How to find out the number of Wi-Fi connections: all the methods for 2026 routers

Have you noticed your internet has slowed down, and pages are loading slowly? Perhaps unauthorized devices have connected to your Wi-Fi network—neighbors, guests, or even hackers exploiting vulnerabilities in your router's security. Checking the number of Wi-Fi connections It helps not only identify "unnecessary" gadgets, but also optimize the network load if there are too many of them.

In this article you will find current methods for routers of all popular brands - from budget ones TP-Link And D-Link to bonuses ASUS RT-AX88U And Keenetic UltraWe'll look at how to view a list of devices through web interface, mobile applications like Tether or Mi Wi-Fi, as well as advanced methods like ARP scanning for experienced users. Let's dwell on the fact that How to distinguish legitimate devices from suspicious ones using their MAC address and hostname.

If you've never accessed your router settings before, don't worry. The instructions are designed so even a novice can handle them. And for those who want to automate the process, we've prepared an overview of specialized utilities, such as Wireless Network Watcher And Fing.

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

The most reliable method is to access the router's control panel through a browser. This method works on 99% of modern models, regardless of manufacturer. All you need is a computer or smartphone connected to the internet and login information (usually found on a sticker on the device).

Algorithm of actions:

• 🌐 Open your browser and enter in the address bar 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1 (less often - 192.168.8.1 for some models Xiaomi). If the page does not open, check the IP address or try router.asus.com (For ASUS) or my.keenetic.net (For Keenetic).
• 🔑 Enter your login and password (by default it is often admin/admin or admin/empty field). If you changed them but forgot, reset the router settings using the button Reset (hold for 10 seconds).
• 📊 Find the section with a list of connected devices. Its name depends on the model:
  • For TP-Link: DHCP → DHCP Clients or Wireless Mode → Wireless Mode Statistics
  • For ASUS: Network map (in the top menu) or Local Area Network → DHCP Clients
  • For Keenetic: Devices (in the main menu on the left)
  • For Xiaomi: Devices → Connected devices

In the table you will see:

• 📱 Device name (if it is configured - for example, iPhone-12-Pro or Samsung-Galaxy-S23)
• 🔢 MAC address (a unique identifier that allows you to distinguish your gadgets from others)
• 📶 Connection type (Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz or via Ethernet cable)
• ⏱️ IP address and connection time (for some models)

⚠️ Warning: If the list contains devices with unfamiliar MAC addresses or names like android-123456, Unknown, Host-XX:XX:XX — this is a reason to check your network security. Perhaps someone connected without your knowledge.

Block the MAC address in the router settings | Change the Wi-Fi password to a more complex one | Enable MAC address filtering | Update the router firmware -->

2. Using mobile applications (for smartphones)

If you find the web interface inconvenient, you can use official apps from router manufacturers. They typically offer a more user-friendly interface and notifications about new connections.

Popular apps:

• 📱 TP-Link Tether — for routers TP-Link (Archer, Deco, TL-WR)
• 📱 ASUS Router — for devices ASUS (RT-AX, RT-AC series)
• 📱 Mi Wi-Fi (or Xiaomi Wi-Fi) - for routers Xiaomi And Redmi
• 📱 Keenetic — for routers Zyxel Keenetic
• 📱 D-Link Wi-Fi — for devices D-Link (DIR, DSL series)

How to use (using example) TP-Link Tether):

1. Download the app from App Store or Google Play.
2. Connect your smartphone to your router's Wi-Fi network.
3. Launch the application - it will automatically find the router on the local network.
4. Enter your login and password (the same as for the web interface).
5. Go to the section Devices or Clients — there will be a list of all connected gadgets.

Advantages of mobile applications:

• ✅ Notifications about new connections (can be configured in settings)
• ✅ Ability to block devices directly from the app
• ✅ View connection history (on some models)
• ✅ Remote router management (if cloud access is enabled)

⚠️ Warning: Third-party (unofficial) apps may collect data about your network. Use only apps from the router manufacturer or trusted utilities like Fing.

3. Advanced Methods: Command Line and ARP Scanning

If you have access to a computer running Windows, macOS or LinuxYou can find out the number of Wi-Fi connections without logging into the router. This method is useful if you don't know your login details or want to check your network for "invisible" devices.

For Windows:

1. Open Command line (Win + R → enter cmd → Enter).
2. Enter the command:

   arp -a

   It will display an ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) table with the IP and MAC addresses of all devices on the local network.

3. To save the list to a file, use:

   arp -a > devices.txt

   File devices.txt will appear on the desktop.

For macOS/Linux:

1. Open Terminal.
2. Enter:

   nmap -sn 192.168.1.0/24

   (replace 192.168.1.0 to your subnet, if it is different).

3. For a detailed scan with identification of manufacturers by MAC:

   sudo nmap -O -sn 192.168.1.0/24

What does the data in the output mean:

If the list contains MAC addresses with prefixes 00:0C:29 (VMware), 00:50:56 (virtual machines) or B8:27:EB (Raspberry Pi) - these may be legitimate devices. But addresses with unknown manufacturers (for example, Xiaomi If you don't have gadgets of this brand, it's worth checking.

4. Specialized programs for network monitoring

If you need to not only know the number of connections but also monitor them in real time, use third-party utilities. They are suitable for advanced users and network administrators.

Top 5 Wi-Fi Analysis Software:

• 🔍 Wireless Network Watcher (free, for Windows) - scans the network and displays all devices with IP, MAC and manufacturer.
• 🔍 Fing (there are versions for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS) - identifies open ports and vulnerabilities.
• 🔍 Angry IP Scanner (cross-platform) - quickly scans IP ranges and exports results to CSV.
• 🔍 GlassWire (paid, but trial available) - shows not only devices, but also the traffic they consume.
• 🔍 NetCut — allows you to block suspicious devices directly from the program interface.

Example of working with Wireless Network Watcher:

1. Download the program from the official website NirSoft.
2. Launch WNetWatcher.exe (no installation required).
3. Click Start Scanning - after a few seconds a list of all devices on the network will appear.
4. To save the report, select File → Save As.

Advantages of specialized programs:

• 📈 Traffic visualization (who uses the most internet)
• 🔒 Ability to block devices without access to the router
• 📊 Export data to CSV/Excel for analysis
• 🔔 Notifications about new connections

⚠️ Attention: Some programs (for example, NetCut) may conflict with antivirus software. Add them to the exclusions or temporarily disable protection during scanning.

How can I hide my device from such programs?

To prevent your computer or smartphone from appearing in the list of connections, you can:

1. Disable responses to ARP requests (requires administrator rights).

2. Use a static IP outside the router's DHCP range.

3. Enable "invisibility" mode in the network card settings (does not always work).

However, these methods may disrupt your network, so use them with caution.

5. Checking through the provider (if the router is rented)

If your router is provided by your internet service provider (e.g. Rostelecom, Beeline, MTS), it may have limited functionality, and standard methods won't work. In this case:

1. Call your ISP's support team and ask if they have tools for monitoring connections.
2. Some providers (eg Dom.ru) offer a personal account with a "My Devices" section.
3. If the router supports the protocol TR-069, the provider can remotely check the client list.

Example for subscribers Rostelecom:

• 📱 Log in to the app Rostelecom personal account.
• Go to the section Internet → My Equipment.
• Select your router - a list of connected devices may be displayed there (not always relevant).

⚠️ Please note: Providers rarely provide full access to the settings of rented routers. If you need advanced features, consider purchasing your own device.

6. How to distinguish your devices from others?

Finding "extra" devices in the list of connections can be difficult, especially if you have a lot of gadgets. Here proven algorithm:

1. Make a list of your devices:
   • 📱 Smartphones, tablets
   • 💻 Laptops, PCs
   • 📺 TVs, set-top boxes (Apple TV, Xiaomi Mi Box)
   • 🎮 Game consoles (PlayStation, Xbox)
   • 🔊 Smart speakers (Yandex Station, Amazon Echo)
   • 💡 Smart bulbs, sockets, cameras
2. Check MAC addresses:
   • On Android: Settings → About phone → General information → Wi-Fi MAC address
   • On iPhone: Settings → Wi-Fi → ⓘ next to the network → MAC address
   • On Windows: Start → Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi → Desired network → Properties

Compare with the data from the router:

• If there are MAC addresses in the list that are not in your list, this is suspicious.
• Please note the manufacturer by MAC (for example, Apple, Samsung, Xiaomi).

Signs of "left" devices:

• 🚨 Unknown MAC addresses with prefixes 00:00:00, FF:FF:FF or random symbols.
• 🚨 Devices with names Unknown, Host, Client.
• 🚨 Gadgets connected at unusual times (at night, when everyone is sleeping).
• 🚨 MAC addresses belonging to manufacturers whose devices you do not have (e.g. Huawei, if you only have Apple And Samsung).

7. What to do if extraneous connections are found?

Found unfamiliar devices on the network? Follow these steps:

1. Block unwanted MAC addresses:
   • In the router's web interface, find the section MAC filtering or Access control.
   • Add suspicious MAC to blacklist.
2. Change your Wi-Fi password:
   • Use a complex password (at least 12 characters with numbers, letters and symbols).
   • Don't use standard passwords like 12345678 or qwerty.
3. Update your router firmware:
   • Outdated versions of software contain vulnerabilities that hackers exploit.
   • Check for updates in the section System → Software Update.
4. Enable 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.

Set up MAC filtering:

• Allow connections only for known MAC addresses (your devices).
• Cons: You will have to add each new gadget manually.

If suspicious connections reappear:

• 🔄 Reset your router to factory settings (button Reset).
• 🔄 Check your computers for viruses (some Trojans distribute Wi-Fi access).
• 🔄 Place the router in a less accessible location (for example, not near a window).

8. Frequently asked questions and errors

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

This is normal—not all devices broadcast their hostname to the network. Most often, they display like this:

• Smart light bulbs and sockets (eg Xiaomi Mi Home)
• Some models of TVs and set-top boxes
• Devices with the function disabled mDNS or LLMNR

To identify them, compare the MAC addresses with the list of your gadgets.

❓ Is it possible to find out which websites connected devices visit?

Yes, but this requires additional settings:

• On routers with firmware DD-WRT or OpenWRT You can enable traffic logging.
• Use programs like Wireshark (for experienced users).
• Some routers (eg. ASUS With AiProtection) show statistics of visited sites.

⚠️ Please note: collecting this information may violate privacy laws (for example, if you monitor your neighbors' traffic).

❓ How many devices can be connected to Wi-Fi simultaneously?

It depends on the router model and its technical characteristics:

Router type	Max. number of connections	Examples of models
Budget (up to 1000 rubles)	10–20	TP-Link TL-WR840N, D-Link DIR-300
Middle class	30–50	ASUS RT-AC66U, Keenetic Start
Premium (Gaming, Mesh)	100+	ASUS RT-AX88U, Netgear Nighthawk

If you have more devices than your router can handle, your internet speed will drop. The solution is to update the firmware or upgrade to a more powerful model.

❓ Why are some devices displayed in the list but not connected?

These could be:

• 📱 Devices in sleep mode (for example, a laptop with the lid closed).
• 📱 Gadgets that recently disconnected, but their IP has not yet been released (DHCP lease).
• 📱 Devices with static IP, which the router remembers even after being disconnected.

To clear the list, reboot the router or reduce the DHCP lease time in the settings.

❓ How do I check my Wi-Fi connection without accessing the router?

If you don't have administrator rights but are connected to the network:

• 🔍 Use Fing or Wireless Network Watcher (will show devices on your subnet).
• 🔍 In Windows run the command arp -a (but it will not show all devices).
• 🔍 On Android try the app Network Scanner.

Limitation: You will only see devices that are actively exchanging packets on the network.