How to find IP and MAC address?

Every device connecting to a network has two crucial identifiers: an IP address and a MAC address. These addresses help in device identification, data transmission, and network troubleshooting. Whether you’re a network administrator or a casual user, knowing how to find these addresses can be useful. This guide will take you through the process on various platforms.

Understanding IP and MAC Addresses

The IP address (Internet Protocol address) is a numerical label assigned to a device that connects to a network. It can be dynamic (changing over time) or static (fixed). The MAC (Media Access Control) address, however, is a unique hardware identifier assigned to a network interface card (NIC) of a device and does not change.

How to Find Your IP and MAC Address

Windows Computers

1. Using Command Prompt:
   • Press Win + R, type cmd, and press Enter.
   • Type ipconfig /all and press Enter.
   • Look for “IPv4 Address” to find your IP address.
   • Your MAC address is labeled as “Physical Address“.
2. Using Settings:
   • Go to Settings > Network & Internet.
   • Select your connection type (Wi-Fi or Ethernet).
   • Scroll down to find the IP and MAC addresses.

Mac Computers

1. Using Terminal:
   • Open the Terminal application.
   • Type ifconfig and press Enter.
   • Look for “inet” next to the active network adapter for your IP address.
   • Your MAC address appears next to “ether“.
2. Using System Preferences:
   • Go to System Preferences > Network.
   • Select your active connection and click Advanced.
   • Your MAC address appears under the “Hardware” tab.

Linux Computers

1. Using Terminal:
   • Press Ctrl + Alt + T to open the terminal.
   • Type ip a and press Enter.
   • The IP address is listed under “inet“.
   • The MAC address appears under “link/ether“.

Finding IP and MAC Addresses on Mobile Devices

Android Devices

• Open Settings and go to About phone or About device.
• Select Status or Network information.
• Your IP and MAC addresses will be displayed there.

iOS Devices

• Go to Settings > Wi-Fi.
• Tap on the currently connected network.
• Scroll down to see your IP and MAC addresses.

Why Do You Need to Know These Addresses?

Understanding your IP and MAC addresses can be beneficial for various reasons, including:

• Network troubleshooting: If you encounter connection issues, checking these addresses can help diagnose the problem.
• Security purposes: Knowing your MAC address can help you set up MAC filtering on routers for additional security.
• Remote access: IP addresses are essential for remote connections and setting up networks.
• Restricting unauthorized access: Monitoring MAC addresses can help identify and block unknown devices on your network.

Conclusion

Finding your IP and MAC addresses is simple and can be done on all major devices with a few steps. Whether you’re troubleshooting a network, setting up security protocols, or just curious, this knowledge can be incredibly useful. Next time you’re dealing with network-related issues, use the above methods to locate your device’s unique addresses quickly.