How do I change the MAC address of the ethernet card on my MBP

[MaTiCeK]

My cable internet provider limits internet access to one MAC address only, in my case it's the one from my old laptop. I'd like to change the MAC address of the ethernet card.

I managed to change the MAC address on the Windows partiton, but I can't change it in Mac OS. I'm quite a newbie in Mac OS.

I tried it through Terminal by using the following command:

sudo ifconfig en0 ethernet xx:xx:xx:xx:xx

It seems to change the mac address (or ethernet ID as it is called in the network settings panel), but when I go to the network setting panel, the mac address stays unchanged.

Can anybody help?

 

[matticus008]

I tried it through Terminal by using the following command:

sudo ifconfig en0 ethernet xx:xx:xx:xx:xx

You should bring the interface down, change the address, and bring the link back up:

sudo ifconfig en0 down hw ethernet {MAC}

and then a quick:
sudo ifconfig en0 up

Give that a whirl and see how it goes.

 

[MaTiCeK]

sudo ifconfig en0 down hw ethernet {MAC}

It gives me a bad hw value

I suppose the {MAC} means the ethernet card's mac address so the command is written like this:

sudo ifconfig en0 down hw ethernet xx:xx:xx:xx:xx:xx

or should I write the command like this?

sudo ifconfig en0 down hw xx:xx:xx:xx:xx:xx


Sorry, like I said, I'm a really noob.

 

[BakedBeans]

It's MAC not Mac

Sorry, always wanted to reverse it

 

[MaTiCeK]

It's MAC not Mac

Sorry, always wanted to reverse it

Are you sure? I'm talking about the MAC address of the ethernet card and not Mac computers

 

[matticus008]

It gives me a bad hw value

I suppose the {MAC} means the ethernet card's mac address so the command is written like this:

sudo ifconfig en0 down hw ethernet xx:xx:xx:xx:xx:xx

or should I write the command like this?

sudo ifconfig en0 down hw xx:xx:xx:xx:xx:xx


Sorry, like I said, I'm a really noob.

Maybe try it without the "hw"--sometimes I can't quite keep BSD, Linux, and OS X separate, since I've worked in all 3. And yes, {MAC} means your MAC address. I'm just too lazy to type the xx: crap.

 

[MaTiCeK]

Now I got a ifconfig: 00:16:cb:8c:85:99: bad value error.

I can get the ethernet adapter down by just sudo ifconfig en0 down, but then when I try to change the MAC address I get a ethernet card down error.

 

[odedia]

Are you sure it's possible to change the MAC address? If I'm not mistaken, the MAC address is a unique hardware "serial number" for every network device that allows it to be distinguished from all other devices. I didn't know it can be changed, because it's "burned" right into the hardware.

As always, I might be wrong

Oded S.

 

[MaTiCeK]

Are you sure it's possible to change the MAC address? If I'm not mistaken, the MAC address is a unique hardware "serial number" for every network device that allows it to be distinguished from all other devices. I didn't know it can be changed, because it's "burned" right into the hardware.

As always, I might be wrong

Oded S.

That's what I meant at first, but then I googled it. And it's possible. I already changed it on my MBP for windows. But I bought the MBP because I like the Mac OS and not because of the hardware, so I'd like to change the Mac address in Mac OS too.

 

[Texas04]

Its possible yes... but your not supposed to. Seeing as OS X is the more stable and secure OS... I can see you having a harder time trying to change the MAC address (yes MAC lol) on OS X than Windows.. sorry

 

[jsw]

One alternate solution would be to buy a cheap router (Linksys WRT54G will work, as will many other Linksys and other routers) and configure its reported MAC to be the one you want, then any system going through it would appear to the cable company to be your old PC.

Or just call your ISP. I'm sure people replace computers, and I find it hard to believe they won't switch the MAC for you.

Are you sure it's possible to change the MAC address?

You're right, but you can change the reported value for the MAC address on some equipment so as to spoof other devices.

 

[MaTiCeK]

Well the solution is that I call my internet provider tomorrow, and have a lonely night tonight . Or do windows (

Well either way, I'll have internet tomorrow.

 

[BakedBeans]

Are you sure? I'm talking about the MAC address of the ethernet card and not Mac computers

Yeah, I know - thats why i wrote what i wrote

 

[matticus008]

Try "ether" or "lladdr" instead of "ethernet," if you want one last go before you call the ISP (but getting them to switch on their end is the best solution). Also, make sure there's no trailing colon after the last pair (that might be part of the error message, but just in case)...

so,

sudo ifconfig en0 down lladdr {MAC}

 

[MaTiCeK]

Well I decided to take an old router from my parents place to my place. So I am free to change computers now