The router recognizes this MAC address and assigns a private IP address to your laptop. When your laptop is connected to a router, it presents its MAC address. If you change your router, your laptop’s IP address will change, but the MAC address will remain the same. The difference between a MAC address and an IP address is that the IP address changes depending on the network it is connected to. An IP address also identifies your computer (or any other device) when connected to a certain network. We cannot talk about MAC address without mentioning IP address. There are no other two devices in the world with the same MAC address.Ī MAC address has 12 characters and looks something like this. The MAC address for en0 will likely be labelled as "ether".MAC address is permanent and less subject to change, but it can be changed (if you want to know how you can change it click here).
To find the MAC on a macOS, choose one of the options below. Here’s how to find your Mac’s MAC address for a network interface: From the Apple menu, select System Preferences.
To find the MAC on a Windows 10 laptop, choose one of the options below. You will see the “ Physical Address” listed – this is your MAC address.
To find the MAC on a Windows 7 laptop, choose one of the options below.
It is a 12 digit string which will include numbers and letters. On mobile devices it can also be referred to as Wi-Fi Address. Your device unique identifier is called a MAC address. How do I find the MAC address on my mobile device?