Who's Connected to My Wi-Fi Router and How to Disable Other Devices: A Complete Guide

Have you noticed that your internet has become slower and your data usage is running out faster than usual? Perhaps, your Wi-Fi router Third-party devices have connected. This not only reduces speed but also creates security risks: attackers can intercept data, infect the network with viruses, or use your IP for illegal activities.

In this article you will learn how check the list of connected devices, identify unwanted users among them, and block unwanted users permanently. We'll look at methods for routers of different brands (TP-Link, ASUS, Keenetic, Xiaomi and others), including methods via a web interface, mobile applications, and even the command line. We'll pay special attention to hidden connections that don't appear in standard lists—they're often used by hackers for disguise.

If you have never changed your Wi-Fi password since purchasing your router or have used a simple code like 12345678, the risk of unauthorized access increases dramatically. Even neighbors or guests could have access to your network and connect without your knowledge. But the problem is solvable—just follow the instructions below.

1. How to check the list of connected devices via the router's web interface

The most reliable way is to access your router's control panel. You don't need any special software; a browser on your computer or smartphone is enough. Here are the step-by-step instructions:

Find first Your router's IP address. Usually it is 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1, but may vary depending on the model. You can find it:

• 📄 On the sticker on the back of the router (look for a line like Default IP or Router IP).
• 🖥️ In the Windows command line: run cmd, enter ipconfig and find the line Main gateway.
• 📱 On Android: Go to Settings → Wi-Fi → [your network] → Advanced (the gateway will be indicated there).

Next, enter the IP address in the browser's address bar. A login window will open, where you'll need to enter your username and password (by default, this is often admin/admin or admin/password(But it's best to check the router's sticker for details.) After logging in, find the section with the list of devices. Its name depends on the model:

Login to the control panel using the router's IP address|

Find the "Wireless", "DHCP", "Clients" or "Devices" section|

View the list of connected gadgets (look for MAC addresses and names)|

Pay attention to unknown devices with unfamiliar names

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For example, in routers TP-Link the path is this: Advanced Settings → Wireless → Wireless Statistics. IN ASUS — Network Map → Clients. IN Keenetic The list of devices is displayed directly on the main page in the block Connected devices.

⚠️ Note: Some routers only show active connections. To see all devices that have ever connected to the network (including dormant ones), go to the section DHCP clients or ARP table.

2. How to identify someone else's device in the list of connected devices

In the list of devices you will see columns with MAC addresses, IPs, host names and sometimes manufacturers (e.g. Apple, Samsung, Xiaomi). Here's how to identify foreign gadgets:

Signs of a foreign device:

• 🆔 Unknown MAC address — unique species identifier 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5ECompare this with the MAC addresses of your devices (you can find them in your smartphone/laptop settings).
• 📱 Unclear hostname - For example, android-123456 (if you don't have an Android device) or unknown.
• 🕒 Suspicious connection time - if the device is active at night when everyone is sleeping.
• 📡 Manufacturer - For example, TP-Link or MikroTik in the list may mean that another router has connected to you (for example, to expand a neighbor's network).

To avoid guessing, make a list your devices in advance. To do this:

1. On smartphone: Settings → About phone → General information → Wi-Fi MAC address.
2. On Windows: Open Command Prompt and type ipconfig /all — look for the line Physical address.
3. On macOS: System Preferences → Network → Advanced → Ethernet/Wi-Fi → Ethernet ID.

If the router's list contains a device with a MAC address that is not on your list, it is 100% a third-party device.

Is it possible to spoof a MAC address?

Yes, MAC addresses can be easily spoofed in a device's settings (this is called "spoofing"). Therefore, if you see a familiar MAC address but suspect hacking, check the device's activity: disconnect all your devices and see if the network connection remains. If so, it's definitely someone else's device with a spoofed MAC address.

3. How to Disconnect Someone Else's Device from Wi-Fi: 4 Working Methods

Once you've found a device that's being used by someone else, you need to block it. Here are all the available methods, from simple to complex:

Method 1. Blocking by MAC address (the most reliable)

This method will permanently block the device from connecting to your network, even if it changes its IP address. Instructions for most routers:

1. Go to the router's web interface (as in first section).
2. Find the section Wireless Network → MAC Filter (or Security → MAC Filtering).
3. Add the MAC address of another device to the blacklist and save the settings.

In routers Keenetic another way: Home Network → Devices → [select device] → Block.

Method 2: Change your Wi-Fi password

If MAC blocking doesn't work (or your router doesn't support it), simply change your Wi-Fi password:

1. In the web interface, find Wireless Network → Security Settings.
2. In the field Password (or PSK) enter a new code (we recommend at least 12 characters with letters, numbers and signs).
3. Save your settings and reconnect your devices.

Method 3. Manually turning off the device

Some routers (eg. ASUS or Xiaomi) allow you to disconnect a device directly from the client list. Find the other device and click the button Disable or KickDisadvantage of this method: the device will be able to connect again if it knows the password.

Method 4. Hiding the Wi-Fi network (SSID)

This won't disconnect devices that are already connected, but it will prevent new ones from finding your network. Find the option in your router settings. Hide SSID (or Hide SSID) and turn it on. However, this method is not reliable: experienced users can connect manually, knowing the network name.

⚠️ Warning: If the device continues to appear online after being blocked, it may mean your router has been hacked (for example, through a firmware vulnerability). In this case, a full factory reset will help.

4. Checking for hidden connections (for advanced users)

Some devices may connect to your network but not appear in the router's default list. This may occur if:

• 🕵️ In use MAC address spoofing (substitution for the address of your device).
• 🔌 The device is connected via cable (Ethernet), and you only check Wi-Fi.
• 📡 It's online signal repeater (repeater) that masks traffic.

To identify such connections, use specialized programs:

• 🖥️ Wireless Network Watcher (Windows) - Scans the network and shows all devices, even hidden ones.
• 📱 Fing (Android/iOS) — identifies the device manufacturer by MAC and detects suspicious activity.
• 🐧 nmap (Linux/macOS) - A powerful network scanning tool. The command to search for devices is:

  nmap -sn 192.168.1.0/24

If the program detects devices that aren't listed in the router's web interface, this is cause for concern. Your network may be compromised, and drastic measures are required: changing the password, updating the router's firmware, or even replacing it.

5. How to protect your Wi-Fi from being reconnected by other devices

Simply blocking by MAC or changing the password may not be enough. Here set of measures, which will reliably protect your network:

1. Use a complex password

The password must be at least 12 characters long and include:

• 🔢 Numbers: 0-9
• 🔤 Letters of different cases: A-Z, a-z
• 🔑 Special characters: !, @, #, $ and others.

Example of a strong password: Wifi@Home_2026!K33n. Do not use personal information (birthdates, names) and simple sequences like 12345678.

2. Enable WPA3 encryption

Find the section in your router settings Wireless Network → Security Settings and select WPA3-Personal (or WPA2/WPA3(if WPA3 is not supported). This is the most modern encryption standard and is difficult to crack.

3. Disable WPS

Function WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) simplifies connecting devices, but it has vulnerabilities. Disable it in your router settings.

4. Update your router firmware

Outdated firmware contains vulnerabilities that hackers exploit. Visit the section System Tools → Firmware Update and install the latest version.

5. Set up a guest network

If you need to give guests access, create a separate network with limited rights:

• 🔒 Separate password (different from the main one).
• 🚫 Restrict access to local devices (e.g. printers or NAS).
• ⏱️ Time limit (for example, only 2 hours).

⚠️ Caution: Even after taking all security measures, regularly check the list of connected devices (every 1-2 months). Some viruses can connect to the network automatically, disguising themselves as legitimate devices.

6. What to do if nothing helps: radical measures

If someone else's device continues to appear online despite all blocking, it may be:

• 🔄 Your router is infected with malware (for example, VPNFilter or Mirai).
• 🕳️ There is a "worm" operating on the network that is spreading across local devices.
• 🔌 Someone physically connected to the router via a cable (for example, through the ports on the back panel).

Actions in this case:

1. Reset your router to factory settings:
   • Find the button Reset on the back panel (usually it is recessed and requires a staple).
   • Press and hold it for 10-15 seconds until the indicators start flashing.
   • Reconfigure your router from scratch (set a new password, enable WPA3, etc.).

Check physical connections:

• Disconnect all cables from the ports LAN And WAN.
• Check if there is an external cable connected to the router (for example, from a neighbor).
• Replace your router:

  If resetting doesn't help, the router firmware may have been modified at the hardware level. In this case, the only solution is to buy a new router and configure it from scratch, using all the security measures in fifth section.

After radical measures, it is imperative:

• 🔄 Change your passwords everyone devices that were connected to the infected network (computers, smartphones, smart speakers).
• 🛡️ Run an antivirus scan on all your gadgets (use Kaspersky, Dr.Web or Malwarebytes).
• 📡 Set up your new router with maximum security measures (see Section 5).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is it possible to find out who exactly connected to my Wi-Fi (name, address)?

No, it's impossible to identify a user using a MAC address or device name. The most we can find out is the device model (for example, an iPhone or a Lenovo laptop) and its manufacturer. To identify a specific person, we need data from the provider (which is only possible upon request from law enforcement).

What happens if I lock my device by mistake?

No problem: just unblock it in your router settings (remove the MAC address from the blacklist) or reconnect if you've changed the password. As a last resort, reset the router to factory settings (using the button) Reset).

Can my neighbor connect to my Wi-Fi if I hide the SSID?

Yes. Hiding the network name (SSID) doesn't prevent connections—an experienced user can manually enter the network name and password. It's more of a psychological barrier to accidental connections.

How can I check if someone else's device is stealing my traffic?

Use programs like GlassWire (Windows) or NetGuard (Android) to monitor network activity. If traffic is sent to unknown IP addresses or during non-working hours, this indicates an unauthorized connection. Also, check your internet usage statistics in your provider's account.

Is it possible to track someone else's device after it has been disabled?

No, after disconnecting, the router "forgets" the device (unless it's saved in the DHCP lease list). To track connections retrospectively, specialized monitoring systems are needed (for example, Pi-hole or OpenWRT with logs), but this requires administration skills.