Who's Connected to My Wi-Fi? 5 Ways to Check and Block Other People's Devices

Have you noticed your internet has slowed down even though you haven't changed your plan? Or is your router flickering more often than usual, as if too many devices are connected? Perhaps your Wi-Fi network has been accessed by strangers—neighbors, guests who forgot to disconnect, or even hackers using your traffic for their own purposes. According to KasperskyEvery third user has encountered an unauthorized connection to their network at least once.

In this article you will learn how check the list of connected devices to your router - from standard methods via the web interface to advanced tools like Wireshark or FingWe'll explore how to distinguish your gadgets from others, why it's important to regularly monitor your network, and what to do if you detect a "free rider." And also— A unique way to monitor connections in real time using the Windows or macOS command line., which is rarely written about in standard guides.

1. Checking through the router's web interface is the most reliable method

Any modern router (whether it be TP-Link, ASUS, Keenetic or MikroTik) keeps a log of connected devices. You don't need any special software to view it—just go to the control panel. Here are the general instructions for most models:

1. Find out your router's IP address. Usually it is 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1The exact address can be found on the sticker on the back of the device or via the command ipconfig V Command line (for Windows).
2. Enter the address in the browser line (will do) Chrome, Firefox or Edge).
3. Log in. The default login and password are often admin/admin or admin/passwordIf you changed them, use your data.
4. Find the section with connected devices. It may have different names:
   • 🔹 DHCP Clients List (in routers ASUS)
   • 🔹 Connected Devices or Network Map (V TP-Link)
   • 🔹 Devices or Local area network (in Russian-language firmware Keenetic)

In this section you will see a table with MAC addresses, IP addresses and device names (if they are broadcast). For example:

Pay attention to the devices with the name Unknown or unfamiliar MAC addresses—these are potential "free riders." To confirm that the device is not yours, compare the MAC addresses with your own devices (read how to do this in the next section).

Compare MAC address with your gadgets|

Try to turn off the device through the router control panel|

Change Wi-Fi password|

Enable MAC address filtering-->

⚠️ Attention: If you have never changed your router control panel login/password, do it immediately! Standard combinations (admin/admin) are known to hackers, and they can easily connect to your network even if the Wi-Fi is password protected.

2. How to identify your devices by MAC address

A MAC address is a unique identifier for a network interface that is assigned to each device during manufacturing. It consists of six pairs of hexadecimal digits separated by colons (e.g., 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5ETo separate your gadgets from others, you need to know their MAC addresses.

Here's how to do it on different devices:

• 📱 Android: Go to Settings → About phone → General information → Wi-Fi MAC address.
• 🍎 iPhone/iPad: Open Settings → Wi-Fi, tap on your network → find the line Wi-Fi address.
• 💻 Windows: Launch Command line (Win + R → cmd) and enter:

  ipconfig /all | findstr "Physical Address"

  Look for an address near Wireless Wi-Fi adapter.

• 🖥️ macOS: Open System Preferences → Network → Wi-Fi → Advanced → Hardware Address (MAC).

Compare the received addresses with those displayed in the router panel. If any MAC address doesn't match any of your devices, this is cause for concern. This is especially true if the device is connected via Wi-Fi, not via cable (Ethernet).

3. Mobile applications for monitoring Wi-Fi networks

If accessing your router settings each time is inconvenient, you can use dedicated apps. They scan your network and display all connected devices in a convenient view. Here are the top three proven tools:

• 📊 Fing (Android/iOS) - shows a list of devices, their MAC addresses and manufacturers (based on the database) for free OUI). There is a notification function for new connections.
• 🔍 WiFi Guard (Android) — Automatically compares current connections with a "whitelist" of your devices and alerts you to unauthorized ones.
• 🛡️ NetCut (Android) - not only scans the network, but also allows turn off other people's devices directly from the application (requires root rights on some firmware).

Example of work Fing:

1. Download the app from Google Play or App Store.
2. Connect to your Wi-Fi network.
3. Click Scan - after 10-20 seconds a list of devices will appear indicating:
   • 🔹 Name (if broadcast)
   • 🔹 MAC addresses
   • 🔹 Manufacturer (for example, Apple, Samsung, Xiaomi)
   • 🔹 IP addresses

The advantage of apps is that they often show device manufacturer by the first three bytes of the MAC address. For example, if you see a device with a MAC 3C:5A:B4:..., and according to the database OUI This Google, but you don't have gadgets from Google - this is a clear sign of an external connection.

⚠️ Attention: Some applications (eg. NetCut) may be blocked by antivirus software as "potentially dangerous." This is due to their ARP spoofing feature, which can disable devices. Use them at your own risk!

Via the router's web interface|

Mobile application|

Command line|

I don't check, I don't see the point-->

4. Advanced Method: Network Scanning via Command Line

If you prefer to work without graphical interfaces, you can scan the network manually using standard tools. Windows, macOS or LinuxThis method is suitable for experienced users and allows you to get real-time data, including hidden devices that are not visible in the router dashboard.

For Windows:

1. Open Command line on behalf of the administrator.
2. Enter the command to view current connections:

   arp -a

   You will see a list of IP and MAC addresses of devices with which your computer has interacted recently.

3. To get a complete list of devices on the network, use the script:

   for /L %i in (1,1,254) do ping -n 1 192.168.0.%i | find "Answer"

   (Replace 192.168.0. to your subnet, if it is different.)

For macOS/Linux:

1. Open Terminal.
2. Enter the command to scan the network:

   nmap -sn 192.168.0.0/24

   (Install nmap through brew install nmap or sudo apt install nmap, if it is not there.)

These commands will display all active devices on your local network, including those that may be hidden in the router's web interface. However, deciphering MAC addresses will require additional database checking. OUI (for example, on the website MAC Vendors).

How to decipher a MAC address?

The first three bytes (e.g., 00:1A:2B) identify the device manufacturer. They can be verified in the OUI database:

1. Go to https://macvendors.com/.

2. Enter the first 6 characters of the MAC address (without colons).

3. The system will show the manufacturer (Apple, Samsung, Xiaomi, etc.).

This will help identify unknown devices.

5. How to block someone else's device on the network

If you detect a foreign device, you should disconnect it and prevent it from reconnecting. Here are three reliable methods:

• 🔒 Changing your Wi-Fi password — the easiest method. Go to the router control panel and find the section Wireless Security (or Wi-Fi Security) and set a new password. Use WPA3, if your router supports this standard.
• 🚫 MAC address filtering — Allow connections only for known devices. In the router panel, find the section MAC Filtering and add the addresses of your gadgets to the "white list".
• 🔌 Disabling via DHCP — in the router settings, you can bind the IP address to the MAC address of the intruder and block it. Or simply turn off the device with the button Disconnect (if there is one).

If someone else's device reconnects even after changing the password, this could mean:

• 🔹 Your new password is too simple (for example, 12345678 or qwerty).
• 🔹 Someone is using password cache (on Android or Windows they are saved automatically).
• 🔹 Your router has been hacked and the hacker has changed the security settings.

⚠️ Attention: MAC address filtering isn't 100% secure! An experienced user can spoof their device's MAC address and bypass the block. Therefore, it's best to combine this method with changing the password and disabling WPS (vulnerable fast connection protocol).

6. Signs that strangers have connected to your Wi-Fi

You don't always have the time or inclination to delve into your router settings. Indirect signs that your network is being used by unauthorized users may include:

• 🐢 A sharp drop in internet speed without objective reasons (for example, you don’t download files, but the pages load slowly).
• 💡 Blinking Wi-Fi indicator on router during non-working hours (for example, at night when everyone is sleeping).
• 📵 Unexplained increase in traffic in your provider's personal account (if you have a limited tariff).
• 🔄 Spontaneous device shutdowns from Wi-Fi (this can happen if the router is overloaded with connections).
• 🛡️ Network activity when gadgets are turned off (checked through applications like GlassWire or in the router panel).

If you notice at least two or three of the signs listed above, it's worth checking your network for unauthorized devices. This is especially important if you live in an apartment building, where neighbors could accidentally (or intentionally) connect to your Wi-Fi.

Also pay attention to unusual device names in the list of connections. For example:

• 🔹 android_123456 - probably someone's smartphone.
• 🔹 esp8266 - can be a smart light bulb or a sensor (if it’s not yours).
• 🔹 Unknown or Host - a clear sign of an outsider.

7. Additional measures to protect your Wi-Fi network

In addition to blocking other people's devices, it's worth taking steps to prevent repeated connections:

1. Disable WPS — This protocol is vulnerable to brute-force attacks. In the router control panel, find the section WPS and deactivate it.
2. Change the network name (SSID) - don't use standard names like TP-Link_1234It is better to come up with a unique name without personal information (for example, not Ivanov_WiFi).
3. Enable guest network — If you need to provide access to guests, create a separate network with limited speed and without access to local devices.
4. Update your router firmware — Outdated software versions contain vulnerabilities. Check for updates in the section System Tools → Firmware Upgrade.
5. Use a VPN for important data — even if strangers connect to your network, a VPN will encrypt your traffic.

Also useful keep a connection logSome routers (for example, ASUS RT-AX88U or Keenetic) allow you to save activity logs. These logs include:

• 🔹 Device connection/disconnection time.
• 🔹 Attempts to log in with an incorrect password.
• 🔹 Changes in router settings.

If your router does not support logging, you can use third-party programs like PRTG Network Monitor (For Windows) or Wireshark (cross-platform solution).

8. What to do if nothing helps?

If other people's devices keep appearing on the network despite all measures taken, it's possible:

• 🔹 Your router is infected with malware (for example, VPNFilter or Mirai).
• 🔹 Someone has physical access to the router (for example, neighbors or office employees).
• 🔹 Your ISP uses a shared network (for example, in some townhouses or hostels).

In such cases:

1. Reset the router to factory settings (button Reset on the back panel).
2. Update the firmware to the latest version (download it from the manufacturer's official website).
3. Check your router for viruses using Dr.Web CureIt! or Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool (if your model supports scanning).
4. Contact your provider - the problem may be on their end (for example, traffic leakage through a shared channel).

If you suspect that your router has been hacked, it is best to replace it with a new model that supports WPA3 And protection from attacks (For example, ASUS AiProtection or Netgear Armor).

⚠️ Attention: Router interfaces and section names may vary depending on the model and firmware version. If you don't see the options mentioned, check your device's manual or contact the manufacturer's support team.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about Wi-Fi Connections

Is it possible to find out what websites someone else's device is visiting on my network?

Technically yes, but it requires specialized knowledge and may violate privacy laws. To monitor traffic, you can use Wireshark or customize DNS filtering on the router (for example, through OpenDNS or Pi-hole). However, collecting data about websites visited without the user's consent is illegal in most countries, including Russia (Federal Law No. 152 "On Personal Data").

Why do devices named "Unknown" appear in the connection list?

This could be:

• 🔹 A device that does not broadcast its name (for example, some smart lamps or sensors).
• 🔹 Gadget with disabled mDNS (the protocol responsible for names on a local network).
• 🔹 A foreign device that deliberately hides its name.

To identify such a device, compare its MAC address with the database OUI or temporarily disable it through the router control panel and check if any of your gadgets are missing.

How to protect your Wi-Fi from neighbors who are guessing your password?

Use the following measures:

1. Set the password length 12+ characters with mixed cases, numbers and special characters (for example, kL9#pQ2$mN1!).
2. Turn it off WPS And UPnP in the router settings.
3. Turn on hiding SSID (option Hide SSID), but remember that this does not protect against experienced hackers.
4. Set up MAC address filtering (although this is not a panacea).
5. Use VPN on a router (For example, NordVPN or ExpressVPN (for models with OpenVPN support).

If your neighbors continue to connect, contact your ISP—they may be exploiting a vulnerability on their end (for example, a shared channel in an apartment building).

Can other people's devices slow down my internet even if they're not downloading anything?

Yes, even "passive" connections affect the network:

• 🔹 Each device takes up a portion bandwidth router.
• 🔹 ARP requests and background traffic (updates, synchronization) create a load.
• 🔹 If someone else's device is using Torrent or P2P, it can clog the channel even without active downloads.

To check who exactly is loading the network, use applications like GlassWire (Windows) or Network Analyzer (Android/iOS). They show traffic by device in real time.

How do I know if someone was connecting to my Wi-Fi when I wasn't home?

To do this you need:

1. View router logs (if enabled). In some models (eg, Keenetic or Zyxel) there is a section System Log or Event log.
2. Use third-party programs like WiFi History View (Windows) that save connection history.
3. Tune notifications about new devices through applications like Fing or WiFi Guard.

If your router doesn't keep logs, you can enable this feature in the settings (section Administration → System Log).