Want to try other apps with a skilful mix of functionality and usability? Refer to this compilation of the best Android Wi-Fi analyzer apps.

Disable Randomized and Private MAC Accost

If you want your device to use the same MAC address across all Wi-Fi networks, disabling MAC address randomization volition get the chore washed.

Turn Off MAC Address Randomization on Android

To disable MAC accost randomization on Android, join a Wi-Fi network, open the notification center, and long-press the Wi-Fi icon. Go along to the steps below to disabled randomized MAC addresses on your Android device.

Tap the gear icon side by side to the active Wi-Fi network, expand the Avant-garde drop-down menu, and tap the Privacy option.

Select Utilise device MAC to disable MAC address randomization.

Android will terminate the connectedness simply automatically rejoin the Wi-Fi network in about three-5 seconds.

Turn Off Private Wi-Fi Accost on iPhone

For iOS, head to the Wi-Fi settings menu (Settings > Wi-Fi), tap the agile Wi-Fi network, and toggle off the Individual Address option.

How to Modify MAC Address on iOS and Android

To change the randomized MAC address of your iOS or Android, all you demand to do is forget the Wi-Fi network on your device. When you lot rejoin the network, your device's operating system will generate a new private or randomized MAC address for that item network.

On your Android device, go to the Wi-Fi settings menu, long-press the network, and select Forget network.

Alternatively, tap the gear icon next to the network and tap the Forget icon.

To forget a Wi-Fi network on an iPhone, open the Wi-Fi settings menu, select the Wi-Fi network and tap Forget This Network.

iOS and MAC Address Brake

If you're wondering why we didn't list whatsoever app for iPhone, it's because Apple no longer allows third-political party apps to view or admission MAC addresses on iOS devices.

This restriction commenced with the introduction of iOS eleven. Drib whatever questions regarding viewing and accessing MAC addresses on Android and iOS below. We'll endeavor to reply your questions in the all-time way possible.