How to see how many users are connected to your Wi-Fi network: all the methods

Have you noticed that your internet has become slower and pages are loading with delays? Perhaps your Wi-Fi networks Unauthorized devices have connected—neighbors, guests, or even hackers exploiting vulnerabilities in your router's security. You don't need to be an IT professional to check the number of active connections and identify "unnecessary" devices. In this article, we'll look at 5 working methodsHow to view a list of devices on the network—from standard router tools to advanced utilities for PCs and smartphones.

It is important to understand that the number of connected devices affects not only the speed of the Internet, but also your network securityFor example, if 15 devices are connected to your router, but you only have three smartphones and a laptop at home, this is a clear sign of unauthorized access. We'll show you how to get a list of connected devices on popular router brands (TP-Link, ASUS, Keenetic, MikroTik), as well as using third-party programs and the command line. All methods have been tested on current firmware versions from 2026–2026.

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

Any modern router has a built-in control panel that displays a list of connected devices. This method works on 100% of models, regardless of manufacturer, and does not require any additional software installation. All you need is the router's IP address and login information (usually found on a sticker on the back of the device).

To access settings:

  • 🌐 Open your browser and enter in the address bar 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1 (less often) 10.0.0.1). If the address doesn't work, check it in your router's instructions.
  • 🔑 Enter your login and password (by default it is often admin/admin or admin/empty field).
  • 🔍 Find the section with active connections. Its name depends on the model:
    • U TP-Link: DHCP → DHCP Clients or Wireless Mode → Wireless Mode Statistics.
    • U ASUS: Network map or Local Area Network → DHCP Clients.
    • U Keenetic: Devices (in the main menu).
    • U MikroTik: IP → DHCP Server → Leases.

In the table you will see:

  • 📱 Device name (if it is transmitted, for example, iPhone-12-Pro or Samsung-Galaxy-S23).
  • 🔢 MAC address (a unique identifier that can be used to block the device).
  • 🌍 IP address (local on the network, for example, 192.168.0.103).
  • ⏱️ Connection time (helps to identify "permanent" uninvited guests).

Check your connection to the router via cable or Wi-Fi|Reboot the router using the button on the case|Reset the settings using the button Reset (hold for 10 seconds)|Try a different browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge)|Make sure the VPN is disabled on your device-->

⚠️ Attention: If you see unfamiliar MAC addresses in the list of devices, but their names match your gadgets (for example, Android-1234 instead of Xiaomi-Redmi-Note-11), this could be due to a device name change in the settings. To verify that the gadget is yours, compare the MAC address with the one specified in the smartphone or laptop settings.

2. Using mobile apps to monitor Wi-Fi

If it is inconvenient to go into the router settings every time, you can use specialized applications for Android or iOSThey scan the local network and display all connected devices, including hidden ones. Most utilities are free, but paid versions offer advanced features (such as device blocking or notifications about new connections).

Top 5 verified apps:

Application Platform Peculiarities Link
Fing Android, iOS Scans the network in 10 seconds, shows the device manufacturer by MAC, tests internet speed. App Store / Google Play
WiFi Analyzer Android Shows Wi-Fi channels, signal strength, and a list of devices. A network load graph is also included. Google Play
NetScan iOS Supports saving scan history and exporting data to CSV. App Store
Who Is On My WiFi Android Sends notifications when new devices appear, blocks unknown MAC addresses. Google Play
LAN Scan Android Shows open ports on devices, determines OS type (Windows, Linux, iOS). Google Play

How to use Fing (using Android as an example):

  1. Download and install the application from Google Play.
  2. Connect to your Wi-Fi network.
  3. Click Scan - after a few seconds a list of devices will appear.
  4. Tap any device to see details: MAC address, IP, manufacturer (first 3 bytes of MAC).

Fing|WiFi Analyzer|NetScan|Other|I don't use apps-->

⚠️ Attention: Mobile applications identify devices by ARP requests, so gadgets that are in sleep mode or have disabled response to such requests (for example, some smart speakers or IoT devices) may not be visible. For a complete picture, combine this method with checking through the router.

3. Windows Command Prompt: Who's Connected to Your Wi-Fi

If you have a computer or laptop with Windows 10/11You can check the list of connected devices without third-party programs, using built-in commands. This method is suitable for users who prefer not to install additional software.

Step-by-step instructions:

  1. Open Command line as administrator:
    • Click Win + R, enter cmd.
    • Clamp Ctrl + Shift + Enter (or right-click on "Command Prompt" → "Run as administrator").
  • Enter the command to view the ARP table (list of IP and MAC addresses on the local network): 
    arp -a

    In the results, look for IP addresses from your subnet (for example, 192.168.0.x).

  • For more detailed information, use: 
    net view

    or for advanced users:

    nbtstat -a [IP address]

    (replace [IP address] to a specific address from the list).

    • Example of command output arp -a:

    

    Interface: 192.168.0.100 --- 0x12
    

    Internet Address Physical Address Type
    

    192.168.0.1 aa-bb-cc-dd-ee-ff dynamic ← This is your router
    

    192.168.0.101 11-22-33-44-55-66 dynamic ← Suspicious device
    

    192.168.0.103 99-88-77-66-55-44 dynamic ← Your laptop

    To determine the manufacturer of a device by its MAC address, use the first 3 bytes (e.g. aa:bb:cc) and check them on the website MAC Vendors. For example, B8:27:EB - This Raspberry Pi, A 78:31:C1 — Apple.

    4. Advanced PC Utilities: WireShark and Advanced IP Scanner

    For deep network diagnostics, you can use professional tools such as WireShark (traffic analyzer) or Advanced IP Scanner (LAN scanner). These programs are suitable for experienced users, as they require an understanding of network protocols.

    Advanced IP Scanner (free, for Windows):

    • 🔍 Scans all IP addresses in a specified range (e.g. 192.168.0.1–192.168.0.255).
    • 📋 Shows device names, MAC addresses, manufacturers, and open ports.
    • 🔄 Allows you to save the report in format CSV or XML.

    WireShark (cross-platform, for advanced users):

    • 🕵️‍♂️ Intercepts and analyzes all network traffic in real time.
    • 📊 Builds device activity graphs and displays protocols (HTTP, DNS, ARP).
    • ⚠️ Requires knowledge of networking technologies - not recommended for beginners.

    How to use Advanced IP Scanner:

    1. Download the utility from the official website advanced-ip-scanner.com and install.
    2. Run the program and click Scan (the scanning range will be determined automatically).
    3. In 10-30 seconds you will see a full list of devices indicating:
      • 🖥️ Host name (For example, DESKTOP-123ABC).
      • 🔢 IP and MAC addresses.
      • 🏭 Manufacturer (by MAC).
  • To block a suspicious device, copy its MAC address and add it to the blacklist in your router settings.
    • How to block a device by MAC address on a TP-Link router

    1. Go to the router's web interface (192.168.0.1).

    2. Go to Wireless Mode → MAC Filtering.

    3. Enable filtering and add the MAC address to the blacklist.

    4. Save the settings and reboot the router.

    5. Checking through the provider (if the router is rented)

    If your router is provided by your internet service provider (e.g. Rostelecom, Beeline, MTS), some monitoring functions may be limited. In this case, you can:

    • 📞 Call your provider's support team and request a list of connected devices (not all operators provide this information).
    • 🌐 Use your personal account on the provider's website - sometimes there's a "My Network" or "Devices" section.
    • 🔄 Ask to replace the router with a model with advanced settings (for example, Keenetic or ASUS RT-AX88U).

    Example for subscribers Rostelecom:

    1. Go to personal account.
    2. Go to the section Internet → My Devices.
    3. Check the list of connected gadgets (updated every 5-10 minutes).
    ⚠️ Attention: Providers often limit the number of simultaneously connected devices (for example, to 10–15 for home plans). If the limit is exceeded, internet speed may be artificially reduced. Check your contract or contact your provider for current restrictions.

    How to identify and block other people's devices

    If you find unfamiliar gadgets in the list of connected devices, follow the algorithm:

    1. Check the MAC address:
      • The first 3 pairs of characters (eg. 2C:54:91) will indicate the manufacturer. If this Apple, Samsung or Xiaomi, but you don’t have such devices - this is suspicious.
      • Use services like MAC Vendors for decryption.
    2. Compare with your gadgets:
      • On Android: Settings → About phone → General information → Wi-Fi MAC address.
      • On iPhone: Settings → General → About → Wi-Fi Address.
      • On Windows: open command prompt and type ipconfig /all (look for the line Physical address).
    3. Lock your device:
      • In the router settings, add the MAC address to the blacklist (section Wireless Network → MAC Filtering).
      • Change your Wi-Fi password to a more complex one (at least 12 characters, with numbers and special characters).
      • Turn on WPA3 (if supported by the router) instead of the outdated one WPA2.
  • Set up notifications:
    • In some routers (for example, ASUS) there is a function for notifying about new connections by email.
    • Use apps like Fing for real-time monitoring.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about connected devices

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

    Yes, but for this you need:

    • Install alternative firmware on the router (for example, DD-WRT or OpenWRT).
    • Use programs to analyze traffic (for example, WireShark or GlassWire).
    • Set up DNS redirection to a server like Pi-hole.

    Regular routers from providers do not save the history of visited websites.

    Why do unfamiliar gadgets with names like "Android-1234" appear in the list of devices?

    These could be:

    • Smart devices (lamps, sockets, speakers) that you forgot to set up.
    • Guest devices that were previously connected (for example, a friend's smartphone).
    • Viruses on your gadgets that create "shadow" connections (check with an antivirus).
    • Neighbors who connected to your network because of a weak password.

    To prevent extraneous connections, disable WPS in the router settings and enable MAC filtering.

    How to limit internet speed for individual devices?

    This can be done in the router settings:

    1. For TP-Link: Advanced settings → QoS → Configure QoS rules.
    2. For ASUS: Adaptive QoS → User Settings.
    3. For Keenetic: Internet → Traffic Rules.

    Enter the MAC address of the device and set the speed limit (for example, 5 Mbps).

    Is it possible to find out how many devices are connected to a neighbor's Wi-Fi?

    Technically yes, but that's illegally without the consent of the network owner. This will require:

    • Connect to your neighbor's network (which is already hacking).
    • Use programs like Aircrack-ng to intercept packets.

    Such actions are classified as unauthorized access (Article 272 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation) and may result in liability. If you're concerned about your neighbor's network strength, it's best to negotiate with them about sharing the bandwidth or installing a repeater.

    Why does the router show more devices than it actually has?

    This may be due to:

    • Cached DHCP leases: The router stores IP addresses of devices that have been disconnected for a long time. Clear the list in the section DHCP.
    • Multicast broadcasts: Some devices (such as Smart TVs) create virtual connections.
    • Viruses: Some malware simulates connections to disguise its activity.

    To get the latest list, reboot your router and check your connections immediately after turning it on.

    • 📖 Read also

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