You are distributing the Internet with iPhone through modem mode, but have you noticed a suspicious drop in speed or unfamiliar devices on the network? Unlike routers, where the list of connected devices is displayed in the web interface, iOS This feature is hidden deeper. Apple doesn't provide direct access to connection logs, but there are workarounds—both built-in and using third-party tools.
In this article, we will look at all the current methods for checking devices connected to your access point. iPhone (including models from iPhone SE to 15 Pro Max With iOS 15–17). You'll learn how to identify "unnecessary" gadgets, block them, and protect your network from unauthorized access. And if you use iPhone as a repeating signal (through Bridge mode), we will separately consider the nuances of such a scenario.
Why doesn't the iPhone have a standard list of connected devices?
Apple deliberately restricts access to low-level network data, including access point connection logs. This is due to:
- 🔒 Privacy Policy: The company minimizes the collection of data on user networks to avoid information leaks.
- 📱 iOS architecture: unlike Android, where manufacturers can add their own features (eg.
Mi Wi-Fion Xiaomi), iOS has a closed system. - 🛡️ SecurityApple believes that the average user doesn't need details about connected devices—a strong password is enough.
However, this doesn't mean the list is impossible to verify. Below are all the working methods, from simple to advanced.
Method 1: Viewing via "Modem Mode" (limited information)
The fastest, but least informative way is to look at the modem settings. It will show number of connected devices, but not their names or MAC addresses.
- Open
Settings → Tethering. - Turn on the modem mode (if it is turned off).
- A line will appear below the slider.
Connected: N devices, WhereN— number of active connections.
🔍 LimitationIf an unknown device connects to your network, you'll only see a number but won't be able to identify it. This method is suitable for a quick check.
Method 2: Using Network Scanner Apps (Free)
Third party applications from App Store They can scan your local network and display all connected devices, including those using your network. The best options are:
| Application | Functions | Restrictions |
|---|---|---|
| Fing | Scans the network, shows IP/MAC addresses, device names, and manufacturers by MAC. | The free version limits the number of scans per day. |
| Network Analyzer | Displays active connections, ping, ports, supports Wake-on-LAN. |
The interface is overloaded for beginners. |
| WiFi Map | Shows devices on the network map, tests speed. | Requires registration for some features. |
📌 How to use:
- Install one of the applications (links in App Store).
- Connect to your access point (if you are scanning the distribution with iPhone, stay in her network).
- Run a scan and the app will show all devices on your local network.
- Compare the list with gadgets you know (laptop, tablet, etc.).
Change your access point password|Disable tethering for 10-15 minutes|Check the list of connected devices again|Use MAC filtering (if distributing through a router)-->
⚠️ Attention: Some applications may request access to Local area network in the privacy settings (Settings → Privacy → Local Network). Without this permission, scanning will not work.
Method 3: Checking via MAC addresses (for advanced users)
Each device on the network has a unique MAC address (For example, 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E). If you know the MAC addresses of your gadgets, you can identify "extra" connections. To do this:
- Install the application Fing or Network Analyzer (see previous section).
- Run the scan - the results will include a column
MAC Address. - Compare the addresses with those you know. For example, the MAC address of your MacBook can be found in
System Preferences → Network → Advanced → Ethernet/Wi-Fi.
A critical detail: MAC addresses can be spoofed, so this method is not 100% guaranteed, but it does help filter out most rogue devices.
How to find out the MAC address of your iPhone?
Go to Settings → General → About and find the line Wi-Fi address (this is the MAC address of your gadget).
Method 4: Analyze traffic through a router (if the iPhone is connected to it)
If your iPhone Since the router doesn't distribute the internet directly, but is connected to a router that then distributes the network further, it's more convenient to check the devices through the router's web interface. To do this:
- Find out the IP address of your router (usually
192.168.0.1or192.168.1.1). - Open a browser on any device on that network and enter the IP address.
- Log in (default logins/passwords are indicated on the router sticker).
- Find the section
Wireless network,DHCPorConnected devices— there will be a complete list.
🔧 Example for popular routers:
- 📡 TP-Link:
Advanced Settings → Wireless → Wireless Statistics. - 📡 ASUS:
Network Map → Clients. - 📡 Keenetic:
Devices → Device List.
Method 5: System Utilities Logs (for iOS 17 and later)
IN iOS 17 Apple has added enhanced network activity logs that can be exported via Analytics and improvementsThis method requires technical skills, but provides the most complete information.
- Go to
Settings → Privacy & Security → Analytics & Improvements → Analytics Data. - Find files with the names
networkd-...orawdd-...(these are network activity logs). - Export them (for example via iTunes or Finder) and open it in a text editor.
- Look for lines with
assoc(connection) ordisassoc(disabling) - there will be MAC addresses of devices.
⚠️ Attention: Logs contain technical information and can take up hundreds of megabytes. For analysis, it's more convenient to use specialized utilities like Wireshark (on the computer).
How to open logs on Mac?
Copy the log file to your Mac, then to Terminal run the command
log show --predicate 'process == "networkd"' --info --last 1hThis will show the network activity for the last hour.
How to block an unknown device?
If you find a foreign device on the network, follow these steps:
- Change your password from access point:
- On iPhone:
Settings → Personal Hotspot → Wi-Fi Password. - Use a complex password (at least 12 characters with numbers and special characters).
- On iPhone:
- Enable hidden network (do not show SSID name):
- This won't protect you from experienced hackers, but it will reduce the number of accidental connections.
- In your router settings, add only the MAC addresses of your devices to the whitelist.
- Disable tetheringwhen it is not needed.
🔐 Additional protection:
- 🔄 Change your distribution password regularly (every 1-2 months).
- 📵 Turn it off
AutodistributionVSettings → Tethering, if you don't use it constantly. - 🛡️ Install a VPN on devices connected to your hotspot (e.g. ProtonVPN or Windscribe).
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
When checking connected devices, users often encounter typical problems:
⚠️ Attention: if you use iPhone as a repeating signal (mode Bridge), the list of connected devices in scanner applications will show all gadgets in the router's main network, not just those connected to your access point. To separate them, turn off iPhone from the router and check the list again.
- 🔍 False positives: some applications (eg Smart TV or IoT devices) may appear under non-obvious names (for example,
ESP_123456(for a smart light bulb). Before blocking, check which devices should be connected to the network. - 📶 Problems with scanning: If the application does not find devices, check that your iPhone and the scanner are connected to the same network. Sometimes restarting the modem mode helps.
- 🔑 Reset passwordAfter changing the hotspot password, all devices will be disconnected. Notify those using your hotspot in advance.
📊 Comparison of verification methods:
| Way | Accuracy | Complexity | Do you need third-party tools? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Modem mode (number of devices) | Low | Just | No |
| Scanner apps (Fing, Network Analyzer) | High | Average | Yes |
| MAC addresses | High (but can be faked) | Difficult | Yes |
| Router logs | Maximum | Just | No |
| System logs iOS | Maximum | It's very difficult | No |
FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions
Can I see my hotspot connection history on my iPhone?
iOS does not keep a connection log in the usual way. However, in the system logs (see Method 5) connection/disconnection events for the last few days are saved. For long-term monitoring, use a router with a logging function or specialized applications like GlassWire (requires jailbreak).
Why does the scanner app show devices that are not on my network?
The scanner analyzes the entire local network, including devices connected to the main router (if yours iPhone works in bridge mode). To see only "your own", turn off iPhone from the router and run the scan again - the list will only include those connected directly to your access point.
Is it possible to block a device by MAC address on an iPhone?
No, iOS does not support MAC filtering at the phone level. This feature is only available on routers. If such blocking is critical for you, distribute the internet through an external router (e.g., TP-Link Travel Router), where you can configure a white/black list of MAC addresses.
How can I check if someone is stealing my traffic if the number of devices hasn't changed?
Even a single connected device can consume data in the background. To identify this:
- Run a network scan in Fing and look at the column
Traffic. - Sort devices by the amount of traffic consumed.
- If a device is using a suspicious amount of data (for example, 10 GB in an hour), turn it off and change the password.
Do these methods work on a jailbroken iPhone?
Yes, but you will have access to additional tools like Terminal And Syslog, where you can view network logs in real time. For example, the command:
log stream --predicate 'eventMessage CONTAINS "WiFi"' --infowill show all events related to Wi-Fi, including connections of new devices. However, Jailbreaking violates security and may result in some functions being blocked iOS.