How to find out the number of devices connected to Wi-Fi: all working methods

Have you noticed your internet connection becoming slower, or your file download speeds dropping significantly? One possible cause is network congestion due to a large number of connected devices. Perhaps your neighbors have connected to your Wi-Fi, or older devices are still connected after a router update. Or perhaps you simply forgot to disable guest access for friends who visited last month.

In this article we will look at All current methods for checking the number of devices on your Wi-Fi network — from standard router tools to specialized PC programs and mobile apps. You'll learn how to distinguish legitimate devices from untrusted ones, why some devices may appear twice, and what to do if the connection list isn't updating. These instructions are suitable for routers. TP-Link, ASUS, Keenetic, MikroTik, Zyxel and other popular brands.

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

Any modern router keeps a log of connected devices, and this information can be viewed through its control panel. This method works on 100% of devices, regardless of model and firmware, but requires access to the router settings.

To access the web interface:

• 🌐 Open your browser and enter in the address bar 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1 (the exact address is indicated on the router sticker).
• 🔑 Enter your login and password (usually by default admin/admin or admin/empty field).
• 🔍 Find the section with active connections—its name depends on the model:

In the list you will see IP addresses, MAC addresses and device names (if assigned). Please note: some gadgets (for example, smartphones with the Wi-Fi Direct or smart speakers) can create virtual connections and appear twice.

⚠️ Attention: If the list contains devices with unfamiliar names (for example, android-123456 or Unknown Device), this may be a sign of third party involvement. Don't block them right away — First, check if they belong to your smart bulbs, cameras, or other IoT gadgets.

2. Using mobile apps to monitor Wi-Fi

If accessing your router settings is inconvenient, you can use specialized smartphone apps. They scan the network and display all connected devices, sometimes with additional information (manufacturer, device type).

Top 3 apps for Android And iOS:

• 📱 Fing — identifies devices by MAC address, reveals open ports and potential vulnerabilities. A free version with limitations is available.
• 🛡️ WiFi Guard — compares current connections with the “white list” and notifies about new devices.
• 🔍 NetScan (iOS only) - Scans your local network and sorts devices by type (PC, smartphone, printer, etc.).

Example of work in Fing:

1. Connect to your Wi-Fi network.
2. Launch the application and click Scan.
3. In 10-30 seconds you will see a list of devices with IP, MAC, hostname and manufacturer (if detected).

⚠️ Note: Mobile apps only show devices that active at the time of scanningIf the gadget is in sleep mode (for example, a laptop with the lid closed), it may not appear in the list.

3. Windows Command Prompt: Who's on Your Network?

If you have a computer running Windows 10/11, you can check connected devices without third-party programs using built-in network commands. This method will show all active IP addresses on the local network, including those connected via cable.

Instructions:

1. Click Win + R, enter cmd and press Enter.
2. Enter the command:

   arp -a

   It will show the ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) table with IP to MAC address mappings.

3. To see only active connections, use:

   net view

   or for more detailed information:

   nbtstat -a [IP address]

Example of command output arp -a:

Interface: 192.168.1.100 --- 0x12
Internet Address Physical Address Type
192.168.1.1 aa-bb-cc-dd-ee-ff dynamic
192.168.1.101 11-22-33-44-55-66 dynamic
192.168.1.102 ff-ee-dd-cc-bb-aa dynamic

Here 192.168.1.1 — most likely the router itself, and the remaining addresses belong to connected devices. To find out who owns a specific MAC address, use online services like MAC Vendors or Wireshark.

How to decipher a MAC address?

The first 6 characters of the MAC address (e.g. aa-bb-cc) indicate the device manufacturer. For example:

- B8:27:EB — Raspberry Pi

- 78:31:C1 — Apple

- 5C:F9:DD — Samsung

A complete list of manufacturers can be found on the IEEE website.

4. PC programs: Advanced IP Scanner, Wireless Network Watcher

For a more in-depth network analysis, you can use desktop utilities. They will not only display a list of devices but also help identify their type, hostname, and even open ports.

The best programs for Windows And macOS:

• 🖥️ Advanced IP Scanner — scans the local network and displays all active IPs with the ability to remotely control (if allowed).
• 👁️ Wireless Network Watcher (from NirSoft) - specializes in wireless connections, saves scan history.
• 🛡️ Angry IP Scanner — a cross-platform utility with plugin support for advanced analysis.

Example of work in Wireless Network Watcher:

1. Download the program from the official website NirSoft (it is portable and does not require installation).
2. Run it as administrator.
3. Click "Start Scanning" - after a few seconds a list of all devices will appear indicating:

• 🔢 IP address and MAC address;
• 🖥️ Device name (if available);
• 📡 Network card manufacturer;
• ⏱️ Time of first and last detection.

⚠️ Attention: Some antivirus programs (for example, Avast or Kaspersky) may block work Wireless Network Watcher, considering it potentially dangerous. This is a false positive—please add the program to your exceptions.

Disable the VPN on your PC|Close torrent clients|Make sure your router is not in "guest network" mode|Check that your computer is connected to the correct Wi-Fi network-->

5. How to distinguish your devices from others

Have you received a list of connected gadgets, but don't know which ones are yours and which ones are not? Here's practical verification algorithm:

Step 1: Make a list of your devices:

• 📱 Smartphones, tablets (check the Wi-Fi settings on each gadget).
• 💻 Laptops, PCs (the computer name can be seen in Control Panel → System).
• 🖨️ Printers, scanners (the name is usually indicated on the sticker).
• 💡 Smart bulbs, sockets, cameras (names often start with the brand: Yeelight, Xiaomi, TP-Link_Tapo).

Step 2: Compare MAC Addresses:

• On Android: Settings → About phone → Status → Wi-Fi MAC address.
• On iPhone: Settings → General → About → Wi-Fi Address.
• On Windows: open command prompt and type:

  ipconfig /all | findstr "Physical Address"

Step 3: Check for unknown devices:

• If there is one on the list Unknown Device with a MAC address starting with Xiaomi or Amazon, it could be a smart speaker or another gadget that you forgot to take into account.
• If the MAC address belongs to Apple, but you don’t have devices of this brand, this is a reason to be wary.

6. Why the number of devices in the router and programs may differ

Have you noticed that the router's web interface shows 5 devices, and Fing or Wireless Network Watcher — 7? That's normal, and here's why:

Reason 1: Cached DHCP Leases

• The router stores information about devices that have been connected recently, even if they are currently disconnected.
• To clear the list, reboot the router or manually update DHCP leases (in the settings) LAN → DHCP).

Reason 2: Virtual Connections

• Some devices (eg Samsung SmartThings or Google Home) create multiple network interfaces.
• Game consoles (PlayStation, Xbox) may appear twice due to services UPnP.

Reason 3: Guest Network

• If you have a guest network enabled, its devices may appear separately.
• In routers ASUS And Keenetic Guest connections are usually marked as Guest_*.

Reason 4: Devices in sleep mode

• Smartphones in power saving mode can "hide" from scanning.
• Laptops with the lid closed sometimes do not respond to ping requests.

⚠️ Attention: If the difference in the number of devices exceeds 2-3 positions, check the router settings for DHCP spoofing (attacks simulating connections). In this case, it's worth updating your router firmware and changing your Wi-Fi password.

7. What to do if foreign devices are found

You've discovered an unknown gadget online—what now? Follow these steps:

Step 1: Blocking by MAC address

• Go to the router settings section Wireless Network → MAC Filter.
• Add unknown MAC to the blacklist or create a whitelist for your devices only.

Step 2: Change your Wi-Fi password

• Use a complex password (at least 12 characters with numbers, letters and special characters).
• Disable the feature WPS - it is vulnerable to brute force attacks.

Step 3: Update your router firmware

• Outdated firmware contains vulnerabilities that allow you to connect to the network without a password.
• Check the current version on the manufacturer's website and update your router.

Step 4: Setting up a guest network

• If you need to provide access to guests, create a separate guest network with limited rights.
• On the guest network, disable access to local resources (printers, network drives).

Step 5: Network Monitoring

• Install an app like GlassWire (for PC) or Fing (for smartphone) to track new connections.
• Set up notifications about new devices.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about connected devices

Is it possible to find out what websites a connected device visits?

Yes, but you need to configure it for this traffic monitoring on the router or use specialized programs like Wireshark (for advanced users). Most home routers have a section Logs or Traffic statistics, where visited domains are displayed.

Please note: Tracking other devices' traffic may violate privacy laws if done without users' consent.

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

Possible reasons:

• The device is in sleep mode or disconnected from Wi-Fi.
• The router has a MAC address filter enabled, which is blocking your gadget.
• The device's IP address is manually assigned outside the DHCP pool (for example, 192.168.1.200, when the router distributes addresses to 192.168.1.100).
• The device is connected via a VPN or proxy, which masks its presence on the local network.

Solution: Restart your device and router, and check your device's network settings.

How do I know how many devices can connect to my router?

The maximum number of connections depends on the router model and its firmware:

• Budget routers (TP-Link TL-WR840N, D-Link DIR-615): to 30–50 devices (but the speed will drop after 10–15 active connections).
• Middle segment (ASUS RT-AC66U, Keenetic Extra): to 100–150 devices.
• Professional models (MikroTik RB4011, Ubiquiti UniFi): 200+ devices.

If your router supports the Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) standard, it can manage large numbers of connections more efficiently using OFDMA technology.

Is it possible to limit the speed for individual devices?

Yes, most modern routers support this function. QoS (Quality of Service) or Bandwidth ControlWith their help you can:

• Limit download/upload speed for a specific MAC or IP address.
• Prioritize traffic (for example, give maximum speed to smart TV while watching movies).
• Block access to certain websites or services (for example, torrents).

QoS settings are usually located in the section Wireless Network → QoS or Advanced Settings → Bandwidth Management.

How do I check connected devices on a router from a provider (Rostelecom, Beeline, MTS)?

Routers from providers often have limited functionality, but they still contain a list of connected devices. Look for it in the following sections:

• Rostelecom: Local Network → Devices or Wi-Fi → Connected devices.
• Beeline: Status → Network Devices.
• MTS: Monitoring → DHCP Clients.

If your router interface is very limited, use mobile applications (For example, Fing) or command line (arp -a).

⚠️ Note: Some providers block access to advanced router settings. In this case, call support and ask them to enable full access to the web interface.