Who's Connected to My Wi-Fi? 7 Ways to Check and Block Other People's Devices

Have you noticed your internet has become slower and your data is running out suspiciously quickly? Perhaps your neighbors, guests, or even hackers have connected to your Wi-Fi. According to KasperskyOne in five routers in Russia has vulnerabilities that allow attackers to access the network without a password. But how can you find out exactly who's using your Wi-Fi, and what should you do if you discover unauthorized devices?

In this article we will look at 7 proven methods Check your connected devices—from viewing the list in the router's web interface to using mobile apps and the command line. You'll learn how to distinguish your gadgets from others, what signs indicate a network hack, and how block unwanted users permanently, even if they know your password. The instructions are suitable for routers. TP-Link, ASUS, Keenetic, Zyxel, MikroTik and other popular brands.

No special skills are required—all methods are described in detail, with explanations and screenshots (for key steps). If you've never accessed your router settings before, start with the first method. Experienced users can skip straight to the more detailed sections. traffic analysis or network scanning.

1. View the list of devices in the router's web interface

The most reliable way to find out who's connected to your Wi-Fi is to go to your router's control panel. It displays all active devices and their MAC addresses, IP and even the traffic consumed. The instructions are universal, but the menu paths may differ 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). If it doesn't open, check the sticker on the router - it contains the correct address.
• 🔑 Enter your login and password (usually by default admin/admin or admin/empty). If it doesn't work, reset the settings using the button Reset on the back panel.
• 📋 Find the section with connected devices. In routers TP-Link This Wireless Mode → Wireless Mode Statistics, V ASUS — Network map, V Keenetic — Devices.

In the list you will see:

• 📱 Device name (if it is not hidden). For example, iPhone-12-Pro or Samsung-Galaxy-S22.
• 🔢 MAC address — unique identifier (example: 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E). It can be used to determine the manufacturer of the device (the first 6 characters).
• 📊 IP address (For example, 192.168.0.103).
• ⏱️ Connection time and consumed traffic (not available in all models).

⚠️ Attention: If the list contains devices with unknown MAC addresses or suspicious names (for example, android-123456), they should be blocked. But first, make sure they're not your gadgets—some devices (such as smart bulbs or cameras) may appear under technical names.

TP-Link: Wireless → Wireless Statistics|ASUS: Network Map → Clients|Keenetic: Devices → Device List|Zyxel: Wi-Fi Networks → Clients|MikroTik: Wireless → Registration Table-->

2. How to distinguish your devices from others

Even if there are unfamiliar devices in the list of connected devices MAC addressesDon't rush to block them. They might be your gadgets, showing up under technical names. Here's how to check:

Method 1: View the MAC addresses of your devices

• 📱 On Android: go to Settings → About phone → General information → Wi-Fi MAC address.
• 🍎 On iPhone/iPad: Settings → General → About → Wi-Fi Address.
• 💻 On Windows: open command prompt (Win + R → cmd) and enter:

  ipconfig /all | findstr "Physical Address"

  Look for the line with Wireless network adapter.

• 🖥️ On MacOS: System Preferences → Network → Wi-Fi → Advanced → Hardware Address (MAC).

Method 2: Use network scanning apps

Programs like Fing (For Android/iOS) or Wireless Network Watcher (For Windows) show all connected devices with the manufacturer's name MAC addressFor example, if the address begins with:

• 00:1A:79 - device from Samsung;
• 3C:5A:B4 - gadget Google (For example, Nest or Pixel);
• B8:27:EB - technique Raspberry Pi.

Full list of manufacturers by MAC You can check it on the website MAC Vendors (will open in a new tab).

⚠️ Attention: Some devices (such as smart speakers or IoT gadgets) may connect to the network automatically and appear under unintelligible names. Before blocking, disconnect all your devices from Wi-Fi and see which devices remain in the list.

3. Signs that strangers have connected to your Wi-Fi

Before checking the list of devices, pay attention to indirect signs of unauthorized access:

• 🐢 The Internet has become slower, especially during normal times (such as in the evening). This could mean someone is downloading large files or watching 4K videos.
• 📉 Traffic runs out faster, than usual. Check the statistics in your provider's personal account—if consumption has increased without reason, this is a warning sign.
• 🔄 The router reboots frequently or "freezes". Some viruses and botnets (for example, Mirai) may overload the network.
• 🔒 Unknown devices on the home network (for example, in the list AirDrop on Mac or Nearby Share on Android).
• 📡 The Wi-Fi signal has become weaker in some rooms. This could mean that someone is using your network at the edge of your coverage area (for example, your neighbors).

If you notice at least 2-3 of the signs from the list, be sure to check your connected devices. In some cases, extraneous connections can be not only annoying but also dangerous. security threatFor example, hackers can use your router to:

• Intercept data (passwords, bank details);
• Use yours IP address for illegal activities;
• Infect other devices on the network with viruses.

4. How to block someone else's device on a router

If you find an unfamiliar device in the list of connected devices MAC address, it can be blocked in two ways: through MAC filtering or changing your Wi-Fi passwordThe first method is more secure, since even if the password is changed, a hacker can reconnect if they know the new one.

Method 1: Blocking by MAC address

1. Go to the router's web interface (as in first section).
2. Find the section MAC address filtering (V TP-Link This Wireless Mode → MAC Filtering, V ASUS — Wireless Network → MAC Filter).
3. Add unknown MAC address blacklist and save the settings.
4. Reboot your router (System Tools → Restart).

Method 2: Change your Wi-Fi password

1. In the router's web interface, find the section Wireless network or Wi-Fi.
2. In the field Password (or Key) Enter a new password. Use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols (example: Wifi@Home_2026#Secure).
3. Save your settings and reconnect all your devices.

Method 3: Hiding the network name (SSID)

This won't protect you from experienced hackers, but it will reduce the chance of an accidental connection. Disable this option in your Wi-Fi settings. Broadcast network name (SSID)After this, your network will no longer be visible in the list of available networks, but you can connect to it manually if you know its name.

⚠️ Attention: If your internet continues to slow down after blocking someone else's device, check your router for malware. Some viruses (for example, VPNFilter) may remain in the router's memory even after a factory reset. In this case, only a firmware update can help.

5. Checking connected devices via mobile apps

If it is inconvenient to access the router settings, you can use special applications for Android or iOSThey scan the network and display all connected devices with detailed information.

Top 3 Wi-Fi Testing Apps:

• 📱 Fing (free, premium version available) - shows devices, their MAC, IP, manufacturer, and even open ports. It can test network speed.
• 🛡️ NetScan (For iOS) scans the local network and identifies unknown devices. It also provides notifications about new connections.
• 🔍 WiFi Guard (For Android) - compares current connections with your "white list" and signals about new devices.

How to use Fing:

1. Download the app from Google Play or App Store.
2. Connect to your Wi-Fi network.
3. Click Scan - after a few seconds a list of devices will appear.
4. Click on any device to see it MAC, manufacturer and connection history.

The advantage of apps is that they can monitor the network in the background and notify you of new connections. For example, Fing can send a push notification if an unknown device connects to your Wi-Fi.

How to trick network scanners?

Some hackers spoof the MAC addresses of their devices to make them appear legitimate (for example, by mimicking your smartphone's address). To prevent this, enable the "Spoof" feature on your router. IP to MAC Binding (if any) - this will force the device to always receive the same IP, making it more difficult to mask.

6. Checking via the command line (for advanced users)

If you prefer to work without a graphical interface, you can check the connected devices via command line (Windows) or terminal (MacOS/Linux). This method requires minimal knowledge of networks, but provides the most accurate information.

For Windows:

1. Open Command Prompt (Win + R → cmd).
2. Enter the command to view all devices on the local network:

   arp -a

   You will see a list IP And MAC addresses.

3. To find out which device belongs to which IP, enter:

   ping 192.168.0.101

   (replace 192.168.0.101 on suspicious IP). If there is a response, the device is active.

For MacOS/Linux:

1. Open the terminal.
2. Enter the command:

   nmap -sn 192.168.0.0/24

   (replace 192.168.0.0/24 to your subnet, if it is different).

3. Get a list of all active devices with MAC And IP.

These commands will show all devices on your network, including those connected via cable. To filter only Wi-Fi clients, you can use more complex utilities like Wireshark, but this is already the level of advanced users.

⚠️ Attention: Router interfaces and commands may differ depending on the firmware. For example, in OpenWRT or DD-WRT The settings paths are different. If you're using custom firmware, check its documentation for details.

7. Additional measures to protect your Wi-Fi network

Even if you've blocked all suspicious devices, that doesn't guarantee your Wi-Fi won't be hacked. To minimize the risk, follow these steps:

• 🔐 Disable WPS This feature simplifies the connection, but makes the network vulnerable to brute-force attacks. Find it in your router settings. WPS and deactivate it.
• 🔄 Update your router firmwareManufacturers regularly patch vulnerabilities, so use the latest version of the software. TP-Link This System Tools → Firmware Update.
• 🛡️ Enable guest network for friends and guests. It's isolated from the main network, so even if someone connects to it, they won't be able to access your devices.
• 📡 Change the default IP address of your router (for example, with 192.168.0.1 on 192.168.31.1). This will make it more difficult for hackers to access the control panel.
• 🔗 Use a VPN on your router (if supported). This will encrypt all traffic and protect it from eavesdropping.

How to enable guest network (using example) TP-Link):

1. Log into your router's web interface.
2. Go to Wireless Mode → Guest Network.
3. Activate guest Wi-Fi, give it a separate name (for example, MyGuestWiFi) and password.
4. In the settings, check Isolate the guest network (so that guests cannot see your devices).

If your router supports WPA3 security standard, be sure to enable it instead WPA2It protects against dictionary attacks and password guessing. In modern routers (ASUS RT-AX88U, TP-Link Archer AX6000) this option is in the wireless network settings.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Wi-Fi testing

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

Yes, but for this you need special tools like Wireshark or routers with the function Traffic control (For example, Keenetic or ASUS with firmware Asuswrt-Merlin). However, collecting such information may violate privacy laws, so use it only to protect your network.

A safe way is to view the total traffic by device in your router settings. If a device is consuming a suspiciously large amount of data (for example, 10 GB in an hour), it should be blocked.

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

This means that the hacker either changes MAC address, or uses a different connection method. In this case:

1. Change your Wi-Fi password to a more complex one (at least 15 characters).
2. Turn it off WPS And Remote control in the router settings.
3. Turn on MAC filtering in "allow only specified addresses" mode and add only your devices to the whitelist.
4. If the problem persists, reset your router to factory settings and set it up again.

Can a neighbor connect to my Wi-Fi if he knows the password?

Yes, if the password is weak or has been compromised. To avoid this:

• Use a password that is long 12+ characters with letters, numbers and special characters.
• Do not share your password in plain text (for example, via instant messengers).
• Turn it off WPS - You can use it to pick up a PIN code even without knowing the password.
• Check the list of connected devices regularly.

If your neighbor already knows the password, change it and block it. MAC address his device.

How to check Wi-Fi for viruses?

Routers can also be infected with malware (for example, VPNFilter or Mirai). Signs of infection:

• The router reboots spontaneously.
• Unknown redirect rules appear in the settings (Port Forwarding).
• Traffic is going to suspicious places IP addresses.

To check:

1. Update your router firmware to the latest version.
2. Reset to factory settings (Reset).
3. Use antivirus software for routers (for example, Bitdefender Box or Norton Core).

Is it possible to find out who is connected to my Wi-Fi if I don't have access to the router?

Yes, but with limitations. You can:

• Use mobile apps like Fing or NetScan (they will show you the devices on your network, but they won't let you block them).
• View the list of connected devices in your provider's personal account (if such a function exists, for example, Rostelecom or Beeline).
• Connect to the router via Telnet/SSH (if this feature is enabled) and run the command arp -a or dhcp lease list.

However, to completely block other people's devices, you will still need access to the router settings.