How to Check Who's Connected to Your Wi-Fi: A Complete Guide (2026)

Have you noticed your internet has slowed down and 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 exploiting router vulnerabilities. According to Kaspersky, every fifth user has encountered unauthorized access to their home network, and 12% were not even aware of the presence of "neighbors" on their Wi-Fi.

In this article you will find 7 proven methods, how to find out who is using your Wi-Fi network - from standard router tools to specialized applications for Android And iOSWe'll figure out how to determine hidden devices, which disguise themselves as legitimate devices, and what to do if you detect a suspicious connection. All instructions are adapted for modern router models (TP-Link Archer AX6000, ASUS RT-AX88U, Keenetic Giga etc.) and current firmware versions.

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

The most reliable way is to log into your router's control panel. This method works on all models, regardless of the manufacturer, but the path to the required section may vary. You only need a browser and access to the settings.

Find out first Your router's IP address. Usually it is 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1, but you can check it via the command line:

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

Look for the line Default Gateway - this is the address of your router.

• 🔹 Enter the IP address in the browser address bar (e.g. 192.168.0.1).
• 🔹 Log in (default logins/passwords: admin/admin, admin/password or see the router sticker).
• 🔹 Go to the device list section. Paths for popular brands:
  • TP-Link: Basic Setup → Wireless → Wireless Statistics
  • ASUS: Network Map → Devices
  • Keenetic: Home Network → Devices
  • Zyxel: Wi-Fi Network → Client List

In the table you will see all connected devices with the indication MAC addresses, IP, hostname, and connection type (cable or Wi-Fi). Pay attention to any unfamiliar MAC addresses - they can be checked through services like MAC Vendors (determine the manufacturer of the device).

⚠️ Note: If the list contains devices with names like android-123456 or unknown, but you don't recognize them - they are potential "neighbors." However, some smart devices (for example, Xiaomi or Amazon Echo) may be displayed without a friendly name.

Make sure only your devices are connected|Check MAC addresses against known devices|View last activity time|Check for suspicious IPs from other subnets-->

2. Using mobile applications (for Android and iOS)

If accessing your router settings is inconvenient, you can use specialized apps. They scan the network and display all connected devices, sometimes even indicating the device model.

Top 3 verified apps:

• 📱 Fing (free for Android/iOS) — identifies devices, ports, and network vulnerabilities. It also provides notifications about new connections.
• 📱 WiFi Guard (Android) - compares current devices with the "white list" and signals about new ones.
• 📱 NetScan (iOS) - shows MAC, IP, vendor and connection history.

How to use with an example Fing:

1. Download and install the application.
2. Connect to your Wi-Fi network.
3. Click Scan — after 10-20 seconds a list of devices will appear.
4. Click on any device to see details: MAC, manufacturer, open ports.

The advantage of apps is that they work even if you don't have access to the router (for example, on a guest network). However, Not all devices are displayed correctly.: Some may disguise themselves as other models or not show the name.

Via the router's web interface|Mobile app|Command line|Never tested|Other-->

3. Command line (for Windows, macOS, Linux)

If you prefer to work without a graphical interface, you can use the command line. This method is suitable for experienced users and allows you to the most accurate data about devices on the network.

For Windows:

arp -a

This command will display the ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) table with the IP and MAC addresses of all devices your computer has communicated with. To view only active connections, first run:

ping 192.168.0.255

(replace 192.168.0. to your subnet).

For macOS/Linux:

nmap -sn 192.168.0.0/24

Nmap will scan the entire subnet and list hosts with MAC, names and statuses. If nmap not installed, install it via brew install nmap (macOS) or sudo apt install nmap (Linux).

⚠️ Attention: Some devices (for example, with the power on MAC hide mode V iOS 14+ or Android 10+) may appear with random addresses. This isn't always a sign of hacking—it's how privacy features work.

4. Checking through provider routers (Rostelecom, Beeline, MTS)

If you are using a router from your ISP (Rostelecom, Beeline, MTS, Dom.ru), the interface may differ from standard models. These devices often feature a simplified control panel, where the list of connected gadgets is hidden in non-obvious sections.

Common paths for popular providers:

• 🌐 Rostelecom: Local Network → DHCP → Client Table or Wi-Fi → Statistics
• 🌐 Beeline: Network → Devices or Wi-Fi → Connected devices
• 🌐 MTS: Home Network → Device List
• 🌐 Dom.ru: Status → Local Network

A common problem with ISP routers is that they often block access to advanced settings. If you can't find the section you need, try:

1. Reboot your router (sometimes restrictions are reset).
2. Call your provider's support team and request access to full settings.
3. Install alternative firmware (for example, OpenWRT), if permitted by the contract.

What should I do if my provider has blocked access to settings?

Many providers limit the functionality of their routers to prevent users from changing configurations that are important to their plan (such as MAC or VLAN binding). In this case:

1. Check with support to see if you can get "admin" access (sometimes this is a paid option).

2. If the router is rented, ask to replace it with a model with full access (for example, TP-Link or ASUS).

3. Use an external router in mode bridge, connecting it to the main device from the provider.

5. How to recognize counterfeit devices: signs and life hacks

Even if you see a list of connected devices, it's not always easy to determine which ones are foreign. Here 5 signsthat there is someone else on your network:

• 🕵️ Unfamiliar MAC addresses: The first 6 characters of the MAC indicate the manufacturer (e.g. 2C:56:DC — Apple, 78:31:C1 — Xiaomi). Check unknown addresses through MAC Vendors Lookup.
• 🕵️ Suspicious names: Devices with names like android_12345, guest-PC or unknown should be a warning sign.
• 🕵️ Activity outside of working hoursIf traffic appears on the network at night when everyone is asleep, this is a sign of botnet activity or a hacker connection.
• 🕵️ Device count mismatch: Compare the number of gadgets in the router's list with the actual number of your devices.
• 🕵️ Strange IP addresses: If you see an IP from another subnet (for example, 192.168.2.xxxwhen your network 192.168.0.xxx) - this may be a sign of a hack.

Life hack: Disable the Internet on the router (in the settings or by physically unplugging the cable) and see which devices remain online. If any devices remain visible, they are connected locally (possibly via Ethernet or hidden Wi-Fi).

6. How to block other people's devices: step-by-step instructions

If you find a foreign device, you need to turn off immediatelyHere are 3 ways to do this:

Method 1: Blocking by MAC address

The most reliable method is to add the MAC address to the blacklist:

1. Log into your router's web interface.
2. Find the section MAC filtering (or Access control).
3. Add the intruder's MAC address to the blocked list.
4. Save the settings and reboot the router.

Method 2: Change your Wi-Fi password

If you don't want to deal with MAC addresses, just change your password from Wi-Fi:

1. Go to Wireless Mode → Security Settings.
2. Select encryption type WPA3-PSK (or WPA2-PSK, if WPA3 is not supported).
3. Create a complex password (at least 12 characters, with numbers and special characters).
4. Save the changes - all devices will be disconnected and will need to reconnect.

Method 3: Disabling DHCP and manually binding IP

For advanced users: Disable automatic IP allocation and assign addresses only to your devices:

1. Find it in your router settings DHCP → Settings.
2. Disable the DHCP server.
3. In the section IP reservation Bind your devices' MAC addresses to fixed IP addresses.
4. Neighbors will not be able to obtain an IP and connect to the network.

⚠️ Warning: After blocking the device, a hacker can try to spoof the MAC address (this is called MAC-spoofing). To protect yourself from this, enable the function in your router. MAC Filtering in "allow only specified MAC" mode.

7. Additional security measures: how to protect Wi-Fi from hacking

To prevent anyone else from connecting to your network, follow these guidelines:

• 🔒 Update your router firmware: Outdated versions have vulnerabilities (eg. KRACK V WPA2). Check for updates in the section Administration → Software Update.
• 🔒 Disable WPSThis feature makes connection easier, but it can be easily hacked in a few hours. Find the option WPS and deactivate it.
• 🔒 Change the network name (SSID): Don't use standard names like TP-Link_1234It's better to come up with a neutral name that doesn't reveal the router's model.
• 🔒 Enable MAC filtering: Allow connections only from known devices.
• 🔒 Set up a guest network: For friends and temporary guests, create a separate network with limited access to local resources.
• 🔒 Disable remote administrationThis feature allows you to control your router from the internet and is often used by hackers.

We also recommend checking the list of connected devices periodically (every 1-2 months). For automation, you can set up notifications in apps like Fing or GlassWire.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about checking your Wi-Fi network

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

No, you can only determine the device model and manufacturer using the MAC or IP address (for example, Samsung Galaxy S22 or Apple MacBookTo identify a specific person, you need to contact the police with a report of unauthorized access—they may request data from the provider.

What should I do if a device with my MAC address appears on the network?

This is a sign MAC-spoofing - address substitution. Immediately:

1. Change your Wi-Fi password.
2. Enable MAC filtering in "allow only specified" mode.
3. Update your router firmware.
4. Check your network for viruses (for example, through Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool).

If attacks persist, contact your provider to change your router.

Can my neighbors connect to my network if I hide the SSID?

Hide network name (optional) Hide SSID) does not protect against hacking. An experienced user can find your network using scanners like Airodump-ngIt's best to set up a strong password and encryption. WPA3, rather than relying on hiding the SSID.

How to check Wi-Fi for viruses?

Viruses can spread online through vulnerable devices (such as smart light bulbs or IP cameras). To check:

1. Scan all connected gadgets with an antivirus.
2. Use Wireshark to analyze traffic (look for suspicious packets).
3. Check if your devices are sending data to unknown IPs (you can do this via GlassWire).

If you find an infected device, disconnect it from the network and reflash it.

Is it legal to disconnect other people's devices from your network?

Yes, you have every right to block any device in his own Wi-Fi networks. This isn't considered hacking or illegal, since the network belongs to you (or your provider, if you're renting a router). However, if you connect to someone else's network and start blocking devices, that's illegal (Article 272 of the Russian Criminal Code, "Unauthorized access to computer information").