How to check the number of devices connected to a TP-Link router: all methods

Have you noticed your internet has become slower and pages are loading slowly? One possible cause is network congestion due to the large number of connected devices. TP-Link routers (especially models Archer C6, TL-WR841N or Deco M5) allow you to track active devices on the network, but not all users know where to find this information. In this article, we'll look at All current methods for checking connected devices, including hidden web interface features and alternative methods for advanced users.

It's important to understand that the number of simultaneously connected devices is limited not only by the router's specifications but also by your provider's settings. For example, some mobile internet plans block connections for more than 10–15 devices. If you see unknown MAC addresses in the list, this could indicate a password leak or activity by neighbors accessing your network.

We'll cover methods for various scenarios, from basic browser-based checks to traffic analysis using third-party utilities. If your router doesn't display a full list of devices (especially with older firmware versions), this article also includes solutions.

1. Checking via the TP-Link web interface (the most reliable method)

The web control panel is the heart of the router, where all settings are located, including network monitoring. To access it, you'll need any browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge) and access to your local network. The login address is standard for most models. TP-Link:

• 🌐 Enter in the address bar 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1 (If it doesn’t work, check the sticker on the back of the router).
• 🔑 The default login and password are admin/admin (if you haven't changed it). On new models (Archer AX55, Deco X20) You may need to create an account the first time you sign in.
• 📊 Search section DHCP → DHCP Clients or Wireless Mode → Wireless Mode Statistics (the name depends on the firmware).

In modern firmware (TP-Link Omada, OneMesh) the list of devices is displayed immediately on the main page in the block Devices on the network or Hosts OnlineHere you will see:

• 📱 Device name (if it is broadcast - for example, iPhone-12-Pro).
• 🔢 MAC address (a unique identifier that can be used to block an unwanted "guest").
• 📶 Connection type (Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz / 5 GHz / Ethernet).
• ⏱️ Connection time (useful for identifying "night thieves" of traffic).

⚠️ Attention: On routers with firmware older than 2019 (for example, TL-WR740N v4) The device list may be updated with a delay of up to 5 minutes. If a device has recently been disconnected, it will still appear as active.

2. Using the Tether mobile app

Official app TP-Link Tether (available for Android and iOS) simplifies router management from your smartphone. It automatically detects the device model and provides a simplified but user-friendly interface for network monitoring. To view connected devices:

1. Download the app from App Store or Google Play (It's free, but there are paid features for business routers).
2. Connect to your router's Wi-Fi network.
3. Launch Tether and wait for the device to be automatically detected (or add it manually by MAC address).
4. Go to the section Devices or Clients (in the English version).

Advantages of the method:

• 📲 Conveniently block unknown devices directly from your smartphone (long press on the device → Block).
• 🔔 The application sends notifications about new connections (configured in Settings → Notifications).
• 📊 Traffic consumption graphs by device (available on models with support HomeCare).

Flaws:

• ❌ Not all older router models are supported (for example, TL-WR841ND v8 may not appear in the list).
• ❌ The free version does not have detailed statistics on ports and protocols.

3. Command line: for advanced users

If the web interface is unavailable (for example, due to a firmware failure) or you need advanced data, you can use terminalThis method works on Windows, macOS, and Linux, but requires basic knowledge of network commands.

First, let's find out the local IP address of the router:

ipconfig (for Windows)
ifconfig (for macOS/Linux)

Look for the line Main gateway (Default Gateway) - this is the address of your router (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).

Next, we scan the network for active devices using arp:

arp -a

This command will output the ARP cache table, which will list all the devices your computer has recently interacted with. Note the column IP-address - addresses from your subnet (for example, 192.168.0.x) belong to connected gadgets.

For a more detailed scan, use nmap (install it first):

nmap -sn 192.168.0.0/24

This command will scan all IP addresses in the range 192.168.0.1–192.168.0.255 and will display a list of active hosts with MAC addresses and network card manufacturers (for example, Apple, Samsung, Xiaomi).

⚠️ Warning: Scanning the network with nmap It may be blocked by your antivirus or firewall. Please add the program to the exceptions list or temporarily disable protection.

curl "https://api.macvendors.com/B8:27:EB"

4. Analysis through third-party programs

If standard methods don't provide a complete picture (for example, the router doesn't show devices connected via cable), specialized utilities can be used. They will not only display a list of devices but also analyze traffic, identify bandwidth-hungry apps, and even detect hidden connections.

Example of working with Fing (mobile app):

1. Install the application and open it.
2. Click Scan — the program will automatically detect your network.
3. After 10-20 seconds, you will see a list of devices indicating:
• 📌 IP and MAC addresses;
• 📌 Manufacturer (by MAC);
• 📌 Device type (smartphone, TV, camera);
• 📌 Open ports (useful for identifying vulnerabilities).

5. Checking through the provider's menu (for Rostelecom, Beeline, MTS subscribers)

Some internet providers offer their own tools for monitoring your home network. This is especially true if you use a router provided by your provider (e.g., Sagemcom from Rostelecom or Sercomm (from MTS). In this case, the list of connected devices may be available in the subscriber's personal account.

Instructions for subscribers Rostelecom:

1. Go to the website lk.rt.ru and log in.
2. Select a section My Services → Internet.
3. Find the block My Wi-Fi network or Router management.
4. Tab Connected devices will show active gadgets with their names and MAC addresses.

For Beeline And MTS the path may differ:

• 🔹 Beeline: Personal Account → Internet → Wi-Fi Settings → Devices.
• 🔹 MTS: My MTS → Internet → My Network → Connected Devices.

⚠️ Please note: Providers may limit the number of simultaneously connected devices per plan. For example, Beeline's "Internet 100" plan allows a maximum of 10 devices by default. Exceeding this limit will result in new connections being blocked.

6. Limit the number of devices and protect the network

If you find unknown devices on your network, you can block or restrict their access. Here's how to do this on routers. TP-Link:

Method 1: Blocking by MAC address

1. In the web interface, go to Wireless Mode → MAC Filter.
2. Activate filtering and add unknown device addresses to the blacklist.
3. Save the settings and reboot the router.

Method 2: Limit the number of connections

• 🔧 In the section DHCP → DHCP Settings Set the IP address lease limit (parameter Maximum number of users).
• 🔧 For guest network (Guest Network → Settings) you can select a separate IP range and limit the speed.

Method 3: Change your Wi-Fi password

If "outsiders" appear on your network, the most reliable way is to change your password:

1. Go to Wireless → Wireless Security.
2. Select encryption type WPA2-PSK (or WPA3, if supported).
3. Create a complex password (at least 12 characters, with numbers and special characters).
4. Save the settings - all devices will be disconnected and will need to reconnect.

7. Common problems and their solutions

Sometimes the list of connected devices is displayed incorrectly or is missing altogether. Let's look at typical situations and how to fix them:

Problem 1: The router does not show devices connected via cable (Ethernet).

Solution:

• 🔌 Check if the DHCP server is enabled in the section Network → LAN.
• 🔌 Update your router firmware (older versions may not display wired connections).
• 🔌 Use third-party utilities (for example, Advanced IP Scanner) to scan the local network.

Problem 2: The list shows "dead" devices that have been disconnected for a long time.

Solution:

• ⏳ Clear the DHCP cache in the section System Tools → Restart (select Clear the ARP table).
• ⏳ Reduce the IP address lease time in DHCP settings (for example, from 24 hours to 2 hours).

Problem 3: The Tether app does not see the router.

Solution:

• 📱 Make sure your smartphone is connected to the router's Wi-Fi network (not to your mobile data).
• 📱 Enable the option in your router settings Remote control (System Tools → Remote Management).
• 📱 Reinstall the app and check permissions (location and network access).

FAQ: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions