What is a MAC address and how can you find yours?

A MAC address is a unique 12-digit number given to a device that connects to a network, like a phone, laptop, or router. It helps the network know exactly which device is which, so data gets sent to the right place.

Every device that can connect to the internet or another network comes with a MAC address built into its hardware, usually in the network card. This address is made up of 12 letters and numbers, and it usually looks something like 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E. No two devices have the same MAC address, so it's a good way to identify devices if you’re unsure which is which.

When you connect to WiFi, your device sends its MAC address to the router. The router then uses this information to keep track of your device and send data to it.

MAC addresses help devices communicate on a network. When you connect your phone, laptop, or any other device to the internet, your device uses its MAC address to identify itself. It’s like a name tag that lets the network know who is who. This is important because, on a network with many devices, each one needs a unique ID, so data gets sent to the right place.

MAC addresses are also used for network security. Some Wi-Fi networks only allow devices with approved MAC addresses to connect, which helps protect the network from unauthorized users. You can also block certain MAC addresses if you don’t want specific devices using your internet.

MAC addresses are helpful for tracking and managing devices. For example, network administrators in schools or offices can use MAC addresses to monitor which devices

If you ever need to check your device’s MAC address, whether it be for setting up a secure network, troubleshooting, or managing your device, you can usully fins It in the network or WiFi settings of the device you’re using.

Here’s a breakdown of how to find you MAC address on a range of devices:

Each device may show slightly different names for these settings, but they all have a way to view the MAC address. Just remember: it’s a set of numbers and letters, often separated by colons (like 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E), and it’s unique to your device.

Most of the time, you don’t need to think about your MAC address, but there are certain situations where knowing your MAC address can be very useful.

Here are some common scenarios when you might need it:

1. Connecting to a Secure Network

Some networks only allow certain devices to join. This is common in schools, workplaces, or homes with strict security settings. Instead of using a password alone, the network checks your MAC address to see if your device is on the "allowed" list. If your device isn’t listed, it will be blocked even if you know the password. In this case, you’ll need to find your MAC address and give it to the person managing the network so they can add it. This helps keep the network safe from unknown or unwanted devices.

2. Setting Up Parental Controls

If you’re a parent or guardian, you might want to control how and when your kids use the internet. Many modern routers let you block internet access or set time limits for specific devices — but to do that, you need to know each device’s MAC address. For example, you can find your child’s tablet MAC address and tell the router to block it after 9 PM, making it an easy way to manage screen time without having to physically take the device away.

Don’t forget, all Virgin Media routers come with Essential Security at no extra cost, which let you manage your children’s activity online and block sites that you consider inappropriate for your children. You can manage this in the Account Settings section of My Virgin Media.

Read our guide to setting up Essential Security to find out more.

3. Troubleshooting Internet Problems

Sometimes your device won’t connect to WiFi, or it connects but still won’t load anything. If you call customer support or ask someone to help, they might ask for your MAC address. This helps them identify your device on the network so they can check for any issues — like whether the router is blocking it, or if it’s getting the wrong settings. Having the MAC address ready can make solving the problem faster and easier.

4. Finding a Lost Device on the Network

If you’re not sure what devices are connected to your home Wi-Fi — maybe because the internet is slow you can log into your router and check the list of connected MAC addresses. Each one belongs to a specific device. If you’ve written down the MAC addresses of your devices, you can figure out which ones are yours and spot anything that shouldn’t be there. It’s also useful if you’ve misplaced a device in the house and want to see if it’s still connected.

5. Preventing Unauthorised Access

If you notice a stranger is using your WiFi (maybe someone nearby guessed your password), you can stop them by using their MAC address. Once you find the unknown device’s MAC address on the router’s connected devices list, you can block it directly. Most routers have a “MAC filtering” feature that lets you block or allow specific MAC addresses. This is a good way to lock down your WiFi and make sure only trusted devices can use it.

While MAC addresses aren’t a complete security solution by themselves, they are a useful tool in keeping your home network secure, organised, and under your control.Since every device has a unique MAC address, you can use it to allow only trusted devices on your WiFi. This makes it much harder for strangers or unwanted users to sneak onto your network, even if they somehow guess your WiFi password.

You can also use MAC addresses to block specific devices. For example, if someone is using your Wi-Fi without permission, you can find their MAC address and add it to your router’s block list. This stops their device from connecting again, which protects your internet and keeps your personal data safer. You can set rules for specific MAC too addresses — like turning off internet access at bedtime for your child’s device. This helps you manage how and when certain devices are used, keeping your household’s internet use safer and more balanced.

Essential Security by Virgin Media helps keep you and your family safe online by protecting any device that’s connected to your broadband network. It does this by blocking access to sites it believes are unsuitable for children, fraudulent or that contains viruses.

The best bit? Because it’s built into your home WiFi network, you get it at no extra cost and without having lifted a finger. Essential Security is designed to give you peace of mind when browsing online by protecting you and your devices from petty scams and persistent hackers. And if there are any nasties already on your devices, it will ensure none of your data is shared with anyone outside of your network – so long as you’re connected. 

Read out full guide on Essential Security to learn more about our online security features and how to enable them if you’re already with us.

Not a with us yet? Check out all of our broadband deals and get Essential Security at no extra cost with all of our packages.