How to check how many devices are connected to Wi-Fi: all the methods

Have you noticed that your internet speed has become slower than usual? Or do you want to make sure that no one is connecting to your network? Check the list of devices in Wi-Fi — the first step to diagnosing problems. In this article, we'll cover all the current methods for finding out, How many gadgets? use your Wi-Fi, from standard router settings to advanced methods through command line.

It doesn't matter what kind of router you have - TP-Link Archer C6, ASUS RT-AX88U Whether you're using a budget model from your provider, most methods are universal. And if you rent a place or work in an office, this knowledge will help you identify the "parasites" stealing your traffic. Let's start with the simplest method—checking through your router's web interface.

1. Checking via the router's web interface

The most reliable way is to log in router control panel. This does not require any additional programs, just a browser and network access. Most modern routers (including models Xiaomi Mi Router, Keenetic And Zyxel) display a list of connected devices in real time.

The instructions are universal for 90% of routers:

1. Find out IP address your router (usually it is 192.168.0.1, 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.8.1). It can be found on the sticker on the device body.
2. Enter the address into the address bar of your browser (for example, http://192.168.1.1).
3. Enter your login and password (by default it is often admin/admin or admin/password from sticker).
4. Find the section with the list of devices. It's usually called:
   • 📱 DHCP Clients List (For TP-Link)
   • 🖥️ Network Map or Client List (For ASUS)
   • 🌐 Devices or Local area network (For Keenetic, Rostelecom)

In this section you will see a table with IP addresses, MAC addresses and device names. Pay attention to the column "Activity" - Some routers show when the device was last online.

⚠️ Attention: If you haven't changed your router's default password, anyone connected to your network can access its settings. How to fix this — read the FAQ.

2. Using mobile applications

Router manufacturers release official apps that make network management easier. For example, Tether For TP-Link, ASUS Router for devices ASUS, or Mi Wi-Fi for routers XiaomiThese programs display a list of connected devices in a convenient format, often with the ability to block unknown devices.

How to check via the app:

1. Download your router's official app from App Store or Google Play.
2. Connect to your Wi-Fi network.
3. Register or sign in with your manufacturer account (if required).
4. Find the section "Devices", Clients or "Net".

The advantage of the apps is notifications about new connections. For example, Keenetic can send a push message if an unknown device connects to the network. And in ASUS Router there is a function Family Protection, which allows you to limit access by time.

⚠️ Attention: Some applications (eg. Mi Wi-Fi) require creating an account in the manufacturer's ecosystem. If you don't want to share data, use the web interface.

3. Windows Command Prompt (for advanced users)

If you don't have access to the router but you are connected to the network via Windows, can be used command line to scan the local network. This method will show all active devices, but will not give their names—only IP And MAC addresses.

Instructions:

1. Open Command line as administrator (click Win + X → Terminal (Administrator)).
2. Enter the command to scan the network:

   arp -a

   This will show the table ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) with IP and MAC addresses of devices with which your PC has recently interacted.

3. For a more complete scan, use:

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

   (replace 192.168.1 to your subnet, for example, 192.168.0).

4. After scanning, run again arp -ato see the full list.

To determine the manufacturer of a device by MAC address, use online services like MAC Vendor LookupFor example, if the address starts with B8:27:EB, this device is from Raspberry Pi, A 3C:5A:B4 - gadget from Google (For example, Nest or Chromecast).

4. Network scanning applications (Wireshark, Fing, NetCut)

If you need to not only see a list of devices but also analyze their activity, use specialized programs. They are suitable for Windows, macOS, Android And iOS.

Top 3 Wi-Fi Scanning Utilities:

• 🔍 Fing (free for mobile, paid version for PC) - shows devices, their MAC, manufacturer and even network vulnerabilities.
• 📊 Wireshark (free) - advanced traffic analyzer, requires skills in working with network protocols.
• ⚡ NetCut (shareware) - allows you to not only scan, but also disconnect devices from the network (works only on one subnet).

Example of working with Fing:

1. Download the app from the official store.
2. Connect to your Wi-Fi network.
3. Click "Scan" - after a few seconds a list of devices will appear indicating:
   • 📱 Name (if the device broadcasts it)
   • 🔢 MAC addresses
   • 🏭 Manufacturer
   • ⚡ Connection type (Wi-Fi or Ethernet)

Wireshark It's suitable for in-depth analysis, but requires knowledge. For example, it can be used to identify which device is consuming the most traffic or sending suspicious packets. However, for a simple check of the number of connected devices, Fing.

How to trick network scanners?

Some devices (such as smartphones with "Hide MAC" mode enabled) can mask their real address. VPNs and proxies can also distort traffic data.

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

If your router is provided by your ISP (for example, Rostelecom, Beeline, MTS), access to its settings may be restricted. In this case, check the list of devices via personal account on the provider's website.

How to do it:

1. Log in to your provider's website (for example, lk.rt.ru For Rostelecom).
2. Find the section My Devices, "Wi-Fi" or "Services".
3. Some providers (eg Dom.ru) show a list of connected gadgets directly in your personal account.

If this feature isn't available, contact support and ask for information about connected devices. The carrier can see this information on their end, but they don't always agree to share it for security reasons.

⚠️ Attention: Providers can only see devices that receive an IP address DHCPIf the gadget has a static IP, it may not show up in their system.

6. Analyzing traffic through a router (for experienced users)

Some routers (eg. ASUS with firmware Merlin or Keenetic With NDMS) allow you to not only view a list of devices but also analyze their traffic. This helps identify "power hungry" gadgets that are slowing down the network.

How to enable traffic monitoring:

1. Log in to the router's web interface.
2. Find the section Traffic, Monitoring or "Statistics".
3. Activate data collection (may be called "Traffic Analyzer" or "Bandwidth Monitor").
4. Wait 10-15 minutes and check the report. It usually shows:
   • 📊 Total traffic by device
   • 🕒 Activity time
   • 🌍 Most visited sites (if enabled) DNS monitoring)

In routers Keenetic with firmware NDMS 3.0+ There is a "App Control" feature that shows which programs are consuming traffic on each device (for example, YouTube, TikTok or Torrent). This helps to identify not only the number of connected gadgets, but also their activity.

Make sure it's not your gadget (like a smart light bulb or printer)

Try disabling it through the router settings.

Change your Wi-Fi password to a more complex one

Enable MAC address filtering (if supported)-->

7. Alternative methods (for specific cases)

If none of the above methods work, try these options:

• 🔌 Disabling all devices one by one: Physically disconnect all gadgets from the network (including Smart TV, smart sockets etc.), then connect them one by one and monitor the list in the router. This will help you identify any "unnecessary" devices.
• 📡 Guest networkCreate a separate guest network and connect only your devices to it. All other devices will remain on the main network, making them easy to identify.
• 🔄 Resetting the routerThe last resort is to reset the router to factory settings and reconfigure it with a new password. This will disable all unauthorized users.

For owners Ubuntu Linux or macOS there is a utility nmap, which scans the network and displays open device ports. It can be installed via the terminal:

sudo apt install nmap # For Ubuntu/Debian
brew install nmap # For macOS

Then perform a scan:

nmap -sn 192.168.1.0/24

⚠️ Attention: Usage nmap Using this method on other people's networks (for example, at an office without permission) may be considered a hacking attempt. Use this method only on your home network.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to find out which device is connected by its MAC address?

Yes, the first 6 characters MAC addresses (For example, 2C:54:91) indicate the manufacturer. Use services like MAC Vendors or Wireshark OUI Lookup. For example:

• 78:31:C1 — Apple (iPhone, MacBook)
• B4:FB:E4 — Samsung Electronics
• 3C:D9:2B — Hewlett Packard (printers, laptops)

However, some devices (especially newer smartphones) may use randomized MAC addresses, which makes them difficult to identify.

How to block an unknown device in a router?

Most routers have a feature MAC address filteringInstructions:

1. Find MAC address suspicious device in the client list.
2. Go to the section "Safety" or MAC Filtering.
3. Add the address to the blacklist (or specify only your devices in the whitelist).
4. Save the settings and reboot the router.

On routers ASUS this is done in Wireless Network → MAC Filter, and on TP-Link - V Wireless → Wireless MAC Filtering.

Why are "unknown" gadgets showing up in the device list?

These could be:

• 📺 Smart devices: televisions (LG, Samsung), columns (Amazon Echo, Yandex Station), robotic vacuum cleaners.
• 🖨️ Periphery: printers, scanners, NAS servers.
• 🔌 Network devices: Wi-Fi repeaters, CCTV cameras.
• 👤 Neighbours: If you have a weak password, they could connect to your network.

To identify the device, turn off all your gadgets and see which ones MAC addresses will remain on the list.

Is it possible to see devices connected to a neighbor's network?

No, unless you have access to his router. Scanning someone else's network (for example, through Wireshark or nmap) without permission is a violation of the law on unauthorized access to computer information (Article 272 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation).

If you suspect your neighbor is using your Wi-Fi, block his device or change your password.

How often should I check the list of connected devices?

Recommended frequency:

• 🏠 Home network: once a month (or if you suspect slow internet).
• 🏢 Office/cafe: daily (if the network is open to customers).
• 🔒 After the changes: if you changed the password, added new devices, or updated the router firmware.

On routers that support notifications (for example, Keenetic) set up notifications about new connections.