How to check who's connected to my Wi-Fi on a Huawei router: all the methods

Have you noticed that your internet has become slower than usual, and your data is running out suspiciously quickly? Perhaps your Huawei Wi-Fi router Unauthorized devices have connected. In this article, we'll explore all available methods for checking the list of connected devices—from standard web interface tools to mobile apps and specialized programs.

Manufacturers Huawei regularly update the firmware of their routers, so the interface may differ slightly depending on the model (Huawei WS5200, Huawei B535, Huawei HG8245H etc.). However, the general principle of verification remains unchanged. It is important to understand that some methods require administrative access to the router, so prepare your login and password in advance (they are usually indicated on a sticker on the back of the device).

If you've never changed your login details, try the standard combinations:

  • 🔑 Login: admin, password: admin
  • 🔑 Login: root, password: admin
  • 🔑 Login: user, password: @HuaweiHgw (for some models)

If the standard data is not suitable and you don’t remember yours, you will have to reset the router settings Reset to factory defaults. But keep in mind: this will disconnect all users, and you'll need to reconfigure the network.

📊 How often do you check the devices connected to your Wi-Fi?
Never
Once a month
Only when I notice problems
I constantly monitor

1. Checking via the Huawei router's web interface

The most reliable and universal method is to access the router control panel through a browser. This method works on all models. Huawei, regardless of the year of manufacture.

Step-by-step instructions:

  1. Connect to your router's Wi-Fi network (or use an Ethernet cable).
  2. Open any browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge) and enter in the address bar 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.100.1 (for some 4G router models). Click Enter.
  3. Enter your login and password (see standard combinations above).
  4. Go to the section Devices (or DHCPClient list in old firmware).

In the window that opens, you'll see a table with connected devices. Typically, it contains:

  • 📱 Device name (if it is specified in the gadget settings)
  • 🔢 MAC address (unique identifier)
  • 📶 Connection type (Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz / 5 GHz / Ethernet)
  • ⏱️ Connection time
  • 📊 IP address (assigned by the router)

Check your router's network connection|Try a different browser (e.g., Firefox)|Clear your browser cache|Reboot the router using the button on the router case|Try a different IP address (192.168.8.1 or 192.168.3.1)

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Important: If the list contains devices with unfamiliar MAC addresses or names (for example, "android-123456" not associated with your gadgets), they should be blocked. To do this, find the button next to the entry. Block or DisconnectIn some firmware versions, you first need to add the MAC address to the blacklist in the section Security → MAC Filter.

2. Using the Huawei AI Life mobile app

For smartphone owners on Android or iOS It's more convenient to check connected devices through the official app Huawei AI Life (previously - Huawei HiLink). It supports most modern routers of the brand, including Huawei WS7200, Huawei B315 And Huawei E5788.

How to use the application:

  • 📱 Download Huawei AI Life from Google Play or App Store.
  • 🔌 Connect to your router's Wi-Fi network.
  • 🔍 Launch the app and wait for it to find your router (you may need to enter your Wi-Fi password).
  • 📊 Go to the section Devices or Wi-Fi Network → Connected Devices.

The app displays a more user-friendly interface than the web version: devices are grouped by type (phones, laptops, smart speakers), and a description is shown next to each gadget. traffic consumption levelThis helps quickly identify bandwidth-hungry devices that may be slowing down the network.

⚠️ Attention: In some regions the application Huawei AI Life The full list of devices may not be displayed due to firmware limitations. If you don't see all devices, use the web interface.

Advantages of the application:

  • 🔔 Notifications about new connections (configurable in Security → Alerts).
  • 📵 Ability to lock your device with one tap.
  • 📈 Daily traffic consumption charts.

3. Viewing via the command line (for advanced users)

If you prefer to work with the console, you can get a list of connected devices via Windows command line or Linux/macOS terminalThis method does not require access to the router, but only shows devices on your local network.

Instructions for Windows:

  1. Click Win + R, enter cmd and press Enter.
  2. Enter the command:
    arp -a

    and press Enter.

  3. You will see a table with IP and MAC addresses of devices.

To decode the manufacturer from the MAC address, use the first 6 characters (e.g. 5C:FF:35) and check them through the service MAC VendorsThis will help determine whose device is connected (for example, Apple, Samsung, Xiaomi).

For Linux/macOS the command is similar:

arp -n

Flag -n Disables reverse DNS lookup, which speeds up output.

⚠️ Attention: This method only shows active devices that have recently communicated with your computer. If someone else's device is connected but not in use, it may not appear in the list.

4. Third-party network monitoring programs

If standard tools aren't enough, you can use specialized utilities. They offer advanced features, such as real-time traffic monitoring, device blocking, and notifications about new connections.

Popular programs:

Program Platform Peculiarities Link
Wireshark Windows, macOS, Linux Advanced traffic analyzer shows all data packets Official website
Advanced IP Scanner Windows Scans the network, shows IP, MAC, manufacturer and open ports Official website
Fing Android, iOS, Windows, macOS Mobile app with notifications about new devices Official website
Angry IP Scanner Windows, macOS, Linux Fast network scanning, plugin support Official website

Example of working with Advanced IP Scanner:

  • 🔍 Download and install the program.
  • 📡 Start scanning (button Scan).
  • 📋 The program will show all devices on the network with an indication manufacturer (by MAC address) and open ports.
  • 🚫 To block a device, copy its MAC address and add it to the router's blacklist (via the web interface).

How to block a device by MAC address on a Huawei router

1. Go to the router's web interface (192.168.1.1).

2. Go to the section Security → MAC Filter.

3. Turn on filtering and select the mode Blacklist.

4. Add the MAC address of the foreign device.

5. Save the settings and reboot the router.

Warning: Some programs (eg. Wireshark) require administrator rights and may be blocked by your antivirus software. Please add them to the exclusions list before installation.

5. How to identify "left" devices in the list

Even if you see a list of connected devices, it's not always easy to tell which ones are yours and which aren't. Here are some tips for identifying suspicious devices:

Signs of a foreign gadget:

  • 🆔 Unknown MAC address (check your devices in advance).
  • 📵 Unusual name (For example, android_1a2b3c without being tied to your devices).
  • Connection during non-working hours (at night, when everyone is sleeping).
  • 📊 High traffic (if the device consumes gigabytes of data).
  • 🔄 Frequent connections/disconnections (may indicate a botnet or malware).

To whitelist your devices:

  1. Write down the MAC addresses of all your gadgets (you can find them in the network settings on each device).
  2. Compare them with the data from the list of connected devices in the router.
  3. Please check all mismatched addresses through MAC Vendors - this will help you understand which manufacturer the device belongs to.

6. What to do if a foreign device is found

If you find an unfamiliar gadget online, follow these steps:

Steps to ensure safety:

  • 🔒 Change your Wi-Fi password (in the router's web interface, section Wi-Fi → Security Settings). Use a complex password of 12+ characters with numbers and special characters.
  • 🔄 Update your router firmware (chapter System → Software Update). Outdated versions may contain vulnerabilities.
  • 🚫 Enable MAC address filtering (chapter Security → MAC Filter). Whitelist only your devices.
  • 📡 Disable WPS (if enabled). This feature simplifies connection, but makes the network vulnerable to hacking.
  • 🔍 Check your network for viruses by using Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool or Dr.Web CureIt.

If someone else's device continues to appear even after changing the password:

  • 🔄 Restart your router and check the list of connected devices again.
  • 📵 Check if any of your gadgets are sharing the Internet (for example, via modem mode on a smartphone).
  • 🛡️ Install guest network for temporary users (section Wi-Fi → Guest Network). This isolates them from your main network.

⚠️ Attention: If a foreign device reconnects despite all precautions, it may indicate router hacking or vulnerability in firmwareIn this case, it is recommended to reset the router to factory settings and reconfigure it.

7. Resetting the Huawei router to factory settings

If you have lost access to your router or cannot change the settings due to an unknown password, you will have to perform hard resetThis will reset all settings to factory defaults, including the network name and password.

How to reset settings:

  • 🔌 Find the small button on the back of the router Reset (usually recessed into the body).
  • 📍 Take a paperclip or toothpick, press and hold the button 10-15 secondsuntil the indicators start flashing.
  • 🔄 Release the button and wait for the reboot (1–2 minutes).

After reset:

  • 🔑 Connect to the network with the factory name (for example, Huawei-XXXX).
  • 🔧 Go to the web interface at 192.168.1.1 (login and password - admin/admin).
  • ⚙️ Reset your network: set a new password, enable encryption WPA2-PSK (or WPA3, if supported).

If after resetting the router does not turn on or does not distribute the Internet, check:

  • 🔌 Is it powered by the mains (the indicator should be on).
  • 📡 Is the cable from the provider connected (if it is not a 4G router).
  • 🔄 Try a different power supply (yours may be broken).

8. Additional measures to protect your Wi-Fi network

To minimize the risk of unauthorized connections in the future, follow these guidelines:

List of safety measures:

  • 🔐 Use WPA3 instead of WPA2 (if the router supports it).
  • 🔄 Update your router firmware regularly (every 3–6 months).
  • 📵 Turn off remote control (chapter System → Remote Access).
  • 🕵️ Turn on connection logging (if available in firmware).
  • 📡 Create a separate guest network for friends and temporary users.
  • 🔍 Install a monitoring app (eg. Fing) and set up notifications about new devices.

For models Huawei with support Huawei Share (For example, Huawei WS7200) you can enable the function automatic blocking unknown devices:

  1. Go to the application Huawei AI Life.
  2. Go to Security → Network Protection.
  3. Enable the option Block unknown devices.

If your router does not support modern security protocols (for example, an outdated model Huawei HG532e), consider replacing it. Modern devices (e.g., Huawei AX3) offer better protection and speed.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

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

No, a router. Huawei does not keep a log of visited websites. This requires specialized programs (for example, Wireshark), but they require in-depth knowledge of network technologies. Furthermore, monitoring third-party traffic may violate privacy laws.

Why aren't all my gadgets showing up in the list of devices?

Possible reasons:

  • The device is turned off or in sleep mode.
  • The gadget is connected to a different network (for example, 5 GHz, and you are looking at the 2.4 GHz list).
  • The router has a MAC address filter enabled, which hides some devices.
  • The router firmware is outdated and displays data incorrectly.

How do I permanently block a device so it can't connect again?

To permanently block access:

  1. Copy MAC address devices from the list of connected gadgets.
  2. Go to the router's web interface, section Security → MAC Filter.
  3. Select mode Blacklist and add the copied MAC address.
  4. Save the settings and reboot the router.

Now the device will not be able to connect even if it knows the Wi-Fi password.

Is it possible to find out who exactly connected to my Wi-Fi (name, address)?

No, the router does not provide personal information about the device owner. The most you can learn is:

  • Gadget manufacturer by MAC address (for example, Apple, Samsung).
  • The device model (if it translates it into the hostname).
  • Approximate location (if the device is connected via Wi-Fi and you are using specialized software like NetCut).

To identify a specific person, you will need to contact law enforcement agencies with a statement about unauthorized access.

What should I do if my Huawei router won't open the web interface?

Try the following steps:

  • Make sure you are connected to the router's network (not another Wi-Fi network).
  • Try a different browser (for example, Firefox or Edge).
  • Clear your browser cache or use incognito mode.
  • Try a different IP address: 192.168.8.1, 192.168.3.1 or 192.168.100.1.
  • Reboot the router using the button on the case.
  • If nothing helps, do reset settings.