How to view the number of connections to a Wi-Fi router: all methods

Have you noticed your internet has slowed down and pages are loading slowly? Perhaps unauthorized devices—neighbors, guests, or even hackers exploiting network security vulnerabilities—have connected to your Wi-Fi. According to statistics, KasperskyMore than 30% of home networks have weak passwords or outdated encryption protocols, making them an easy target for unauthorized access.

Checking the list of connected devices is the first step to ensuring your network's security. This not only allows you to identify unnecessary devices but also optimize the router's load if there are too many of them. For example, standard mid-range router (How TP-Link Archer C6 or ASUS RT-AX55) works stably with 10-15 devices simultaneously, but if this limit is exceeded, the speed may drop by 40-60%.

In this article you will find 5 proven methods viewing connected devices - from the standard web interface to advanced methods through telnet or specialized apps. We'll also discuss how to distinguish legitimate devices from suspicious ones and what to do if you detect an intruder.

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

The most reliable and accurate way is to log into your router's control panel. This method works on all models, regardless of the manufacturer, but the path to the required section may vary. All you need is a computer or smartphone connected to the network and authorization information (usually found on the router's sticker).

Algorithm of actions:

• 🌐 Open your browser and enter in the address bar 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 (less often - 10.0.0.1). If these addresses do not work, check the correct IP on the router sticker or via the command ipconfig (for Windows).
• 🔑 Enter your login and password (by default it is often admin/admin or admin/empty password). If the data has changed, use the current one.
• 📊 Find the connection statistics section. Depending on your firmware version, it may be called:
  • TP-Link: Wireless Mode → Wireless Mode Statistics or DHCP → DHCP Client List
  • ASUS: Network map or Local Network → DHCP Client List
  • Keenetic: Devices (in the main menu)
  • Zyxel: Network → Local Network → Client List

In the table you will see MAC addresses, IP addresses, device names (if they are broadcasting) and connection type (Wi-Fi or cable). Pay attention to the column Host Name - gadget models are often displayed there (for example, iPhone-12-Pro or Samsung-SM-G991B).

Incorrect MAC addresses (do not start with the manufacturer of your devices)

Unknown hostnames (e.g. "android-123456" if no such gadgets exist)

Cable connections if you don't have wired devices

Devices with the same IP (may indicate a DHCP conflict)

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⚠️ Attention: Some routers (eg. MikroTik or Ubiquiti) require additional packages to be installed to display device names. If you only see MAC addresses instead of names, use services for identifying the manufacturer by MAC.

2. Using mobile applications from manufacturers

If accessing the web interface is inconvenient, many brands offer official apps for managing the router from a smartphone. These often offer a more user-friendly interface and notifications about new connections.

Popular apps:

• 📱 TP-Link Tether — for routers TP-Link (shows a list of devices with icons of gadget types).
• 📱 ASUS Router - supports models ASUS, including game series ROG.
• 📱 Keenetic — universal for all routers of this brand, with the function of blocking unknown devices.
• 📱 Mi Wi-Fi — for routers Xiaomi (integrated with the ecosystem Mi Home).

Example of work in TP-Link Tether:

1. Open the app and connect to your router.
2. Go to the section Devices or Clients.
3. Click on any device to see details: MAC, IP, connection time and even activity history (in new firmware versions).

Apps often have a "Guest Network" feature. If you detect a suspicious device, you can temporarily move it there to restrict access to local resources (printers, NAS, etc.).

Via the router's web interface

Mobile application from the manufacturer

Special programs (for example, Wireless Network Watcher)

Command prompt or terminal

I don't check at all

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3. Viewing via the command line (Windows, macOS, Linux)

If you don't have access to your router (for example, if you're visiting someone or using a corporate network), you can view some of the devices connected via your local network. This method will only show those devices that are actively exchanging data with your computer.

For Windows:

1. Open Command line (Win + R → enter cmd).
2. Enter the command:

   arp -a

   It will display an ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) table with IP-MAC pairs for devices on your subnet.

3. To see active connections, use:

   net view

   or for detailed information:

   nbtstat -a [IP address]

For macOS/Linux:

1. Open Terminal.
2. Enter:

   nmap -sn 192.168.1.0/24

   (replace 192.168.1.0/24 to your subnet, if it is different).

3. For a detailed port scan:

   nmap -O 192.168.1.100

   (Where 192.168.1.100 — IP of the suspicious device).

Limitations of the method:

• ⚠️ Shows only devices that have recently exchanged packets with your PC.
• ⚠️ Does not display devices in sleep mode or with network discovery disabled.
• ⚠️ Requires administrator rights for some commands (eg. nmap in Linux).

How to find out your subnet?

In Windows: Open a command prompt and type ipconfig. Look for the line IPv4 address (for example, 192.168.1.5). The subnet will be 192.168.1.0/24.

On macOS/Linux: In the terminal, enter ifconfig or ip a and find the block with your network interface (usually eth0 or wlan0).

4. Specialized programs for network monitoring

If you need to not only view a list of devices but also monitor their activity in real time, use third-party utilities. These are suitable for advanced users and small network administrators.

Example of working with Wireless Network Watcher:

1. Download and run the program (no installation required).
2. Click Start Scanning - after a few seconds a list of all devices on the network will appear.
3. Please note the columns:
   • Device Name — device name (if broadcast).
   • Network Adapter Company — network adapter manufacturer (by MAC address).
   • First Detected On — time of first detection (helps to identify new connections).

⚠️ Attention: Programs like NetCut They can block traffic from other devices, which violates network regulations in some countries. Use them only on your home network and not for malicious purposes.

5. Checking via Telnet/SSH protocol (for advanced users)

If your router supports remote management via Telnet or SSH, you can get a list of connected devices directly from the console. This method is useful for routers with alternative firmware (DD-WRT, OpenWRT) or corporate devices.

Instructions for Telnet:

1. Turn on Telnet in the router settings (usually in the section Administration → Remote Management).
2. Connect via command line:

   telnet 192.168.1.1

   (enter login/password when prompted).

3. Enter the command to view the list of DHCP clients:

   cat /tmp/dhcp.leases

   or for active connections:

   iw dev wlan0 station dump

   (Where wlan0 — name of the wireless interface).

For OpenWRT you can use:

ubus call hostapd.wlan0 get_clients

Advantages of the method:

• 🔧 Works even if the web interface is unavailable.
• 📊 Allows you to get extended information (for example, the signal strength of devices).
• 🔄 You can automate checking via scripts (for example, send notifications about new connections).

6. How to distinguish your devices from others

Even if you see a list of connected gadgets, it's not always easy to tell which ones are yours and which are not. Here are a few ways to identify them:

1. By MAC address:

• The first 3 bytes of the MAC address (e.g. B8:27:EB) indicate the manufacturer. Check them through services like MAC Vendors.
• 📱 Examples:
  • 3C:5A:B4 — Google (Pixel, Nest).
  • 78:31:C1 — Apple (iPhone, MacBook).
  • 00:0A:F7 — Samsung.
  • 28:CF:DA — Xiaomi.

2. By host name:

• Names often contain the device model (e.g. iPad-Pro-11, Galaxy-S22).
• 🔍 If the name is missing or looks suspicious (e.g. android-123456), this is a reason to be wary.

3. By connection time:

• In the web interface or applications, see the column Connection TimeIf the device connected at night when everyone was asleep, it could be a bot or a hacker.

4. By IP address:

• Static IPs (DHCP reserved) are usually assigned to your devices.
• Dynamic IPs that have been issued recently are worth checking.

7. What to do if a suspicious device is detected

If you find a gadget in the list of connections that doesn't belong to you, follow the algorithm:

1. Check again: Make sure it's not your device (like an old smartphone or a smart light bulb you forgot about).
2. Change your Wi-Fi password: Use a complex password (at least 12 characters, including numbers and special characters). An example of a strong password: 7H#k9P!m2$vL.
3. Change the encryption standard: In the router settings, select WPA3-Personal (or WPA2/WPA3, If WPA3 (not supported).
4. Enable MAC filtering: In the section Wireless Mode → MAC Filter Add only your devices to the whitelist.
5. Update your router firmware: Outdated versions often contain vulnerabilities. Check for updates in the section Administration → Software Update.
6. Disable WPS: Technology Wi-Fi Protected Setup Vulnerable to brute-force attacks. Disable it in your security settings.

If the suspicious device continues to connect:

• 🛡️ Turn on guest network and move it there (this will restrict access to local resources).
• 📡 Reduce the Wi-Fi transmission power in the router settings (for example, with 100% to 50%), so that the signal does not spread beyond your apartment.
• 🚨 As a last resort, reset the router to factory settings (button Reset on the back panel) and set it up again.

⚠️ Attention: If after changing the password and disabling WPS, foreign devices continue to appear, your router may be infected with malware (for example, VPNFilter or Mirai). In this case, a full reset and flashing via TFTP (look for instructions on the manufacturer's website).

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about Wi-Fi Connections

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

Yes, but only those that actively communicate with your computer. Use commands arp -a (Windows) or nmap (Linux/macOS). However, this method won't show "sleeping" devices or those that aren't interacting with your PC.

Why do devices with names like "android-xxxx" or "esp8266" appear in the connection list?

These could be:

• Smart devices of neighbors (if networks overlap and have weak security).
• Your own gadgets with non-obvious names (eg. ESP8266 - This is a chip for smart sockets or sensors).
• Bots that scan networks for vulnerabilities (especially if the IP is from a different subnet).

Check MAC address via MAC Vendorsto determine the manufacturer.

How to limit the number of connected devices?

Find the section in your router settings DHCP → DHCP Settings and limit the address pool. For example, if you have 10 devices, set the range to 192.168.1.100 to 192.168.1.110. You can also:

• Turn on MAC filtering.
• Set connection limit in section Wireless Mode → Advanced Settings (not available on all routers).

Can a router block suspicious devices on its own?

Yes, some models (eg. ASUS with AI Protection or Keenetic with a security system) have built-in anomaly detection mechanisms. They can:

• Block devices with suspicious activity (e.g. port scanning).
• Send notifications about new connections.
• Automatically update threat blacklists.

Check if these features are enabled on your router.

What should I do if my router doesn't show a list of connected devices?

Possible causes and solutions:

• 🔄 Outdated firmware — update your router software.
• 🛠️ DHCP server is disabled - check the settings in the section Local area network.
• 📡 Router in bridge mode — in this case, the main router manages connections.
• 🔧 Hardware failure — try resetting the settings or contacting a service center.