Comprehending how to locate the MAC address for your Alexa is vital. This address is not directly linked to your Alexa equipment, but is connected to your trusty Echo speaker. Consequently, to find the MAC address, it's advised that you turn to your Echo speaker.
In this article, I'll dive deeper into what a MAC address is and how to find your Alexa device's MAC address.
I'll also discuss how it can be helpful for troubleshooting network issues, setting up parental controls, adding devices to your network, and limiting access to your network.
I have MAC address filtering enabled on my router to protect my home network. This is essentially a whitelist of devices that can access my network and is an extra security measure I use. When setting up my Echo devices I needed to add their unique MAC address to this whitelist, so they could join my network.
What is a MAC address?
Every device on a network has a unique identifier called the MAC address. MAC stands for “Media Access Control” and is a 12-digit code made up of numbers and letters, separated with a colon or hyphen after every second digit.
It's like a physical address for your device and is embedded in the hardware, unlike an IP address. When you connect to a network, the router records your device's MAC address which is useful for network management and troubleshooting.
No two devices have the same MAC address, making it a highly reliable method of identification. It's important to note that the MAC address is related to the network interface of your device. This means that if your device has two network interfaces, it will have two MAC addresses.
Difference between a MAC address of Alexa and an Echo speaker?
To clear up any confusion, Alexa doesn’t have its own MAC address. Alexa is software that runs on a smart speaker like an Echo or Echo Dot, a smartphone, or a smart TV.
So if you are troubleshooting one of those physical devices, you’ll need to find their unique MAC address. Read on to find out how.
How to find Alexa's MAC Address?
Assuming Alexa is running on an Echo speaker, you will be looking for that speaker's MAC address.
To begin, make sure your phone is ready and the Echo device is plugged in.
- Start by setting up your Echo device if you haven’t already done so.
- Open the Amazon Alexa app on your phone.
- At the bottom of your screen, you’ll see a “Devices” button. Tap on it.
- Then, at the top of your screen, tap on the “Echo & Alexa” option.
- Select the device that you’re interested in and whose MAC address you want to find.
- Scroll down and choose “About”.
- As you go through the specifications for the device, you’ll find one called “Mac Address”. This is what you’re after!
Step by Step Screenshots
Finding the MAC address without Wi-Fi or before the device is set up
If you have MAC address filtering on your router, then you’ll need the MAC address before setting up your speaker.
In this case, all you need is the box that your device came in. Look for a 12-digit code on the box, and you'll notice that there's a colon or hyphen after every second digit. This code is your device's MAC address.
Now that you have the MAC address, you can use it for various purposes, like setting up the device, enabling parental controls on your router, or troubleshooting network issues.
Original Packaging Missing?
If you don’t have the original packaging, then you might be out of luck. On the various Echo speakers I have, only the serial number is printed on the label at the bottom. Depending on your router manufacturer, if you try to connect the device to your network, the MAC address may show up in the router's access log.
Can you change an Echo Speakers' MAC Address?
Echo speakers do not allow users to change the MAC address, which is a unique identifier assigned during manufacturing.
Why would you need the MAC Address for Alexa or your Echo speaker?
Knowing the MAC address of your device is not necessary for day-to-day operations, but it can be useful in certain situations like controlling access to your network, enabling parental controls, or troubleshooting connection issues.
If you want to set up your Alexa device on a network that has MAC address filtering enabled, you will need to provide the MAC address in order to grant access. Additionally, if you notice any issues with your network or internet connection, knowing the MAC address of your Alexa device can help you troubleshoot the issue in your router console.
Conclusion
So there you have it, folks! Knowing your Alexa device’s MAC address might just be the missing piece to solving your network connection issues.
Finding it is a straightforward process that should only take a few minutes and can be very useful if looking to secure your network.