How to See Who's Connected to My Wi-Fi: A Complete Guide with Instructions for All Routers

Have you noticed that your internet has become slower and your data is running out faster than usual? Perhaps unauthorized devices—neighbors, guests, or even hackers—have connected to your Wi-Fi. According to KasperskyEvery fifth router in Russia has vulnerabilities that allow attackers to connect to the network without the owner's knowledge. But how can you find out exactly who's using your Wi-Fi and how can you stop them?

In this article you will find 7 proven methods Check the list of connected devices—from standard router tools to specialized apps. We'll cover step-by-step instructions for popular models (TP-Link, ASUS, Keenetic, MikroTik), as well as universal methods that work on any equipment. In addition, you will learn how detect hidden connections that are not displayed in the standard list of devices.

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

The most reliable and accurate method is to access your router settings through a browser. This method works on 99% of models, including TP-Link, ASUS, D-Link, Zyxel and others. You only need a computer or smartphone connected to the same network.

Instructions:

1. Find out IP address your router. Usually it's 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1You can check it via the command line (ipconfig on Windows or ifconfig on macOS/Linux) or look at the sticker on the back of the router.
2. Enter the IP in the address bar of your browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge).
3. Enter your login and password (by default it is often admin/admin or admin/password). If it doesn’t work, reset the settings using the button. Reset on the router.
4. Find the section with the list of devices. It's usually called:
   • 🔹 DHCP Clients List (V TP-Link, Mercusys)
   • 🔹 Network Map or Clients (V ASUS)
   • 🔹 Devices or Local area network (V Keenetic, Rostelecom)
   • 🔹 Wireless → Wireless Statistics (V MikroTik)

In the table you will see:

• 📱 Device name (if configured)
• 🔢 MAC address (unique identifier)
• 🌐 IP address on a local network
• ⏱️ Connection time

2. How to find a list of devices on specific router models

Router interfaces vary depending on the manufacturer. Below are precise paths For popular brands. If your model isn't listed, use the universal method from the previous section.

On some routers (for example, Keenetic or ASUS with firmware Asuswrt-Merlin) there is a function New Device NotificationsEnable it in your security settings to receive alerts via email or mobile app when an unfamiliar device is connected.

3. Checking via mobile applications (for smartphones)

If accessing your router settings is inconvenient, use specialized apps. They scan your local network and display all connected devices, even those that aren't visible in the router's web interface (for example, devices with a static IP).

Top 5 apps for Android and iOS:

• 📱 Fing — determines the device manufacturer by MAC, checks open ports.
• 🛡️ NetScan — scans the network in 10 seconds, shows the connection history.
• 🔍 WiFi Guard — compares current devices with the "white list" and signals about new ones.
• 📊 IP Tools — includes ping, traceroute and port scanner.
• 🔗 Who Is On My WiFi - simple interface, works without registration.

How to use (using example) Fing):

1. Download the app from Google Play or App Store.
2. Connect to your Wi-Fi network.
3. Click Scan — after 20-30 seconds a list of devices will appear.
4. Click on an unknown device to see its MAC address, manufacturer, and open ports.

Make sure it's not your gadget (check MAC)

Try disabling it through your router.

Change your Wi-Fi password to a more complex one

Enable MAC address filtering

Update your router firmware-->

Warning: some applications (eg WiFi Kill) promise to "kick" other people's devices out of the network, but their use may be illegal (Article 272 of the Russian Criminal Code – unauthorized access to computer information). It's best to block devices through your router settings.

4. Command Line: Checking Connected Devices on Windows, macOS, and Linux

If you prefer to work without a graphical interface, you can use the command line. This method is suitable for advanced users and allows you to obtain extended information about the network.

🖥️ For Windows (via CMD)

Open Command Prompt (Win + R → enter cmd → Enter) and run:

arp -a

You'll see a table with the IP and MAC addresses of all devices on your local network. To filter only active connections, use:

arp -a | findstr "dynamic"

🍎 For macOS (via Terminal)

Open Terminal and enter:

nmap -sn 192.168.1.0/24

Replace 192.168.1.0/24 to your subnet (you can find out with the command ifconfig | grep "inet ").

🐧 For Linux (Ubuntu, Debian, etc.)

Install nmap (if not installed):

sudo apt install nmap

Then perform a scan:

sudo nmap -sn 192.168.0.0/24 -oG - | awk '/Up$/{print $2}'

These commands will show all active IPs on the network, including those that may be hidden in the router's web interface. To decipher MAC addresses, use the service MAC Vendor Lookup.

What to do if the leased IP is not displayed?

If the device has a static IP (set manually), it may not appear in the router's DHCP client list. In this case, scanning the network via nmap or application Fing, which show all hosts, regardless of IP type.

5. How to detect hidden connections (spoofing, MITM attacks)

Some hackers use MAC address spoofing or Man-in-the-Middle attacksto mask their presence on the network. Standard methods (router web interface or apps) may not reveal such connections. Here's how to detect them:

Signs of a hidden connection:

• 🔴 Unexpected increased ping (checked through ping 8.8.8.8 -t)
• 🔴 Brakes when downloading files, despite the high speed according to the test
• 🔴 Unknown processes in network connections (checked via netstat -ano on Windows)
• 🔴 A sharp increase in traffic in the provider's personal account

For in-depth diagnostics:

1. Use Wireshark (free traffic analyzer) for packet monitoring. Filter wlan.addr == [your_MAC] will help filter out other people's devices.
2. Check the ARP cache list for MAC spoofing: arp -a (only your devices should be displayed).
3. Turn on network activity log in the router (if supported). For example, in MikroTik this is done through Tools → Log.

⚠️ Attention: If you suspect a hack, don't just change your password. Hackers can install backdoor into the router firmware. In this case:

1. Reset the router to factory settings (button Reset for 10 seconds).

2. Update the firmware to the latest version from the manufacturer's official website.

3. Set up guest network for untrusted devices (e.g. smart bulbs or guests).

4. Turn off WPS And UPnP in security settings.

6. How to block other people's devices: step-by-step instructions

Found an unfamiliar device? Here's how to disconnect it and prevent it from reconnecting:

🔒 Method 1: Blocking by MAC address

Most routers allow you to create blacklist MAC addresses. Instructions for TP-Link:

1. Log into your router's web interface.
2. Go to Wireless → Wireless MAC Filtering.
3. Select Deny (deny) and add the MAC address of the other device.
4. Save settings (Save).

🔒 Method 2: IP Filtering (for static addresses)

If the device is using a static IP, block it via firewall:

• IN Keenetic: Security → Firewall → Filtering Rules.
• IN MikroTik: IP → Firewall → Filter Rules (add rule drop for the required IP).

🔒 Method 3: Change the password and network name

If there are a lot of unfamiliar devices, it’s easier completely reset the network:

1. Change SSID (Wi-Fi name) and a complex password (for example, WPA3-Personal).
2. Turn it off WPS (vulnerable to brute force).
3. Turn on network hiding (option Hide SSID), but remember: this does not protect against experienced hackers.

⚠️ Attention: If other people's devices continue to connect after changing the password, your router may be infected with malware (for example, VPNFilter or Mirai). In this case:

1. Disconnect the router from the Internet.

2. Reset to factory settings.

3. Update the firmware manually from the official website (not via the web interface!).

4. Reconfigure the network using new SSID and password.

7. Prevention: How to protect Wi-Fi from unauthorized access

The best way to avoid problems is configure the router correctly from the very beginning. Follow these guidelines:

• 🔐 Use WPA3 instead of WPA2 (if the router supports it). Keenetic And ASUS this is included in Wireless → Security.
• 🔄 Regularly (once every 3-6 months) change your Wi-Fi passwordGenerate it using password managers (for example, Bitwarden).
• 📡 Turn off WPS And UPnP - these functions often have vulnerabilities.
• 🛡️ Turn on guest network For smart devices (IoT) and guests. Limit its speed and access to local resources.
• 🔄 Update your router firmware at least once a yearCheck for updates in the section Administration → Firmware Upgrade.
• 📱 Install the router manufacturer's app (for example, TP-Link Tether or ASUS Router) for notifications about new devices.

For maximum security, please set up VLAN (virtual networks) - this will allow you to isolate smart devices (cameras, lamps) from your main gadgets (laptops, smartphones). MikroTik And Keenetic This is done through the section Network → VLAN.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about connected devices

❓ Is it possible to find out what websites someone else's device is visiting on my network?

Technically yes, but that's breaks the law (Federal Law No. 152 "On Personal Data"). If the device isn't yours, you don't have the right to monitor its traffic. The exception is parental controls for children (configured in the router).

For analysis own traffic use Wireshark or built-in router tools (for example, Traffic Analyzer V ASUS).

❓ Why does the device list show "Unknown" or a blank name?

This means that the device is not broadcasting its name (hostname) to the network. This often happens with:

• 📱 Smart devices (lamps, sockets, cameras)
• 🖥️ Old printers or TVs
• 🕵️ Devices with a changed MAC address (spoofing)

To identify such a device, check its MAC via MAC Vendor Lookup or turn off all your gadgets one by one, watching the list.

❓ How can I check if my neighbor is stealing my Wi-Fi if they have the same router?

If your neighbor has a router of the same model (for example, TP-Link Archer C20), its devices may appear on your network with similar names. To distinguish them:

1. Take a look MAC address suspicious device.
2. Compare with the MAC addresses of your gadgets (you can find them in your phone/laptop settings).
3. If the MAC is foreign, block it (see section 6).

Also check signal strength (Signal Strength V MikroTik or Fing). If it is weak (for example, -80 dBm), the device is located far away (possibly at a neighbor’s).

❓ What should I do if my router doesn't show a list of devices?

Possible causes and solutions:

• 🔌 Outdated firmware — update your router software.
• 🔧 DHCP is disabled - check the settings in LAN → DHCP Server.
• 🛠️ Hardware failure — reboot the router or reset the settings.
• 📡 Too many devices — some routers limit the list display (for example, up to 32 devices).

If the problem persists, use Fing or nmap to scan the network.

❓ Is it possible to see connected devices without access to the router?

Yes, but with restrictions:

• 📱 Mobile applications (Fing, NetScan) will show the devices on your local network.
• 🖥️ Command line (arp -a or nmap) — see section 4.
• 🚫 Limitation: You won't see devices connected to guest network or isolated via VLANs.

For complete control need access to the router.