How to See Who's Connected to Your Wi-Fi: A Complete Guide (2026)

Have you noticed your internet has slowed down and your data usage is unusually high? Perhaps unauthorized devices have connected to your Wi-Fi network—neighbors, guests who forgot to disconnect, or even hackers. In 2026, the problem of Wi-Fi leakage will become even more pressing: according to KasperskyEvery fifth router in Russia has vulnerabilities that allow attackers to connect without the owner's knowledge.

In this article you will find 5 proven methods Check who is currently using your Wi-Fi - from standard methods through the router's web interface to advanced tools like Wireless Network Watcher or command line. We'll cover instructions for popular router models (TP-Link, ASUS, Keenetic, MikroTik), and we'll also show you how to block other people's devices and protect your network from repeated connections. No special knowledge is required—all steps are clearly illustrated and adapted for beginners.

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

The most reliable way to see a list of connected devices is to go to the router's control panel. This method works on any model, regardless of manufacturer. You only need a computer or smartphone connected to the same network.

Algorithm of actions:

• 🔌 Connect to the Wi-Fi network you want to check (if you're not already connected).
• 🌐 Open your browser and enter in the address bar 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1If none of the addresses work, look for the correct IP on the sticker on the back of the router (e.g. 192.168.8.1 for some models TP-Link).
• 🔐 Enter your username and password to log in. By default, this is often admin/admin or admin/passwordIf you changed the data, use your own.
• 📊 Find the section with connected devices. Its name depends on your router model (see the table below).

Check if you are connected to your router's Wi-Fi network | Restart the router using the button on the router's body | Try a different browser (Chrome, Firefox) | Reset the router's settings using the Reset button (hold for 10 seconds) -->

Here are the names of the required sections in popular firmware versions:

In the list you will see:

• 📱 Device names (if they are not hidden). For example, iPhone-12-Pro, Samsung-Galaxy-S22.
• 🔢 MAC addresses (unique identifiers of the type 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E).
• 📶 IP addresses (For example, 192.168.0.103).
• ⏱️ Connection time and traffic volume consumed (in some models).

2. Using mobile applications (for smartphones)

If you find the web interface inconvenient, you can use official apps from router manufacturers. They often offer a more user-friendly interface and notifications about new connections.

Popular apps:

• 📱 TP-Link Tether — for routers TP-LinkDisplays a list of devices, indicating their type (smartphone, laptop, TV) and connection time.
• 📱 ASUS Router — for devices ASUSThere is a function Intranet, where you can see all active clients.
• 📱 Keenetic — for routers Keenetic. Tab Devices even displays the connection history.
• 📱 WiFi Map (unofficial) - scans the network and shows all connected gadgets, but requires root access on Android.

How to use:

1. Download the app from App Store or Google Play.
2. Connect to your Wi-Fi network.
3. Register or sign in with your manufacturer account (if required).
4. Find the section Devices, Clients or Net.

Via the router's web interface|Mobile app|Special programs on a PC|Never tested-->

Please note: Some applications (eg. Fing or NetCut) require additional permissions and may conflict with antivirus software. Check store reviews before installing.

3. View via command line (for Windows)

If you have a computer on Windows 10/11You can view a list of devices on your local network without accessing the router. This method will only show active connections and will not provide information about MAC addresses or device names.

Instructions:

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

   arp -a

   Click Enter.

3. You'll see a list of IP addresses and their corresponding MAC addresses. Compare them with your devices.

To get more information, use the command:

net view

It will show the names of computers on the network (if they are not hidden by security settings).

How do I find out my device's MAC address?

On Windows: open command prompt and type ipconfig /all. Look for the line Physical address.

On Android: go to Settings → About phone → General information → Wi-Fi MAC address.

On iPhone: Settings → Wi-Fi → (tap your network) → MAC Address (may be hidden in newer versions of iOS).

4. Special programs for network scanning

Third-party utilities are suitable for in-depth network analysis. They will not only show connected devices but also help identify suspicious activity (such as attacks). ARP-spoofing).

Top 3 programs:

• 🖥️ Wireless Network Watcher (NirSoft) is a free utility that scans the network and displays the IP address, MAC address, device manufacturer (by MAC address), and the time of first detection. It works without installation.
• 🖥️ Advanced IP Scanner — identifies not only devices, but also open ports. The list can be exported to CSV.
• 🖥️ Angry IP Scanner - cross-platform program (there are versions for Windows, macOS, Linux). Supports plugins for advanced analysis.

Example of working with Wireless Network Watcher:

1. Download the program from the official website NirSoft (avoid third party sources!).
2. Unzip the archive and run WNetWatcher.exe.
3. Click Start ScanningAfter a few seconds, a list of devices will appear.
4. Pay attention to the column Network Adapter Company - it shows the manufacturer of the network card (for example, Apple, Samsung, Xiaomi).

5. How to block unauthorized devices

Found an unfamiliar device? Don't panic—there are several ways to block it.

Method 1: via the router's web interface

• 🔒 Find the MAC address of the intruder in the list of devices.
• 🚫 Go to the section Wireless Mode → MAC Filtering (the name may differ).
• 📝 Add the MAC address to the blacklist and save the settings.

Method 2: Change your Wi-Fi password

The most radical, but effective method:

1. Go to the router settings (see Section 1).
2. Go to Wireless Mode → Security Settings.
3. Change your password to a complex one (use WPA3, if the router supports it). Example of a strong password: k7#pL9!vQ2$mN5.
4. Save your settings and reconnect your devices.

Method 3: Disabling WPS

Function WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) simplifies the connection, but makes the network vulnerable. Disable it in your router settings (Wireless Mode → WPS).

6. How to protect your Wi-Fi from future hacking

To avoid repeated unauthorized connections, follow these guidelines:

• 🔐 Use WPA3 instead of WPA2 (If your router supports it). This is a new encryption standard that is harder to crack.
• 🔄 Change your Wi-Fi password regularly (every 3-6 months). Avoid using simple combinations like 12345678 or qwerty.
• 📵 Turn off guest network, if you don't use it. Guest networks often have weak security settings.
• 🔍 Turn on MAC address filtering in your router settings. This won't provide 100% protection (MAC can be spoofed), but it will make it more difficult for attackers.
• 📡 Update your router firmware. Manufacturers regularly release patches for vulnerabilities. Check the latest version in the section System → Software Update.

Additional measures for advanced users:

• 🛡️ Set up VLAN (virtual networks) to isolate devices (for example, a smart home on one network, laptops on another).
• 🕵️ Turn on logging connections in the router settings. This will help track hacking attempts.
• 🌐 Use Router-level VPN (For example, OpenVPN or WireGuard). All devices on the network will be automatically protected.

7. Common mistakes and how to avoid them

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

Problem 1: The router does not show a list of devices

Possible reasons:

• 🔌 The device is connected via cable (Ethernet), and you only look Wi-Fi clients. Check the section LAN or DHCP.
• 🔄 Your router is overloaded. Restart it and refresh the page.
• 📵 The client display feature is disabled in the settings. Enable it in the section System Tools → Display Settings.

Problem 2: There are too many unknown devices in the list

These could be:

• 💡 Smart light bulbs (Xiaomi Yeelight, Philips Hue).
• 🔊 Smart speakers (Yandex Station, Amazon Echo).
• 🖨️ Printers or MFPs with Wi-Fi.
• 🎮 Game consoles (PlayStation, Nintendo Switch).

To identify them, turn off your gadgets one by one and see which devices disappear from the list.

Problem 3: After blocking, the device connects again

Probably the attacker:

• 🔄 Replaces MAC address (MAC-spoofing). In this case, only changing the Wi-Fi password will help.
• 📡 Exploits a router vulnerability (for example, CVE-2021-20090 for some models TP-Link). Update the firmware!

FAQ: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to see what websites connected devices are visiting?

Yes, but for this you need:

1. Install alternative firmware on the router (DD-WRT, OpenWRT).
2. Or use sniffer programs like Wireshark (requires knowledge of network protocols).

Attention: Tracking other users' traffic without their consent may violate the law on personal data (Federal Law No. 152).

How to check Wi-Fi for viruses?

Viruses on the Internet can be spread through:

• 🖥️ Infected devices (check them with an antivirus).
• 📡 Vulnerable routers (update firmware).
• 🔗 Fake access points (use only your network).

To check:

1. Download Dr.Web CureIt! or Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool.
2. Check all devices connected to Wi-Fi.
3. Use RouterPassView (NirSoft) to ensure that the router password has not been compromised.

What should I do if my neighbor hacked my Wi-Fi and refuses to disconnect?

Algorithm of actions:

1. Change your Wi-Fi password to a complex one (at least 12 characters, with numbers and special characters).
2. Turn on hiding SSID (but this is not a panacea - experienced users will find the network anyway).
3. Set up MAC address filtering, adding only your devices.
4. If your neighbor continues to connect, contact your provider. Some operators (for example, Rostelecom, Beeline) can block the MAC address of the intruder at the hardware level.

Legal aspect: Unauthorized connection to someone else's Wi-Fi network is classified as unauthorized access to computer information (Article 272 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation). You can file a police report, but in practice, such cases are rarely initiated.

Is it true that routers from ISPs (for example, MTS or Beeline) are less secure?

Yes, often routers provided by providers (Sagemcom, Sercomm, Huawei), have:

• 🔓 Standard passwords (admin/admin).
• 📡 Open ports for remote control.
• 🔄 Outdated firmware.

Recommendations:

1. Immediately after connecting, change the password on your router and Wi-Fi.
2. Disable remote control in settings (Administration → Remote Management).
3. Ask your provider to update the firmware or do it yourself (if available).

Is it possible to limit the speed for certain devices?

Yes, many routers support it. QoS (Quality of Service) or Bandwidth Control. For example:

• 📶 TP-Link: Advanced Settings → QoS → QoS Rules.
• 📶 ASUS: Adaptive QoS → Bandwidth Limiting.
• 📶 Keenetic: Traffic Prioritization → Restriction Rules.

You can limit the speed for a specific MAC address or IP.