How to check the number of Wi-Fi connections: all methods for routers and phones

Have you noticed that your internet speed has become slower than usual, and that pages are loading slowly? One possible reason is... excessive number of devicesconnected to your Wi-Fi network. Even if you haven't shared the password with your neighbors, some gadgets (such as smart light bulbs or older smartphones) can remain connected undetected, consuming bandwidth. In this article, we'll look at 7 proven methodsHow to find out the exact number of Wi-Fi connections—from standard router tools to advanced command-line methods.

The problem isn't just speed. Extra devices on the network are security riskIf someone else connects to your Wi-Fi, they can intercept data or use your IP for dubious purposes. This is especially true for small office owners or landlords who provide internet to their tenants. We'll show you how to check your router connections. TP-Link, ASUS, Keenetic, MikroTik, as well as through mobile applications and third-party utilities.

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

The most reliable method is to access your router's control panel. Almost all modern models (even budget ones) display a list of connected devices. This guide is suitable for 90% of routers, including Xiaomi, Zyxel And Tenda.

To open the web interface:

1. Find out Router IP address. Usually it is 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1 (look at the sticker on the device body).
2. Enter the address in the address bar of your browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge).
3. Log in. The default login and password are often admin/admin or admin/password (check the documentation).
4. Go to the section with the device list. Its name depends on the model:
   • 🔹 TP-Link: Wireless → Wireless Statistics or DHCP → DHCP Clients List
   • 🔹 ASUS: Network map (in the main menu) or Local Network → DHCP Client List
   • 🔹 Keenetic: Devices (in the top menu)
   • 🔹 MikroTik: IP → DHCP Server → Leases

In the table you will see:

• 📱 Device name (if configured)
• 🔢 MAC address (unique identifier)
• 🌐 IP address (local on the network)
• ⏱ Connection time

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 Reset button (hold for 10 seconds)|Try a different browser (for example, Firefox instead of Chrome)-->

If there are unknown devices in the list, they can be block by MAC address (usually there is a button Block or Block). On some routers (for example, Keenetic) you can even set a connection limit.

⚠️ Attention: If you've changed your router's default login and password and forgotten them, you'll need to perform a factory reset. This will reset all network settings (including the Wi-Fi password)!

2. Using mobile applications (for smartphones)

Don't want to access your router's control panel? Install a dedicated app. Most router manufacturers release official utilities for Android And iOS, which show a list of connected devices in real time.

Popular apps:

• 📱 TP-Link Tether — for routers TP-Link (shows a list of devices, traffic consumption speed, allows you to block suspicious gadgets).
• 📱 ASUS Router — for devices ASUS (there is a "Family Control" function to restrict access).
• 📱 Keenetic — for routers Keenetic (displays connection history and load graphs).
• 📱 Fing — a universal application for scanning networks (works regardless of the router brand).

How to use Fing (for example Android):

1. Download the app from Google Play or App Store.
2. Connect to your Wi-Fi network.
3. Start scanning (button Scan in the center of the screen).
4. After 10-20 seconds, a list of all devices will appear with the manufacturer indicated (for example, Apple, Samsung, Xiaomi).

Fing also defines device type (smartphone, TV, printer) and shows open ports, which is useful for security diagnostics. The downside is that the free version has a limited number of scans.

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

If you prefer "technical" methods, you can find out the number of Wi-Fi connections through command line or terminalThis method works on any device on your network - be it a laptop, PC, or even Raspberry Pi.

For Windows:

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

   arp -a

   It will show all IP and MAC addresses of devices on the local network.

3. To filter only active connections, use:

   arp -a | findstr "dynamic"

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. In a few seconds you will receive a list of all hosts (devices) on the network.

The advantage of this method is no need to log into the routerHowever, it shows All devices on the local network, including those connected via cable. To filter only Wi-Fi clients, you'll need to analyze MAC addresses (wireless devices typically begin with specific prefixes).

4. Viewing via the router menu on TVs and Smart TVs

If you have Smart TV (For example, Samsung, LG, Sony Bravia or Xiaomi Mi TV), you can check connected devices directly from your TV screen. This method is convenient if you don't have a computer or smartphone handy.

Instructions for Samsung Smart TV (Tizen OS):

1. Click the button Home on the remote control.
2. Go to Settings → General → Network → Network Status.
3. Select List of devices (or Devices on the network).

For LG WebOS:

1. Open Settings → Network → Wi-Fi Status.
2. Select Connected devices.

On Android TV (For example, Xiaomi Mi Box or Nvidia Shield):

1. Go to Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi.
2. Click on the name of your network → Network management → Client list.

Please note: not all TV models support this feature. If you don't see this menu item, use the other methods in this article.

⚠️ Attention: Some TVs (especially older models) only display the number of connections, but not their details (MAC/IP). For more information, it's best to use the router's web interface.

5. Traffic analysis using third-party programs

If you need to know not only the number of connections, but also track traffic consumption For each device, use specialized programs. They're useful for identifying bandwidth-hungry gadgets that are slowing down your network.

Popular utilities:

Wireshark — is a powerful tool, but it requires skill. It shows all network packets, including DNS queries, which helps identify suspicious activity (for example, if a device is constantly contacting unknown servers).

NetCut It's simpler: it scans the network and allows force shutdown Any device (useful if you've detected an "intruder"). The downside is that it requires administrator rights to work.

How to block a device in NetCut

1. Run the program as administrator.

2. Select your network from the list.

3. Find the suspicious device (by MAC or name).

4. Right-click and select "Cut Off".

The device will be disconnected from the network until the router is rebooted or the MAC address is changed.

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

If your router is provided by your internet service provider (e.g. Rostelecom, Beeline, MTS), it may have limited functionality, and standard methods don't work. In this case:

• 📞 Call your provider's support team and ask them to check the number of connected devices. They will see this information in their system.
• 🌐 Log in personal account on the provider's website. Some companies (for example, Dom.ru) show a list of devices in the "My Network" section.
• 📱 Use the provider's official app (for example, My MTS or My Beeline).

Please note that not all providers provide this information to customers. If the required section is missing from your personal account, your only option is to call support or use alternative methods (e.g., Fing).

⚠️ Attention: If you rent a router from a provider, its firmware may be "cut," preventing access to advanced settings. In this case, it's best to buy your own router and configure it in "Remote Mode." bridge.

7. Identifying "extra" devices and protecting the network

Have you found unknown devices in your connections list? Here's what to do:

Step 1: Identify your device

• Take a look manufacturer by MAC address (first 6 characters). For example:
  • 🔹 00:1A:79 — Samsung
  • 🔹 3C:5A:B4 — Google (May be Nest or Chromecast)
  • 🔹 78:31:C1 — Apple
• Use services like MAC Vendors or Wireshark OUI Lookup for decryption.

Step 2: Check the legality of the connection

• Ask your household members if they have connected any new gadgets.
• Check to see if any new smart devices (lamps, sockets, cameras) have appeared.
• If the device is unknown - turn it off through the router panel or NetCut.

Step 3: Strengthen Wi-Fi Security

• 🔒 Change your Wi-Fi password to a complex one (at least 12 characters, with numbers and special characters).
• 🔄 Turn on WPA3 instead of WPA2 (if the router supports it).
• 🚫 Turn it off WPS (this is a vulnerable protocol).
• 📡 Hide network name (SSID) - will not protect you from experienced hackers, but will reduce the number of accidental connections.
• ⏱ Customize guest network for temporary users (e.g. guests).

If unknown devices are constantly appearing on your network, this could be a sign that your router has been hacked. In this case, reset it to factory settings and update the firmware.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about Wi-Fi Connections

Is it possible to find out what websites a device visits on my network?

Yes, but this requires special tools:

• 🔍 On routers with firmware DD-WRT or OpenWRT You can enable traffic logging.
• 📊 Programs like Wireshark or GlassWire show visited domains (but not specific pages when using HTTPS).

Please note: Tracking other users' traffic without their consent may violate privacy laws.

Why do devices named "Unknown" or "--" appear in the connection list?

This is normal. Reasons:

• 📵 The device does not broadcast its name (for example, some IoT gadgets).
• 🔄 The router could not determine the manufacturer by the MAC address.
• 🛠 The device uses a random MAC address (privacy function in iOS or Android 10+).

To identify such a device, look at its MAC address and check it through services like MAC Vendors.

How many devices can be connected to Wi-Fi at the same time?

It depends on the router model:

• 📶 Budget routers (up to 3000 ₽): 10–20 devices (after that, the speed drops).
• 📶 Middle class (3000–8000 ₽): 30–50 devices.
• 📶 Top models (from 10,000 ₽): 100+ devices (for example, ASUS RT-AX88U or Netgear Nighthawk).

If there are too many devices, the router starts to slow down due to the limited number DHCP leases or processor overload.

Is it possible to limit the speed for individual devices?

Yes, many routers support this feature. QoS (Quality of Service) or Bandwidth Control:

• 🎯 On TP-Link: Advanced → QoS → Settings.
• 🎯 On ASUS: Adaptive QoS in the main menu.
• 🎯 On Keenetic: Traffic priorities.

There you can set speed limits for each device by MAC or IP address.

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 via the web interface.
• 🛠 Limited provider firmware: Buy your router and set it up in bridge mode.
• 🔌 DHCP is disabled: Check if the DHCP server is enabled in the settings (LAN → DHCP Server).
• 📡 Devices are connected to the guest network: Guest Wi-Fi can have a separate client list.