How to See How Many Devices Are Connected to Your Wi-Fi: A Complete Guide (2026)

Have you noticed that the Internet has become slower and the videos on YouTube Is your Wi-Fi constantly freezing? Perhaps unauthorized devices—neighbors, guests, or even hackers exploiting router security vulnerabilities—have connected to your network. According to research Kaspersky 2026, every fifth home router has at least one unauthorized connection, while 68% of users are not even aware of it.

In this article you will learn how check the number of users on Wi-Fi Using built-in router tools, mobile apps, and specialized software. We'll cover methods for different hardware models (TP-Link, ASUS, Keenetic, MikroTik), and we'll also show you how to identify "unnecessary" devices and block them. Important: Some methods require administrator rights, so be sure to have your router control panel login and password ready.

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

The most reliable way is to log into the router's admin panel. This method works on 99% of modern models, including budget devices from Tenda or Mercusys. You will need any browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge) and access to the local network.

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 Huawei). If the page doesn't open, check the gateway IP address in your computer's network settings.
• 🔑 Enter your login and password (by default it is often admin/admin (or indicated on the router sticker). If you changed them but forgot, you'll have to reset the settings using the button. Reset.
• 📊 Find the section with the list of connected devices. Depending on the firmware version, it may be called:
  • DHCP Clients List (English version)
  • Devices on the network / Client list (Russian version)
  • Wireless → Wireless Statistics (For ASUS)

In the table with devices you will see:

Please note: Some routers (eg. Zyxel Keenetic) hide the MAC addresses of other devices for privacy purposes. In this case, only specialized software can help.

2. Using mobile apps (for beginners)

If you're uncomfortable using the web interface, try official apps from router manufacturers. They're free and often offer a more user-friendly interface for network monitoring.

Popular apps:

• 📱 TP-Link Tether — for routers TP-Link (shows a list of devices with real-time traffic).
• 📱 ASUS Router — for devices ASUS (there is a “Family Control” function for blocking unknown gadgets).
• 📱 Keenetic — for routers Zyxel Keenetic (displays connection history for the last 7 days).
• 📱 WiFi Map — a universal application for Android/iOS (scans the network and shows all connected devices, even without access to the router).

Example of working with TP-Link Tether:

1. Download the app from App Store or Google Play.
2. Connect to your Wi-Fi network.
3. Click on the router icon in the main menu → Devices.
4. Browse the list. Unknown gadgets will be marked as Unknown.

Warning: third-party applications (eg Fing or NetScan) may show inaccurate data if a VPN or proxy is used on the network. For accuracy, it's best to combine them with a router check.

3. Team arp -a in Windows (without access to the router)

If you don't have access to your router's admin panel but are connected to its network, you can use the command line. WindowsThis method will show all devices that have communicated with your PC in the last few minutes.

Instructions:

1. Click Win + R, enter cmd and press Enter.
2. Enter the command:

   arp -a

3. Review the list of IP and MAC addresses. Compare them with known devices.

Example output:

Interface: 192.168.0.100 --- 0x12
Internet Address Physical Address Type
192.168.0.1 00-1a-2b-3c-4d-5e dynamic
192.168.0.101 a1-b2-c3-d4-e5-f6 dynamic

⚠️ Attention: This method will only show devices that have recently interacted with your computer. "Sleeping" devices (such as a smartphone in power-saving mode) may not be displayed. For a full network scan, use the command ping:

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

4. Network scanning programs (advanced level)

For a thorough network analysis, specialized utilities are suitable. They will not only show the number of connected devices but also help identify traffic leaks, open ports, and potential vulnerabilities.

Top 3 programs:

• 🖥️ Advanced IP Scanner — a free utility for Windows, scans the local network and displays all active hosts with the manufacturer indicated by MAC address.
• 🖥️ Angry IP Scanner - cross-platform software (works on Windows, macOS, Linux). Supports export of reports to .csv.
• 🖥️ Nmap — a powerful tool for professionals. Allows you to scan ports and identify device types. The command for a basic scan is:

  nmap -sn 192.168.0.0/24

How to identify the manufacturer by MAC address?

The MAC address consists of two parts: the first 3 bytes (OUI) indicate the manufacturer. For example:

- 00:1A:2B — Intel

- 3C:5A:B4 — Google (devices Nest or Chromecast)

- 78:31:C1 — Apple

The full OUI database can be found on the website IEEE or in the program Wireshark.

Advantages of the programs: they show all devices on the network, even those that are not directly connected to your router (for example, through a repeater Wi-Fi). Disadvantage: requires installation and basic knowledge of network technologies.

5. How to identify and block "unnecessary" devices

Found an unknown device online? Don't rush to block it—first, make sure it's not:

• 📺 Smart devices (TV, speaker Amazon Echo, robot vacuum cleaner).
• 🖨️ Printer or MFP with Wi-Fi Direct function.
• 📱 Guest device, which you previously allowed to connect.

If the device is definitely not yours, follow the algorithm:

1. Check its MAC address through the router's web interface (section Wireless MAC Filter or Security).
2. Add the address to blacklist (function MAC Filtering).
3. Change your Wi-Fi password to a more complex one (use a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols that is at least 12 characters long).
4. Update your router firmware—older versions often contain vulnerabilities that allow connections without a password.

Change the network password to a complex one (WPA3)

Enable MAC address filtering

Disable WPS (vulnerable protocol)

Update your router's firmware

Hide SSID (don't show network name)

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⚠️ Attention: If a device with a MAC address starting with appears on your network 00:00:00, FF:FF:FF or 00:50:C2 (virtual addresses), this may be a sign spam or attackReboot your router immediately and check your security settings.

6. Features for different router models

Router manufacturers use different firmware versions, so the location of device information sections may vary. We've compiled brief instructions for popular brands.

🔹 For routers Xiaomi (series Mi Router) the list of devices is only available through the mobile application Mi Wi-Fi. Their web interface is stripped down.

🔹 In devices Mercusys (budget line TP-Link) the section with clients can be called Wireless → Wireless Statistics.

7. Common mistakes and how to avoid them

When checking connected devices, users often encounter serious problems. Here are the most common ones and how to solve them:

• 🔄 The device list is not updated. → Restart your router or clear your browser cache. Chrome To do this, click Ctrl + Shift + Del.
• 🔒 No access to the web interface → Check if a firewall or antivirus is blocking access. Try a different browser (e.g. Firefox in incognito mode).
• 📡 5 GHz devices are not displayed → Make sure your device is connected to the same frequency as your router. Some models display 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz clients in separate tabs.
• ⚠️ New unknown devices are constantly appearing → This could be a sign Wi-Fi piracyChange your password immediately and enable MAC filtering.

⚠️ Attention: If after blocking a foreign device it continues to appear on the network, this may mean that:

1. The attacker has spoofed his MAC address (use IP binding in addition to the MAC filter).
2. Your router is infected with malware (update firmware to the latest version).
3. It's working online Wi-Fi repeater, to which other gadgets are connected.

FAQ: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, but you need a router with this function traffic logging (For example, ASUS RT-AX88U or Keenetic Giga). Look for the section in the menu Traffic Monitor or Visitor log. Alternative - program Wireshark, but it requires skills in working with network protocols.

⚠️ Collecting this information may violate privacy laws in some countries. Use it only for legitimate purposes (e.g., parental controls).

Why does my device appear twice in the device list?

It's normal if:

• You are connected at the same time Wi-Fi And cable (for example, laptop + docking station).
• Your device supports dual Wi-Fi (simultaneously 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz).
• Feature enabled Wi-Fi Direct or Hotspot.

To avoid confusion, disable unnecessary connections in your network settings.

How to check how many devices are connected to Wi-Fi from a phone without apps?

On Android:

1. Open Settings → Wi-Fi.
2. Click on your network name → Network management (or Additionally).
3. Find the section Connected devices (not available on all smartphones).

On iPhone There is no such function - use applications like Fing or Net Analyzer.

Can a router block suspicious devices on its own?

Yes, if it supports the function Intrusion Prevention System (IPS)It is available in routers:

• ASUS (series RT-AX)
• Netgear Nighthawk
• Synology RT2600ac

Included in section Security → IPS or Protection → Intrusion Prevention.

What is the maximum number of devices that can be connected to one router?

The theoretical limit depends on the Wi-Fi standard:

• Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n): up to 32 devices.
• Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac): up to 64 devices.
• Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax): up to 128 devices (due to technology OFDMA).

In practice, with just 20–25 devices, this can be observed speed drop, especially if they actively use the Internet (streaming, online games).