Who's Connected to My Wi-Fi? 7 Proven Ways to See Who's Connected to Your Network

Have you noticed your internet has become slower and your data is running out early? It's possible that other devices have connected to your Wi-Fi. According to Juniper ResearchOne in five home network users has experienced unauthorized access to their access point. But how can you find out who exactly is using your network?

In this article we will look at All current methods for checking connected devices — from standard router tools to specialized programs. You'll learn not only how to view a list of devices, but also how to block suspicious ones and set up notifications for new connections. The instructions are suitable for routers. TP-Link, ASUS, Keenetic, Xiaomi, MikroTik and other popular brands.

1. Viewing the list of devices through the router's web interface

The most reliable and universal method is to access your router's control panel. No additional software is required; a browser on your computer or smartphone is sufficient. The steps are the same for most models, but the section names may differ.

At first Find out your router's IP address. Usually it is 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1, but there are exceptions (for example, Keenetic — 192.168.1.1, and some ASUS — 192.168.50.1). The address can be found on the sticker on the bottom of the device or via the command line:

ipconfig (for Windows)
ifconfig (for macOS/Linux)

Next:

• 🌐 Enter the IP address in the address bar of your browser and click Enter.
• 🔑 Enter your login and password (by default it is often admin/admin, but may differ).
• 📋 Find the section with connected devices. It's usually called:
  • TP-Link: DHCP → DHCP Client List or Wireless Mode → Wireless Mode Statistics
  • ASUS: Network map or Local Network → DHCP Client List
  • Keenetic: Devices (in the main menu)
  • Xiaomi: Devices → Connected devices

Check if you are connected to this router's network|Disable VPN or proxy|Try a different browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge)|Reset the router using the Reset button if you forgot the password-->

The table below shows an example of what a list of devices might look like in the web interface:

⚠️ Attention: If the list contains devices with names Unknown, android-XXXX or unfamiliar MAC addresses, these are potential "intruders." Don't block them right away—first check if they belong to your guests or smart gadgets (like light bulbs). Xiaomi Yeelight or columns Amazon Echo).

2. Using mobile apps from the router manufacturer

Most modern routers support management via official apps. This is convenient if you need to quickly check the network from your smartphone. Apps usually show not only a list of devices, but also traffic consumption speed, connection type (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz) and even activity history.

Here are the official apps for popular brands:

• 📱 TP-Link: Tether (Android/iOS) — shows online devices and allows you to block them with one tap.
• 📱 ASUS: ASUS Router — displays a network map with device icons and their status.
• 📱 Keenetic: Keenetic — there is a "Guest Network" function to restrict access.
• 📱 Xiaomi: Mi Wi-Fi — integrated with the ecosystem Mi Home.
• 📱 MikroTik: The Dude (for advanced users).

Application interface example Tether:

After logging in, you'll see the main screen displaying the number of connected devices. Tap on the section. Devices or Clientsto see a detailed list. Here you can also:

• 🔍 View MAC address And IP each gadget.
• 📵 Disconnect the device from the network (function Block or Block).
• 📊 See how much traffic each device consumes (useful for identifying bandwidth-hungry gadgets).

⚠️ Attention: In some applications (eg. Mi Wi-Fi) The device list is updated with a delay of up to 5 minutes. If you just connected a new device, please wait or refresh the page manually.

3. Windows Command Prompt: Who's Connected to My Wi-Fi

If you don't have access to the router, but you have a computer running WindowsYou can use the command line to scan your local network. This method will show all active devices but won't provide their names—only their IP and MAC addresses.

Open Command line as administrator and run the following commands one by one:

arp -a
ping 192.168.0.1 -n 1
arp -a

The first command will display the ARP cache (IP and MAC mapping). The second will update it by pinging the gateway. The third will display the current list. Example output:

Interface: 192.168.0.100 --- 0x12
Internet Address Physical Address Type
192.168.0.1 aa-bb-cc-dd-ee-ff dynamic
192.168.0.101 11-22-33-44-55-66 dynamic
192.168.0.102 77-88-99-aa-bb-cc dynamic

To find out what device is hidden behind the MAC address, use MacVendors service (enter the first 6 characters of the MAC address). For example, the address 7C:DD:90 belongs Samsung Electronics, A A4:83:E7 — Apple.

4. Special programs for network monitoring

If standard methods don't work for you, you can use third-party utilities. They offer advanced features: real-time traffic monitoring, notifications about new devices and even geolocation (based on MAC addresses).

Top 5 programs for Windows, macOS, and Android:

Example of work Fing on Android:

1. Download the app from Google Play or App Store.
2. Run a network scan (button Scan).
3. After 10-30 seconds, you will see a list of devices indicating:
   • 📱 Manufacturer (by MAC address).
   • 🔗 Connection type (Wi-Fi or Ethernet).
   • ⚡ Traffic consumption (in the premium version).

How to trick monitoring programs?

Some devices (for example, smartphones with the "Hide MAC Address" mode enabled in Android 10+) may show up with random MAC addresses. In this case, the program will detect them as UnknownTo avoid false alarms, disable this feature in your phone's Wi-Fi settings: Settings → Wi-Fi → Advanced → Use random MAC address (turn off).

5. Checking via the router menu on a smartphone (without a PC)

If you only have a phone and your router doesn't support the official app, you can access the web interface directly from your mobile browser. The process is the same as on a PC, but with a few caveats:

1. Connect to your Wi-Fi network.

2. Open your browser (preferably Chrome or Firefox) and enter the router's IP address.

3. If the page does not open:

• 🔄 Try switching to the mobile version of the site (in the browser menu).
• 📱 Disable traffic saving (it may block control panels from loading).
• 🔒 If your router requires a security certificate, click More → Go to website (unsafe for public networks only!).

It's more convenient to use on a smartphone Network Map mode (if it's in the firmware). For example, in routers ASUS it looks like this:

⚠️ Attention: When accessing the router's web interface on an iPhone, you may see the error "Unable to establish a secure connection." This is due to outdated certificates in the router's firmware. Solution: Update the firmware or use a PC for setup.

6. How to identify "foreign" devices on the network

Even if you see a list of connected gadgets, it’s not always easy to understand which ones are yours and which ones are not. Here’s checklist for verification:

The name contains a random set of characters (eg. android-5f3d89)|MAC address does not match your gadgets (check via MacVendors)|The device is connected at an unusual time (at night, when everyone is asleep)|Consumes a lot of traffic (visible in apps like Fing or in router statistics)-->

If you find a suspicious gadget, follow these steps:

1. Check your devices: Disconnect all your gadgets from Wi-Fi one by one and see if the "foreign" device disappears from the list.
2. Use MAC whitelist: In the router settings (Wireless Mode → MAC Filter) Add only your devices. This will block all others.
3. Change your Wi-Fi password: If there really is someone else online, Be sure to change your password to a complex one (at least 12 characters with numbers and special characters)Use generators like 1Password or KeePass.
4. Turn on notifications: In some routers (for example, Keenetic) there is a function for notifications about new devices via email or in the application.

Example of setting up a MAC address filter on TP-Link:

1. Go to Wireless Mode → MAC Filter.
2. Select the mode Allow the stations specified in the list to access the network.
3. Add the MAC addresses of your devices (you can find them in the settings of each gadget).
4. Save the settings and reboot the router.

7. Additional Wi-Fi network security measures

Checking your connected devices is just the first step. To truly secure your network, follow these guidelines:

• 🔒 Disable WPS: This feature simplifies connection, but is vulnerable to brute-force attacks. In your router settings, find WPS and turn it off.
• 🌐 Change the network name (SSID): Don't use standard names like TP-Link_1234It's better to come up with a unique name without personal information.
• 📡 Disable remote control: In the section System Tools → Remote Management Block access from the Internet.
• 🔄 Update firmware: Outdated router software versions contain vulnerabilities. Check for updates every 3-6 months.
• 👤 Create a guest network: For friends and smart devices (eg. Amazon Echo) set up a separate network with limited access to local resources.

Example of setting up a guest network on ASUS:

1. Go to Wireless Network → Guest Network.
2. Enable guest access and set a separate name (for example, Guest_WiFi).
3. Set a speed limit (optional).
4. Save and connect to this network only those devices that do not need access to your files or printers.

⚠️ Attention: Router interfaces may change after firmware updates. If you don't see the sections listed above, check the documentation for your model on the manufacturer's official website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to find out who is connected to my Wi-Fi if I'm not an admin?

No. Only the router administrator (who knows the login and password for the control panel) can view the full list of devices on the network. However, you can:

• Use programs like Fing to scan your subnet (but this will only show active devices).
• Ask the admin to grant access or show the list.

If you're connected to someone else's network (like at a cafe), the owner can see your device, but they can't see what websites you're visiting (if you're using HTTPS).

How to block a device by MAC address?

The algorithm depends on the router model, but the general scheme is:

1. Find the MAC address of the device you want to block (in the list of connected gadgets).
2. Go to the section MAC filter or Access control.
3. Add the MAC address to the blacklist or set up a blocking rule.
4. Save the settings and reboot the router.

On TP-Link the path looks like this: Wireless Mode → MAC Filter → Enable → Add.

Why do unknown gadgets with names like "android-XXXX" appear in the list of devices?

These could be:

• 📱 Your own devices with MAC randomization mode enabled (starting with Android 10 And iOS 14).
• 💡 Smart gadgets (lamps, sockets, speakers) that connect automatically.
• 🔄 Neighbors' devices if you have a weak password or enabled WPS.

To check, disconnect all your devices from Wi-Fi for 5-10 minutes. If any "unknown" devices remain, change your password.

Is it possible to find out the history of connected devices?

Most home routers don't keep connection logs by default. However:

• In some models (eg, ASUS RT-AX88U) there is a section System log or Logs, where you can see connection events.
• Programs like Who Is On My WiFi or GlassWire can keep history if they are running continuously.
• Advanced firmware (DD-WRT, OpenWRT) support logging by default.

To analyze traffic in real time, use Wireshark (for experienced users).

How to protect Wi-Fi from hacking?

Minimum set of measures:

1. Use WPA3 (or WPA2-AES, if WPA3 is not supported).
2. Turn it off WPS And remote control.
3. Change the default router admin password (not admin/admin!).
4. Turn on firewall in the router settings.
5. Update your firmware regularly.

For maximum security, please set up VLAN (if your router supports it) or use separate networks for IoT devices.