Who's Using Your Wi-Fi? 5 Ways to Check Connected Devices Using an App

Have you noticed that your internet has become slower, even though your plan hasn't changed? Or is your router blinking more often than usual, as if someone is actively using the network? Perhaps your Wi-Fi Unauthorized devices connected—neighbors, guests who forgot to log out, or even hackers exploiting vulnerabilities in an old password. In 2026 more than 30% of users experience unauthorized access to their home network at least once a year (data Kaspersky Lab).

Fortunately, you can check the list of connected gadgets not only through the router's web interface, but also using mobile applications — it's faster, more convenient, and often more informative. In this article, we'll look at how to find out who's using your Wi-Fi using Android or iOS, which apps are suitable for this, and what to do if you find "extra" devices. And also— We'll reveal a hidden feature of some routers that allows you to block suspicious devices directly from your phone, without logging into the admin panel..

Why are apps better than the router's web interface?

The traditional way to check is to go to the router settings through a browser (usually at the address 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1). But this method has its downsides:

• 🔹 You need to remember the login/password for the admin panel (often it is different from the Wi-Fi connection data).
• 🔹 The router interface can be inconvenient, especially on a mobile screen.
• 🔹 Not all models are shown device names - only MAC addresses, which are difficult to identify.
• 🔹 No real-time notifications about new connections.

Apps solve these problems: they automatically scan the network, recognize device types (smartphone, laptop, smart speaker), display connection history, and can even block unwanted "guests." For example, Fing or WiFi Guard They identify the gadget manufacturer by its MAC address and warn you if an unknown device appears on the network.

Top 5 Apps for Checking Connected Devices

We've tested dozens of utilities and selected those that are guaranteed to work in 2026, don't require root access, and don't bombard the user with ads. All of them are available for Android And iOS, except where noted separately.

Advice: If you need to not only see the list of devices, but also track their activity (for example, what sites they visit), pay attention to GlassWire or FingFor a simple check it is enough WiFi Guard.

Connect your phone to the same Wi-Fi as the suspicious devices

Close background applications (VPN, torrents)

Update the app to the latest version

Compare the number of devices with the expected one (e.g. 2 phones + laptop = 3)-->

Step-by-step instructions: how to use Fing

Let's look at the process using an example Fing — the most popular tool. The instructions are valid for version 2026.3.1 (at the time of testing).

1. Install Fing from Google Play or App Store and open it. When you first launch it, the app will request location access—this is necessary for scanning your local network (allow it).

2. Click "Scan" (button in the center of the screen). The app will automatically detect your network. If there are multiple networks, select the one you need manually.

3. After 10-30 seconds, a list of devices will appear. Note the columns:

   • 📱 Name - how the device identifies itself (e.g. iPhone-12-Pro).
   • 🔧 Manufacturer — brand by MAC address (for example, Apple, Samsung).
   • 🔄 Last connection — when the device was online.

Click on any device to see details: IP address, MAC address, open ports. If you see an unfamiliar device, check it against the database. MAC Vendors (available in premium version).

Important! Some devices (such as smart light bulbs) Xiaomi or columns Amazon Echo) may appear under technical names such as esp_123456Don't rush to block them—check the documentation.

How to distinguish a legitimate device from a hacker's?

Hacking devices often have:

- Non-standard names (eg. root@kali or a random set of characters).

- MAC addresses from unknown manufacturers (checked via macvendors.com).

- Connection at unusual times (for example, at night when everyone is sleeping).

- High traffic on non-standard ports (for example, port 4444 is often used for attacks).

Hidden router feature: blocking from the app

Few people know, but some routers (for example, ASUS RT-AX88U, TP-Link Archer C6, Keenetic) support remote control via the manufacturer's mobile applicationsThis means that you can not only see the connected devices, but also block them directly from your phone, without going to the web interface.

How does this work:

1. Install the official app of your router (for example, ASUS Router, Tether for TP-Link, Keenetic).
2. Log in (usually you need to scan the QR code from the sticker on the router or enter your login/password).
3. Go to the section Devices or Wi-Fi clients.
4. Click on the suspicious device and select Block or "Disable".

🔴 Attention! MAC address blocking only works until the router is rebooted unless it is saved in the settings. To permanently block a device from connecting, add its MAC address to blacklist (chapter Security → MAC Filter in the web interface).

What to do if you find an unfamiliar device?

Found a gadget online that doesn't belong to you? Follow these steps:

1. Check yours: Check with your family members to see if they've connected any new devices (such as a smartwatch or tablet). Sometimes, friends' devices automatically connect to saved networks.

2. Identify the device: Look at its MAC address and check the manufacturer through the service MAC Vendors. If this Amazon Technologies - maybe the neighbors connected it Echo Dot to your network by mistake.

3. Assess the threat:

   • 🟢 Low: The device is inactive (last connection a long time ago).
   • 🟡 Average: The gadget consumes traffic, but does not interfere with the network.
   • 🔴 High: Active use of torrents, port attacks, suspicious names.

Block or change your password: If the device is dangerous, block it through the router or change the Wi-Fi password (read below for how to do this).

⚠️ Attention! If an unfamiliar device reappears after being blocked, it may mean your router has been hacked (for example, through a firmware vulnerability). In this case:

🔹 Reset your router to factory settings (button Reset on the back panel).

🔹 Update the firmware to the latest version (instructions are usually available on the manufacturer's website).

🔹 Set up a separate guest network for temporary connections.

How to change your Wi-Fi password to get rid of free riders?

The most reliable way to get rid of unwanted devices is to change your network password. This will break all current connections, requiring you to enter a new key to re-access. Here's how:

Method 1: Via the router's web interface

1. Open your browser and enter the router's IP address (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
2. Enter your login and password (by default it is often admin/admin or indicated on the router sticker).
3. Go to the section Wireless Network (Wi-Fi) → Security.
4. In the field Password or Network key enter a new one (we recommend using WPA3-PSK instead of the outdated WPA2).
5. Save the settings and reboot the router.

Method 2: Via the manufacturer's app

In official applications (for example, Mi Wi-Fi for routers Xiaomi or Keenetic) there is a section Wi-Fi settings, where you can change your password in just two clicks. Just remember to save your new password in a safe place (for example, in a password manager).

🔹 Safety advice: Don't use simple passwords like 12345678 or qwertyThe optimal option is a phrase of 4 random words with numbers, for example: Coffee Umbrella77! Heat.

Additional Wi-Fi security measures

Checking connected devices and changing passwords is good, but it's not enough to ensure complete security. Here's what else you can do:

• 🔒 Disable WPS: This feature simplifies connection, but has critical vulnerabilities. In the router settings, find WPS and deactivate.
• 📡 Hide SSID: In the Wi-Fi settings, disable the option Broadcast network name (SSID)Then your network won't be visible in the public list, but you can connect to it if you know its name.
• 🛡️ Enable firewall: In routers ASUS, Netgear And Keenetic There is a built-in firewall - activate it in the section Security.
• 🔄 Update firmware: Manufacturers regularly patch vulnerabilities. Check for updates every 2-3 months.
• 👥 Guest network: Set up a separate network for guests with limited access to local devices (such as printers or NAS).

⚠️ Attention! Hiding the SSID and disabling WPS won't make your network invulnerable, but it will make life more difficult for casual hackers. For serious protection, use VPN on a router (For example, OpenVPN) or network segmentation (VLAN).

How to check if your router has been hacked?

Signs of hacking:

- Unknown rules in Port Forwarding.

- Changed DNS servers (check in the section Internet → DNS).

- Suspicious processes in System log (log files).

- A sharp increase in traffic without your activity.

If any of these are present, reset the router and update the firmware.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about checking Wi-Fi devices

Is it possible to find out what websites a connected device visits?

Yes, but this requires special tools:

• 🔹 Router with traffic monitoring support (For example, ASUS With AiProtection or Keenetic With Yandex.DNS).
• 🔹 Applications like GlassWire (shows domains but not specific pages).
• 🔹 Third-party DNS (For example, OpenDNS) with visitor logs.

🔴 Attention! Intercepting traffic without the user's consent may violate privacy laws (e.g. Federal Law No. 152 in Russia).

Why does the app show more devices than it actually has?
This can happen for several reasons:
• 🔹 The app sees devices in the provider's local network (if you have PPPoE or DHCP from the operator).
• 🔹 Some gadgets (for example, Smart TV) may appear as multiple devices (due to multicast traffic).
• 🔹 It's online zombie devices - those that have been disconnected for a long time, but their IP has not yet been released.

To accurately identify "extra" devices, compare the MAC addresses with those specified in the router settings.

Is it possible to block a device permanently?

Yes, for this:

1. Log into your router's web interface.
2. Find the section MAC filter or Access control.
3. Add the MAC address of the unwanted device to blacklist.
4. Save the settings and reboot the router.

⚠️ Important! MAC addresses can be spoofed, so this method isn't 100% secure. For added security, combine it with changing your password.

What applications work without the Internet?

All applications from our rating (Fing, WiFi Guard etc.) scan local network, so they don't require an internet connection. However, some functions (such as checking the MAC address via an online database) may require a connection.

How to check Wi-Fi for viruses?

Viruses on the Internet are usually spread through vulnerable devices (for example, old Android smartphones or Windows-PC). To check:

• 🔹 Scan all connected gadgets with an antivirus (Kaspersky, Dr.Web).
• 🔹 Check your router for malicious DNS (these should be your provider's servers or 8.8.8.8/1.1.1.1).
• 🔹 Use Fing to search for open ports (for example, 445, 3389 are often attacked).