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Every mobile phones and computer have its own Media Access Control address (MAC address). It is like a unique identification number that helps in distinguishing devices on a network. MAC address is different for each device, and it can be used to track individual devices. When you connect to a network, you need to provide your MAC address to allow the network router to connect you. In this article, we will discuss how to find MAC address on mobile phones.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Find the MAC Address of Your Phone
Knowing your phone’s MAC address is crucial for several reasons. Some of them are:
- Network Security: Network administrators use MAC addresses to provide secure access to the network. In some cases, their access is restricted only to a particular device’s MAC address, which you will need to know.
- Registering a Device: Some internet service providers need MAC addresses to register a device for internet access. You need to provide a MAC address to connect your phone to the internet if your ISP uses this form of verification.
- Device Tracking: In case your phone gets lost, you can use your MAC address to track it down. Since mobile service providers keep track of your device connected to their network, they can easily match the MAC address to find your phone’s location.
Method 1: Using Phone’s Settings
This method is easy to use. You need to follow these steps:
- Go to the Settings app on your phone.
- Select "About Device".
- Click on "Status" or "Hardware Information".
- Scroll down the page until you see "Wi-Fi MAC address".
- The MAC address would be displayed beside the Wi-Fi MAC address.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- It doesn’t require any technical expertise
Cons:
- Not helpful if the phone has no interface to allow you to access the settings app.
Method 2: Via Command Prompt
This method is for tech-savvy users. You need to follow these steps:
- Go to your phone’s dialer and type "*#06#".
- Press Dial. Your phone will display your IMEI number.
- Write down the number on a piece of paper or take a screenshot.
- Use a tool like the MAC Address Generator to convert your IMEI number to a MAC address number.
- The tool will return your phone’s MAC address.
Pros:
- You can quickly get your MAC address without necessarily digging into your phone’s settings.
Cons:
- You need technical knowledge to find a MAC address using Command Prompt.
- It is easy to get the wrong MAC address if the IMEI and MAC addresses are not linked correctly.
Method 3: Using Third-Party Apps
There are several apps on the Google Play Store that can be used to find the MAC address on your phone. Some of these apps are:
- Wi-Fi Analyzer
- Network Analyzer
- Fing – Network Tools
- IP Tools
- Zanti
You can download any of these apps and follow the on-screen instructions to find your phone’s MAC address.
Pros:
- It is easy to use
Cons:
- You need to download a third-party app, which could be risky in some cases.
- Some apps are not free, and you might need to pay before accessing some features.
What to Do If You Can’t Find the MAC Address of Your Phone
If you can’t find your phone’s MAC address using the above methods, here are a few possible issues:
- No Wi-Fi Connection: Some phones only display their MAC address when they are connected to a Wi-Fi network. So make sure you have connected to Wi-Fi before trying again.
- Damaged Phone: In some cases, the phone’s software might be damaged, and the MAC address won’t show properly. You can visit an authorized repair center to fix the issue.
- Old Phone: If your phone is old, it might not display the MAC address in the settings.
Bonus Tip
Always copy your MAC address to a safe place or note it down somewhere. It is easier to trace your device’s location when you have your MAC address.
5 FAQs
Q: What is a MAC address?
A: A MAC address is a unique address that helps distinguish a device from other devices on a network.
Q: What does MAC stand for?
A: MAC stands for Media Access Control.
Q: Can I change my phone’s MAC address?
A: Yes, but it requires you to have a rooted phone and requires technical knowledge. It is also illegal in some countries to change your MAC address.
Q: Why do I need to find my phone’s MAC address?
A: Knowing your phone’s MAC address is useful in several ways such as connecting to a Wi-Fi network and tracking a lost device.
Q: Is it safe to download third-party applications to find my phone’s MAC address?
A: It is generally safe if you download apps from reputable developers or the Google Play Store, but always read the reviews before downloading any app.
Final Thoughts
A MAC address is essential for connecting your phone to a network and tracking it if it gets lost. You can use any of the methods above to find your phone’s MAC address. If one method does not work, try another one, or contact your phone’s manufacturer for assistance.