Who's connected to my Wi-Fi? How do I check devices on my computer?

Do you suspect someone is accessing your Wi-Fi? Or do you simply want to control which devices are using your internet? View a list of devices on the network You can do this directly from your computer—without any complicated manipulations or additional equipment. In this article, we'll look at 5 working methods, including built-in Windows tools, the router's web interface, and specialized programs.

Many users don't even realize that their network can be overloaded by "extra" devices. For example, a neighbor's smartphone connected to your Wi-Fi can eat up to 30% speed when watching 4K video. And old gadgets (like a forgotten smart light bulb) sometimes remain online for years, creating vulnerabilities for hackers. Check connected devices It's worth doing at least once a month - it won't take more than 5 minutes.

We will not consider mobile applications (their functionality is often limited), but will focus on desktop solutionsAll methods have been tested on Windows 10/11 and are relevant for most modern routers (TP-Link, ASUS, Keenetic, MikroTik etc.). If you use macOS or Linux, the principles remain the same, but the commands and interfaces will differ.

1. Viewing through the router's web interface (the most reliable method)

Any router keeps a log of connected devices, and the most accurate list You'll get it right here. No need to install any software—just know your router's IP address and login information.

To access the control panel:

1. Open command line (Win + R → enter cmd → Enter).
2. Enter the command ipconfig and find the line Main gateway (usually it is 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
3. Copy this IP into your browser's address bar and click Enter.
4. Enter your login and password (by default it is often admin/admin or indicated on the router sticker).

The next steps depend on your router model. Here's where to find a list of devices in popular firmware versions:

• 🔧 TP-Link: Wireless Mode → Wireless Mode Statistics or DHCP → DHCP Client List
• 🖥️ ASUS: Network map (tab at the top) or Local Network → DHCP Client List
• 🌐 Keenetic: Devices (icon in the main menu) or Home Network → Host List
• 📡 MikroTik: Wireless → Registration Table or IP → DHCP Server → Leases

In the table you will see: MAC addresses of devices (unique for each gadget), their IP, host names, and even the amount of traffic consumed (on some routers).

If you find an unfamiliar device, you can block right here - there's usually a button Block or Ban.

⚠️ Attention: Some routers only show devices connected via Wi-Fi, but not via cable. To see all the gadgets on the network, look for the section DHCP Clients or ARP Table.

2. Windows Command Prompt: A Quick Method Without a Router

If you don’t have access to your router’s control panel (for example, you’re visiting someone or using public Wi-Fi), you can see some of the devices Directly from your computer. This method will only show active devices on your local network, but it won't give you the full picture.

Open command line as administrator (Win + X → Terminal (Administrator)) and enter in turn:

arp -a
nbtstat -a [IP address]

Let's decipher the results:

• 📌 arp -a — will show IP and MAC addresses devices your PC has recently interacted with. Look for lines with dynamic type (these are active gadgets).
• 🔍 nbtstat -a [IP] — will reveal device name by its IP (works only for Windows gadgets). For example, nbtstat -a 192.168.0.103.

To automate the process, use this script (copy to Notebook, save as scan.bat and run):

@echo off
echo Local Network Scanner
echo --------------------
arp -a | findstr "dynamic" > devices.txt
echo Results saved to devices.txt
pause

⚠️ Attention: This method will only show those devices that exchanged data with your PC in the last minutes. Devices that are asleep or connected to the router but not your computer will remain invisible.

Make sure you have administrator rights

Open command prompt as administrator

Enter the command `arp -a` and examine the output

If necessary, use `nbtstat` to clarify device names-->

3. Network monitoring programs: Advanced IP Scanner and similar programs

Third party utilities provide more detailed information, than built-in Windows tools. They scan the entire local network, identify device manufacturers by MAC addresses, and even show open ports.

Top 3 free programs for checking connected devices:

Let's look at the work using an example Advanced IP Scanner:

1. Download and install the program from official website.
2. Start scanning (button Scan).
3. After 10-30 seconds, you will see a list of all devices on the network indicating:
   • 🖥️ IP addresses
   • 🔑 MAC addresses (they can be used to identify the manufacturer, for example, Apple, Samsung, Xiaomi)
   • 📛 Host names (if the device broadcasts them)

To save the results, click File → Save As and select the format CSV or TXT.

If the program shows a device with an unknown MAC, check it through the service MAC Vendors - it will identify the manufacturer by the first 6 characters of the address.

4. Checking through Windows' Network and Sharing Center

Few people know, but Windows has a built-in tool for viewing active connections - network cardIt won't show all devices on the network, but it will help identify suspicious activity on your PC.

How to open:

1. Click Win + R, enter ncpa.cpl and press Enter.
2. Double click on your active connection (for example, Ethernet or Wi-Fi).
3. Click the button Intelligence....

Here you will see:

• 🌐 IPv4 address your PC
• 📡 Default Gateway (this is the router address)
• 🔄 DHCP server (usually coincides with the gateway)

This method will not show other devices, but it will help you make sure your computer is connected to the correct network. If an unfamiliar network is listed here DNS server (Not 8.8.8.8, 1.1.1.1 or your provider's address), this may be a sign DNS spoofing — a popular type of attack on Wi-Fi networks.

⚠️ Attention: If in the section Intelligence... you see several unfamiliar IPv6 addressesDon't panic—this could be a feature of your ISP. But if your addresses change frequently, it's worth checking your network for viruses.

What should I do if there is no IPv4 address in "Details..."?

This means your PC hasn't received an IP address from the router. Possible causes:

• 🔌 DHCP is disabled in the router settings (needs to be enabled)
• 🛑 MAC address blocking your PC in the router
• 🐞 Network failure (try rebooting your router)

To get IP manually, go to Properties → Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and enter the data manually (find it in the router settings).

5. Traffic Monitoring: Who's Using Your Wi-Fi?

Sometimes it's important not just to see the connected devices, but to understand which one consumes the most trafficFor example, if your internet speed suddenly drops, it might not be your ISP, but someone's smartphone downloading torrents.

The following programs are suitable for this:

• 📊 GlassWire — shows traffic by devices and applications in real time.
• 🛡️ NetBalancer — allows you to limit the speed for individual gadgets.
• 🔍 PRTG Network Monitor — a professional tool with graphs and alerts.

Example of working with GlassWire:

1. Install the program and run it.
2. Go to the tab Usage (Usage).
3. Select a time period (eg. The last hour).
4. Look at these IP addresses consume the most traffic.

If you see an unfamiliar IP with high traffic:

1. Check it against the data from arp -a or router.
2. If it's someone else's device, turn it off through the router panel or change the Wi-Fi password.

⚠️ Attention: Some routers (eg. ASUS RT-AX88U or Keenetic Ultra) have a built-in traffic analyzerLook for it in the sections AiProtection (ASUS) or Statistics (Keenetic). This will eliminate the need to install third-party programs.

6. How to block other people's devices on the network

Found a suspicious gadget? It can be turn off or block foreverHere are 3 ways:

Method 1: Through a router (permanent blocking)

1. Go to the router control panel (see Section 1).
2. Find the section Wireless Mode → MAC Filter (or Wireless MAC Filter).
3. Add the MAC address of someone else's device to the blacklist.
4. Save the settings and reboot the router.

Method 2: Change your Wi-Fi password (radical solution)

• 🔐 Change your password in the section Wireless Mode → Security Settings.
• 📱 Select a modern encryption type: WPA3-Personal (or WPA2-PSK, if WPA3 is not supported).
• 🔄 Reconnect all your devices with the new password.

Method 3: Time limit (for guest networks)

If you often have guests but don't want to give them permanent access:

1. Create guest network in the router (section Guest network or Guest Network).
2. Set a time limit (e.g. 10:00 to 22:00).
3. Disable local network access (AP Isolation) so that guests cannot see your devices.

If someone else's device reconnects despite being blocked, this could be a sign of:

• 🕵️ Password guessing (use a complex password of 12+ characters).
• 🔄 MAC address cloning (turn on MAC filtering in the router).
• 📡 Router firmware vulnerabilities (update it in the section System Tools → Update).

7. Common mistakes and how to avoid them

When checking connected devices, users often encounter common issues. Here's how to solve them:

Problem 1: The router does not show all devices

• 🔌 Make sure the device included and connected to the network.
• 🔄 Reboot your router (button Reboot in the control panel or physical reboot).
• 🕒 Wait 5-10 minutes—some routers update the client list with a delay.

Problem 2: Unknown devices named "Android-xxxx" or "iPhone"

These could be:

• 📱 Your old smartphones that you forgot to disconnect from Wi-Fi.
• 🎮 Game consoles (PlayStation, Nintendo Switch) or smart devices (Amazon Echo, Google Home).
• 🚗 On-board computers in cars (many modern cars connect to Wi-Fi for updates).

Problem 3: Device MAC addresses are constantly changing

This is a feature of functions MAC Randomization (MAC randomization), which are found in:

• 🍎 iPhone (starting with iOS 14)
• 🤖 Android (starting with Android 10)
• 💻 Windows 11 (in some builds)

This can be disabled in the Wi-Fi settings on the device (look for the option Private Wi-Fi address or Randomize MAC).

Problem 4: Team arp -a shows an empty list

• 🔌 Make sure your PC is connected to the network (check the Wi-Fi icon in the tray).
• 🛠️ Launch the command line as administrator.
• 🔄 Complete ipconfig /release And ipconfig /renew, then repeat arp -a.

⚠️ Attention: Router interfaces and commands may differ depending on the model and firmware version. For example, in routers from providers (like Rostelecom or Beeline) the menu is often simplified, and the section with the list of devices may be called Connected clients or My network.

FAQ: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is it possible to see devices connected to Wi-Fi from my phone?

Yes, but the functionality will be limited. Android You can use applications like Fing or Network Analyzer, and on iPhone — IP Network ScannerHowever, they will only show devices on your local network, not all devices connected to the router. For full control, it's better to use a computer.

❓ Why does the router show a device that is not at home?

Possible reasons:

• 📱 The device was previously connected but did not disconnect correctly (the router saved it in the cache).
• 🔄 This is a "ghost" due to a DHCP failure (reboot your router).
• 🕵️ Your network has indeed been accessed by strangers (change your password).

❓ How do I know if a device on the list is mine?

Check it out MAC address devices with what is indicated on its body or in the settings:

• 📱 Android: Settings → About phone → General information → Wi-Fi MAC address
• 🍎 iPhone: Settings → General → About → Wi-Fi Address
• 💻 Windows: Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi → Hardware Properties

You can also temporarily disable the device and see if it disappears from the list.

❓ Is it possible to find out which websites a device visits on my network?

Technically yes, but it requires specialized knowledge and may violate privacy laws. For legal monitoring (such as parental controls), use:

• 🛡️ Built-in router functions (section Parental control or Firewall).
• 📊 Programs like OpenDNS FamilyShield (free content filtering).

Please remember that spying on other people's devices without their consent can be illegal.

❓ Why are some devices not showing up in the list?

Possible reasons:

• 🔌 The device is turned off or in sleep mode.
• 🔒 It's connected to guest network, which is isolated from the main one.
• 🛡️ It's enabled in the router hidden network mode (SSID Hidden).
• 🕶️ The device uses VPN or Tor, masking their presence.

To see all gadgets, try scanning the network from different devices or use Wireshark for deep traffic analysis.