How to Find Security Camera MAC Address

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If you’re trying to connect a security camera to a restricted network—like a college dorm, office, or school—you’ve probably been asked for its MAC address. This 12-digit hardware identifier is required to register devices on networks that use MAC filtering, a common security feature. Without it, your camera won’t be allowed online.

The good news? There are multiple reliable ways to find the MAC address of your security camera, even if it’s not yet connected, the app hides it, or the label is missing. Whether you own a Ring, Arlo, Amcrest, or an unlabeled OEM model, this guide covers every method—from simple label checks to advanced network tools—so you can get your camera up and running fast.

Check the Physical Label on the Camera

Start by inspecting the camera itself—many manufacturers print the MAC address directly on the device.

Look on the Bottom, Back, or Side

Flip the camera over and examine the base, back, or side for a sticker. Common labels include:
– MAC
– Wi-Fi MAC
– Ethernet MAC
– IEEE 802 MAC

For example:
– Amcrest ASH21 and AD110 doorbell: MAC clearly printed on the label.
– Brickcom IP cameras: Display MAC on the rear panel.
– Dahua and Arenti models: Often list both Wi-Fi and Ethernet MACs.

⚠️ Note: Not all models include this. Cameras like the Amcrest 841 or 956EB don’t print the MAC address. Some newer Dahua OEM units (2020+) also skip it.

If the camera is already mounted, check the original box, manual, or warranty card. Some retailers even scan and save label images during fulfillment—check your digital purchase history.

Pull the MAC Address from the Manufacturer’s App

Ring app device health mac address screenshot

Most smart cameras expose network details through their companion apps—often just a few taps away.

Ring: View MAC in Device Health

  1. Open the Ring app.
  2. Tap your camera.
  3. Go to Settings (gear icon) → Device Health.
  4. Scroll down to Network — the MAC address is listed.

This method works every time and is the fastest for Ring users.

Arenti: Access via Network Info

  1. Launch the Arenti app.
  2. Navigate to Device Settings.
  3. Tap Network Info — the MAC is displayed instantly.

Arenti offers multiple access points, including web interface and router lookup.

Arlo: No App Access? Use Router or Support

The Arlo app does not show the MAC address. Your options:
– Check your router’s connected devices list.
– Contact Arlo support with your serial number—they may provide the MAC.

Google Nest (Battery Models): Hidden in Google Home App

Battery-powered Nest cameras don’t display the MAC in the Google Home app.

Workarounds:
– Use your phone’s mobile hotspot to isolate the camera.
– Check the hotspot’s connected devices list.
– Turn off all other devices and reconnect one at a time.

🛠️ Pro Tip: Some routers (like TP-Link Deco) show devices as “connected” even when turned off in the app. Physically disconnect the camera (remove battery) to confirm its status.

Access the Camera’s Web Interface via Browser

Dahua camera web interface network settings screenshot

If your camera supports a web dashboard, you can log in and view its MAC address directly.

Steps to Retrieve MAC via Web UI

  1. Connect the camera to your network (Wi-Fi or Ethernet).
  2. Find its IP address using your router or an IP scanner.
  3. Open a browser and enter the IP (e.g., http://192.168.1.108).
  4. Log in with default credentials (often admin/admin or admin/12345).
  5. Go to:
    – Network Settings
    – Device Info
    – Status Page

The MAC address will appear under network or system information.

🔐 Need Help? Search your model + “default password” online—many brands publish login details.

Find MAC Address in Your Router’s Admin Panel

When connected, your router sees every device—including its MAC address.

How to Check Connected Devices

  1. Open a browser and go to your router’s login page (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).
  2. Log in with admin credentials.
  3. Navigate to:
    – Connected Devices
    – DHCP Clients List
    – Network Map

Look for entries like:
– “IPCamera”
– “Amcrest”
– “Dahua”
– “MyCamera_01”

Match the name or IP to find the associated MAC address.

Use a Mobile Hotspot to Isolate the Camera

No access to your home router? Use your phone’s hotspot:
1. Turn on mobile hotspot.
2. Connect only the camera.
3. On your phone, go to hotspot settings → connected devices.
4. Find the camera and note its MAC.

✅ This method works even without an app or label.

Scan the Network with IP Scanning Tools

When unsure which device is which, use a network scanner to detect all connected devices.

Top Tools to Find MAC Addresses

Tool Platform Best For
Fing iOS/Android Fast, free, shows manufacturer
Advanced IP Scanner Windows Wired IP cameras
Angry IP Scanner Win/Mac/Linux Lightweight, open-source
Amcrest IP Config Tool Windows Amcrest-specific detection

How to Use Fing (Recommended)

  1. Install Fing on your phone.
  2. Connect to the same network as the camera.
  3. Tap Scan.
  4. Look for:
    – Device name
    – IP address
    – MAC address
    – Manufacturer (e.g., “Amcrest” from 9c-8e-cd)

Fing decodes the OUI (Organizationally Unique Identifier)—the first 6 characters of the MAC—to show the brand, helping you identify unknown devices.

Use Command Prompt: arp -a to List MAC Addresses

Windows command prompt arp -a output example

On Windows, the arp -a command reveals MAC addresses of devices recently on your network.

Steps to Run ARP Scan

  1. Connect camera and PC to the same network.
  2. Open Command Prompt (search “cmd”).
  3. Type:
    bash
    arp -a
  4. Press Enter.

You’ll see a list like:
192.168.1.108 9c-8e-cd-12-34-56 dynamic

Identify Your Camera

Use known MAC prefixes:
– Amcrest: 9c-8e-cd, 3c-ef-ac, 4c-11-bf
– Dahua: d8-70-56, 44-8a-5b
– Hikvision: ec-88-8f, 14-91-82

If you know the camera’s IP, match it directly.

Advanced: Static IP + Direct Ethernet

If Wi-Fi fails:
1. Set your PC to static IP: 192.168.1.100, subnet 255.255.255.0.
2. Connect camera to PC via Ethernet.
3. Assign camera IP: 192.168.1.108.
4. Ping it:
bash
ping 192.168.1.108
5. Run arp -a — the new entry is your camera’s MAC.

Capture MAC Address with Wireshark (Advanced)

For tech-savvy users, Wireshark captures network traffic during camera boot-up.

Steps to Extract MAC

  1. Install Wireshark.
  2. Connect camera to PC via Ethernet.
  3. Start a packet capture on the correct interface.
  4. Power on the camera.
  5. Look for:
    – DHCP Discover packet
    – ARP Request

The source MAC address is your camera’s.

🔧 This method requires technical skill. If you’re not comfortable, ask a friend—offer coffee or ramen as payment!

Brand-Specific MAC Lookup Guide

Brand Where to Find MAC Notes
Amcrest Label (some), arp -a, web UI Use OUI 9c-8e-cd or 3c-ef-ac
Ring App → Device Health Always available
Arenti App, web UI, router Multiple options
Arlo Router list or support Not in app
Google Nest Router or Fing app Hidden in Google Home app
Brickcom Physical label Check back or base
Dahua Label (older models), router Newer models may not print it

Troubleshooting: What If You Can’t Find the MAC?

Camera Not on Wi-Fi? Use a Hotspot

Create a private network using your phone:
– Connect only the camera.
– Check hotspot settings for MAC.

Router Doesn’t Show Device Name?

Use OUI lookup:
1. Take the first 6 characters of any unknown MAC.
2. Search “OUI lookup [MAC prefix]” online.
3. Match to manufacturer (e.g., 9c-8e-cd → Amcrest).

Limited Physical Access?

  • Contact support with your serial number—brands like Arenti or Arlo may provide the MAC.
  • Check purchase history—some retailers include MAC in order details.

Special Cases and Tips

Dorm or Institutional Wi-Fi?

Many schools require MAC registration before access. You must get the MAC before connecting.

✅ Best method: Use a mobile hotspot to extract it at home.

Wired vs. Wireless Cameras

  • Wired cameras: Easier—plug into router and check DHCP list.
  • Wireless cameras: May only support 2.4 GHz—ensure compatibility.

Battery Cameras Stay “On” in Router?

Yes! Cameras like Nest may stay connected to Wi-Fi even when powered off in the app.

To identify:
– Remove battery or unplug.
– Watch router list for disconnection.
– Reconnect one by one.

Final Tips to Succeed

  1. Start simple: Check the camera label or box first.
  2. Try the app: Ring, Arenti, and others show MAC instantly.
  3. Use your router: Connect to home Wi-Fi or a hotspot and check connected devices.
  4. Scan the network: Fing or Advanced IP Scanner makes it easy.
  5. Fall back to command line: arp -a is powerful if you know the IP.
  6. Go advanced if needed: Static IP or Wireshark for stubborn cases.
  7. Call support: Provide the serial number—they may have the MAC on file.

❌ Don’t disassemble the camera. There’s no evidence the MAC is printed inside.

With these methods, you can find the MAC address of any security camera, even if it’s unlabeled, app-limited, or not yet on your network. Save this guide for setup day—you’ll be ready for any scenario.

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