How to see how many people are connected to your Wi-Fi from a computer: all the methods

Have you noticed your internet has slowed down, and pages are loading slowly? Perhaps unauthorized devices—your neighbors, guests, or even hackers—have connected to your Wi-Fi. Check the number of users connected to Wi-Fi from a PC There are several ways to do this, from built-in Windows tools to specialized programs. In this article, we'll cover all the current methods—from simple to advanced—that will help you monitor your network and protect it from unauthorized access.

It is important to understand that the standard operating system tools only show devices connected to your computer (for example, through an access point), but not to the router. To see a complete list of gadgets on the network, including phones, smart speakers, and TVs, will require access to the router's settings or third-party software. We'll explore both options, explaining which is more accurate and secure.

If you're unsure of your technical skills, start with the simplest method—checking through the router's web interface. For experienced users, the following commands will come in handy: netsh And arp, as well as utilities like Wireless Network Watcher or Angry IP ScannerEach method has its pros and cons, which we will also analyze.

1. Checking through the router's web interface is the most reliable method

Any modern router - be it TP-Link, ASUS, Keenetic or MikroTik — keeps a log of connected devices. This method provides 100% accurate list of gadgets online, including those connected via cable (Ethernet). To use it, you'll need:

• 🌐 IP address of the router (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
• 🔑 Login and password for entry (by default, often admin/admin).
• 💻 Any browser on your PC (Chrome, Edge, Firefox).

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Open your browser and enter your router's IP address in the address bar. If you don't know it, run it in the command line (Win + R → cmd) command:

   ipconfig | findstr "Default Gateway"

   The line below will be the address you need (for example, 192.168.31.1).

2. Enter your username and password. If you haven't changed them, look at the sticker on the back of the router.
3. Go to the connected devices section. Its name depends on the model:
   • TP-Link: DHCP → DHCP Clients or Wireless Mode → Statistics.
   • ASUS: Network map or Local Area Network → DHCP Clients.
   • Keenetic: Devices (in the main menu).

In the table you will see:

⚠️ Attention: If the list contains unknown devices with unfamiliar MAC addresses, they can be blocked directly in the router settings (section MAC filtering or Access control). Do not block addresses starting with 00:00:5E — these may be system multicast packets.

2. Windows Command Prompt: A Quick Method Without a Router

If you don't have access to your router's web interface (for example, if you're connected to someone else's network), you can use Windows' built-in tools. This method will show only devices connected to your PC (for example, if you distribute Wi-Fi via a Mobile Hotspot), but not to the entire network.

Open Command Prompt as Administrator (Win + X → Terminal (Administrator)) and execute two commands one after the other:

netsh wlan show hostednetwork settings=security
arp -a

The first command will display information about your access point (if it's active), and the second will list the IP and MAC addresses of devices your PC has recently interacted with. Look for lines with IP addresses from your subnet (e.g., 192.168.137.x for a standard Windows hotspot).

Check that the access point is turned on (in Settings → Network & Internet → Mobile Hotspot)

Connect at least one device to your network

Refresh the list with the command arp -d, then again arp -a

Try using PowerShell with the command Get-NetNeighbor-->

For a more detailed analysis, you can use the command:

nbtstat -a [IP address]

Replace [IP address] to the address from the list arp -aThis will help you find out the device name (if it supports NetBIOS).

⚠️ Attention: MAC addresses in the output arp -a may be incomplete or replaced by ff-ff-ff-ff-ff-ff (broadcast). This is normal for some types of traffic, but such entries can be ignored.

3. Specialized programs for Wi-Fi monitoring

If you need to not only see a list of devices but also monitor their activity in real time, you should use third-party utilities. They are suitable for deep network diagnostics, detecting suspicious connections and even blocking unwanted gadgets.

Top 3 free programs for Windows:

• 🔍 Wireless Network Watcher (from NirSoft) — displays all devices on the network, identifying their manufacturer by MAC address, first and last detection times. Supports CSV export.
• 📊 Angry IP Scanner — scans a range of IP addresses and identifies open ports. Useful for finding vulnerable devices (for example, cameras with a factory password).
• 🛡️ GlassWire — monitors traffic across devices and apps, generating consumption graphs. New connection notifications are available.

Example of working with Wireless Network Watcher:

1. Download the program from official website (portable version does not require installation).
2. Launch WNetWatcher.exe on behalf of the administrator.
3. Click F5 to scan. After 10-30 seconds, a list of devices with speakers will appear:
   • IP Address — local address;
   • Device Name — name (if available);
   • MAC Address — unique identifier;
   • Network Adapter Company — network card manufacturer (for example, Apple, Samsung).

To block suspicious devices:

1. Copy the MAC address from the program.
2. Go to your router settings (as in the first method).
3. Find the section MAC Filtering or Access Control and add the address to the blacklist.

4. Mobile apps for checking Wi-Fi from your phone

If you don't have a computer at hand, you can check the connected devices directly from your phone. Android or iOSMobile apps are convenient for quick monitoring, but they typically provide less detail than desktop utilities.

Top apps:

• 📱 Fing (Android/iOS) — scans the network, identifies device manufacturers, and checks open ports. Internet speed test available.
• 🔗 Network Analyzer (Android) - shows a list of devices with MAC addresses and supported protocols (HTTP, FTP, etc.).
• 🍎 IP Network Scanner (iOS) - a simple scanner with CSV export of results.

How to use Fing:

1. Install the app from Google Play or App Store.
2. Connect to your Wi-Fi network.
3. Click ScanAfter 10–20 seconds, a list of devices will appear with:
• IP and MAC addresses;
• by the manufacturer (for example, Xiaomi, Google);
• response time (ping).

Click on a device to see additional information (open ports, NetBIOS name).

⚠️ Attention: Mobile apps may not show devices connected via cable (Ethernet) if your phone is connected via Wi-Fi. For a complete list, use the desktop apps or the router's web interface.

5. Checking through the Windows event log (for experienced users)

If you suspect that third-party devices have been connected to your PC (for example, via RDP or SMB), you can check the Windows security log. This method is suitable for analysis of past connections, but does not show current activity.

Instructions:

1. Open View events (Win + R → eventvwr.msc).
2. Go to Windows Logs → Security.
3. In the right panel, click Current log filter.
4. In the field Event IDs enter:

   4624, 4625, 4648, 4776

   These codes correspond to successful and unsuccessful logins, as well as connections to network resources.

5. Click OKIn the filtered list, look for entries with IP addresses from your local network (for example, 192.168.x.x).

Example of transcript of the recording:

Event Type: Successful Login (4624)
Account: SYSTEM
Source IP address: 192.168.1.103
Computer name: DESKTOP-ABC123

If you see suspicious IPs, compare them with the list from arp -a or the router's web interface.

How to export an event log for analysis

Open the desired log → RMB → Save all events as... → select format .evtxThe file can be opened in the program. Event Log Explorer or analyze via PowerShell.

6. Alternative methods: via Linux, macOS, and cloud services

If you have an operating system other than Windows, or want to use cloud tools, here are a few more options:

• 🐧 Linux (Ubuntu/Debian): run in terminal:

  sudo nmap -sn 192.168.1.0/24

  Replace 192.168.1.0/24 to your subnet (you can find out with the command ip a).

• 🍏 macOS: use the built-in utility Network Utility (Cmd + Space → Network Utility → Ping) or the command:

  arp -a

• ☁️ Cloud services: some providers (eg Rostelecom or Beeline) show a list of devices in your personal account on the website. Look for the section My network or Wi-Fi Management.

For advanced users, there is another way - SNMP monitoringIf your router supports SNMP (usually enabled in the settings), you can connect to it using programs like PRTG Network Monitor or Zabbix and receive data about connected devices in real time. This method requires configuration, but provides maximum control.

⚠️ Attention: When using nmap Make sure scanning is allowed by your network rules. Some corporate networks may block such actions as a potential attack.

7. How to protect Wi-Fi from unauthorized connections

Have you discovered unknown devices on your network? Here 5 steps to protection:

Change your password to a complex one (at least 12 characters, with numbers and special characters)

Enable encryption WPA3 (or WPA2-PSK, if WPA3 is not supported)

Turn it off WPS (vulnerable to brute force attacks)

Hide the network name (SSID) in the router settings

Set up MAC address filtering (but remember that MAC addresses can be spoofed)-->

Additional security measures:

• 🔄 Update your router firmware regularly — Manufacturers patch vulnerabilities in new versions.
• 🕒 Set up a Wi-Fi schedule (for example, turn off the network at night).
• 📡 Split the network into two: main (for family) and guest (with limited access).
• 🛡️ Use a VPN on your router (For example, OpenVPN) to encrypt all traffic.

If you suspect that your Wi-Fi has been hacked, perform a full reset of the router to factory settings (button Reset on the rear panel) and reconfigure it taking into account the recommendations above.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about connected devices

Is it possible to see what websites connected devices are visiting?
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 do not store browsing history, but they can show total traffic by device (for example, in Keenetic or ASUS). For a detailed analysis you will need:
• Tune DNS logging on the router (if supported).
• Use Pi-hole on Raspberry Pi for blocking and logging requests.

Please note: interception of traffic without the consent of users may violate privacy laws (e.g. Federal Law No. 152 in Russia).

Why does the command line show fewer devices than the router?

Team arp -a displays only those devices that your PC is compatible with recently interacted (ARP cache). The router sees it. all connected gadgets, even if they exchange data with other devices on the network (for example, a smartphone streaming video on Smart TV). To get a complete list via the command line, you can:

1. Send ping to the entire IP range:

   for /L %i in (1,1,254) do ping -n 1 192.168.1.%i

   (replace 192.168.1. to your subnet).

2. Re-execute arp -a.

But this method is less reliable than checking through a router.

How to determine which device belongs to an unknown MAC address?

The first 3 bytes (6 characters) of a MAC address can be used to identify the device manufacturer. For example:

• 28:CF:DA — Apple (iPhone, MacBook);
• 78:31:C1 — Xiaomi;
• 00:0A:F7 — Samsung;
• 3C:5A:B4 — Google (Pixel, Nest).

Check your MAC on these websites:

• macvendors.com
• aruljohn.com/mac

If the manufacturer is unknown, it could be:

• Smart device (lamps, sockets, vacuum cleaners).
• Guest device (e.g. a friend's laptop).
• Hacked gadget (if MAC is spoofed).

Is it possible to limit internet speed for individual devices?

Yes, many routers support it. QoS (Quality of Service) — a traffic prioritization function. For example, you can limit the speed for guest devices or for Smart TV, which downloads updates. How to set it up:

1. IN TP-Link: Advanced Settings → QoS → Bandwidth Settings.
2. IN ASUS: Adaptive QoS → Bandwidth.
3. IN Keenetic: Applications → Traffic Control.

You can also use Parent Control (Parental Control) to restrict internet access according to a schedule.

What should I do if my router doesn't show connected devices?

If the clients section is empty or not updating, try:

• 🔄 Reboot your router (using the button) Power or via the web interface).
• 🔍 Check if it's enabled DHCP server (in LAN settings).
• 📋 Update your router firmware (section System → Software Update).
• 🛠️ Reset to factory settings (Reset) and set up the network again.

If the problem persists, it is possible that the router is faulty or its functionality is limited by the provider (for example, in “smart” routers from MTS or Beeline).