How to Check Who's Using My Wi-Fi: A Complete Guide (2026)

• Install from App Store or Google Play.
• Run a network scan—the app will show all devices, including those hidden from the router.
What to do if the scanner finds "invisible" devices?

If Angry IP Scanner or Fing show active IPs that are not in the router's web interface, this may mean:

1. The device is connected via cable (check the physical ports of the router).

2. A technique to bypass DHCP is used (for example, manual static IP).

3. There is a "smart" device (camera, light bulb) operating on the network that is not displayed in the basic list.

To block such a device, add its MAC address to the router's blacklist (section Wireless Mode → MAC Filter).

4. Command Line: Advanced Diagnostics for Windows and Linux

If you prefer to work without third-party programs, you can use the built-in OS tools.

For Windows:

1. Open Command line on behalf of the administrator.
2. Run the command:

   arp -a

   It will show a table of IP and MAC addresses of all devices on the local network.

3. Compare the output with the list from the router - discrepancies will indicate hidden connections.

For Linux/macOS:

1. Open Terminal.
2. Perform:

   nmap -sn 192.168.1.0/24

   (replace 192.168.1.0/24 to your subnet).

3. Analyze the output: lines with MAC Address and status up — active devices.

⚠️ Attention: Team nmap may be blocked by some providers (eg. Rostelecom (in tariffs with scanning protection). If you see an error Permission denied, try adding sudo in front of the team.

5. Mobile Apps for Wi-Fi Monitoring: TOP 3 Solutions

If you're uncomfortable using the command line, use specialized applications. We've tested dozens of utilities and selected the most effective:

1. NetCut (Android/iOS)
   • 🔍 Shows all devices on the network with manufacturer information (by MAC).
   • ⚡ Can forcefully disable suspicious gadgets (function Cut Off).
   • ⚠️ Requires root access on Android for full functionality.
2. WiFi Guard (Android)
   • 🛡️ Compares current connections with a "whitelist" of your devices.
   • 📊 Keeps a connection history (useful for identifying late-night "guests").
   • 🆓 The free version is limited to 5 devices per list.

• 📱 Optimized for iPhone/iPad with support Dark Mode.
• 🔗 Shows not only Wi-Fi, but also wired connections.
• 💰 The paid version ($2.99) removes ads and adds report export.

Update the app to the latest version|Check permissions (network access required)|Disable VPN (may interfere with scanning)|Compare data with the router's web interface-->

6. How to Block Unauthorized Devices: 3 Reliable Methods

Detected someone else's device? Here's how to disable it. forever:

1. MAC address filter (recommended method):
   • In the router's web interface, find the section Wireless Mode → MAC Filter.
   • Add someone else's MAC to the blacklist or create a whitelist for your devices only.
   • Apply the settings and reboot the router.

   ✅ Plus: works even if the attacker changes the IP.

   ❌ Minus: MAC address can be spoofed (but this requires special knowledge).

2. Changing your Wi-Fi password:
   • Go to Wireless Mode → Security Settings.
   • Set a new password (at least 12 characters, with numbers and special characters).
   • Select encryption type WPA3-Personal (if supported).

⚠️ After changing your password, you will have to reconnect all your devices.

• WPS is vulnerable to brute force attacks (even if you don't use the button on the router).
• Find it in the settings WPS → Disable.

7. Automated Monitoring: How to Receive Notifications About New Devices

To avoid having to check the connection list manually, set up automatic notifications:

• 🤖 Via a router:

  Models ASUS (with firmware) Asuswrt-Merlin) And Keenetic Support sending email/SMS when a new device is added. Configure this in the section Notifications.

• 📧 Using IFTTT:

  Service IFTTT can monitor the network through Google WiFi or TP-Link Deco and send alerts to Telegram.

• 🛠️ Self-written script:

  For advanced users: script on Python with the library scapy, which scans the network and sends notifications.

  Sample code for automatic scanning

  ```python

  from scapy.all import ARP, Ether, srp

  import smtplib

  def scan_network(ip_range):

  arp = ARP(pdst=ip_range)

  ether = Ether(dst="ff:ff:ff:ff:ff:ff")

  packet = ether/arp

  result = srp(packet, timeout=3, verbose=0)[0]

  devices = []

  for sent, received in result:

  devices.append({'ip': received.psrc, 'mac': received.hwsrc})

  return devices

  Sending an email when a new device is detected

  def send_alert(new_device):

  # Here is the code for sending a letter (use smtplib)

  pass

  known_devices = [...] # List of known MAC addresses

  current_devices = scan_network("192.168.1.0/24")

  new_devices = [d for d in current_devices if d['mac'] not in known_devices]

  if new_devices:

  for device in new_devices:

  send_alert(device)

  ```

⚠️ Warning: Automatic network scanning scripts may violate the rules of some providers (for example, Beeline (In corporate plans). Please check the terms in the contract before using.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about checking your Wi-Fi network