Have you noticed that your internet has become slower, or do you suspect that someone else has connected to your Wi-Fi? iPhone you can't directly see the list of devices on the network - unlike Android, where this function is often built into the settings. But there are at least five working ways to obtain this information, even without access to the router. In this article, we'll cover each method with step-by-step instructions and nuances for different versions. iOS (15 to 17) and an explanation of why some applications may show inaccurate data.
It is important to understand: iPhone doesn't scan the network on its own — it can only request data from the router or use third-party services. Therefore, some methods require entering the login/password for the router's admin panel, while others are limited by app functionality. We'll also explain how to distinguish legitimate devices from suspicious ones and what to do if you detect an intruder.
Why doesn't my iPhone show connected devices directly?
Unlike Windows or macOS, where you can open a list of network connections via the command line, iOS intentionally restricts access to low-level network functions. This is done for security reasons: Apple believes that the average user shouldn't need to see the MAC addresses or IP addresses of other devices on the network. However, there are workarounds:
- 📶 Requesting data from the router — via the web interface or the manufacturer’s mobile application (TP-Link, ASUS, Keenetic, etc.).
- 🔍 Network scanners — applications in App Storethat analyze traffic (for example, Fing or NetScan).
- 🖥️ Indirect methods — via a computer on the same network or cloud services of some providers.
Apple's restriction only applies to standard system tools. For example, in Settings → Wi-Fi You'll only see the current connection, not a list of all devices. This isn't a bug, but a feature. iOS sandboxes (sandbox), which isolates applications from each other and from system functions.
Method 1: Via the router's web interface (the most reliable)
If you have access to your router settings, this method will 100% accurate device list with their MAC addresses, IP addresses, and even names (if they are broadcast). The instructions are universal for most routers (TP-Link, ASUS, MikroTik, Keenetic etc.), but the path to the section may differ slightly.
Connect iPhone to your Wi-Fi.
Find out Router IP address:
- Open
Settings → Wi-Fi. - Tap on the name of your network (blue icon)
i). - Find the line
Router- this is the required IP (usually192.168.0.1or192.168.1.1).
- Open
Enter this IP in the address bar Safari (or another browser). The admin panel login page will open.
Enter your login and password (usually admin/admin or indicated on the router sticker).
Find the section with the list of devices. This is often called:
DHCP Clients List(For TP-Link)Local Network → Client List(For Keenetic)Wireless → Wireless Client List(For ASUS)
In this list you will see all connected gadgets, including those that use a cable (if the router supports it) Ethernet). Pay attention to the column MAC address — it can be used to identify the device (the first 6 characters indicate the manufacturer).
Make sure only familiar devices are connected|Check unknown MAC addresses using WHOIS|Change your Wi-Fi password if any "outsiders" are found|Update your router firmware to patch vulnerabilities-->
⚠️ Attention: If you haven't changed your router's default password, it may have been hacked. In this case, immediately change your admin panel login information and Wi-Fi password after reviewing the list of devices.
Method 2: Network scanning applications (Fing, NetScan, LAN Scan)
If you don't have access to your router (for example, you're connected to public Wi-Fi or don't know the password), you can use third-party apps. They scan your local network and display connected devices, but with some caveats:
- 🔄 Not all devices may be displayed - Some gadgets block ping requests.
- 📱 Accuracy depends on the application. — Fing usually shows more data than NetScan.
- 🛡️ Apps don't see sleeping devices (for example, a smartphone in sleep mode).
Let's look at an example Fing (free version available in App Store):
Download and install Fing.
Open the app and tap
Scan.Wait for the scan to complete (usually 10-30 seconds).
Browse the list of devices. Fing attempts to determine the type of gadget (smartphone, TV, printer) by MAC address.
Pay attention to the devices with the status Unknown — these are potential "outsiders." Tap on such a device to see its MAC address and check it using a service like MAC Vendors Lookup (will open in a new tab).
| Application | Accuracy | Additional functions | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fing | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Identifies the manufacturer, tests the network speed | Advertising in the free version |
| NetScan | ⭐⭐⭐ | Exporting a list to CSV | Less information about devices |
| LAN Scan | ⭐⭐ | Simple interface | Often does not see all devices |
⚠️ Attention: Scanner apps don't show devices connected to the router's guest network if your iPhone is on the main network. They may also not see gadgets with ping response disabled (for example, some smart light bulbs).
Method 3: Through your internet provider's app
Many providers (eg Rostelecom, Beeline, MTS) offer their own mobile apps for managing your router. If your router was provided by your ISP, there's likely accompanying software. The advantage of this method:
- 🔐 You don't need to remember your router password. — authorization through the provider’s personal account.
- 📊 Additional functions — for example, speed limits for individual devices.
- 📱 User-friendly interface, adapted for mobile devices.
Example for Rostelecom:
Download the app Rostelecom — Personal Account.
Log in using your contract number.
Go to the section
My devicesorWi-Fi network.Review the list of connected devices. You can also block unknown devices here.
There are similar applications Beeline (My Beeline), MTS (My MTS) And MegaFon (MegaFon TV). If your provider does not provide such software, this method will not work.
Method 4: Via a computer (Mac or Windows) on the same network
If you have MacBook or PC with Windows, connected to the same Wi-Fi network, can be used to scan the network. This is especially convenient if you want to not only see devices but also analyze their activity.
For Windows:
Open
Command line(Win + R→ entercmd).Enter the command:
arp -aIt will display an ARP table with the IP and MAC addresses of all devices with which your PC has communicated.
For more information, use:
nbtstat -a [IP address](replace
[IP address]to the real one from the list).
For macOS:
Open
Terminal(Cmd + Space→ enterTerminal).Enter:
nmap -sn 192.168.1.0/24(replace
192.168.1.0/24to your subnet, if it is different).Wait for the scanning to complete. Nmap will show all active hosts with MAC addresses.
This method is more accurate than mobile apps, as the PC has more privileges on the local network. However, it requires at least basic command-line skills.
How to install nmap on macOS if it is not installed?
By default nmap isn't installed on macOS. To add it:
1. Install Homebrew (package manager) via Terminal:
/bin/bash -c"$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"
2. After installing Homebrew, enter:
brew install nmap
3. Done! Now you can use it. nmap to scan the network.
Method 5: Via the cloud service of some routers
Some modern routers (for example, ASUS RT-AX88U, TP-Link Archer AX6000 or Keenetic) support remote control via the cloudThis means you can access your router settings even when you're not at home—as long as the router is connected to the internet.
How does this work:
Make sure that the cloud management feature is enabled in your router settings (usually in the
Internet → DDNSorRemote access).Download the official app from your router manufacturer (for example, ASUS Router or TP-Link Tether).
Log in using the account linked to the router (for example, ASUS Account or TP-Link ID).
In the application, find the section with connected devices (similar to the web interface).
The advantage of this method is access from anywhere in the worldFor example, you can check if someone has connected to your Wi-Fi while you're away. However, there are some downsides:
- ☁️ Cloud Dependency - If the manufacturer's server is unavailable, you will not be able to access.
- 🔒 Security risks — If your account is hacked, the attacker will be able to control the router.
- 📶 Not all routers support this feature. — check the documentation for your model.
⚠️ Attention: If you've enabled remote access to your router, be sure to use a strong password for the manufacturer account and enable two-factor authentication (if available). Otherwise, your network can be easily compromised.
How to distinguish your device from someone else's
You've received a list of connected gadgets—what's next? How do you know which ones are yours and which aren't? Here are a few ways to identify them:
By device name - many gadgets broadcast their name (for example,
iPhone-12-Pro-MaxorSamsung-SmartTV).By MAC address — the first 6 characters indicate the manufacturer. For example:
28:CF:DA— Apple (iPhone, MacBook, iPad).78:31:C1— Xiaomi (smartphones, smart devices).00:0A:EB— Samsung.
You can check through MAC Vendors Lookup.
By IP address - if the address ends with .1, it's most likely the router itself. Addresses with .100–.200 DHCP is often issued for temporary connections.
By activity — If the device is transmitting a lot of data, but you don’t recognize it, this is a reason to be wary.
If you find a suspicious device, don't rush to block it. It could be:
- 📺 Smart technology — TV, refrigerator, robot vacuum cleaner.
- 🎮 Game console — PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch.
- 🔌 Guest devices, to whom you gave access.
To make sure, disconnect all your devices from Wi-Fi and see if the suspicious device remains on the list. If so, it definitely needs to be blocked.
What to do if you find someone else's device
Found a gadget online that's definitely not yours? Follow these steps:
Change your Wi-Fi password:
- Go to your router settings (see Method 1).
- Find the section
Wireless → Security(or similar). - Create a complex password (at least 12 characters, with numbers and special characters).
Enable MAC address filtering (optional):
- Find it in your router settings
MAC Filtering. - Whitelist only the MAC addresses of your devices.
- Find it in your router settings
⚠️ Attention: MAC filtering doesn't provide 100% protection—a skilled attacker can spoof the MAC address. This method is best used as a supplementary measure.
Update your router firmware - outdated versions may contain vulnerabilities.
Check your security settings:
- Turn it off
WPS(this is an insecure protocol). - Set up encryption
WPA3(or at leastWPA2-AES). - Disable the guest network if you are not using it.
If, after changing the password, someone else's device reappears online, this could mean:
- 🔄 Your Wi-Fi has been hacked. — the password was cracked or stolen.
- 📡 Your neighbor is using your router as a repeater. (if the signal is weak).
- 🏠 You have signal leakage outside your apartment. — try reducing the transmission power in your router settings.
In extreme cases it is possible reset the router to factory settings (button Reset on the back panel) and reconfigure it with stricter security settings.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to see connected devices without access to the router?
Yes, but with limitations. Apps like Fing or NetScan They will show some devices, but don't guarantee a complete list. You can also use a computer on the same network (see Method 4). However, without access to the router, you won't be able to block someone else's device—you can only change the Wi-Fi password from your device (if you know the current one).
Why are some devices not showing up in the list?
There are several reasons:
- Device sleeping (for example, a smartphone in power saving mode).
- It disabled ping response (security settings in some gadgets).
- It's connected to guest network, and you watch the main one.
- Scanner app Your router does not support it..
Is it possible to find out what websites someone else's device is visiting on my network?
No, unless you specifically set it up traffic monitoring on the router (for example, through OpenWRT or proprietary software like ASUS AiProtection). Standard home routers don't store browsing history. This requires professional solutions, which may violate privacy laws (depending on the jurisdiction).
How to block a device permanently?
The most reliable way is MAC address filtering in the router settings:
- Find the MAC address of the stranger in the list of connected devices.
- In the router settings, go to
MAC Filtering(orAccess control). - Add the MAC address to the blacklist and save the settings.
After this, the device will be unable to connect, even if it knows the password. However, keep in mind that MAC addresses can be spoofed.
Do these methods work for public Wi-Fi (cafes, hotels)?
No. On public networks, you don't have access to your router settings, and scanner apps will only show a subset of devices (and you're unlikely to be able to distinguish between legitimate and untrusted devices). Furthermore, scanning other people's networks may violate the service's terms of service or local laws.