Who's Connected to My Wi-Fi? 7 Proven Ways to Find and Block Other People's Devices

Have you noticed your internet is slower than usual? Or is your router blinking suspiciously often, even though you're not downloading anything? Someone else might be accessing your Wi-Fi network. This not only steals your data but also creates security risks: through your router, attackers can access personal data, bank accounts, or even smart home devices.

In this article we will analyze 7 working methodsHow to check who's using your Wi-Fi—from standard router tools to specialized software. We'll also tell you how block other people's devices And protect the network from repeated intrusions. Some methods work even without access to the router settings!

Spoiler: the most reliable method is a combination of checking through router admin panel and scanning the network using mobile applicationsBut there are also simpler options for beginners.

1. Checking via the router's web interface (the most accurate method)

Any modern router maintains a list of connected devices. To see it, you need to go to administrative panelThis is usually done through a browser at the address 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1 (The exact address is indicated on the router's sticker). The default login and password are also there - most often it is admin/admin or admin/password.

After logging in, look for a section with a name like:

• 🔍 DHCP Clients List (DHCP client list)
• 📡 Wireless Clients or Connected Devices (connected devices)
• 🖥️ Local Network → LAN/WLAN

In this section you will see a table with IP addresses, MAC addresses and device names. MAC address — This is a unique identifier for each gadget. If the list contains unfamiliar addresses, it means someone else has connected to your network.

Enter the router's IP address in your browser | Log in (login/password from the sticker) | Find the "Connected devices" or "DHCP Clients" section | Compare the MAC addresses with your devices | Block unknown devices (if there is such an option) -->

⚠️ Attention: Some routers (eg. Keenetic or ASUS RT-AX88U) allow block devices directly from the interfaceIf this feature isn't available, you'll have to change your Wi-Fi password or set up MAC address filtering.

2. Using mobile applications (convenient and fast)

Don't want to fiddle with your router settings? Install one of the specialized apps. They scan your network and display all connected devices, including their manufacturer (using their MAC address). Popular options include:

• 📱 Fing (Android/iOS) - even identifies device models (for example, iPhone 13 or Samsung Galaxy S22).
• 🛡️ WiFi Guard (Android) — compares current connections with the "white list" of your gadgets.
• 🔍 NetScan (iOS) - shows IP, MAC and even traffic consumption speed.

How to use:

1. Connect to your Wi-Fi network.
2. Launch the application and click "Scan Network".
3. Compare the list with your devices.
4. Unknown gadgets can be blocked directly from the app (if the router supports this function).

⚠️ Attention: Applications like Fing may show devices from neighboring networks if they are using the same Wi-Fi channel. Focus on MAC addresses and host names (eg android-123456 or laptop-pc).

3. Checking via the command line (for Windows)

If you have a computer on Windows, you can do it without third-party programs. Open command line (Win + R → enter cmd → Enter) and run the command:

arp -a

You will see a list of IP addresses and their corresponding MAC addressesTo find out which of them are active, first do the following:

ping 192.168.1.1 -n 1 & arp -a

(replace 192.168.1.1 to your router's IP).

Compare the MAC addresses with those listed on your devices (you can find them in the network settings). Unknown addresses indicate a third-party connection.

⚠️ Attention: This method shows all devices on the local network, including those connected via cable. If you have smart plugs, cameras, or printers, they will also appear in the list.

4. Analyzing traffic through a router (for advanced users)

Some routers (eg. TP-Link Archer, MikroTik or Ubiquiti) allow monitoring traffic by deviceThis helps not only identify unauthorized devices but also understand who exactly is hogging your internet.

Where to look:

• 📊 Section Traffic Monitor or Bandwidth Control.
• 📈 Consumption charts in Real-Time Traffic.
• 🖥️ Tab Qos (Quality of Service).

If a device is consuming a suspiciously large amount of data (for example, several gigabytes per hour), but you're not downloading anything, that's cause for concern. Someone might be using your Wi-Fi for torrents or streaming.

5. Checking through MAC filtering (additional protection)

If you have already found foreign devices, you can block them using MAC filteringThis method works on most routers:

1. Log into your router's admin panel.
2. Search section MAC Filter or Access Control.
3. Add unknown MAC addresses to the "blacklist".
4. Save the settings and reboot the router.

⚠️ Attention: MAC addresses can be spoofed, so this method does not provide 100% protectionIt's best to combine it with other methods (for example, changing the password and disabling WPS).

Here's an example of what a MAC address table looks like in a router:

6. Tracking via smart plugs and IoT devices

If you have smart sockets (For example, Xiaomi Smart Plug or TP-Link Tapo), they can help identify unauthorized connections. Many hackers connect to Wi-Fi to use devices for mining or DDOS attacks. In this case, the outlet will show unusual power consumption.

How to check:

• 🔌 View the consumption graph in the smart plug app.
• 📉 If at night (when everyone is asleep) the socket shows a load, this is suspicious.
• 🔍 Compare the activity time with the data from the router.

⚠️ Attention: Some viruses for IoT devices (Mirai, Mozi) can infect routers and smart devices. If you notice any anomalies, reset your device to factory settings.

7. Changing your password and setting up security (prevention)

If you find unauthorized devices, it's not enough to just block them. You need to prevent reconnection:

• 🔐 Change your Wi-Fi password complex (at least 12 characters, with numbers and special characters).
• 🛡️ Disable WPS - This protocol is vulnerable to hacking.
• 🔄 Update your router firmware (in the section Firmware Update).
• 📡 Change the network name (SSID) — do not use personal information (for example, "Ivanov_kv5").
• 🔒 Enable WPA3 encryption (if the router supports it).

⚠️ Attention: Never use standard passwords like 12345678 or qwertyAttackers check these first. Also, avoid passwords associated with your address or date of birth.

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