How to See How Many People Are Connected to Your Wi-Fi: All the Methods

Have you noticed your internet has slowed down, and pages are loading slowly? Perhaps unauthorized devices have connected to your Wi-Fi—neighbors, guests who forgot to disconnect, or even hackers exploiting vulnerabilities in your old password. Checking the list of connected clients to the router is the first step to diagnosing the problem and ensuring the security of your home network.

In this article you will find step-by-step instructions for all popular brands of routers (TP-Link, ASUS, Keenetic, Xiaomi etc.), as well as universal methods through command line or mobile apps. We'll look at how to not only see the number of devices, but also determine their MAC addresses, IP addresses and even models — this will help identify "unnecessary" gadgets. If you've never accessed your router settings before, don't worry: we'll explain everything in simple language, with pictures and video examples.

Important: Some methods require administrator rights or access to the router via cable. If you rent and the router is installed by your provider, some features may be blocked. In this case, please contact support.

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

The most reliable way is to access the router control panel through a browser. This doesn't require any additional software, just Device IP address (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1) and authorization data (the default login/password is indicated on the sticker on the body).

Algorithm of actions:

• 🌐 Open your browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge) and enter the router's IP address in the address bar. If you don't know it, run the command ipconfig (Windows) or ifconfig (macOS/Linux) and find the line "Default gateway".
• 🔑 Enter your login and password (standard ones are admin/admin or admin/password, if you haven't changed it).
• 📊 Go to the client list section. Its name depends on the model:
  • TP-Link: Wireless Mode → Wireless Mode Statistics
  • ASUS: Network Map → Clients
  • Keenetic: Devices → Device List
  • Xiaomi: Wi-Fi → Connected devices

In the table you will see:

🔍 How to identify other people's devices? Please note:

• 📱 Unknown names (eg. android-123456 instead of Vasily-iPad).
• ⏱ Connection time: if the device is active at night when everyone is sleeping.
• 📶 Unusual manufacturers in the MAC address (first 3 pairs of characters). For example, 00:0A:95 - This Apple, A 3C:5A:B4 — Google.

⚠️ Attention: If the device list appears Unknown with a MAC address starting with 00:00:00, FF:FF:FF or 00:50:C2 (virtual machines), this may be a sign of an attack. Change your Wi-Fi password immediately and check the router firmware.

2. Using mobile apps (for beginners)

If accessing your router settings is difficult, use the manufacturer's official apps. They automatically scan the network and display connected devices in a convenient format. Popular utilities:

• 📱 TP-Link Tether (for routers TP-Link)
• 📱 ASUS Router (For ASUS)
• 📱 Mi Wi-Fi (For Xiaomi)
• 📱 Keenetic (universal for Keenetic)

Example of working with TP-Link Tether:

1. Download the app from App Store or Google Play.
2. Connect to your Wi-Fi network.
3. Click on the router icon → Devices or Clients.
4. Browse the list. The app will even show you device models (For example, Samsung Galaxy S20).

🔹 Advantages of the method: There's no need to remember IP addresses and logins, the interface is intuitive, and there are notifications about new connections.

🔸 Cons: Requires software installation, some features are only available for new router models.

Disable it through the app (Block button)|

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

Enable MAC filtering (allow only your devices)|

Update your router firmware to the latest version-->

3. Command line: for advanced users

If you have Windows, macOS or Linux, you can see a list of connected devices without access to the router. To do this, use the commands arp (Address Resolution Protocol) or nmap.

Method 1: Command arp -a (Windows/macOS)

1. Open Command line (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux).
2. Enter:

   arp -a

3. Look for lines in the output containing IP addresses from your subnet (for example, 192.168.0.*).

Method 2: Network Scan nmap (advanced)

Utility nmap shows all active devices on the network, their ports, and even OS versions. Install it with official website, then run:

nmap -sn 192.168.0.0/24

Where 192.168.0.0/24 — the range of your local network (may differ, check in your router settings).

⚠️ Attention: Scanning the network using nmap This could be considered an attack on corporate networks. While it's safe to use at home, don't use this command on other people's networks (such as in a cafe or office) without permission.

How to decipher a device's MAC address?

The first 3 bytes (6 characters) of a MAC address are called the OUI (Organizationally Unique Identifier) ​​and identify the manufacturer. For example:

- 00:1A:79 — Apple

- 00:0A:F5 — Cisco

- 00:90:0B — Dell

- 78:31:C1 — Xiaomi

A complete list of OUIs can be found on the IEEE website or through services like MAC Vendors Lookup.

4. Checking through routers of specific brands

Router interfaces vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. Below are the precise paths to the list of clients for popular brands.

TP-Link (Archer, TL-WR, Deco):

1. Log in to the web interface 192.168.0.1 or tplinkwifi.net.
2. Go to Wireless Mode → Wireless Mode Statistics.
3. Click Refreshto see the current list.

ASUS (RT-AC, RT-AX, ZenWiFi):

• 🖥 Open router.asus.com.
• 📌 Go to Network Map → Clients.
• 🔍 Even devices connected via cable are displayed here (Ethernet).

Keenetic (Giga, Hero, Viva):

Keenetic offers one of the most user-friendly interfaces:

1. Enter in your browser my.keenetic.net.
2. Select Devices → Device List.
3. Click on any device to see it activity history And used traffic.

Xiaomi (Mi Router, AIoT Router):

• 🌐 Panel address: miwifi.com or 192.168.31.1.
• 📱 Section: Wi-Fi → Connected devices.
• 🔒 Here you can immediately block unknown gadget.

5. Traffic analysis: who is "eating" your internet?

Sometimes it's not enough to just see a list of devices - you need to understand which one is loading the networkTo do this, use the router's built-in tools or third-party programs.

Built-in tools:

• 📈 Keenetic: Devices → Traffic Monitoring (shows download/upload speed for each client).
• 📊 ASUS: Administration → Traffic Log.
• 🖥 TP-Link: Advanced Settings → Traffic Statistics.

Third-party programs:

• 🖥 GlassWire (Windows/macOS) - shows which devices are consuming traffic in real time.
• 📱 Fing (Android/iOS) — scans the network and identifies "gluttonous" gadgets.
• 🌐 PRTG Network Monitor — a professional tool for in-depth analysis (suitable for offices).

🔍 Signs of a foreign device:

• 📉 Constant network load (for example, 50 Mbps) even when everyone is sleeping.
• 🌍 Suspicious domains in the traffic log (eg. torrent-stream, minecraft-server).
• 🕒 Activity during non-working hours (at night or when you are not at home).

⚠️ Attention: If a device with the name appears in the traffic list MicroTik, Ubiquiti or similar (equipment for providers), this may mean that someone is using your router as a "bridge" to distribute the Internet further. Change the password immediately and disable the WPS function.!

6. How to block other people's devices?

Found a suspicious gadget online? Here it is. 3 ways disable it:

Method 1: Blocking by MAC address

1. Copy the MAC address of the unknown device (for example, 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E).
2. Find the section in your router settings MAC filtering or Access control.
3. Add the address to the blacklist and save the settings.

Method 2: Change your Wi-Fi password

• 🔑 Go to Wireless Mode → Security Settings.
• 🔄 Create a new password (recommendations:
  • 🔢 Minimum 12 characters.
  • 🔤 Letter combination (uppercase and lowercase), numbers and signs (!@#$%).
  • 🚫 Do not use personal information (dates of birth, names).
• 📲 Reconnect all your devices.

Method 3: Disabling WPS

Function WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) is vulnerable to hacking. Disable it:

1. Find it in your router settings WPS or QSS.
2. Move the switch to the position Disabled.
3. Save the changes.

7. Additional security measures

To prevent unauthorized connections in the future, follow these steps:

1. Update your router firmware

Outdated software contains vulnerabilities. This update patches the holes:

• 🖥 TP-Link: Additional settings → Firmware update.
• 🖥 ASUS: Administration → Firmware Update.

2. Enable the guest network

Create a separate network for guests with limited access to local resources:

• 📶 Network name: MyWiFi_Guest.
• 🔑 Password: separate from the main network.
• 🚫 Restrictions: Disable access to other devices on the local network.

3. Set up a Wi-Fi schedule

Turn off the Internet while you are away (for example, from 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM):

• ⏰ TP-Link: Additional settings → Schedule.
• ⏰ Keenetic: Internet → Schedule.

4. Use a VPN for your router

Services like NordVPN or ExpressVPN Offers router-level protection. This hides your real IP and encrypts traffic for all devices on the network.

⚠️ Attention: If your router is provided by your ISP (for example, Rostelecom, MTS, Beeline), some features (such as firmware updates) may be blocked. In this case, request access to advanced settings from your provider or ask them to replace your equipment with more modern ones.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to see connected devices without access to the router?

Yes, but with limitations. You can:

• Use command arp -a in the terminal (will show only active devices in your subnet).
• Install the app Fing or NetScan on the phone.

However, these methods will not show All devices - only those that are currently exchanging data.

What should I do if the device list is empty, but the internet is slow?

Possible reasons:

• 📶 Interference from neighboring networks (change the Wi-Fi channel in your router settings).
• 🖥 Viruses on your devices (check with antivirus software).
• 📉 Speed ​​limitation by the provider (call support).
• 🔌 Router malfunction (reboot it or reset the settings).

How do I find out which device is consuming the most traffic?

Use:

• Built-in router monitoring (section Statistics or Traffic).
• Programs GlassWire (PC) or Fing (mobile).
• Service PRTG for deep analysis (suitable for offices).

Pay attention to devices with a constant load of >10 Mbps - these could be torrents or streaming.

Is it possible to track the physical location of a connected device?

It is impossible to determine the exact location via Wi-Fi, but you can roughly estimate:

• 📶 Signal -30 dBm - a device next to the router.
• 📶 Signal -70 dBm - in another room or with neighbors.
• 📶 Signal -90 dBm — at the border of the coverage area.

For analysis use applications like Wi-Fi Analyzer (Android) or NetSpot (macOS/Windows).

How to protect Wi-Fi from hacking?

Follow these rules:

1. 🔐 Use WPA3 (or WPA2-AES, if there is no WPA3).
2. 🔑 Change your password every 3-6 months.
3. 🚫 Turn it off WPS And UPnP.
4. 🔄 Update your router firmware regularly.
5. 📱 Enable notifications for new connections (if available in the router app).