Who's Connected to My Wi-Fi: How to Check the List of Devices on Your Network

Have you noticed your internet has become slower than usual? Or are you suspicious that someone else is accessing your Wi-Fi? In this article, you'll learn how How to see who is connected to your wireless network, and what to do if you find unfamiliar devices.

Checking connected gadgets is not only a way to identify "freeloaders", but also an important step for network optimizationThe more devices simultaneously use the channel, the more the speed drops. And if malicious bots or other people's smartphones are among them, this could threaten the security of your data.

We'll cover all the relevant methods: from viewing the list on the router itself to using mobile apps and specialized programs. The instructions are suitable for most popular brands— TP-Link, ASUS, Keenetic, Zyxel, MikroTik and others.

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

The most reliable method is to log in router control panel. It displays a complete list of all connected devices, including wired (cable) and wireless (Wi-Fi).

To do this:

• 🌐 Open any browser and enter in the address bar 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1 (the exact address is indicated on the router sticker).
• 🔑 Enter your login and password (usually by default admin/admin or admin/empty).
• 📊 Find the section DHCP, Local area network, Wireless mode or Wi-Fi clients (the name depends on the model).

In the table you will see:

• 📱 Device name (if it is specified in the gadget settings).
• 🔢 MAC address — unique identifier (example: 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E).
• 📶 IP address, assigned by the router.
• ⏱️ Connection time.

Check if you are connected to this router's network | Restart the router using the button on the case | Try a different browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge) | Reset the router settings using the Reset button (if you forgot the password) -->

Important! If the list contains devices with unknown names (for example, android-123456 or Unknown Device), this is a cause for concern. But sometimes legitimate gadgets are displayed this way if their owners haven't changed the default name.

⚠️ Attention: Some routers (eg. Keenetic) hide MAC addresses for privacy purposes. In this case, you'll only see the IP address and hostname.

2. How to find connected devices via a mobile app

Router manufacturers release official apps for managing your network from your smartphone. This is convenient if you need to quickly check the list of connected devices without turning on your computer.

Popular apps:

• 📱 TP-Link Tether — for routers TP-Link.
• 📱 ASUS Router — for devices ASUS.
• 📱 Keenetic — for routers Keenetic.
• 📱 Mi Wi-Fi — for routers Xiaomi.

Instructions:

1. Download the app from App Store or Google Play.
2. Connect to your Wi-Fi network.
3. Log in (login details are the same as for the web interface).
4. Find the section Devices, Clients or List of connected.

The advantage of apps is that they often show device type (smartphone, laptop, TV) and even the model (for example, iPhone 13 or Samsung Galaxy S22). This helps to identify "outsiders" faster.

Via the router's web interface|Via a mobile app|Using a command in the terminal|Using special programs|I don't check-->

3. Viewing a list of connected devices on Windows

If you are using a computer running Windows 10 or Windows 11You can see some of your connected devices without accessing the router. However, this method will only show those devices that are actively exchanging data with your PC.

Method 1: Through Command line

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

   arp -a

3. You will see a table with the IP and MAC addresses of devices that have recently interacted with your computer.

Method 2: Through Network connections

• 🖥️ Open Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center.
• 📡 Click on your Wi-Fi connection → Wireless network → Details.
• 📋 Some devices on your local network will be displayed here (but not a complete list!).

⚠️ Attention: These methods will not show All devices on the network, but only those that have interacted with your PC. For a complete list, use the router's web interface.

4. Checking connected devices on Android and iOS

Smartphones don't have built-in tools for viewing all devices on a Wi-Fi network, but third-party apps can be used. They analyze local traffic and display active devices.

Popular apps for Android:

• 📱 Fing — scans the network and displays devices with their model.
• 📱 Network Analyzer — displays IP, MAC and manufacturer.
• 📱 WiFi Thief Detector — specializes in finding "outsiders".

For iPhone The choice of scanners is limited due to policy Apple, but they work:

• 🍎 Fing (there is a version for iOS).
• 🍎 IP Network Scanner.

How to use:

1. Connect to your Wi-Fi network.
2. Launch the app and click Scan.
3. Wait for the analysis to complete (usually 10-30 seconds).
4. Review your device list. Apps often mark suspicious devices in red.

Important: Network scanning apps only show devices that are active at the time of the scan. If a "freeloader" has temporarily disabled their device, you won't see them.

5. Using specialized PC programs

Desktop utilities can be used for in-depth network analysis. They are suitable for experienced users, as they provide advanced information, such as traffic consumption rates, open ports, and potential vulnerabilities.

Top 3 programs:

Example of working with Advanced IP Scanner:

1. Download and install the program from official website.
2. Start scanning (button Scan).
3. The program will show all devices in your subnet with IP, MAC and name.
4. Right-click on the unknown device → Whoisto learn more about the manufacturer.

⚠️ Attention: Programs like WireShark These require administrator rights and may conflict with antivirus software. Disable protection during the scan if errors occur.

6. How to block a third-party device on a Wi-Fi network

If you find an unfamiliar device online, you can block it. To do this:

Method 1: Through MAC address filtering

1. Log into your router's web interface.
2. Find the section Wireless Mode → MAC Filter.
3. Add the intruder's MAC address to the blacklist.
4. Save the settings and reboot the router.

Method 2: Change your Wi-Fi password

• 🔒 This is a radical but effective method. All devices will be disconnected, and you'll have to reconnect them.
• 🔄 Log in Wi-Fi Settings → Security and set a new password (at least 12 characters, with letters and numbers).

Method 3: IP Restriction

Some routers (eg. ASUS) allow you to bind an IP address to a MAC address. If another device tries to obtain a different IP address, it will not be able to connect.

What should I do if someone else's device is returned after being blocked?

This means the attacker has changed their device's MAC address (this can be done programmatically). In this case:

1. Enable the function on your router Hide SSID (will hide the network name).

2. Install WPA3 instead of WPA2 (if the router supports it).

3. Set up Guest network with a separate password for temporary guests.

4. Check if you are connected to your router via WPS (disable this feature in settings).

7. How to protect Wi-Fi from unauthorized access

The best way to avoid problems is configure the network correctly from the very beginning. Here are the key recommendations:

• 🔐 Use WPA3 (or WPA2, If WPA3 (not supported). WEP And WPA unsafe!
• 🔑 Set a complex password: at least 12 characters, with capital letters, numbers, and special characters (e.g. K@t3n0k_2026!WiFi).
• 📵 Turn off WPS - This function is easy to hack.
• 🔄 Update your router firmware regularly (every 3-6 months).
• 👤 Set up Guest network for visitors with a separate password.
• 📡 Reduce the signal strength if you don't need a large coverage area (this will reduce the chances of your neighbors connecting).

Also useful:

• 📅 Turn on Parental controlto restrict access at certain times (for example, at night).
• 📊 Set up QoS (Quality of Service) to prioritize your devices' traffic.
• 🔔 Enable notifications about new connections (available in some routers, for example, Keenetic).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about connected devices

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

Yes, but for this you need:

1. Install firmware with support on the router DNS logs (For example, DD-WRT or OpenWRT).
2. Or use programs like WireShark (requires skills).

Regular routers do not store browsing history, but they can show current connections to domains.

Why are "unknown" gadgets with names like "android-xxxx" showing up in the device list?

This is normal. Many devices (especially on Android) use standard names unless the user has changed them manually. To verify that this is your gadget:

• Look at the MAC address and check it through MAC Vendors Lookup.
• Temporarily disconnect the suspicious device from the network and see if it disappears from the list.

Is it possible to find out who is connected to my Wi-Fi if I am not the network admin (for example, in an office)?

No, not if you don't have access to your router's settings. However, you can:

• Use Fing or similar applications to see devices in his own subnets (but not the entire network).
• Ask your network administrator for information.

Scanning other people's networks without permission may violate corporate policy or laws.

What should I do if I blocked a device but it appears online again?

This means that:

1. The attacker changed MAC address your gadget (this can be done in 2 minutes on Android or PC).
2. Your network password has been hacked (if it is simple).
3. Someone is connecting through WPS (turn this feature off!).

Solution: Change your password to a more complex one, disable WPS, turn on WPA3 and check the router for vulnerabilities (update the firmware).

How can I check if someone is stealing my Wi-Fi if my speed drops at night?

Someone is likely using your network to download files or stream. To confirm:

• Take a look Traffic statistics in the router settings (section Internet or Monitoring).
• Use Advanced IP Scannerto see which devices are active at night.
• Set up Parental controlto restrict access at night.