Media Access Control (MAC) Address
A Media Access Control (MAC) address, sometimes referred to as a hardware or physical address, is a unique, 12-character alphanumeric attribute that is used to identify individual electronic devices on a network. An example of a MAC address is: 00-B0-D0-63-C2-26.
You will need a MAC address to register devices that cannot connect normally to the Eduroam network. Your device needs to be registered if it connects wirelessly to brandeis_open, or is a faculty/staff device that needs to connect via ethernet (wired connection).
Brandeis ITS also uses MAC addresses to troubleshoot connection issues.
Select your platform below to view instructions to find your MAC Address
Desktop/Laptop Devices
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- Click Windows Start or press the Windows key.
- In the search box, type cmd
- Press the Enter key. A command window displays.
- Type ipconfig /all
- Press Enter — A list of connection types will show up with their corresponding MAC addresses.
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Select Apple menu (top-left) and click one of the following:
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macOS Ventura - System Settings
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macOS Monterey & older macOS - System Preferences
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Click Network.
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Click the desired network and then:
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macOS Ventura - click Details
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macOS Monterey & older macOS - click Advanced
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Click Hardware
The MAC address is listed below.
- Open a terminal or console window.
- Type ifconfig
- The MAC address is listed as HWaddr.
- Sign in to your Chromebook.
- Click the Time (bottom right).
- Click Network (left).
- Click the network you would like to view the MAC address for.
- The MAC address is listed below.
Mobile/Smart Phone Devices
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- Tap Settings > General > About.
- Scroll down to Wi-Fi Address.
- This is your device’s MAC address.
- Select Settings > About Device > Status.
- A WiFi Address or WiFi MAC Address displays. This is your device’s MAC address.
- Note: Field names may vary depending on your phone's manufacturer.
Tablet Devices
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- Tap Settings > General > About. The MAC address appears in the Wi-Fi Address field.
- Select Settings > About Device > Status.
- A WiFi Address or WiFi MAC Address displays. This is your device’s MAC address.
- Note: Field names may vary depending on your phone's manufacturer.
- Tap Settings from the home screen.
- Tap More > Device. The MAC address appears in the WiFi MAC Address field.
- Tap the Menu button on the home screen.
- Tap Settings.
- Tap the Menu button.
- Tap Device Info. The MAC address appears in the WiFi MAC Address field.
Streaming Devices
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- Select Menu from the Home screen.
- Select Settings > Device Info. The address appears in the Wi-Fi MAC Address field.
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Select Settings > About. The address will be listed Ethernet ID (wired connection) and Wireless ID (wireless connection).
- Select Settings > Device > Network > [Select Connected Network] > Status to view the MAC address.
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Select Settings > Network and then locate the Wireless MAC Address.
- Select Settings and [Select Connected Network] > and locate the Wireless MAC Address
- Note: Instructions may vary by make and model. Consult your device’s manufacturer for specific instructions.
Chromecast devices will not work on the Brandeis Network. Google devices need to connect to the same WiFi network as your smartphone, which is not possible on Brandeis networks.
Digital Assistants
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- Download and install the Amazon Alexa app on your phone or computer.
- Log in with an Amazon Account.
- When prompted, connect to the Echo device Wi-Fi.
- The MAC address will be listed under Echo Setup (bottom).
- Open the Home app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Tap the HomePod. For stereo-paired HomePod speakers, scroll down and tap Speakers, then touch and hold the individual HomePod.
- Scroll down to find your Wi-Fi Address at the bottom.
Google Home devices will not work on the Brandeis Network. Google devices need to connect to the same WiFi network as your smartphone, which is not possible on Brandeis networks.
Playstation Devices
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- From the home screen, select Settings (gear icon) > System.
- Select System Software > Console Information to display the MAC address.
- The Playstation 5 can only connect to the Brandeis Wireless network, you will need the WiFi Mac Address to register the device to the Brandeis Network.
- Select the Menu and then select Settings.
- Select System > System Information to display the MAC address.
- The Playstation 4 can only connect to the Brandeis Wireless network, you will need the WiFi Mac Address to register the device to the Brandeis Network.
- Select the Menu and then select Settings.
- Select System Settings > System Information to display the MAC address.
- The Playstation 3 can only connect to the Brandeis Wireless network, you will need the WiFi Mac Address to register the device to the Brandeis Network.
- From the home screen, tap Settings.
- Tap Start.
- Scroll up and tap the System option.
- Tap System Information.
- Your MAC address will be displayed on screen
- Turn on the PSP without a game in the system.
- Press the Home button.
- Press Settings.
- Press System Settings.
- Press System Information.
- Your MAC address will be displayed.
Xbox Devices
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- Press the Xbox button on your controller to open the guide.
- Select Profile & system > Settings.
- Select General > Network settings.
- Select Advanced settings > IP Settings to display the MAC address.
- The Xbox Series X and Series S can only connect to the Brandeis Wireless network, you will need the WiFi Mac Address to register the device to the Brandeis Network.
- Select the Settings tile.
- Select the Network tile.
- Select Advanced Settings to display the MAC address.
- The Xbox One can only connect to the Brandeis Wireless network, you will need the WiFi Mac Address to register the device to the Brandeis Network.
- From the Xbox Dashboard, select System > Network Settings.
- Select Edit Settings.
- Select the Additional Settings tab.
- Select the Advanced Settings section to display the MAC address (bottom).
- The Xbox 360 can only connect to the Brandeis Wireless network, you will need the WiFi Mac Address to register the device to the Brandeis Network.
Nintendo Devices
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- Select the Menu and then select System Settings.
- Select Internet Settings.
- Select Other Information, and then select Confirm MAC Address to display the MAC address.
- The Nintendo Switch can only connect to the Brandeis Wireless network, you will need the WiFi Mac Address to register the device to the Brandeis Network.
- Select the Wii U menu and then select System Settings.
- Select Internet.
- Select View MAC Address to display the MAC address
- The Nintendo Wii U can only connect to the Brandeis Wireless network, you will need the WiFi Mac Address to register the device to the Brandeis Network.
- Select System Settings > Internet Settings > Other Information.
- Select Confirm MAC Address to display the MAC address.
- The Nintendo 3DS family of products can only connect to the Brandeis Wireless network, you will need the WiFi Mac Address to register the device to the Brandeis Network.
The Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection service, which provides certain online functionality for many Wii, Nintendo DS, and Nintendo DSi software titles, was discontinued on May 20, 2014. These devices cannot connect to Brandeis WiFi but can still play titles offline.
For more information about this from Nintendo, click here.
Valve Devices
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- Select Internet > Other Network and locate the Wireless MAC address at the bottom of the page.
- In Gaming mode, select Internet > Info and locate the Wireless MAC address at the bottom of the page.
- The Steam Deck can connect to eduroam and does not need to be registered to access the Brandeis network.