How to Find MAC Address on iPhone (iOS) and Android Devices

Plus, how to easily change it

Knowing the MAC addresses of devices connected to your network can help you manage the network, improve its connection speed, and prevent unauthorized access. If the term “MAC address” sounds strange or new to you, 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 address of a PC or Mac.

What you’ll learn in this guide are the different methods to find the MAC address of iOS (iPhone & iPad) and Android-powered devices. As a plus, we’ll also show you how to change your device’s MAC address 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’s hardware while the “Randomized” address is generated by 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 address when connecting to a new network.

Android (version 10 or newer) uses a “MAC Address Randomization” technology to assign new MAC addresses for every Wi-Fi network you join. On iOS (version 14 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.

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

Finding an iPhone’s MAC Address

iOS doesn’t adopt the MAC address name or label. What you’ll find on your iPhone and iPad is a “Wi-Fi Address.” But not to worry, they both mean the same thing.

To check the static MAC address assigned to your iPhone by Apple, go toSettings>General>Aboutand check theWi-Fi Addressrow.

You can find the private MAC address from the Wi-Fi settings menu or your router’s iOS app.

The fastest route to get your iPhone’s randomized MAC address is from the Wi-Fi Settings menu. Open theSettingsapp, selectWi-Fi, and tap theInfoicon next to the active Wi-Fi network.

You’ll find your iPhone’s randomized MAC address in theWi-Fi Addressrow.

If your Wi-Fi router has a dedicated mobile app, you should be able to check your iPhone’s 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 brand or model, as well as the router app’s interface, you’ll find the randomized or static MAC address of connected devices in any of these sections: Device Management, Network Management, WLAN management, Device Information, etc.

Can’t find your device’s MAC address in any of these sections? Refer to the router’s instruction manual or contact the app developers.

Finding Android MAC Address

Compared to iOS, Android offers more options to check MAC addresses. You’ll find your device’s permanent (static) MAC address inSettings>About phone>Wi-Fi MAC Address.

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

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

  1. Open theNetwork & Internetmenu, and selectWi-Fi.

  2. Select the active Wi-Fi network or tap thegear iconnext to the network’s name.

  3. Expand theAdvancedsection.

  4. Scroll to theNetwork Detailssection to see your device’s randomized MAC address. You’ll also find other relevant network-related info like IP address, DNS server, etc.

Quick Tip:You can easily copy your device’s MAC address by long-pressing the MAC address and tappingCopy.

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

Fingis a popular and free network analyzer that’s available on the Google Play Store. Install Fing on your device, head to theDevicestab, select your Android device, and scroll to theNetwork detailssection to check the device’s MAC address.

Network Analyzeris another reliable Wi-Fi scanning app we recommend. It’s free with a straightforward interface that displays detailed information about your Wi-Fi network and connected devices. Install and launch the app, scroll to theWi-Fi Detailssection to see your device’s MAC address. Tap the MAC address to copy it to your device’s clipboard.

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

Disable Randomized and Private MAC Address

If you want your device to use the same MAC address across all Wi-Fi networks, disabling MAC address randomization will get the job done.

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

Tap thegear iconnext to the active Wi-Fi network, expand theAdvanceddrop-down menu, and tap thePrivacyoption.

SelectUse device MACto disable MAC address randomization.

Android will end the connection but automatically rejoin the Wi-Fi network in about 3-5 seconds.

For iOS, head to the Wi-Fi settings menu (Settings>Wi-Fi), tap the active Wi-Fi network, and toggle off thePrivate Addressoption.

How to Change MAC Address on iOS and Android

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

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

Alternatively, tap thegear iconnext to the network and tap theForgeticon.

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

iOS and MAC Address Restriction

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

This restriction commenced with the introduction of iOS 11. Drop any questions regarding viewing and accessing MAC addresses on Android and iOS below. We’ll try to answer your questions in the best way possible.

Sodiq has written thousands of tutorials, guides, and explainers over the past 4 years to help people solve problems with Android, iOS, Mac, and Windows devices. He also enjoys reviewing consumer tech products (smartphones, smart home devices, accessories, etc.) and binge-watching comedy series in his spare time.Read Sodiq’s Full Bio

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