Technology
Finding the MAC Address for Common Devices
Last modified 7/20/2026
Your device's MAC address must be obtained from the device you wish to register on the ISU wired or wireless network.
Before You Begin
To connect your computer, game console, or smart TV to ISU's network, the device must be registered in the ResNet Device Registration Portal:
Each device must be registered using its unique MAC address.
MAC addresses may appear in one of the following formats:
- XX:XX:XX:XX:XX:XX
- XX-XX-XX-XX-XX-XX
- XXXXXXXXXXXX
Enter the MAC address exactly as it appears on your device unless otherwise specified by the registration portal.
Important
Gaming consoles and smart TVs with Ethernet ports should be connected to the wired network using an Ethernet cable whenever possible. A wired connection typically provides lower latency, faster speeds, and better multiplayer compatibility. When registering a wired device, use the wired MAC address (LAN MAC) rather than the wireless MAC address.
If your device is not listed below, consult the manufacturer's documentation or support website.
Quick Reference
| Device | Location |
|---|---|
| Windows | Settings → Network & Internet |
| macOS | System Settings → Network |
| Xbox | Settings → Network → Advanced Settings |
| PlayStation | Settings → Network / System Information |
| Nintendo Switch | Settings → Internet |
| Roku | Settings → System → About |
| Apple TV | Settings → Network |
Find Your Device's MAC Address
- Computers
Computers
Windows
Method 1: Settings (Windows 10/11)
- Open Start → Settings.
- Select Network & Internet.
- Select Advanced network settings.
- Select Hardware and connection properties.
- Locate the Physical Address (MAC).
Method 2: Command Prompt
- Press the Windows key.
- Type cmd and press Enter.
- In the Command Prompt window, type: ipconfig /all
- Press Enter.
- Locate the Wireless LAN adapter Wi-Fi section.
- The Physical Address is your wireless MAC address.
macOS
- Open System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS versions).
- Select Network.
- Choose Ethernet or Wi-Fi, depending on the connection you are using.
- Select Advanced.
- Open the Hardware tab.
- Record the displayed MAC address.
- Gaming Consoles
Gaming Consoles
Xbox
Xbox One
First-Time Setup
- Complete the initial setup until you reach the network connection screen.
- Attempt to connect to ISUNet-StartHere. The connection will fail. This is expected.
- Select Fix It and allow the troubleshooter to complete.
- Both the wired and wireless MAC addresses will be displayed.
Previously Configured Console
- Navigate to Settings → Network → Advanced Settings.
- Both the Wired MAC and Wireless MAC addresses will be displayed.
Xbox Series X/S
- Press the Xbox button on your controller.
- Navigate to Profile & System → Settings → General → Network Settings.
- Select Advanced Settings.
- Record the displayed MAC address.
PlayStation
PlayStation 4
- Navigate to Settings → System → System Information.
- The MAC Address (LAN Cable) is your wired MAC address.
PlayStation 5
- Open Settings.
- Select Network.
- Select View Connection Status.
- Record the displayed MAC address(es).
PlayStation Vita
- Navigate to Settings → Start → System.
- Your MAC address is displayed on the System Information screen.
Nintendo
Nintendo 3DS
- Navigate to System Settings → Internet Settings → Other Information.
- Select Confirm MAC Address.
Nintendo Wii and Wii U
Nintendo consoles do not include a built-in Ethernet port and require a USB Ethernet adapter for wired connectivity.
If you are using a USB Ethernet adapter, you must register the adapter's MAC address.
You can choose between the official Nintendo Wii USB LAN adapter and a third-party adapter. If you purchase an official Nintendo LAN adapter, it may automatically connect to ResNet when you plug it in. We recommend trying to connect your official Nintendo LAN adapter yourself to see if you can get a working connection. Be sure to switch your connection type to Wired under the Connection Settings menu. If you are unable to establish a working network connection or are using a third-party Ethernet adapter, you must determine the MAC address of the USB LAN adapter to register it in the Device Registration portal.
Nintendo Wii
- Select the Wii button from the main menu.
- Navigate to Wii Settings → Internet → Console Information.
- Locate the Adapter MAC Address.
- If you are using a third-party Ethernet adapter, the MAC address may display as all zeros. If this occurs, follow the directions below in the section labeled "My MAC address is 00:00:00:00:00:00".
Nintendo Wii U
- Navigate to System Settings → Internet.
- Select View MAC Address.
- Record the displayed MAC address.
- If you are using a third-party Ethernet adapter, the MAC address may display as all zeros. If this occurs, follow the directions below in the section labeled "My MAC address is 00:00:00:00:00:00".
Nintendo Switch
- Navigate to System Settings → Internet.
- Locate System MAC Address.
- Streaming Devices
Streaming Devices
Apple TV
Existing Apple TV
- Navigate to Settings → About or Network.
- Locate the MAC address listed beside Wi-Fi Address.
- Alternatively, you may find the MAC address printed on the UPC label on the Apple TV box.
New Apple TV Setup
- Connect the Apple TV to power.
- Follow the setup until prompted to connect to a network.
- Select ISUNet-StartHere. The connection will fail. The wireless MAC address will be displayed.
Wired Connection (Ethernet)
4th Generation / Apple TV 4K
- Connect the Apple TV to Ethernet.
- Navigate to Settings → Network.
- Record the MAC address.
2nd and 3rd Generation
- Connect the Apple TV to Ethernet.
- Navigate to Settings → General → Network.
- Record the MAC address.
Roku
Roku Player
- Navigate to Settings → System → About.
- Locate the Wireless MAC Address.
Roku Stick
- Press Home five times.
- Press Fast Forward three times.
- Press Rewind two times.
- Record the displayed wireless MAC address.
Chromecast
- Open the Google Home app on your phone.
- Connect to your Chromecast using Bluetooth.
- Complete the initial setup steps.
- At the Choose Your Wi-Fi Network screen, select the three dots menu.
- Select Show MAC Address.
Amazon Fire TV
- Connect the Fire TV device to your television.
First-Time Setup
- The wireless MAC address is displayed on the network selection screen.
Previously Configured Device
- Navigate to Settings → My Fire TV → About → Network.
- Record the displayed wired or wireless MAC address.
- Smart Home Devices
Smart Home Devices
Amazon Echo
- Install and open the Amazon Alexa app.
- Sign in with your Amazon account.
- Connect to the temporary network broadcast by the Echo.
- The wireless MAC address appears at the bottom of the setup screen.
For additional assistance, visit Amazon's support website.
Google Home / Google Home Mini
- Plug in the device.
- Open the Google Home app.
- Select the device and choose Set Up.
- Allow your phone or tablet to connect to the device.
- Continue through the setup process.
- The wireless MAC address will be displayed during setup.
My USB Ethernet Adapter MAC Address Is 00:00:00:00:00:00
If your USB Ethernet adapter displays a MAC address of 00:00:00:00:00:00, the address is invalid and cannot be registered.
Find the Adapter MAC Address Using Windows
- Connect the USB Ethernet adapter to your Windows computer.
- Allow all drivers to install.
- Open Command Prompt.
- Enter: ipconfig /all
- Locate the USB Ethernet Adapter.
- Record the displayed Physical Address.
Alternate Method
Connect the Nintendo Wii, Wii U, or USB Ethernet adapter to a non-ResNet Ethernet connection. Once connected, access the console's network settings and record the actual MAC address displayed by the system.
How to Get Help
Technical assistance is available through the Illinois State University Technology Support Center at:
- Phone: (309) 438-4357
- Email: SupportCenter@IllinoisState.edu
- Submit a Request via Web Form: Get IT Help Form
- Live Chat: IT Help Live Chat
Feedback
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