How to Check Who's Connected to Your Wi-Fi: A Complete Guide (2026)

Have you noticed that your internet has become slower and your data is running out too quickly? Perhaps your Wi-Fi third-party devices were connected. According to research, More than 30% of home networks have at least one unauthorized connection, which not only steals traffic but can also pose security risks, from spying on your data to using your network for illegal activities.

In this article you will find 7 proven methods Check the list of connected devices—from standard router settings to advanced command-line methods. We'll cover how to do this on routers. TP-Link, ASUS, Keenetic, MikroTik, as well as through mobile apps and third-party utilities. Plus, you'll learn how block other people's devices and protect your network from repeated intrusions.

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced user, the instructions are tailored to suit any skill level. The main rule: Don't ignore suspicious connectionsEven one extra device can reduce speed by 40–60% and, in some cases, lead to blocking by your IP provider for excessive traffic.

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 is where you'll see all active connections, including hidden devices that may not appear in mobile apps. These instructions are suitable for 95% of modern routers, but the interface may vary slightly depending on the model.

To open the web interface:

• 🌐 Enter in the address bar of your browser 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1 (less often) 192.168.8.1 for some models Xiaomi).
• 🔑 Enter your login and password (usually by default admin/admin, if you haven't changed it).
• 🔍 Find the section with connected devices (names may vary).

Where to find a list of devices in popular firmware:

In the list you will see:

• 📱 Device name (if it is not hidden).
• 🔢 MAC address — unique identifier (example: 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E).
• 📶 IP address in a local network (for example, 192.168.0.103).
• ⏱️ Connection time and traffic consumed (in some models).

⚠️ Attention: If the list contains devices with unfamiliar MAC addresses or names like android-123456, Unknown Device, this is a sure sign of an unauthorized connection. Don't rush to block them—first check if they belong to your guests or smart gadgets (for example, Amazon Echo or Xiaomi Mi Home).

Make sure it's not your device (check the MAC addresses of your devices) | Take a screenshot of the list in case of blocking | Block the device through the router settings | Change the Wi-Fi password after blocking -->

2. How to identify "friend" and "foe" devices by MAC address

MAC address is like serial number Device identification number, which is assigned at the factory. It can even be used to identify the gadget's model. Here's how to decipher the first six characters (they indicate the manufacturer):

• 📱 00:1A:79 — Samsung (smartphones, tablets).
• 💻 3C:5A:B4 — Google (Pixel, Nest, Chromecast).
• 🖥️ 78:31:C1 — Apple (iPhone, MacBook, Apple TV).
• 🎮 B0:48:7A — Sony (PlayStation, TVs).
• 🔌 50:C7:BF — TP-Link (routers, repeaters).

A complete list of manufacturers can be found on the website MAC Vendors (Enter the first 6 characters of the MAC address). If the address starts with 02:00:00 or 00:50:C2, it could be a virtual device or a VPN connection - these are worth checking first.

How to find MAC addresses their own devices:

• 📱 Android: Settings → About phone → General information → Wi-Fi MAC address.
• 🍎 iPhone/iPad: Settings → General → About → Wi-Fi Address.
• 💻 Windows: run the command ipconfig /all V Command line and find the line Physical address.
• 🖥️ MacOS: System Preferences → Network → Advanced → Ethernet/Wi-Fi.

⚠️ Attention: Attackers can spoof MAC addresses to impersonate legitimate devices. If you see duplicate addresses or suspicious activity (for example, a device consuming gigabytes of traffic at night), this warrants a more thorough investigation.

3. Checking connected devices via mobile apps

If accessing your router settings is inconvenient, you can use specialized applications. They are convenient for rapid monitoring, but may not show all devices (for example, those connected via cable).

Top 5 apps for Android And iOS:

• 📱 Fing — displays devices on the network, scans ports, and identifies vulnerabilities. A free version with limitations is available.
• 🛡️ NetCut - allows you not only to view, but also block devices directly from the app (requires root on Android).
• 🔍 WiFi Guard — compares current connections with a "white list" of your gadgets and notifies you of new ones.
• 📊 IP Tools — a multifunctional tool with a ping test, network scanner, and information about connected devices.
• 🔒 GlassWire — monitors traffic in real time and shows which devices consume the most data.

How to use Fing (step by step):

1. Download the app from Google Play or App Store.
2. Connect to your Wi-Fi network.
3. Start scanning (button Scan).
4. Browse the list of devices. Click on any one to see details (MAC, IP, manufacturer).
5. Click Historyto see devices that have been connected previously.

Advantages of mobile applications:

• ✅ Quick access without entering router passwords.
• ✅ Notifications about new connections.
• ✅ Possibility of blocking directly from the application (in some cases).

Flaws:

• ❌ May not show devices connected via cable (Ethernet).
• ❌ Some features are paid (for example, connection history in Fing).
• ❌ Fewer details than in the router's web interface.

4. Advanced Methods: Checking via Command Line (Windows, Linux, MacOS)

If you prefer to work without a graphical interface, you can use command lineThis method is suitable for experienced users and allows you to get the most complete information about the network.

For Windows:

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

   arp -a

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

3. To see active connections to your PC, use:
   

   netstat -ano

For Linux/MacOS:

1. Open Terminal.
2. Enter the command to scan the network:
   

   nmap -sn 192.168.0.0/24

   (replace 192.168.0.0 to your subnet, if it is different).

3. For detailed traffic information:
   

   sudo tcpdump -i en0

   (replace en0 to your network interface).

What to do with the received data:

• Compare MAC addresses with your whitelist.
• Please pay attention to devices with unusual traffic (for example, persistent connections to port 80 or 443).
• Use ping To check the activity of a suspicious IP:
  

  ping 192.168.0.105

⚠️ Attention: Teams like nmap or tcpdump may be blocked by your antivirus or firewall. If you see an error Permission denied, run the terminal as administrator (sudo for Linux/MacOS).

How to find out your subnet for scanning?

To define an IP range to scan, run the command:

Windows: ipconfig (look for the line IPv4 address, For example 192.168.1.5 → your subnet 192.168.1.0/24). Linux/MacOS: ifconfig or ip a (look for the block with inet, For example 192.168.0.100/24).

5. How to block someone else's device on a Wi-Fi network

If you find a suspicious device, you need to turn off immediatelyBlocking methods vary depending on the router model, but the general principle is the same.

Method 1: Blocking by MAC address (the most reliable):

1. Log into your router's web interface.
2. Find the section MAC filter or Parent Control (at ASUS it could be Firewall → MAC Filter).
3. Add the MAC address of the suspicious device to blacklist.
4. Save the settings and reboot the router.

Method 2: Change your Wi-Fi password (radical but effective):

• 🔑 Change your password in the section Wireless → Security.
• 📱 Select encryption type WPA2-PSK or WPA3-PSK (don't use outdated WEP!).
• 🔄 Reconnect all your devices with the new password.

Method 3: Disabling DHCP for a specific IP (for advanced):

1. Go to LAN → DHCP Server.
2. Find the section Static Lease or Reserved IP.
3. Bind the MAC address of the unwanted device to a non-existent IP (e.g. 192.168.0.250).
4. Block this IP in your firewall settings.

Method 4: Hiding the network (SSID) (not very effective, but as an additional measure):

• In the Wi-Fi settings, disable the option Enable SSID Broadcast.
• Now the network will not be visible in the list of available ones, but This does not protect against targeted attacks. - an experienced user can connect manually.

⚠️ Attention: Once the device is locked, it may try to connect again after a few minutes or hours. It is recommended enable notifications in a mobile application (for example, WiFi Guard) or set up sending connection logs to email (if your router supports it).

6. How to protect Wi-Fi from repeated intrusions: 10 security rules

Blocking someone else's device is only half the solution. To prevent new connections, follow these guidelines:

1. Use a complex password (at least 12 characters, with numbers, letters, and special characters). Example: k7#pL9@mQ2$vR5!.
2. Disable WPS - This function is vulnerable to brute-force attacks (find the option WPS → Disable).
3. Update your router firmware - outdated versions contain critical vulnerabilities (check in Administration → Firmware Upgrade).
4. Enable guest network For friends, it is isolated from the main one and does not provide access to local devices.
5. Set up a firewall - block suspicious ports (for example, 23, 139, 445).
6. Disable remote control router (optional) Remote Management should be Disabled).
7. Use a VPN on your router - this hides your real IP and encrypts all traffic (supported ASUS, Keenetic, Netgear with firmware DD-WRT).
8. Change your password periodically (once every 3-6 months).
9. Enable two-factor authentication to access router settings (if supported).
10. Check connection logs once a month (section System Log or Event Log).

Additional measures for advanced users:

• 🔧 Install alternative firmware (DD-WRT, OpenWRT) for advanced security features.
• 📡 Set up VLAN to separate devices into groups (for example, IoT gadgets on a separate network).
• 🛡️ Use IDS/IPS (intrusion detection system) on routers with support (MikroTik, Ubiquiti).

⚠️ Attention: If your router is provided by your ISP (for example, Rostelecom or Beeline), some settings may be blocked. In this case, ask your provider for access to advanced features or buy your own router for connecting in Wi-Fi mode. Bridge.

7. Common Mistakes and Myths About Wi-Fi Security

When setting up protection, many users make mistakes that, on the contrary, make hacking easier their networks. Let's look at the most common ones:

Myth 1: "Hiding your SSID protects you from connections."

❌ Reality: A network without an SSID broadcast is still visible on the air - it can be found using Wireshark or Airodump-ngThis only creates false sense of security.

Myth 2: "MAC address filtering reliably protects a network."

❌ Reality: MAC addresses are easy to spoof (spoof). This is an additional measure, but not the primary defense.

Myth 3: "WEP encryption is better than no encryption."

❌ Reality: WEP hacked for a few minutes by using Aircrack-ngUse only WPA2 or WPA3.

Myth 4: "If the speed doesn't drop, there are no foreign devices."

❌ Reality: Modern hacking tools can limit traffic consumptionTo remain undetected, check your network even if there are no obvious problems.

Myth 5: "Firmware updates are not important if the network is stable."

❌ Reality: Outdated firmware contains vulnerabilities that are exploited by bots (for example, Mirai or VPNFilter). Update your software at least once a quarter.

Error 6: Using default logins/passwords

Many people leave admin/admin or admin/1234 to access the router. This allows an attacker gain complete control over the network. Always change your login information!

FAQ: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to find out who specifically connected to my Wi-Fi (name, address)?

No, you can only determine the MAC or IP address device manufacturer and its model. To identify a person, it will be necessary to involve the provider (by IP) or law enforcement agencies (by MAC, if the device was connected to other networks). In most cases, this inappropriate — it’s easier to change the password and lock the device.

What should I do if someone else's device connects again after being blocked?

This means that the attacker changes the MAC address or uses another gadget. In this case:

1. Change network name (SSID) and password.
2. Turn on client isolation mode (option AP Isolation or Client Isolation).
3. Set up static IP to MAC binding for your devices and disable DHCP for the rest.
4. If attacks continue, contact your provider—there may be a problem on their end (for example, a data leak in your personal account).

How can I check if my neighbor is stealing my Wi-Fi if he has the same network?

If the neighbor has a network with the same name (SSID), your devices can connect to it automatically, if the signal is stronger. To avoid this:

• Change it Wi-Fi channel in the router settings (select the least loaded one in the application WiFi Analyzer).
• Install unique network name (Not TP-LINK_1234).
• Check if your devices are connected to someone else's network: on Android/iOS, check the connection details in the Wi-Fi settings.

If you suspect that your neighbor deliberately copies your network (for example, for phishing), change your name and password, and also enable 802.11r (Fast Transition) - This will make automatic connections more difficult.

Can a virus on my computer "open the door" to outsiders on my Wi-Fi?

Yes, some viruses (eg. Trojan.Win32.Fsysna or Backdoor) can:

• Share access to your network through hidden proxy server.
• Change router settings via firmware vulnerabilities.
• Send your Wi-Fi password to a remote server.

What to do:

1. Check your computer two antiviruses (For example, Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool + Dr.Web CureIt!).
2. Reset the router to factory settings (button Reset for 10 seconds).
3. Update your router firmware manually (download from the official website).

Is it legal to block other people's devices on your network?

Yes, you have every right. control access to your Wi-Fi network, since you pay for the internet and are responsible for its use. However:

• If someone else's device belongs to to a neighbor who accidentally connected (for example, due to the same network name), it is better to warn him first.
• If the connection is made purposefully (for example, through hacking), you can file a police report under the article Article 272 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation ("Unauthorized access to computer information").
• The provider is not responsible for hacking your network, but is obliged to help with change password or security settings at your request.