Who's Using Your Wi-Fi? A Complete Guide to Checking Connected Devices

Have you noticed that your internet has become slower and your data is running out faster than usual? It's possible that other devices have connected to your Wi-Fi network. According to KasperskyEvery fifth router in Russia has vulnerabilities that allow attackers to access the network without permission. But how can you know for sure who's using your Wi-Fi, and what should you do if you discover someone else's devices?

In this article we will look at 5 reliable ways Checking connected devices—from standard router tools to specialized apps. You'll learn not only how to identify rogue devices but also how to block them and protect your network from repeat intrusions. Important: Some methods require access to the router's admin panel, so prepare your login and password in advance (they are usually located on the device's sticker).

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

Any modern router - be it TP-Link, ASUS, Keenetic or MikroTik — maintains a log of connected devices. To view this list, you need to log in to the admin panel. Usually, this is done by entering one of the IP addresses in the browser's address bar:

• 🌐 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1 — standard addresses for most models
• 📋 10.0.0.1 - used in some routers Apple AirPort And Zyxel
• 🔍 router.asus.com or tplinklogin.net — branded domains for quick access

After entering the address, the system will ask for your username and password. If you haven't changed them, try the default combinations:

In the admin panel, find the section with connected devices. Its name depends on the model:

• 📡 DHCP Clients List (V TP-Link)
• 🖥️ Network clients or Devices (V Keenetic)
• 🌐 Network Map (V ASUS)

⚠️ Attention: If you can't log into the admin panel, try resetting the router to factory settings using the button Reset (Hold for 10 seconds). After the reset, use the default login/password from the sticker.

2. Using mobile applications for network monitoring

If accessing your router settings is inconvenient, you can use specialized apps. They scan the network and display all connected devices, along with information about IP addresses, MAC addresses and even the manufacturer (by MAC). The best options:

• 📱 Fing (Android/iOS) — scans your network for free, detecting open ports and vulnerabilities. A paid version with advanced features is available.
• 🛡️ NetCut (Android) - allows you to not only view devices, but also block them (requires root access).
• 🔍 WiFi Guard (Android) - Sends notifications when new gadgets are connected.

Example of working with Fing:

1. Install the application and open it.
2. Click Scan the network.
3. Wait for the process to complete (usually 10-30 seconds).
4. Browse the list of devices. Unknown gadgets will be marked as Unknown.

A MAC address is a unique identifier for a device. If you see a MAC address in the list that doesn't belong to your devices, it's a sure sign of a stolen device. To find out the MAC addresses of your devices, look at their settings (on Android: Settings → About phone → General information).

Make sure it's not your gadget (check MAC addresses)

Try disabling it through the router's admin panel.

Change your Wi-Fi password to a more complex one.

Enable MAC address filtering (if supported)

-->

3. Viewing connected devices via the command line (Windows)

If you have a computer on Windows 10/11You can do this without third-party programs. Simply launch the command prompt and enter a few commands. This method will display all active connections on your local network.

Open Command line (Win + R → enter cmd → Enter) and perform in order:

arp -a

This command will display the ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) table, which will list all the IP and MAC addresses of devices your computer has recently interacted with. Example output:

Interface: 192.168.1.5 --- 0x4
Internet Address Physical Address Type
192.168.1.1 aa-bb-cc-dd-ee-ff dynamic
192.168.1.100 11-22-33-44-55-66 dynamic

To see only active connections in real time, use:

ping 192.168.1.255
arp -a

The first command sends a broadcast request to all devices on the network, the second one updates the ARP table.

⚠️ Attention: Teams arp -a And ping They only work within your local network. They won't show devices connected to the router via cable unless your PC has interacted with them directly.

4. Traffic analysis using PC programs (Wireshark, GlassWire)

For advanced users, network traffic analysis is suitable using Wireshark or GlassWireThese programs not only allow you to see connected devices but also track the data they transmit. This is useful if you suspect someone is using your Wi-Fi for illegal activities (such as downloading torrents).

Wireshark instructions:

1. Download and install the program from the official website.
2. Select network interface (Wi-Fi adapter).
3. Start packet capture (Start).
4. Enter in the filter wlan.addr == [MAC address]to track a specific device.

GlassWire It's easier to use: it visualizes traffic by device and application. If you notice suspicious activity (for example, a large amount of outgoing data to an unknown IP), it could indicate a virus or hack.

What to do if suspicious traffic is detected?

If the program shows that an unknown device is actively transmitting data, immediately:

1. Disconnect the router from the Internet (pull out the provider cable).

2. Change your Wi-Fi password to a complex one (at least 12 characters with numbers and special characters).

3. Check your computers for viruses (e.g. Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool).

4. Update your router firmware to the latest version.

5. Checking through your provider's personal account (for Rostelecom, Beeline, and MTS subscribers)

Some internet providers allow you to view connected devices directly in your account. This is convenient if you don't have access to your router (for example, if you rent it from your provider).

How to check:

1. Log in to your personal account on your provider's website.
2. Find the section My devices, Wi-Fi or Network settings.
3. View the list of connected gadgets. Rostelecom And Beeline This function is available in the menu Router management.

⚠️ Attention: Personal account functionality may vary depending on your plan and router model. If you don't see a device section, use the other methods in this article.

6. How to block someone else's device and secure Wi-Fi

Discovered a "hare"? Don't rush to change your password right away—try softer measures first:

• 🚫 MAC address blocking (if your router supports it). Go to the admin panel and find the section MAC Filter and add someone else's MAC to the blacklist.
• 🔄 Changing your Wi-Fi password. Use a complex combination (example: W7f#9Kp2$Lm1!). Do not use birth dates or simple words.
• 🛡️ Disabling WPSThis feature simplifies the connection, but makes the network vulnerable. In the admin panel, find WPS and deactivate it.
• 🔄 Updating the router firmwareOutdated software versions contain vulnerabilities. Update the firmware in the section System Tools → Firmware Upgrade.

If a suspicious device continues to connect even after changing the password, it may mean that:

• Your router has been hacked (change your admin panel login/password!).
• Someone has physically connected to the router via cable (check the ports).
• A virus on one of your devices is "sharing" a password (check your PC and smartphones with an antivirus).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about checking your Wi-Fi network

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

No, you can only see it with standard tools MAC address, IP and the device name (if it's broadcasting). To identify the person, you'll need to report unauthorized access to the police—they can request data from your provider by IP (but this only works if the attacker used your Wi-Fi for illegal activities).

What should I do if an unknown gadget named "Android" or "iPhone" appears in the list of devices?

First, check if a guest (friend or relative) has connected to your network. If not, it could be:

• A neighbor who connected by accident (if you have a simple password).
• Smart device (eg. Xiaomi-gadget), which automatically searches for networks.
• A botnet (a network of infected devices) that uses your Wi-Fi for DDoS attacks.

Anyway block such a device and change the password.

Is it true that my neighbors can connect to my Wi-Fi even if the password is complex?

Yes, if:

• Your router is vulnerable to attacks. WPA2-Handshake (outdated firmware).
• You are using WEP or WPA instead of WPA3.
• The attacker physically connected to the router (for example, through WPS).

To avoid such risks, update your router's firmware and disable unnecessary functions (WPS, remote control).

How can I check if my neighbor is stealing my Wi-Fi if I have unlimited data?

Even with an unlimited plan, someone else's connection is dangerous:

• Foreign devices slow down your internet (especially if you watch 4K videos or download torrents).
• An attacker can use your IP for illegal activities (for example, hacking websites).
• Some viruses spread through a local network and can infect your gadgets.

Check your network once every 1-2 weeks, even if your traffic is "unlimited".

Is it possible to track someone else's device by MAC address?

A MAC address is unique, but it's not tied to a specific person. It can be used to determine:

• Device manufacturer (the first 3 bytes of the MAC are the vendors code, for example, Apple, Samsung).
• Approximate location (if the device is connected to your router, it is within Wi-Fi range).

For more detailed tracking, special tools will be required (for example, Wiggle), but their use may violate personal data laws.