Who's connected to my Wi-Fi? How do I check the list of devices on my router?

Have you noticed your internet has slowed down, or do you suspect that someone else has connected to your network? Check the list of devices using your Wi-Fi, is the first step to ensuring security and optimizing speed. In this article, we'll cover all available methods: from standard router tools to specialized apps and commands for advanced users.

Regardless of the router model, be it TP-Link Archer C6, ASUS RT-AX88U or Keenetic Giga The process for checking connected devices is similar, but has its own nuances. We'll cover universal methods, as well as the features of popular brands. If you've never accessed your router settings before, don't worry: step-by-step instructions with pictures and videos will help even a novice figure it out.

It's important not only to detect "unwanted" devices but also to understand how they got there. Perhaps someone snooped on your network password, or your router is using a vulnerable security protocol. At the end of this article, you'll find tips on how to protect your Wi-Fi from unauthorized access and what to do if you detect a suspicious connection.

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

The most reliable and accurate method is to log into your router's control panel. This doesn't require any additional software, just a browser on your computer or smartphone. The login address, username, and password are usually located on a sticker on the back of the router (e.g., 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).

Step-by-step instructions:

• 🌐 Enter the router's IP address in the browser's address bar (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
• 🔑 Log in using your login and password (often by default) admin/admin or admin/empty password).
• 📊 Find the section with connected devices. It may have different names:
  • TP-Link: Wireless Mode → Wireless Mode Statistics
  • ASUS: Network Map → Clients
  • Keenetic: Devices → Device List
  • Zyxel: Wi-Fi Network → Status → Clients

The table will display all devices connected to your network—both via cable and Wi-Fi. Typically, the following are listed:

• 📱 Device name (if it is configured in the gadget).
• 🔢 MAC address — unique identifier.
• 📶 Connection type (Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz or Ethernet).
• ⏱️ Connection time.

⚠️ Attention: If you have not changed the default login details for your router (admin/admin), they could have been picked up by attackers. Change your login and password immediately after verification. in the section System → Administration (the name may differ).

2. Mobile applications from router manufacturers

If the web interface is inconvenient, use official apps. They offer a user-friendly interface and additional features, such as notifications about new connections. Most brands release their own utilities:

• 📱 TP-Link: Tether (Android/iOS)
• 📱 ASUS: ASUS Router
• 📱 Keenetic: Keenetic
• 📱 Zyxel: Zyxel WiFi

An example of working with the application Tether:

1. Download and install the application from App Store or Google Play.
2. Register an account (if required) or connect to the router via a local network.
3. Go to the section Devices or Clients.
4. View the list of connected gadgets. Tether You can immediately block an unknown device by tapping on it.

Advantages of mobile applications:

• ✅ User-friendly interface with notifications about new connections.
• ✅ Possibility of remote control of the router (if the function is supported).
• ✅ Quick access to traffic statistics.

⚠️ Note: Some applications (eg. ASUS Router) require creating a cloud account. If you don't plan to use remote access, Disable this feature in your router settings., so as not to create unnecessary vulnerabilities.

3. Windows Command Prompt (for advanced users)

If you have a computer running WindowsYou can find a list of connected devices without logging into the router. To do this, use the command arp, which displays the ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) table. This method is less accurate than checking through the router, but it will help you quickly assess the situation.

Instructions:

1. Open Command line as administrator (click Win + X → Terminal (Administrator)).
2. Enter the command to view all connected devices on the local network:

   arp -a

3. Look for lines in the output containing IP addresses from your subnet (usually 192.168.0.x or 192.168.1.x).
4. To find out the device manufacturer by MAC address, use the command:

   getmac /v /fo list

   or online services like MAC Vendors Lookup.

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
192.168.0.101 11-22-33-44-55-66 dynamic

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ Shows only devices that have recently communicated with your PC.
• ❌ Does not display gadget names, only IP and MAC addresses.
• ❌ May contain "garbage" entries from old connections.

How to clear the ARP table cache?

If the command output arp -a contains obsolete entries, clear the cache with the command arp -d *After this, repeat the scan to obtain up-to-date data.

4. Specialized programs for network scanning

If standard methods don't work, try third-party utilities. They offer advanced features, such as traffic monitoring, device blocking, and notifications about new connections. Popular programs:

Example of working with Wireless Network Watcher:

1. Download the program from the official website NirSoft (free, portable version does not require installation).
2. Launch WNetWatcher.exe on behalf of the administrator.
3. Click Start Scanning - after a few seconds, a list of all devices on the network will be displayed.
4. To save the report, select File → Save As (formats: HTML, XML, CSV).

Wireless Network Watcher even shows devices that are currently inactive but were previously connected to the network. This helps identify "sleeping" devices or those that connect intermittently (such as smart plugs).

⚠️ Attention: Programs like NetCut may block traffic from other devices, which is a violation of network ethics. Use them just to check your gadgets or with the consent of all network users.

5. Checking via mobile scanner apps (Android/iOS)

If you don't have access to a computer, use mobile apps. They scan your local network and display all connected devices. The best options are:

• 📱 Fing — identifies device models, checks open ports.
• 📱 Network Analyzer - analyzes network speed and detects hidden devices.
• 📱 WiFi Guard — compares current connections with a "white list" and notifies you about new gadgets.

Instructions for Fing:

1. Install the app from App Store or Google Play.
2. Connect to your Wi-Fi network.
3. Click Scan — after 10-20 seconds a list of devices will be displayed.
4. Tap any gadget to see details: MAC address, manufacturer, open ports.

Advantages of mobile scanners:

• ✅ Works without access to a router.
• ✅ Show connection history (in paid versions).
• ✅ You can set up notifications about new devices.

Check your MAC address using a search engine|Compare it with your device's list|Try disabling it through your router|Change your Wi-Fi password to a more complex one-->

6. How to protect Wi-Fi from unauthorized connections

Found unfamiliar devices on the network? Here's what to do:

1. Change your Wi-Fi password

• Use a complex password (at least 12 characters, with numbers, capital letters and special characters).
• Do not use personal information (dates of birth, names).
• Example of a strong password: k7#pL9@mQ2$vR5!

2. Update your security protocol

• In the router settings, select WPA3-Personal (or WPA2-Personal, if WPA3 is not supported).
• Disable legacy protocols WEP And WPA - they are vulnerable to hacking.

3. Enable MAC address filtering

• In the section Wireless Mode → MAC Filter Add only your devices to the "white list".
• Cons: You will have to manually add MAC addresses of new gadgets.

4. Disable WPS

• Function WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) has vulnerabilities. Disable it in your router settings.

5. Hide the SSID (not always effective)

• In the Wi-Fi settings, disable the option Broadcast SSIDThis will hide the network name, but will not protect it from experienced hackers.

6. Update your router firmware

• Manufacturers regularly release updates that patch vulnerabilities. Check the latest version in the section System → Software Update.

⚠️ Note: MAC address filtering and SSID hiding are not a reliable protectionMAC addresses can be spoofed, and hidden networks are easily detected with scanners. Focus on a strong password and a modern security protocol (WPA3).

7. Frequently asked questions and problems

🔍 How to find out what device is behind a MAC address?

The first six characters of the MAC address (OUI) identify the manufacturer. Check them in the following databases:

• MAC Vendors (online service).
• Command in Linux/macOS terminal: grep "MAC address" /usr/share/ieee-data/oui.txt.

Example: MAC 00:1A:79:... belongs Apple, B0:48:7A:... — TP-Link.

❓ Why are "dead" connections showing in the list of devices?

Routers store information about connected devices in a cache. To clear the list:

• Reboot the router (using the button) Reset or via the web interface).
• Some models have this option Clear client list in the statistics section.

If the device has been offline for a long time but still shows up, this may be a sign of ARP spoofing (man-in-the-middle attack).

🛡️ Is it possible to block a device without accessing the router?

Yes, with the help of programs like NetCut (Windows/Android) or Fing (in the paid version). However:

• This is a temporary measure - after rebooting the router the blocking will be reset.
• May violate laws of some countries (unauthorized interference with the network).

It is better to block the device through the router settings (section MAC filter or Parental control).

📱 Why isn't my device showing up in the list of connected devices?

Possible reasons:

• The device is connected to guest network (it can be displayed separately).
• It's turned on in the router client isolation mode (AP Isolation).
• The gadget uses VPN or Tor, which masks its activity.
• Problems with DHCP — the device received an IP outside the router's range.

Check the DHCP settings in the section Local Network → DHCP Server.

🔄 How often should I check the list of connected devices?

Recommended frequency:

• Home network: once a month (or if you suspect slow internet).
• Office/cafe: daily (with setting up notifications about new connections).
• After the changes: changing password, updating firmware, connecting new gadgets.

Applications like this will help automate the check. WiFi Guard (Android) or GlassWire (Windows).