MAC address lookup
Find a device vendor from its MAC address
All computation runs locally in your browser
Introduction / overview
A MAC address is usually shown as six hexadecimal byte pairs, for example 20:37:06:12:34:56. The first three bytes are commonly used to identify the vendor behind the network interface.
You might use this calculator if you:
- See an unknown device on your router or access point and want a quick hint of what it is.
- Audit inventory lists (switches, printers, APs, cameras) and need vendor context.
- Debug network captures and want to label devices faster.
- Compare multiple vendors when planning a network refresh.
If you’re also dealing with IP addressing, pairing this with the IPv4 subnet calculator can make device discovery much easier.
How to use (quick start)
- Paste a MAC address into the input field (for example from your router’s “connected devices” list).
- Read the vendor block that appears under “Vendor info”.
- Use “Copy vendor info” when you want to paste it into a ticket, spreadsheet, or inventory note.
- Use the Reset button to clear the input and start over.
Worked example (extracting the OUI prefix):
The lookup uses that prefix to find the best vendor match.
Real-world examples
Unknown device on Wi‑Fi
You see a new MAC in your router UI. Paste it here to get a vendor hint (phone brand, network gear vendor, etc.).
Inventory and asset tracking
A spreadsheet has MAC addresses but no vendor column. Use the vendor block to quickly annotate your list.
Security triage
During a basic investigation, vendor signals can help you prioritize what to validate next. (Always verify—vendor alone is not identity.)
Switch / AP troubleshooting
In logs and captures, vendor lookup makes it easier to distinguish infrastructure devices from endpoints.
Common scenarios
Router “connected devices” list
Turn a raw MAC entry into a vendor clue, faster than searching manually.
Printer / camera networks
Vendor info helps you tell multiple device types apart during setup.
Packet captures (PCAP) labeling
Use vendor hints to annotate endpoints while you trace traffic paths.
Compliance and documentation
Copy a consistent vendor block into tickets and runbooks.
Lab / homelab organization
Keep track of test devices and NICs when you swap hardware often.
IP and subnet planning
When you map devices, combine with subnet tools for a clearer picture.
Tips & best practices
- Prefer copying the MAC directly from a trusted UI (router, switch, MDM) to avoid typos.
- Vendor is a hint, not identity. Two devices from the same vendor can have identical OUIs.
- If your result is “Private” or missing, the MAC may be randomized.
- For subnet-related cleanup work, use the IPv4 address converter to standardize IP formats before documenting devices.
Calculation method
The lookup is based on the first bytes of a MAC address. In hex form, that’s the first hex digits.
The tool normalizes separators (like : or -), takes the first six hex digits, and then does a direct table lookup to return the vendor block.
Related concepts
OUI (Organizationally Unique Identifier)
The OUI is the vendor prefix registered with the IEEE. It’s a great starting point for identification, but it’s not guaranteed to match the device brand (especially with OEM hardware and resellers).
Randomized MAC addresses
Many phones and laptops can randomize MAC addresses per network for privacy. In that case, vendor lookups may return “Private” or no match.
Frequently asked questions
Does a vendor match guarantee the device brand?
Not always. OEM hardware, resellers, and shared manufacturing can make the vendor different from what you expect. Treat the result as a strong hint, not a final identity.
Why do I see “Private” or no result?
The address might be randomized, locally administered, or from a newer vendor prefix not present in the lookup table.
Is my MAC address sent to a server?
This calculator performs the lookup in your browser.
What MAC formats are supported?
The tool is designed for common colon/hyphen-separated MAC formats (for example AA:BB:CC:DD:EE:FF).
Limitations / disclaimers
- Vendor lookup is based on prefixes and may not reflect the consumer-facing brand name.
- Randomized or locally administered MAC addresses can reduce accuracy.
- This tool is for convenience and education; verify with your network inventory or vendor documentation when needed.
External references
IEEE OUI registry
https://standards.ieee.org/products-programs/regauth/oui/
Links are provided for educational reference.
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