To find the MAC address on a Synology NAS, navigate to the Control Panel in DSM, select Network > Network Interface, and view the list under your active connection. You can also locate the physical sticker on the device chassis or use the Command Line Interface via SSH for advanced network diagnostics.
Navigating the DSM Web Interface
The most reliable method for locating your MAC address is through the DiskStation Manager (DSM) operating system interface. This approach ensures you are viewing the current, active configuration of your network adapters, which may differ from the default settings if you have configured multiple interfaces.
- Log in to DSM: Access your Synology NAS using an administrator account via a web browser on a computer connected to the same local area network.
- Open Control Panel: Click the
Control Panelicon located in the main menu or desktop environment. - Select Network Settings: Choose the
Networkoption from the available categories. This opens the primary network management hub. - Access Network Interface: Click on the
Network Interfacetab. Here, you will see a list of all installed network cards and virtual connections. - Identify the Address: Look for the column labeled
MAC Address. The entry corresponding to your active Ethernet port (e.g., eth0) contains the unique identifier you need.
Locating the Physical Label
When remote access is unavailable or the operating system is unresponsive, the physical hardware label provides a permanent record of the network identity. This method is particularly useful during initial setup phases before the NAS is fully integrated into the software environment.
Examine the rear panel of your Synology unit. Most models feature a white or silver sticker near the Ethernet ports. This label typically includes the model number, serial number, and power specifications. Look closely at the text printed on this sticker for a line labeled MAC or MAC Address.
Be aware that some older or specific enterprise-grade models may not print the MAC address directly on the main chassis sticker. In these cases, check the bottom of the unit or the original packaging box. The barcode label often contains the necessary alphanumeric string. If you are moving drives between units, remember that swapping hardware does not change the MAC address, as it is tied to the network card on the motherboard. For insights on hardware modifications, see our article on Changing HDDs in Synology DS418: Adding Another Synology NAS.
Using the Command Line Interface
For advanced users or those needing to script automated checks, the Command Line Interface (CLI) offers a direct way to query network parameters. This method bypasses the graphical user interface entirely.
- Enable SSH: Go to
Control Panel>Terminal & SNMPand enable theSSHservice. Ensure you note the port number, usually 22. - Connect via Terminal: Open a terminal window on your computer and type
ssh admin@your-nas-ip. - Run the Command: Once authenticated, enter the command
ifconfigorip addr show. - Extract the Data: Look for the
etherfield next to your interface name (e.g.,eth0). This displays the raw MAC address in hexadecimal format.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes the MAC address might appear incorrect or fail to update after a hardware change. This is rare in standard consumer NAS environments but can occur with virtual machines or specialized network bonding setups.
If the MAC address listed in the DSM interface does not match the physical sticker, verify that you are looking at the correct interface. Some Synology models support hot-swappable network modules or have dual-port cards where each port has a distinct MAC address. Ensure you are reading the address for the port physically plugged into your router.
Additionally, avoid attempting to spoof or manually change the MAC address via the DSM GUI. Synology DSM does not support MAC address spoofing through its standard administrative interface. Any attempt to modify this value must be done carefully via CLI commands, and doing so incorrectly can lead to network isolation. If you encounter issues where your NAS cannot be discovered on the network, check your router's DHCP lease table instead of focusing solely on the MAC address itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my Synology MAC address?
No, Synology DSM does not allow users to spoof or change the MAC address through the graphical user interface. The MAC address is hardcoded to the network interface controller hardware. While advanced users might manipulate this via low-level CLI commands, it is generally discouraged as it can cause network conflicts and connectivity loss.
Why do I see two different MAC addresses on my NAS?
This is normal if your Synology NAS has multiple Ethernet ports or supports link aggregation. Each physical network port has its own unique MAC address. Additionally, if you have created virtual interfaces or VLANs, each virtual adapter will also possess a distinct MAC address assigned by the system.
How do I find the MAC address if DSM is corrupted?
If the operating system fails to boot, you must rely on the physical hardware. Check the sticker on the back or bottom of the chassis for the printed MAC address. Alternatively, connect the NAS directly to a monitor and keyboard to access the BIOS or UEFI setup screen, which often lists network adapter details before the OS loads.
Is the MAC address the same as the IP address?
No, they are fundamentally different. The MAC address is a permanent, unique hardware identifier burned into the network card. The IP address is a logical address assigned dynamically by your router via DHCP or statically configured. The IP address can change over time, while the MAC address remains constant.
What should I do if the MAC address changes unexpectedly?
If the MAC address in your router's DHCP table differs from the one shown in DSM, you may have replaced the network card or motherboard. In such cases, you might need to release and renew the DHCP lease on your router. If you are migrating data to a new unit, understand that the new unit will have a completely different MAC address, requiring fresh network registration.