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

Have you noticed that your internet has become slower and your data is running out early? Perhaps your Wi-Fi Unauthorized access. According to research, one in five home network users experiences unauthorized access—whether from neighbors, random passersby, or even hackers exploiting vulnerabilities in old routers. In this article, you'll learn how check the list of connected devices, identify "unnecessary" gadgets and reliably protect your network.

The problem isn't just a slowdown. Other devices can:

• 🔍 Intercept your data (passwords, messages, bank details) when using outdated encryption protocols.
• 📤 Use up your traffic for downloading movies, torrents, or even mining cryptocurrency.
• 🚫 Block legitimate devices, if the router limits the number of connections.

We will analyze the testing methods for routers of different brands (TP-Link, ASUS, Keenetic, MikroTik), as well as universal methods via a computer or smartphone. No complex technical skills are required—just follow the step-by-step instructions.

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

The most reliable way is to log in router admin panelThis doesn't require any additional software, just a browser and internet access. The algorithm is the same for most models, but the menu paths may vary.

Find first Your router's IP address. Usually it is:

• 🌐 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1 (For TP-Link, D-Link, Zyxel).
• 🌐 192.168.8.1 (for some models Huawei).
• 🌐 10.0.0.1 (found in Apple AirPort or provider routers).

Enter the address in the browser's address bar. The system will ask for your login and password—by default, this is often admin/admin or admin/passwordIf you changed them, use your data. If you can't log in, reset the router using the button Reset (hold for 10 seconds) but this will disconnect all users and reset the settings.

Check that the IP address is correct (see the sticker on the router)

Restart your router and computer

Try a different browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge)

Disable your VPN or proxy if they are active.

Reset the settings using the Reset button (last resort)

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In the admin panel, find the section with connected devices. Here are the paths for popular brands:

⚠️ Attention: If you see unfamiliar devices in the list of devices MAC addresses (For example, 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E) or names like android-123456, iPhone-789abc — these are potential "outsiders." But first, make sure they're not your own gadgets (smartwatches, smart speakers, game consoles).

2. How to recognize other people's devices: analyzing MAC addresses and names

Even if the list of connected devices contains 10–15 items, not all of them may be unrelated. Your task is identify legitimate gadgets and identify suspicious ones. Here's how to do it:

Make a list first your devices with their MAC addresses. Find them like this:

• 📱 Android: Settings → About phone → General information → Wi-Fi MAC address.
• 🍎 iPhone/iPad: Settings → General → About → Wi-Fi Address.
• 💻 Windows: run the command in Command line:

  ipconfig /all | findstr "Physical Address"

• 🖥️ MacOS: System Preferences → Network → Advanced → Ethernet/Wi-Fi → MAC Address.

Compare these addresses with those displayed in the router's dashboard. Note:

• 🔍 Unknown manufacturers: The first 6 characters of the MAC address indicate the brand. For example:
  • 00:1A:79 — Samsung;
  • 3C:5A:B4 — Google (May be Nest or Chromecast);
  • B8:27:EB — Raspberry Pi (a popular single-board platform for hacker attacks).
• 🕒 Connection time: If the device is active at night when you are sleeping, or appears at unusual hours, this is suspicious.
• 📡 Connection type: the list may include a protocol (802.11n, 802.11ac). Old devices (eg. 802.11b) often belong to outdated gadgets or hackers.

How to find out the manufacturer by MAC address?

There are online services like MAC Vendor Lookup or Wireshark OUI Database, where you can enter the first 6 characters of the MAC address (for example, 00:1A:79) and find out the manufacturer. This will help to distinguish Samsung TV from an unknown Chinese device. However, some hackers spoof MAC addresses, so this method isn't 100% guaranteed.

If you spot a suspicious device, don't rush to block it. It could be:

• 🎮 Game console (PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch), which was connected by a family member.
• 🔊 Smart speaker (Amazon Echo, Yandex Station, Google Home).
• 📺 TV or Android TV-box (For example, Xiaomi Mi Box), which has not been used for a long time.

3. Checking via mobile apps (without logging into the router)

If it is difficult or inconvenient to access the router settings, use special applications for smartphones. They scan the network and display all connected devices. Here are the top 5 proven utilities:

How to use such applications:

1. Install the program from the official store (Google Play or App Store).
2. Connect to your Wi-Fi network.
3. Start the scan (usually the button Scan or Start).
4. Wait for it to complete (may take 1-3 minutes).
5. Review your device list. Apps typically mark your devices green, while suspicious ones are marked red or yellow.

⚠️ Attention: Some applications require root rights (on Android) for in-depth analysis. Don't provide them unless you're confident in the app's security. A basic scan without advanced permissions is sufficient.

Sample report from Fing:

You will see a table with columns:

• 🔹 IP Address — the internal address of the device (for example, 192.168.1.103).
• 🔹 MAC Address — unique identifier.
• 🔹 Device Name — host name (can be empty or fake).
• 🔹 Vendor — manufacturer (for example, Apple, Xiaomi).
• 🔹 Last Seen - when the device was active.

4. Windows Command Prompt: Who's Connected to My Wi-Fi

If you have a computer on Windows, you can check connected devices without third-party programs - through command line or PowerShellThis method is suitable for experienced users, but we will provide step-by-step instructions.

Open Command line as administrator:

1. Click Win + R, enter cmd.
2. Click Ctrl + Shift + Enter (run with administrator rights).

Enter the command to view the ARP table (a list of devices with which your PC communicated):

arp -a

You will see a list of IP addresses and their corresponding MAC addresses. For example:

  192.168.1.1     ff-ff-ff-ff-ff-ff     dynamic
192.168.1.100   00-1a-2b-3c-4d-5e     dynamic
192.168.1.101   a4-b1-c1-d2-e3-f4     dynamic

To get a more detailed report, use a combination of commands:

net view & arp -a & ipconfig /all

The utility is suitable for real-time traffic analysis. netstat:

netstat -ano | findstr "ESTABLISHED"

This command will show active connections to your PC. If you see unfamiliar IP addresses (for example, from other subnets), this may indicate a hack.

⚠️ Attention: Teams arp -a And netstat Only devices that have interacted with your computer are shown. If someone else's device is connected to the router but hasn't exchanged data with your PC, it won't appear in the list. For a complete network analysis, it's best to use the methods in the previous sections.

5. How to block someone else's device: step-by-step instructions

If you have identified an "extra" device, you need to disable and blockThis can be done through your router settings. Let's look at the process using popular brands as examples.

🔹 Blocking on routers TP-Link

1. Log in to your admin panel (192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
2. Go to Advanced → Security → Access Control.
3. Activate Access Control (check the box).
4. In the section Host List Add the MAC address of another device and select an action Deny.
5. Save settings (Save).

🔹 Blocking on routers ASUS

1. Enter the interface (192.168.1.1).
2. Open Network Map → Clients.
3. Find someone else's device in the list and click on it.
4. Select Block or Add to Blacklist.
5. Confirm the action.

🔹 Blocking on routers Keenetic

1. Go to the web interface (192.168.1.1).
2. Go to Home Network → Devices.
3. Find the suspicious device and tap the lock icon (🚫).
4. Enable the option MAC filtering V Home Network → MAC Filter for permanent blocking.

After blocking, reboot the router for the changes to take effect. Check to see if the device has disappeared from the list of connected devices.

6. How to protect your Wi-Fi from strangers: 7 effective ways

Blocking other people's devices is a half-measure. permanently prevent unauthorized access, use these tips:

1. 🔐 Change your Wi-Fi password:
   • Use WPA3 (or WPA2-PSK, If WPA3 (not supported).
   • The password must be at least 12 characters long, with letters, numbers, and special characters (e.g. K7#pL9@mN2$vQ!).
   • Do not use personal information (dates of birth, names).

🔄 Update your router firmware:

Outdated software versions contain vulnerabilities. The update fixes them. You can find new firmware on the manufacturer's website (for example, tp-link.com For TP-Link).

📛 Disable WPS:

Function Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) It simplifies the connection, but it's easy to hack. Disable it in the router settings (section Wireless → WPS).

🔍 Enable MAC filtering:

Create a "whitelist" of allowed devices in the section MAC Filter or Access ControlCons: You'll have to add each new gadget manually.

🌐 Hide network name (SSID):

In the router settings (Wireless → Basic Settings) disable the option Enable SSID BroadcastYour network won't be visible in the list of available networks, but you can connect to it if you know its name.

🛡️ Use a guest network:

Create a separate network for guests with limited access to local resources. This will protect the main network even if the guest password is compromised.

📡 Reduce signal strength:

If the router supports power regulation (Transmit Power), reduce it to 50–70%. The signal will not extend beyond your apartment.

Additionally, you can use VPN for a router (For example, OpenVPN or WireGuard). This encrypts all traffic, making it impossible to intercept even if someone connects to your network.

⚠️ Attention: If you live in an apartment building, even the most secure passwords can be cracked using brute-force attacks. Change your Wi-Fi password regularly (every 3-6 months) and monitor your connected devices.

7. What to do if nothing helps: radical measures

If other people's devices keep appearing despite all security measures, it's possible:

• 🕵️ Your router infected with malware (For example, VPNFilter or Mirai).
• 🔌 Someone has physical access to the router (for example, neighbors or office employees).
• 📡 Yours the provider uses a common network (for example, in some new buildings or hotels).

In such cases:

1. 🔄 Reset your router to factory settings:

   Press and hold the button Reset (usually on the back panel) for 10-15 seconds. After that, set up the router again from scratch.

2. 🛡️ Check your router for viruses:

   Use antivirus utilities for routers, for example, Bitdefender Box or F-Secure SENSEThey scan the network for suspicious activity.

3. 📞 Contact your provider:

   Check if your router is being used to share internet with other subscribers (sometimes this is specified in the contract). Ask for a replacement. MAC address of the WAN port.

4. 🔧 Replace the router:

   If the model is outdated (for example, TP-Link TL-WR740N or D-Link DIR-300), it is becoming increasingly easier to hack. Modern routers (for example, ASUS RT-AX88U or Keenetic Ultra) have better protection.

If you suspect that your traffic is being used for illegal activities (for example, DDoS attacks or distribution of pirated content), Change all passwords immediately (Wi-Fi, router, provider) and save activity logs. As a last resort, report unauthorized access to the police.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about Wi-Fi Security

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

No, you can't identify the owner using the MAC address or device name. The most you can learn is the gadget's model (for example, iPhone 12 or Samsung Galaxy S21). To identify the hacker, you will need the help of your provider or law enforcement agencies (if a crime has been committed).

❓ Why do unknown devices with names like "android-12345" appear in the device list?

These could be:

• Smart devices (lamps, sockets, cameras) that you forgot.
• Gadgets of guests to whom you gave the password a long time ago.
• Devices that automatically connect to open networks (some printers or media players).

Check if these devices are active (last connected time). If they're not interfering, you can leave them on, but it's best to block them just in case.

❓ How can I secure my Wi-Fi if I have an older router that doesn't support WPA3?

Possible measures:

• Use WPA2-PSK with the longest password (20+ characters).
• Turn it off WPS And UPnP.
• Set up MAC filtering (although this is not a panacea).
• Connect the router through another, more modern one (bridge mode).

If your router is more than 5-7 years old, consider replacing it with newer models (for example, TP-Link Archer AX6000) support WPA3 and protection against brute force attacks.

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

Yes, hiding the network name (SSID) is not reliable protection. An experienced user can:

• Find your network by scanning the air (programs like Wireshark or Airodump-ng).
• Connect manually, knowing the network name and password.

Hiding SSID It's more of a hindrance to legitimate users than to hackers. It's better to focus on a strong password and WPA3.

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

Signs that your traffic may be intercepted:

• Unusual activity in router log (chapter Logs or System Log).
• A sharp increase in outgoing traffic (check in your provider's personal account).
• The appearance of unfamiliar devices with MAC addresses, belonging to popular hackers (for example, Raspberry Pi or ESP8266).

For protection:

• Use VPN on all devices.
• Turn on firewall on the router (if any).
• Check your settings DNS - they must point to the provider's servers or 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare), and not to suspicious IPs.