MAC Address Lookup
Free OUI Vendor & Manufacturer Finder
Use our free MAC address lookup tool to instantly identify the manufacturer of any network device. Enter any MAC address or OUI prefix and our tool searches the IEEE Registration Authority database to reveal the hardware vendor, chipset manufacturer, and device origin for Apple, Cisco, Samsung, and thousands of registered vendors.
Quick Answer: What Is a MAC Address Lookup?
A MAC address lookup identifies the device manufacturer by checking the first 6 hexadecimal digits (called the OUI — Organizationally Unique Identifier) against the IEEE standards database. Every Network Interface Card (NIC) has a unique 48-bit hardware address (also called physical address or Ethernet address) assigned during manufacturing. Our free MAC vendor lookup tool decodes this to reveal the registered company — whether it is Apple, Cisco, Samsung, Intel, or any of 40,000+ registered vendors.
Robert Harrison
OSINT & Network Utility Expert
Robert specializes in hardware forensics, Layer 2 network diagnostics, and OUI database analysis. He helps IT administrators and security researchers identify unknown devices on corporate and home networks using MAC address intelligence.
View All Articles by Robert HarrisonWhat Is a MAC Address Lookup and Why Do You Need It?
A MAC address lookup is a network diagnostic technique that identifies the device manufacturer behind any MAC address. Every piece of network hardware — your laptop's Wi-Fi card, your phone's Bluetooth chip, your smart TV's Ethernet address — carries a unique 48-bit identifier called a Media Access Control (MAC) address. This hardware address is burned into the Network Interface Card (NIC) during manufacturing and serves as the device's permanent physical address on any local network.
Our free MAC vendor lookup tool works by extracting the first 6 hexadecimal digits of your input — known as the OUI (Organizationally Unique Identifier) — and searching the IEEE Registration Authority database. The IEEE assigns these OUI prefixes to manufacturers like Apple, Cisco, Samsung, Intel, Huawei, and over 40,000 other registered vendors worldwide. When you use our MAC address finder, you get instant identification of which company made the hardware.
Network administrators use MAC address lookup tools daily to audit corporate networks, identify unknown devices on Wi-Fi routers, verify hardware inventory, and detect potential MAC spoofing attacks. According to Wikipedia's article on MAC addresses, the IEEE has assigned over 40,000 OUI prefixes to manufacturers globally, making this database the definitive source for device manufacturer lookup.
Key Fact: A MAC address like 00:1B:44:11:3A:B7 splits into two halves: the first 3 bytes (00:1B:44) are the OUI identifying the manufacturer, and the last 3 bytes (11:3A:B7) are the unique NIC-specific serial number assigned by that manufacturer.
Anatomy of a 48-Bit MAC Address: OUI, NIC ID, and Special Bits
A MAC address is a 12-digit hexadecimal number (6 bytes or 48 bits). While it looks like a random string of characters, it follows a strict structure governed by the IEEE Standards Association. Understanding this structure helps you interpret the results from our OUI lookup tool correctly.
The OUI (First 24 Bits)
The first 3 octets (bytes 1-3) form the Organizationally Unique Identifier. Manufacturers purchase these prefixes from the IEEE for approximately $3,885 per block. When our MAC vendor lookup returns "Apple, Inc.", it means the OUI in your MAC address is registered to Apple's global manufacturing block. Large companies like Apple and Samsung own hundreds of OUI prefixes to cover their massive product lines.
The NIC-Specific ID (Last 24 Bits)
The last 3 octets (bytes 4-6) are assigned by the manufacturer to each individual network adapter they produce. This ensures every NIC has a globally unique hardware address. Even two identical MacBook Pros sitting next to each other will have different MAC addresses, allowing the local network switch to distinguish between them with 100% accuracy.
The I/G and U/L Bits (Advanced Forensics)
The first octet contains two special flag bits that security researchers examine. The I/G bit (least significant bit) indicates whether the address is Individual (unicast) or Group (multicast). The U/L bit (second-least significant bit) indicates whether the address is Universally administered (factory-assigned) or Locally administered (software-modified). If the U/L bit is set to 1, our tool flags this as a potentially spoofed or randomized address.
# MAC Address Structure Breakdown
MAC Address: 00:1B:44:11:3A:B7
# Split into two halves:
OUI Prefix: 00:1B:44 → Manufacturer (IEEE Registered)
NIC Serial: 11:3A:B7 → Unique Device ID
# First byte binary analysis:
00 hex = 00000000 binary
Bit 0 (I/G): 0 = Unicast (single device)
Bit 1 (U/L): 0 = Universally Administered (genuine)
MAC Address vs IP Address: Layer 2 vs Layer 3 Identity
Many people confuse MAC addresses with IP addresses, but they serve completely different purposes in networking. Understanding the difference between OUI lookup (Layer 2) and IP lookup (Layer 3) is essential for proper network diagnostics.
| Feature | MAC Address (Layer 2) | IP Address (Layer 3) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Identifies who the device is (physical hardware) | Identifies where the device is (network location) |
| Assigned By | Hardware manufacturer (burned-in) | ISP or DHCP server (dynamic) |
| Format | Hexadecimal (e.g. 00:1B:44:11:3A:B7) | Decimal (e.g. 192.168.1.100) |
| Scope | Local network only (LAN) | Global internet (WAN) |
| Permanence | Permanent (unless spoofed) | Changes with network/VPN |
| Lookup Tool | MAC address lookup → Manufacturer | IP Lookup → Location/ISP |
The key difference: your MAC address (physical address) stays the same regardless of which network you connect to, while your IP address changes every time you switch networks. Your router uses both — the MAC to identify you locally, and the IP to route your traffic globally. To check your current public IP, use our IP Address Checker.
How to Find Your MAC Address on Any Device
Before you can use our MAC address lookup tool, you need to know your device's MAC address. Here is how to find your hardware address on every major operating system and device type.
Windows (CMD Method)
# Open Command Prompt and type:
ipconfig /all
# Look for "Physical Address" under your active adapter:
Wireless LAN adapter Wi-Fi:
Physical Address. . . . : 00-1B-44-11-3A-B7
# Alternative quick method:
getmac /v
macOS
Open System Settings → Network → Wi-Fi → Details → Hardware. Your MAC address (also called "Wi-Fi Address") is displayed as a 12-digit hexadecimal string with colon separators.
iPhone / iPad (iOS)
Go to Settings → General → About. Scroll down to Wi-Fi Address. Note: iOS 14 and later uses private Wi-Fi addresses (randomized MAC) by default. To see the real hardware address, disable "Private Wi-Fi Address" for that specific network.
Android
Go to Settings → About Phone → Status → Wi-Fi MAC Address. Like iOS, Android 10+ uses MAC randomization by default. The address shown in settings is often the randomized version, not the factory physical address.
Linux
# Show all network interfaces and their MAC addresses:
ip link show
# Or use the classic command:
ifconfig -a | grep ether
Once you have your MAC address, paste it into our MAC address finder above to instantly identify the vendor. For network troubleshooting, combine this with our DNS Lookup Tool.
MAC Spoofing, Randomization, and Network Security
Because MAC addresses are permanent identifiers, they create both security benefits and privacy risks. Understanding MAC spoofing and MAC randomization is essential for anyone working in network security or using our MAC address lookup tool for device verification.
What Is MAC Spoofing?
MAC spoofing is the practice of changing a device's reported MAC address using software. Attackers use this technique to bypass MAC filtering on corporate networks, impersonate authorized devices, or evade network monitoring. Our OUI lookup tool helps detect spoofing by revealing mismatches — for example, if a device claims to be a "Dell Laptop" but its OUI resolves to "VMware" or a virtual network adapter, that is a red flag for unauthorized access.
MAC Randomization (Privacy Feature)
Modern operating systems implement MAC randomization to protect user privacy. Without it, retail stores and public Wi-Fi networks could track your physical movement by detecting your device's permanent hardware address. Here is which systems use it by default:
- iOS 14+ (Apple): Generates a unique random MAC address per Wi-Fi network.
- Android 10+ (Google): Uses randomized MAC for all Wi-Fi connections by default.
- Windows 10/11: Optional "Random hardware addresses" setting in Wi-Fi preferences.
- macOS Sequoia+: Private Wi-Fi address for each network.
Important: If our MAC address lookup returns "Vendor Not Found," the address is most likely locally administered (randomized or spoofed). Check the second hex digit — if it is 2, 6, A, or E, the U/L bit is set, confirming it is software-generated rather than factory-assigned.
For checking if your own network traffic is being monitored, use our Browser Leak Test and Tor Detection Tool.
IEEE Standards: MAC-48, EUI-48, and EUI-64 Explained
The IEEE Standards Association governs how MAC addresses are assigned and formatted. As a user of our MAC vendor lookup tool, understanding these standards helps you interpret results correctly, especially when working with both IPv4 and IPv6 networks.
MAC-48 and EUI-48 (48-Bit Addressing)
MAC-48 is the original 48-bit Ethernet address format used since the early days of networking. EUI-48 (Extended Unique Identifier - 48 bit) is the modern replacement term. Both are functionally identical — 6 bytes in hexadecimal format, written as XX:XX:XX:XX:XX:XX. This is what our MAC address lookup tool accepts and processes.
EUI-64 (64-Bit Extended Addressing)
EUI-64 extends the identifier to 8 bytes (64 bits). IPv6 networks use a modified EUI-64 to auto-generate the interface identifier portion of an IPv6 address from the device's MAC address. The process inserts FF:FE in the middle of the 48-bit MAC and flips the U/L bit, creating a 64-bit address that still traces back to the original OUI. To check your IPv6 address, use our IPv6 Tools.
# How EUI-64 derives from MAC address:
Original MAC: 00:1B:44:11:3A:B7
Split in half: 00:1B:44 | 11:3A:B7
Insert FF:FE: 00:1B:44:FF:FE:11:3A:B7
Flip U/L bit: 02:1B:44:FF:FE:11:3A:B7
IPv6 Interface: ::021B:44FF:FE11:3AB7
Practical Use Cases for MAC Address Lookup in 2026
Our MAC address finder is not just a curiosity tool — it solves real-world problems for IT professionals, security teams, and everyday users. Here are the most common scenarios where a device manufacturer lookup saves time and improves security.
1. Network Inventory and Asset Management
Managing a corporate network with 500+ devices? Use our MAC vendor lookup to automatically categorize connected devices by manufacturer. When your DHCP server shows an unknown device as "Generic_Client_47," a quick MAC ID search reveals it is a Xerox printer, an HP laptop, or a Raspberry Pi — instantly solving the mystery and updating your asset database.
2. Home Router Security Audit
See an unknown device connected to your home Wi-Fi router? Copy its MAC address from your router's admin panel (usually at 192.168.1.1) and paste it into our MAC address lookup tool. If the result shows "Samsung Electronics," it is probably your Smart TV. If it shows "Shenzhen Bilian" or an unfamiliar Chinese manufacturer, it might be a neighbor piggybacking on your Wi-Fi.
3. Intrusion Detection and Forensics
Security teams use OUI lookup to verify device legitimacy during incident response. If an access point log shows a "Dell" device with an OUI registered to "VMware, Inc.," it indicates the device is likely a virtual machine — which could mean someone is running a penetration testing lab on your network without authorization.
4. IoT Device Identification
Smart home devices often show cryptic names on your network. A MAC address lookup can identify whether a device is a Ring doorbell (Amazon Technologies), a Nest thermostat (Google), or a Philips Hue bridge. This is essential for setting up proper firewall rules and network segmentation for Wi-Fi device identification.
For comprehensive network auditing, combine our tool with the Port Scanner and IP Blacklist Checker.
MAC Address Lookup API for Developers
Developers building network monitoring tools, SIEM dashboards, or IoT management platforms often need programmatic access to a MAC address lookup API. Here are code examples for integrating OUI lookup functionality into your applications.
Python Example (Using requests library)
# Free MAC address lookup API for developers
import requests
mac = "00:1B:44:11:3A:B7"
url = f"https://macvendors.co/api/{mac}/json"
response = requests.get(url)
data = response.json()
print(f"Vendor: {data['result']['company']}")
print(f"Address: {data['result']['address']}")
# Output: Vendor: SanDisk Corporation
cURL (Command Line)
# Quick MAC lookup from terminal
curl -s https://macvendors.co/api/00:1B:44:11:3A:B7/json | python3 -m json.tool
JavaScript (Fetch API)
// Browser or Node.js MAC address lookup
fetch('https://macvendors.co/api/00:1B:44:11:3A:B7/json')
.then(res => res.json())
.then(data => console.log(data.result.company));
For building network security tools, also check our ASN Lookup Tool and Reverse DNS Lookup for complementary data.
How to Look Up Multiple MAC Addresses at Once
If you need to search multiple MAC addresses in bulk — for example, exporting your entire router's DHCP table — here are efficient methods for processing hundreds or thousands of addresses.
Batch Lookup Using Python Script
# Batch MAC address lookup for network admins
import requests, time
mac_list = ["00:1B:44:11:3A:B7", "A4:83:E7:22:1C:D5", "3C:5A:B4:00:FF:A1"]
for mac in mac_list:
r = requests.get(f"https://macvendors.co/api/{mac}/json")
data = r.json()
vendor = data.get('result', {}).get('company', 'Unknown')
print(f"{mac} → {vendor}")
time.sleep(1) # Rate limit: 1 request per second
Export from Router and Process
Most routers allow you to export the DHCP client list as a CSV file. Export it, extract the MAC column, and run each address through our MAC address lookup tool or use the API above. This gives you a complete inventory of every device on your network with its manufacturer identified.
Rate Limiting: Free MAC address lookup API services typically allow 1-2 requests per second. For bulk lookups of 1,000+ addresses, add a 1-second delay between requests to avoid being rate-limited. For enterprise-scale lookups, consider downloading the IEEE OUI database directly and performing local lookups.
MAC Address Formats: Colons, Dashes, Dots, and Raw Hex
MAC addresses appear in different hexadecimal format styles depending on the operating system and network equipment vendor. Our MAC address finder accepts all common formats — you do not need to reformat before searching.
| Format | Example | Used By |
|---|---|---|
| Colon-separated | 00:1B:44:11:3A:B7 | Linux, macOS, most documentation |
| Dash-separated | 00-1B-44-11-3A-B7 | Windows (ipconfig /all) |
| Dot-separated | 001B.4411.3AB7 | Cisco IOS routers and switches |
| Raw hex (no separator) | 001B44113AB7 | Programming, databases, APIs |
All four formats represent the same MAC address — they are just displayed differently. Our tool strips all separators before performing the OUI lookup, so paste any format directly. For checking what information your browser reveals about your network, try our WebRTC Leak Detector.
Is My MAC Address Private or Public? What Websites Can See
One of the most common questions about MAC addresses is whether they are visible on the internet. The short answer: no. Standard websites cannot see your MAC address. It operates exclusively on Layer 2 of the OSI model and is stripped from packets by your router before they reach the internet.
Who Can See Your MAC Address
- Your local router: It sees every device's hardware address connected to its network.
- Your ISP: They can see your router's WAN-facing MAC, not individual device MACs.
- Locally installed apps: Apps with system-level permissions can read your NIC hardware address.
- Public Wi-Fi access points: They see your device MAC when you connect (hence MAC randomization).
Who Cannot See Your MAC Address
- Websites you visit: HTTP/HTTPS traffic only contains IP addresses, not MAC addresses.
- Remote servers: Any server beyond your local router cannot see your physical address.
- Other users on different networks: MAC addresses do not cross router boundaries.
However, browser fingerprinting techniques can still identify you uniquely without your MAC. Check what your browser reveals with our Canvas Fingerprint Test and IP Fraud Checker.
Common OUI Prefixes: Quick Reference for Popular Manufacturers
Here is a quick reference table of some of the most common OUI prefixes you will encounter when performing a MAC vendor lookup. These are the manufacturers whose devices appear most frequently on home and enterprise networks.
| OUI Prefix | Manufacturer | Common Devices |
|---|---|---|
| A4:83:E7 | Apple, Inc. | iPhones, MacBooks, iPads, Apple Watch |
| 00:50:56 | VMware, Inc. | Virtual machines, ESXi hosts |
| 3C:5A:B4 | Google, Inc. | Chromecast, Nest, Pixel phones |
| 00:0C:29 | VMware, Inc. | VMware virtual NICs |
| B8:27:EB | Raspberry Pi Foundation | Raspberry Pi boards (all models) |
| FC:EC:DA | Ubiquiti Inc. | UniFi access points, routers |
| 00:1A:2B | Cisco Systems | Enterprise switches, routers |
If you encounter a VMware OUI on a network that should only have physical devices, investigate further — it could indicate unauthorized virtual machine activity. Use our Cloud IP Detection Tool to check if an IP belongs to a datacenter or cloud provider.
Frequently Asked Questions About MAC Address Lookup
What is a MAC address lookup and how does it work?
A MAC address lookup identifies the device manufacturer by checking the first 6 hex digits (OUI prefix) against the IEEE Registration Authority database. The OUI is a unique code assigned to each hardware manufacturer like Apple, Cisco, or Samsung.
Can I find a person's name or location from a MAC address?
No. A MAC address only identifies the hardware manufacturer and device type. It does not contain personal information like owner name, email, or physical location. MAC addresses are technical hardware identifiers, not personal data.
Can a website see my MAC address?
No. Standard websites cannot see your MAC address because your router strips it from packets before forwarding to the internet. Only your local router, ISP, and locally installed apps can access your physical address.
What is the difference between OUI and MAC address?
The OUI is the first 24 bits (3 bytes) of a MAC address, assigned by the IEEE to each manufacturer. The full MAC is 48 bits — the first half is the OUI (manufacturer ID), and the second half is the unique NIC-specific serial number.
What does vendor not found mean in MAC lookup?
It means the MAC address is likely locally administered (randomized or spoofed). iOS 14+, Android 10+, and Windows 10+ use MAC randomization by default, generating fake addresses not registered in the IEEE database. Check the U/L bit to confirm.
How do I find my own MAC address?
On Windows, type ipconfig /all in CMD. On macOS, go to System Settings → Network → Details → Hardware. On iPhone, go to Settings → General → About → Wi-Fi Address. On Android, go to Settings → About Phone → Status.
Is MAC address spoofing illegal?
MAC spoofing itself is not illegal in most countries. However, using a spoofed address to commit fraud, bypass network security controls, or gain unauthorized access is illegal. Organizations use MAC filtering as a security measure and bypassing it without permission violates computer access laws.
Can two devices have the same MAC address?
Factory-assigned MAC addresses should be globally unique. However, collisions can occur with locally administered or randomized addresses. Two devices on the same local network with identical MAC addresses will cause connectivity problems because the switch cannot distinguish between them.
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Free MAC Address Lookup & OUI Finder
Search the IEEE OUI database to identify the manufacturer of any MAC address. Our free MAC vendor lookup tool covers Apple, Cisco, Samsung, and 40,000+ registered hardware vendors. Perfect for network admins, security researchers, and home users.