Overview
Certain devices (such as gaming consoles, smart TVs, streaming devices, and smart assistants) cannot authenticate through standard web browser login portals and must be manually registered on the Columbia College network (CougarNet). To register your device, you will need its unique Media Access Control (MAC) address. This guide provides step-by-step instructions to find the MAC address across computers, mobile devices, gaming consoles, streaming hardware, and smart home appliances.
Applies to: Faculty Staff Students
⚠ Important Note on "Private Wi-Fi Address" / MAC Randomization
Modern iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows devices often enable Private / Randomized MAC Addresses by default. If you register your device using a randomized MAC address, your network connection may drop when the address rotates. Ensure you view and record the Device / Physical MAC Address (or disable Private Address for CougarNet).
Step-by-Step Guide
Locate Your Device's MAC Address
1 Computers & Laptops (Windows, macOS, ChromeOS)
Windows 11 / 10:
●Right-click the Start button and select Terminal, PowerShell, or Command Prompt.
●Type getmac /v or ipconfig /all and press Enter.
●Locate your active adapter (Wi-Fi or Ethernet); the 12-character alphanumeric code listed as Physical Address is your MAC address.
Apple macOS (Ventura, Sonoma, Sequoia):
●Click the Apple Menu (&apple;) > System Settings > Network.
●Select Wi-Fi (or Ethernet), click Details... next to your connection, and select Hardware.
●Your MAC Address will be displayed at the top of the Hardware tab.
Chromebook (ChromeOS):
●Click the Time in the bottom-right tray, select Settings (gear icon), and click Network.
●Click Wi-Fi, select your active network, and expand Advanced to view the MAC address.
2 Mobile Phones & Tablets
Apple iOS / iPadOS (iPhone & iPad):
●Open Settings > General > About.
●Scroll down to Wi-Fi Address to view your device's physical MAC address.
Android Devices (Samsung, Google Pixel, Motorola):
●Open Settings > About Phone (or About Tablet).
●Tap Status information (or Hardware Information) and find Phone Wi-Fi MAC address.
3 Gaming Consoles
PlayStation 5 (PS5):
●Go to Settings (gear icon) > System > System Software > Console Information.
●Both the MAC Address (LAN) and MAC Address (Wi-Fi) will be listed.
Xbox Series X|S & Xbox One:
●Press the Xbox button on the controller and select Profile & system > Settings.
●Select General > Network settings > Advanced settings.
●Record either the Wireless MAC or Wired MAC depending on your intended connection.
Nintendo Switch (Standard, OLED, Lite):
●Select System Settings (gear icon) from the HOME Menu.
●Scroll down and select Internet; the console's System MAC Address will be displayed on the right pane.
4 Streaming Devices & Smart TVs
Roku Players & Roku TV:
●From the Home screen, navigate to Settings > System > About (or Settings > Network > About).
●The Wireless MAC address or Ethernet MAC address will be listed.
Amazon Fire TV Stick / Fire TV Cube / Fire Edition TV:
●Navigate to Settings > My Fire TV (or Device & Software) > About > Network.
●The MAC address will be shown on the right side of the screen.
Apple TV (4K / HD):
●Go to Settings > General > About.
●Look for Wi-Fi Address (or Ethernet Address).
Google Chromecast with Google TV:
●Select your profile icon in the top right > Settings > System > About > Status.
●View the Wi-Fi MAC address (or locate it within the Google Home mobile app under Device Settings).
Samsung & LG Smart TVs:
●Samsung: Go to Settings > Support > About This TV (or General > Network > Network Status).
●LG: Go to Settings > All Settings > Connection > Wi-Fi Connection > Advanced Wi-Fi Settings.
5 Smart Speakers & Voice Assistants
Amazon Echo / Dot / Show:
●Open the Amazon Alexa app on your mobile phone.
●Select Devices > Echo & Alexa, tap your device, select Settings (gear icon) > About, and scroll to MAC Address.
Apple HomePod / HomePod mini:
●Open the Apple Home app on your iPhone/iPad.
●Press and hold the HomePod tile, tap Accessory Settings (gear icon), scroll to the bottom, and tap Wi-Fi Address.
Support & Assistance
Get Help
Need help locating your device's MAC address or completing CougarNet registration?