Finding your PS4’s MAC (Media Access Control) address is a fundamental step for gamers who need to bypass restrictive network security, set up static IPs, or improve their online connection stability. Whether you are in a college dorm, a hotel, or just tightening your home security, knowing this unique “hardware fingerprint” is essential.
This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough on how to find your PS4 MAC address, explains why you have two different ones, and answers the most common technical questions.
What is a MAC Address?
A MAC address is a unique 12-character identifier assigned to the Network Interface Controller (NIC) of your console. Unlike an IP address, which can change every time you connect to a router, the MAC address is “hard-coded” into the hardware.
On a PS4, you actually have two distinct MAC addresses:
- LAN Cable (Ethernet): Used when you plug a physical cable into the back of the console.
- Wi-Fi: Used when connecting wirelessly to your router.
Step-by-Step: How to Find Your PS4 MAC Address
There are two primary ways to find these addresses. The first is through the general system information, and the second is through the specific network status menu.
Method 1: The System Information Route (Fastest)
This method gives you a quick look at both addresses simultaneously without needing an active internet connection.
- Power on your PS4 and log into your user profile.
- On the home screen, press Up on the D-pad to access the function menu.
- Navigate to the far right and select Settings (the toolbox icon).
- Scroll down the list and select System.
- Select System Information.
- You will see your MAC addresses listed clearly as MAC Address (LAN Cable) and MAC Address (Wi-Fi).
Method 2: The Network Status Route
Use this method if you are already troubleshooting a specific connection and want to see your active IP address and signal strength alongside the MAC.
- Go to Settings.
- Select Network.
- Select View Connection Status.
- Scroll down to find the MAC address associated with your current connection type.
Why Do You Need It?
Most users never need to see their MAC address, but for “pro” setups or restricted environments, it’s a vital piece of data.
1. MAC Filtering (Whitelisting)
Many schools and offices use MAC Filtering. The router is set to “ignore” any device it doesn’t recognize. To get online, you must provide your MAC address to the network administrator so they can “whitelist” your PS4.
2. Static IP Assignment (DHCP Reservation)
To avoid NAT type issues (like NAT Type 3/Strict), many gamers assign a static IP to their PS4. Instead of setting it manually on the console, it is better to set a DHCP Reservation on your router. This tells the router: “Every time the device with MAC address XX:XX:XX:XX:XX:XX connects, give it IP address 192.168.1.50.”
3. Port Forwarding
Effective port forwarding requires a consistent destination. By linking your MAC address to a specific IP, your port forwarding rules will never break when the console restarts.
Technical Comparison: LAN vs. Wi-Fi
| Feature | LAN (Ethernet) MAC | Wi-Fi MAC |
| Connection Type | Physical Cable | Wireless Signal |
| Stability | High (Low Jitter) | Variable (Interference) |
| Address Usage | Active when cable is plugged in | Active when wireless is enabled |
| Unique ID? | Yes, fixed to the LAN port | Yes, fixed to the Wi-Fi chip |
Troubleshooting & FAQs
I see two MAC addresses. Which one do I use?
It depends on how you connect. If you use an Ethernet cable, use the LAN address. If you connect via Wi-Fi, use the Wi-Fi address. If you switch between both, you may need to register both with your network admin.
Can I change my PS4 MAC address?
No. Unlike some PCs or rooted Android devices, the PS4 does not allow “MAC Spoofing.” The address is permanent.
Why does my MAC address look different than an IP?
An IP address (IPv4) looks like 192.168.1.1. A MAC address is hexadecimal, meaning it uses numbers 0–9 and letters A–F. It usually looks like 00:D0:56:F2:B5:12.
Does my PS4 Pro or Slim have a different process?
No. The menu layout is identical across the Original PS4, PS4 Slim, and PS4 Pro models.
Expert Resources for Further Reading
- Official PlayStation Connectivity Guide – Detailed official documentation on setting up your network.
- Understanding MAC Filtering – A deep dive into why (and why not) to use MAC whitelisting for security.
- PortForward.com PS4 Guide – The gold standard for setting up static IPs and open NAT types using your MAC address.
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