Who's using my Wi-Fi? How to check devices connected to my router

Have you noticed that your internet has become slower and your data usage is running out faster than usual? Perhaps, your Wi-Fi outsiders joined in. According to data KasperskyOne in five routers in Russia has vulnerabilities that allow attackers to access your network without permission. Even if you set a password, neighbors or guests could snoop on it, and hackers could crack it using specialized software.

In this article you will learn how check the list of connected devices to your router via the web interface, mobile apps, and third-party utilities. We'll cover step-by-step instructions for popular models (TP-Link, ASUS, Keenetic, MikroTik), and we'll also tell you how detect hidden connections, which aren't displayed in the default settings. At the end, you'll find tips on what to do if you find other people's gadgets on your network.

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

The most secure method is to access your router's control panel. This doesn't require any additional software; a browser on your computer or smartphone is sufficient. The login address and authorization information are usually located on a sticker on the back of the device.

General plan of action:

• 🌐 Enter in the address bar of your browser 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1 (less often) 10.0.0.1). If the page does not open, check the IP using the command ipconfig (Windows) or ifconfig (macOS/Linux).
• 🔑 Enter your login and password (by default it is often admin/admin or admin/empty). If it doesn't work, reset the settings using the button. Reset on the router.
• 📋 Find the section with the list of devices. It may have different names:
  • TP-Link: Wireless Mode → Wireless Mode Statistics
  • ASUS: Network Map → Clients
  • Keenetic: Devices → Device List
  • MikroTik: Wireless → Registration Table

In the table you will see all active connections. Please pay attention to MAC addresses — they are harder to fake than device names. If you find an unfamiliar gadget, write down its MAC (for example, 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E) and check through services like MAC Vendorsto find out the manufacturer.

⚠️ Note: Some routers only show devices connected via Wi-Fi, not cable. To see the full list, look for the section DHCP Clients or ARP Table.

2. Using mobile applications for network monitoring

If accessing your router settings is inconvenient, use smartphone apps. They scan your network and display all connected devices, including hidden ones. Popular utilities:

• 📱 Fing (Android/iOS) — identifies the device manufacturer by MAC, tests network speed and checks ports.
• 🛡️ NetScan (Android) - shows IP, MAC, hostname and even geolocation (if the device has internet access).
• 🔍 WiFi Guard (Android) - Compares current connections with a "white list" and notifies about new devices.

Example of working with Fing:

1. Install the application and open it.
2. Click "Scan" and the utility will find all devices on your network.
3. Check the list: unknown gadgets will be marked as "Unidentified".
4. Click on a device to see its MAC, IP and manufacturer.

The advantage of apps is that they work even if you don't have access to the router (for example, on a guest network). However, some features (such as device blocking) require root rights on Android or jailbreak on iOS.

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

For experienced users, there's a way to check your network without third-party programs: via the command line. This method works on any device connected to Wi-Fi.

On Windows:

arp -a

This command will display the ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) table with all IP and MAC addresses on the local network. To save the results to a file, use:

arp -a > wifi_devices.txt

On macOS/Linux:

nmap -sn 192.168.1.0/24

This command will scan all IP addresses in the range 192.168.1.1–192.168.1.255 and will display a list of devices. To install nmap on macOS use brew install nmap, on Linux - sudo apt install nmap.

⚠️ Attention: Teams nmap And arp Devices that are in sleep mode or have disabled packet exchange may not be detected. For a complete scan, use a combination of methods.

4. Specialized programs for PCs: from scanners to antiviruses

If you need to not only view a list of devices but also block suspicious ones, use desktop utilities. They offer advanced monitoring and protection features.

Top 3 programs:

• 🖥️ Wireless Network Watcher (Windows) — Scans the network and displays the IP, MAC address, device name, and manufacturer. You can export the report to .csv.
• 🛡️ GlassWire (Windows/macOS) — Monitors traffic in real time and notifies you of new connections. Device blocking feature available.
• 🔍 Angry IP Scanner (Windows/macOS/Linux) — Scans IP ranges and displays open ports. Supports plugins for advanced analysis.

Example of working with Wireless Network Watcher:

1. Download the program from the official website NirSoft (free, portable version does not require installation).
2. Run the utility - it will automatically scan the network.
3. Find unknown devices in the list. The program will highlight them in yellow or red.
4. Right-click on a suspicious gadget and select "Copy Selected Items" to save the data for further analysis.

To block other people's devices directly from the program, use GlassWire:

1. Go to the "Network" tab.
2. Find the unknown device and click on it.
3. Select "Block this device" - the program will add it to the firewall blacklist.

5. How to recognize “friend” and “foe” devices on the network

Even if you see an unfamiliar MAC address in the list, it doesn't always mean you've been hacked. It could be:

• 📱 An old smartphone that you haven't used for a long time, but it's still connected to Wi-Fi.
• 🖨️ Printer, smart speaker (Amazon Echo, Yandex Station) or another smart home gadget.
• 💻 A guest's laptop that you've temporarily granted access to.
• 🔄 A twin device (for example, a second router in repeater mode).

To separate your gadgets from others:

1. Check MAC addresses your devices:
   • On Android: Settings → About phone → General information → Wi-Fi MAC address.
   • On iPhone: Settings → General → About → Wi-Fi Address.
   • On Windows: run the command ipconfig /all and find the line "Physical Address".

Compare them with the list from your router or scanner program.

Please note manufacturer (the first 3 pairs of characters of the MAC address). For example:

• 00:1A:79 — Samsung.
• 3C:5A:B4 — Google (including Nest And Chromecast).
• 78:31:C1 — Apple.

How to fake a MAC address?

Attackers can change the MAC address of their device using programs like Technitium MAC Address Changer (Windows) or Linux commands (ifconfig eth0 hw ether 00:11:22:33:44:55). Therefore, don't rely solely on the MAC address—also check the device's behavior (for example, unusually high traffic).

If you find a device with a suspicious MAC (for example, from the manufacturer TP-Link(Even though you don't have their technology), this is cause for concern. You should also be wary if:

• 📉 The device consumes an unusually large amount of traffic (checked in the router or through GlassWire).
• ⏱️ It connects during non-working hours (for example, at night).
• 🔄 Its MAC changes frequently (a sign of the use of network analyzers).

6. What to do if a foreign device is detected on the network

If you are sure that there is a foreign device on your network, follow the algorithm:

1. Change your Wi-Fi password:
   • Use a complex combination of 12+ characters with numbers, capital letters and special characters (e.g. K7#pL9@mQ2$vR5!).
   • Do not use personal information (birthdates, names) or popular phrases (qwerty123, password).
2. Enable MAC filtering (find in the router settings MAC Filtering or Access Control):
   • Add only your devices to the whitelist.
   • Please note: this method is not 100% secure (MAC can be spoofed), but it will make things more difficult for attackers.
3. Update your router firmware:
   • Outdated software versions contain vulnerabilities. Check for updates in the section Administration or System Tools.
4. Disable WPS:
   • This feature simplifies connection, but it is easily hacked. In the router settings, find WPS and deactivate.

Set up a guest network:

• Create a separate Wi-Fi for guests with limited access to local resources (section Guest Network).

If a suspicious device continues to appear after changing the password, your router may be infected with malware. In this case:

1. Reset your router to factory settings (button Reset for 10–15 seconds).
2. Update the firmware to the latest version from the manufacturer's official website.
3. Check the computers on the network with an antivirus (for example, Kaspersky Internet Security or Dr.Web CureIt!).

⚠️ Note: Some internet providers block access to router settings if you rent a router. In this case, please contact support to reset your Wi-Fi password or update the firmware.

7. How to prevent unauthorized connections in the future

To minimize risks, follow these guidelines:

• 🔒 Use WPA3 instead of WPA2 (If your router supports it). This is a new encryption standard that is harder to crack.
• 📵 Turn off remote router management (chapter Remote Management), if you do not use this feature.
• 🔄 Check the list of connected devices regularly (once every 1–2 months).
• 📡 Reduce the Wi-Fi transmission power if the signal extends beyond your apartment (setting Transmit Power in the router).
• 🛡️ Install alternative firmware on your router (for example, DD-WRT or OpenWRT), if you want advanced security features.

For additional protection you can use Router-level VPNThis hides your traffic even if someone connects to the network. Popular services:

• NordVPN (supports configuration on routers) ASUS, Netgear).
• ExpressVPN (there is proprietary firmware for some models).
• ProtonVPN (free tariff with speed limitation).

Setting up a VPN on a router requires technical knowledge, but it provides protection for all devices on the network, including smart devices that don't support VPN clients.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about checking connected devices

Is it possible to see what websites someone else's device is visiting on my network?

Without special programs (for example, Wireshark) or router settings (for example, URL Logging V ASUS) - no. However, you can:

• Limit the speed for this device after QoS (Quality of Service).
• Use parental controls to block access to certain websites.

Collecting other users' traffic data may violate privacy laws (e.g. Federal Law No. 152 in Russia), so use these methods only to protect your network.

Why do non-existent gadgets appear in the list of devices?

This could be:

• Scanning artifact (e.g. multicast traffic).
• Devices that were previously connected but are now disconnected (the router stores them in cache).
• Network printers or smart devices in sleep mode.

To clear the list, reboot the router or wait until the DHCP lease time expires (usually 24 hours).

How to block a device by MAC address?

Instructions for most routers:

1. Log into your router's web interface.
2. Find the section MAC Filtering or Access Control.
3. Add the MAC address to the blacklist (Blacklist).
4. Save the settings and reboot the router.

On Keenetic the path will be like this: Devices → MAC Filter → Deny.

Can my neighbor connect to my Wi-Fi if I hide the network name (SSID)?

Hiding SSID (Hide SSID) does not protect against connection. An experienced user can:

• Detect the network using scanners like Wiggle WiFi.
• Connect manually, knowing the network name and password.

Hiding the SSID only makes it more difficult for legitimate users (such as guests) to connect and may cause problems with some devices (such as Chromecast).

How to check Wi-Fi for viruses?

Viruses can be:

• On connected devices (check with antivirus software).
• In the router firmware (signs: redirects to strange sites, spontaneous DNS changes).

To check your router:

1. Go to settings and check DNS servers (they should be your provider's or public ones, for example, 8.8.8.8 from Google).
2. Update your firmware to the latest version.
3. Reset the settings and configure the router again.