Find the MAC Address for Your Device

Overview

Some personal devices, including gaming consoles, smart TVs, streaming devices, and handheld gaming systems, may need to be registered before connecting to the Cedar Crest College FalconStream wireless network.

To register a device, you will need its MAC address (Media Access Control address).

A MAC address identifies a device's network connection and typically contains 12 letters and numbers, displayed in a format such as:

Example: A1:B2:C3:D4:E5:F6

Use the instructions below to locate the MAC address for your device.

Before You Begin

Choose the correct MAC address

Some devices have separate MAC addresses for different network connections.

MAC Address Type When to Use It
Wireless MAC / Wi-Fi MAC Connecting to FalconStream
Wired MAC / Ethernet MAC / LAN MAC Connecting through an Ethernet cable

For FalconStream registration, use the wireless MAC address.

If the registration portal requires 12 characters without punctuation, remove the colons or hyphens.

Example: A1B2C3D4E5F6

Devices with private or randomized MAC addresses

Some devices use a private or randomized MAC address instead of their permanent hardware address.

If your device has this feature:

  1. Open the Wi-Fi settings for the device.
  2. Locate the MAC address or privacy settings for the FalconStream network.
  3. Identify the MAC address the device will use when connecting.
  4. Register that address in the FalconStream device registration portal.
  5. Keep the device's MAC address setting consistent after registration.

If the device changes its MAC address, it may need to be registered again.

Note: You generally do not need to disable private MAC addressing. Register the address the device actually uses for FalconStream.

Jump to Your Device

Select a device category below to jump directly to its instructions.

Gaming Consoles

PlayStation 5 (PS5)

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Select Network.
  3. Select Connection Status.
  4. Choose View Connection Status.
  5. Locate MAC Address (Wi-Fi) or MAC Address (LAN).

PlayStation 4 (PS4)

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Select Network.
  3. Select View Connection Status.
  4. Locate the MAC address for your connection type.

Xbox Series X / Series S

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Select General → Network settings.
  3. Select Advanced settings.
  4. Locate Wireless MAC or Wired MAC.

Xbox One

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Select Network → Network settings.
  3. Select Advanced settings.
  4. Locate the wired or wireless MAC address.

Nintendo Switch / Switch OLED

  1. From the HOME menu, select System Settings.
  2. Scroll down and select Internet.
  3. Locate System MAC Address.

Nintendo Switch 2

  1. From the HOME menu, open System Settings.
  2. Select Internet.
  3. Locate the console's MAC address in the network information.

Menu wording may vary by system version.

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Handheld Gaming Devices

Steam Deck / Steam Deck OLED

  1. Press the Steam button.
  2. Open Settings.
  3. Select Internet.
  4. Open the details for the wireless connection, if available.
  5. Locate the Wi-Fi MAC address.

If the MAC address is not displayed in Gaming Mode, switch to Desktop Mode:

  1. Press the Steam button.
  2. Select Power → Switch to Desktop.
  3. Open the network settings from the desktop.
  4. Locate the wireless connection's hardware or MAC address.

ASUS ROG Ally / ROG Ally X / Lenovo Legion Go

These handheld gaming PCs use Windows.

  1. Open Start → Settings.
  2. Select Network & internet.
  3. Select Wi-Fi.
  4. Open Hardware properties.
  5. Locate Physical address (MAC).

Alternatively:

  1. Open Command Prompt.
  2. Type ipconfig /all and press Enter.
  3. Find the wireless network adapter.
  4. Locate Physical Address.

Use the address for the Wi-Fi adapter, not Bluetooth or a virtual network adapter.

PlayStation Portal

  1. Open the device's Quick Menu.
  2. Select Settings.
  3. Open Network or System information.
  4. Look for the Wi-Fi MAC address.

If the address is not displayed, consult the current PlayStation Portal support documentation.

Note: PlayStation Portal relies on network connectivity to communicate with a PlayStation 5. Device registration alone does not guarantee that Remote Play will function on the campus network.

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Virtual Reality Headsets

Meta Quest 2 / Quest 3 / Quest 3S

  1. Put on the headset.
  2. Open Quick Settings.
  3. Select Settings.
  4. Open Wi-Fi.
  5. Select the network or its connection details.
  6. Look for MAC Address, Device MAC, or Randomized MAC.

On some software versions, the address may be located under System → About.

Register the MAC address the headset will use when connecting to FalconStream.

Some multiplayer, casting, or device discovery features may not work on managed campus networks.

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Streaming Devices

Roku / Roku Express / Roku Streaming Stick

  1. From the Roku home screen, select Settings.
  2. Select Network.
  3. Select About.
  4. Locate Wireless MAC Address.

Some Roku devices also display the MAC address on a label or packaging.

Amazon Fire TV / Fire TV Stick

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Select My Fire TV or Device & Software.
  3. Select About.
  4. Select Network.
  5. Locate MAC Address (Wi-Fi).

Apple TV

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Select General.
  3. Select About.
  4. Locate Wi-Fi Address or Ethernet Address.

Chromecast with Google TV / Google TV Streamer

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Select System.
  3. Select About.
  4. Open Status or network information.
  5. Locate the MAC address.

Older Chromecast Devices

For Chromecast devices managed through the Google Home app:

  1. Open the Google Home app.
  2. Select the Chromecast device.
  3. Open Settings.
  4. Select Device information.
  5. Look for the MAC address under technical information.

The MAC address may also appear during initial setup.

Important: Some Chromecast features require communication between a phone and the streaming device. These features may be restricted on the campus network.

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Smart TVs

The location of the MAC address varies by manufacturer and model.

Samsung Smart TV

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Select Connection or General → Network.
  3. Open Network Status or network information.
  4. Locate the MAC address.

LG Smart TV

  1. Open Settings → All Settings.
  2. Select General → Network or Connection → Network.
  3. Open the Wi-Fi connection details.
  4. Locate the MAC address.

TCL / Roku TV

For TCL televisions running Roku TV:

  1. Press Home.
  2. Select Settings → Network → About.
  3. Locate Wireless MAC Address.

For TCL televisions running Google TV, check Settings → System → About → Status or the network information menu.

Vizio Smart TV

  1. Open Menu or Settings.
  2. Select Network or System.
  3. Open Network Information or Manual Setup.
  4. Locate the wireless MAC address.

Sony Smart TV

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Select Network & Internet.
  3. Open the network information or status screen.
  4. Locate the Wi-Fi MAC address.

Hisense / Insignia / Sharp and Other Smart TVs

Depending on the television's operating system, look under:

  • Settings → Network
  • Settings → Network Status
  • Settings → System → About
  • Settings → Device Information

Look for Wireless MAC, Wi-Fi MAC, MAC Address, or Hardware Address.

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E-Readers

Amazon Kindle / Kindle Paperwhite / Kindle Scribe

  1. Open the Kindle's Settings.
  2. Select Device Options.
  3. Open Device Info.
  4. Locate Wi-Fi MAC Address.

Menu names may vary depending on the Kindle model and software version.

Smart Home & Audio Devices

Some smart home devices display their MAC addresses through a companion mobile application.

Amazon Echo / Alexa

  1. Open the Amazon Alexa app.
  2. Select Devices.
  3. Choose your Echo device.
  4. Open Device Settings.
  5. Look for About or device information.
  6. Locate the MAC address, if displayed.

The address may also appear during initial device setup.

Google Nest / Google Home

  1. Open the Google Home app.
  2. Select your device.
  3. Open Settings.
  4. Select Device information.
  5. Look for the MAC address under Technical information.

Other Smart Home Devices

Devices such as the following may require additional network features:

  • Philips Hue lighting systems
  • Govee smart lighting
  • TP-Link Kasa smart plugs
  • Apple HomePod and HomePod mini
  • Sonos wireless speakers
  • Google Nest Hub

Their MAC addresses may be displayed in their companion applications, network settings, or on device labels.

Important: These devices may require local network discovery, communication between devices, or a separate hub. They may not be compatible with FalconStream.

Finding a MAC address or registering a device does not guarantee that it will work on the campus network.

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Register Your Device for FalconStream

After locating your device's wireless MAC address, follow the instructions in:

Connect Smart TVs, Gaming Consoles & Streaming Devices to Campus Wi-Fi

That article explains how to register compatible devices and connect them to FalconStream.

Still Need Help?

If you cannot locate your device's MAC address or need assistance registering it, submit an IT Support Request.

Include:

  • Device manufacturer and model
  • Device type
  • Residence hall and room number, if applicable
  • A description of the problem
  • Any troubleshooting steps already attempted

For your security, do not include passwords or verification codes in your support request.

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