Who's using my Wi-Fi? How to check connected devices and identify free riders

Have you noticed your internet has slowed down, or your data is running out early? Perhaps unauthorized devices have connected to your Wi-Fi network—neighbors, guests who forgot to disconnect, or even hackers. In this article, we'll look into the matter. All available methods for checking the list of connected gadgets, from standard router tools to advanced network scanners.

Although most modern routers support guest networks and password protection, WPA2/WPA3 It doesn't always protect against data leaks. For example, if you once gave a password to a friend, and they shared it with others, your network could be overloaded with other people's phones, laptops, or even smart speakersWe will show how to identify such “neighbors” and block them without harming your equipment.

Important: Some methods require access to the router's admin panel or the installation of additional software. If you're unsure of your skills, start with the simplest methods (mobile apps or built-in Windows/macOS tools).

📊 How often do you check the list of devices on your Wi-Fi network?
Never
Once every few months
Only if I notice problems
Regularly, once a week

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

The most reliable way is to log in router administrative panel. It displays a complete list of connected devices with their MAC addresses, IP, and even names (if the gadget broadcasts them). The instructions are suitable for most models: TP-Link, ASUS, Keenetic, MikroTik, Zyxel and others.

To open the Control Panel:

  • 🌐 Enter in the address bar of your browser 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1 (less often - 192.168.8.1 or 10.0.0.1). The exact address is indicated on the router sticker.
  • 🔑 Enter your login and password (by default it is often admin/admin, but it’s better to use your own data).
  • 📊 Find the section with the list of devices. It has different names depending on the manufacturer:
    • TP-Link: Wireless Mode → Wireless Mode Statistics or DHCP → DHCP Client List
    • ASUS: Network map or Local Network → DHCP Client List
    • Keenetic: Devices (in the main menu)
    • Zyxel: Network → Local Network → DHCP Client List

In the table you will see:

Field What does it mean? Example of meaning
Host Name Device name (if configured) iPhone-12-Pro, DESKTOP-5T7G9H1
MAC Address Unique physical address 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E
IP Address Local IP on your network 192.168.0.103
Connection Type Connection type (Wi-Fi or cable) Wireless or Ethernet
⚠️ Attention: If the list contains devices with unfamiliar names or MAC addresses, don't rush to block them. Perhaps these are your gadgets with non-obvious names (for example, smart light bulbs or printers). Check first MAC addresses with your devices (see section 3).

Check the MAC address against your gadgets|Try disabling it temporarily|Change your Wi-Fi password|Enable MAC address filtering-->

2. Mobile applications for network scanning

If you are too lazy to go into the router settings or don’t have access, use special applicationsThey scan the local network and show all connected devices with details: manufacturer (by MAC address), IP, hostname and even approximate location (for Android).

Top 5 verified apps:

  • 📱 Fing (iOS/Android) - the most popular, with vulnerability detection function.
  • 🛡️ NetScan (Android) - shows connection history and notifies about new devices.
  • 🔍 WiFi Guard (Android) - compares current connections with the "white list".
  • 📊 IP Network Scanner (iOS) - a simple scanner with report export.
  • 🔗 Advanced IP Scanner (Windows) - for PC, but there is a mobile version.

Example of work Fing:

  1. Download the application and open it.
  2. Click "Scan" and the program will find all devices on your network.
  3. In the list, check the boxes next to your gadgets (they can be saved to “Favorites”).
  4. The remaining devices are potential "free riders".
⚠️ Attention: Some applications (eg. Fing) require a premium subscription to block devices. The free version only displays a list. To block other people's devices, you'll have to access the router settings (see Section 4).
How to trick a network scanner?

Some devices (especially those with modified MAC addresses or VPNs) may appear in the list with incorrect information. For example, instead of a model name, you might see a string of characters or the manufacturer's name (e.g., "Unknown" or "TP-Link Technologies"). In this case, check the MAC addresses or disable devices one by one to identify the "odd ones."

3. How to find out the MAC address of your device (for verification)

Before blocking unfamiliar gadgets, make sure they aren't your own devices with obscure names. To do this, you need to find MAC address each of your devices and compare it with the list from the router.

Instructions for different platforms:

  • 🖥️ Windows:
    1. Open Command line (Win + R → enter cmd).
    2. Enter the command: 
      ipconfig /all
    3. Find the line Physical address your Wi-Fi adapter.
  • 🍎 macOS:
    1. Open Terminal (Cmd + Space → enter Terminal).
    2. Enter: 
      networksetup -listallhardwareports
    3. Find the section Wi-Fi and a line Ethernet Address.
  • 📱 Android:
    1. Open Settings → About phone → General information (or Software Information).
    2. Find Wi-Fi MAC address (sometimes in Wi-Fi status).
  • 🍏 iOS (iPhone/iPad):
    1. Go to Settings → Wi-Fi.
    2. Click on the symbol i near your network.
    3. The MAC address is specified in the field Address.

    • MAC addresses of smart devices (lamps, speakers, cameras) are usually indicated on the box or in their mobile apps. For example, for Xiaomi Mi Home open the device profile - there will be a line MAC Address.

    4. Blocking other people's devices through a router

    If you find any unwanted gadgets on the internet, you can block them in two ways: MAC address filtering or changing your Wi-Fi passwordThe first method is more reliable, but requires manual configuration.

    Method 1: MAC filtering (whitelist)

    1. Go to your router control panel (see section 1).
    2. Find the section Wireless Mode → MAC Filtering (or Wireless MAC Filter).
    3. Select mode Allow only specified devices (Allow).
    4. Add to list MAC addresses your gadgets (see section 3).
    5. Save the settings and reboot the router.

    Method 2: Change your Wi-Fi password

    1. In the router panel, go to Wireless Mode → Security Settings.
    2. Change your password to a new one (we recommend using WPA3-Personal, if supported).
    3. Save the changes - all devices will be disconnected and will need to reconnect.
    ⚠️ Attention: After enabling MAC filtering all new devices (including yours) won't be able to connect to the network until you add them to the list. This is inconvenient if you have frequent guests. An alternative is to use guest network with a separate password (see section 6).

    5. Advanced Methods: Network Scanners for PCs

    If you need to not only see the list of devices, but also analyze their activity (what traffic they consume, what ports they use), use desktop programs. They are suitable for experienced users and administrators.

    Top 3 utilities for Windows/macOS/Linux:

    • 🖥️ Wireshark — a powerful packet analyzer. Shows all network traffic in real time, but requires operating skills.
    • 📡 Angry IP Scanner — scans IP addresses and ports, exports reports to .csv.
    • 🛡️ GlassWire — visualizes network usage by devices and applications.

    Example of use Angry IP Scanner:

    1. Download the program from official website (the free version will do).
    2. Please enter your network's IP range (e.g. 192.168.0.1–192.168.0.255).
    3. Run the scan - the program will show all active devices with open ports.
    4. Export the report to CSV for further analysis.

    For Wireshark you will need:

    1. Select network interface (Wi-Fi adapter).
    2. Start packet capture.
    3. Enter in the filter wlan.addr == 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E (replace with suspicious MAC address).
    4. Analyze traffic (for example, if the device is downloading large amounts of data).
    ⚠️ Attention: Usage Wireshark On a work or other network, sniffing may violate security policies. In some countries, sniffing other people's packets without their consent is considered illegal. Use this method only on your home network.

    6. Guest Network: How to Share Access Without Risks

    If you often have guests over, but you don’t want to risk your main network, set up guest Wi-FiThis is a separate network with its own password and restrictions:

    • 🔒 Guests won't see your local devices (printers, NAS).
    • 📶 You can limit the speed or access time.
    • 🔄 Easily change your password without affecting your main network.

    How to set up a guest network on popular routers:

    Manufacturer Path in settings Peculiarities
    TP-Link Guest network (in the section Wireless mode) You can enable client isolation (guests will not see each other).
    ASUS Guest network (tab on the left) Supports separate SSID for 2.4 and 5 GHz.
    Keenetic Home Network → Segments → Guest Network Automatically restricts access to local resources.
    Zyxel Wi-Fi Network → Guest Network You can set a traffic limit.

    Recommendations for setting up:

    • 🔐 Use a different password for the guest network than the main one.
    • ⏱️ Set up automatic shutdown of guest Wi-Fi according to a schedule (for example, at night).
    • 📵 Turn off WPS For a guest network, this is a vulnerable protocol.

    7. How to protect Wi-Fi from hacking and unauthorized connections

    Even if you've identified and blocked all the free riders, your network can still be hacked. To avoid this, follow these guidelines: secure setup rules:

    • 🔑 Password:
      • Use WPA3-Personal (or WPA2-PSK, If WPA3 (not supported).
      • The password length must be at least 12 characters, including numbers, letters, and special characters.
      • Do not use personal information (dates of birth, names).
    • 📡 Router settings:
      • Turn it off WPS - This protocol is vulnerable to brute force attacks.
      • Change the default login/password of the admin panel (admin/admin).
      • Update your router firmware to the latest version.
    • 👁️ Monitoring:
      • Install an app to notify you of new devices (eg. WiFi Guard).
      • Check the list of connected gadgets periodically (once every 1–2 months).

    Additional measures for the paranoid:

    • 🔄 Change your Wi-Fi password regularly (every 3–6 months).
    • 📵 Turn off Wi-Fi on your router when you're not using it (for example, at night).
    • 🛡️ Use VPN on the router (if supported) to encrypt all traffic.
    ⚠️ Attention: Some internet providers block access to router settings (especially if you rent a router). In this case, contact support and ask them to reset the device to factory settings or grant access to the admin panel.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about checking Wi-Fi devices

    Is it possible to find out who exactly is using my Wi-Fi (name, phone model)?

    Accurately identify the model or owner of a device by MAC address It's impossible, but you can see the manufacturer. For example, MAC address, starting with 3C:5A:B4, belongs Google (probably it is Pixel or Nest), A B8:27:EB — Raspberry PiA complete list of manufacturers can be found on the website. MAC Vendors.

    What should I do if the device list contains "Unknown" or empty names?

    These could be:

    1. Your devices with disabled broadcast name (for example, some smart sockets).
    2. Gadgets with modified MAC address (through apps like MacChanger).
    3. Devices connected via cable (check the section LAN in the router).

    Solution: Temporarily disconnect all your devices from the network and see which ones are left in the list.

    Is it possible to block a device by IP instead of MAC?

    Yes, but it is less reliable: IP addresses in the local network may change (if enabled DHCP). To block by IP:

    1. Go to your router settings.
    2. Find the section IP filtering or Parent Control.
    3. Add IP address blacklisted.

    Disadvantage: If the router reboots, the device may receive a new IP.

    How do I know if my network has been hacked and not just connected with a password?

    Signs of hacking:

    • 🔴 Gadgets with appear in the list of devices MAC addresses, which did not exist before.
    • 📉 Internet speed drops sharply for no apparent reason.
    • 🔄 Router settings change by themselves (for example, DNS servers).
    • 🚨 Antivirus detects suspicious activity on the network.

    If you suspect a hack:

    1. Reset the router to factory settings (button Reset).
    2. Update the firmware.
    3. Change your password to a more complex one.
    Is it legal to scan your network and block other people's devices?

    Yes, you have every right to manage your home network, including blocking unauthorized devices. However:

    • ⚖️ In some countries traffic interception (for example, through Wireshark) without the consent of users may be considered a violation of the law, even within your own network.
    • 🚫 Blocking devices in public networks (for example, in a cafe) is illegal - this is the prerogative of the administrator.

    There are no restrictions for home use.

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