Who's Connected to My Wi-Fi? A Complete Guide to Checking and Protecting Your Network

Have you noticed that your internet is slower than usual? Or is your router flickering more often than before? It's possible that other devices have connected to your Wi-Fi network. According to Kaspersky, every fifth router in Russia has vulnerabilities that allow hackers or neighbors to use your traffic. But how can you know for sure? Who's using your Wi-Fi?, and what to do if you find unfamiliar gadgets?

In this article, we'll cover all the ways to check connected devices—from standard router functions to specialized apps. You'll learn how to distinguish legitimate devices from unauthorized ones, why it's important to regularly audit your network, and what settings can help prevent unauthorized access. And if you've already found unwanted devices, we'll show you how to block them permanently.

Why is it important to monitor Wi-Fi connections?

Many users believe that an extra device on the network is just a minor speed loss. In reality, the consequences can be much more serious:

• 🛡️ Identity theft: Through vulnerabilities in the router, attackers can intercept passwords, browser history, or even access to smart devices in the home (cameras, speakers).
• 🐢 Speed ​​drop: One "extra" device downloading torrents can take up to 80% of the channel, leaving you without the ability to watch 4K videos.
• 💰 Financial losses: If you have a limited data plan, third-party connections may result in additional charges for exceeding the limit.
• 🔌 Router overload: Cheap models support a limited number of connections (often 10–15 devices). Exceeding this limit leads to network lag.

Moreover, in 2023 Roskomnadzor I've documented cases where other people's Wi-Fi networks were used to distribute malware or even launch DDoS attacks. In such cases, the router owner could become an accomplice to cybercrime without even realizing it.

⚠️ Attention: If you are using a router from a provider (for example, Rostelecom or Beeline), standard login data for the control panel (admin/admin) may have been changed. Check your contract or the device sticker for details.

Method 1: Checking via the router's web interface

The most reliable method is to go to your router settings. There you'll see a full list of connected devices and their MAC addresses, IP, and even names (if they are broadcast). The instructions are universal for most models: TP-Link, ASUS, Keenetic, Zyxel and others.

Steps to log in:

1. Connect to the router's network (via Wi-Fi or cable).
2. Open your browser and enter your router's IP address in the address bar. This is usually:
   • 192.168.0.1 (For D-Link, Tenda)
   • 192.168.1.1 (For TP-Link, ASUS)
   • 192.168.8.1 (for some models Huawei)

Enter your login and password (by default it is often admin/admin or admin/password).

Next, go to the section with the device list. Its name depends on the model:

• 📋 TP-Link: DHCP → DHCP Clients or Wireless Mode → Statistics
• 🖥️ ASUS: Network map or Local Area Network → Clients
• 🌐 Keenetic: Devices (in the main menu)
• 🔗 Zyxel: Network → Local Network → DHCP Clients

In the table you will see:

If the list contains devices with unfamiliar MAC addresses or suspicious names (for example, "android_123456"), they should be blocked. To learn how to do this, read the section on network protection.

Method 2: Mobile apps for network monitoring

If accessing your router settings is inconvenient, you can use dedicated apps. They scan the network and display all connected devices directly on your smartphone screen. The best options are:

• 📱 Fing (Android/iOS): identifies devices, their manufacturers, and even network vulnerabilities. A free version with basic features is available.
• 🔍 NetScan (Android): Displays MAC addresses, IP addresses, and connection history. Supports notifications for new devices.
• 🛡️ WiFi Guard (Android): Compares current connections with a "white list" and signals about outsiders.
• 🍎 Network Analyzer (iOS): A simple network scanning tool with traffic visualization.

Example of working with Fing:

1. Download the app and connect to your Wi-Fi network.
2. Click "Scan" - a list of devices will appear in 10-20 seconds.
3. Click on any device to see details: MAC, manufacturer, open ports.

The advantage of apps is that they often recognize types of devices (smartphone, TV, camera) and show their icons. For example, if an unfamiliar person appears online Smart TV, this is a reason to be wary.

⚠️ Note: Some apps require root access on Android for deep network analysis. Without root access, they may not display all devices.

Check your MAC address using online services (e.g. MAC Vendors)

Compare with your list of gadgets

Try disconnecting the device through the router.

Change your Wi-Fi password if your suspicions are confirmed-->

Method 3: Command Prompt (for Windows and macOS)

If you prefer to work without additional software, you can use the operating system's built-in tools. This method is suitable for experienced users.

For Windows:

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

   arp -a

   It will display an ARP table with IP and MAC addresses of all devices on the local network.

3. To see active connections, use:

   net view

For macOS:

1. Open Terminal (through Spotlight or Programs → Utilities).
2. Enter:

   arp -a

3. For a detailed network scan, use:

   nmap -sn 192.168.1.0/24

   (pre-install Nmap through brew install nmap).

The results of the commands will have to be analyzed manually. For example, if the output arp -a If you see a MAC address that's not in your list of devices, this is cause for concern. To make things easier, you can export the results to a file:

arp -a > wifi_devices.txt

Method 4: Analyzing traffic through a router

Some routers not only allow you to see connected devices but also analyze their traffic. This helps identify "spammy" devices that are actively consuming internet. For example, if your smartphone is idle at night, but the router shows high outgoing traffic, someone is using your network.

Where to find traffic statistics:

• 📊 ASUS: Traffic analysis or Network monitoring.
• 📈 Keenetic: Statistics → Traffic.
• 🔄 TP-Link: Advanced Settings → Traffic Statistics.

Please note:

• 🕒 Activity time: If a device is consuming traffic at 3 a.m. when everyone is asleep, it's suspicious.
• 📥 Data volume: one device should not transfer tens of gigabytes per day (unless it is your PC with torrents).
• 🌍 GeolocationSome routers display the countries to which devices are connected. If your smartphone suddenly "travels" to China, that's a warning sign.

For example, in Keenetic You can set up alerts for exceeded traffic limits. If a device downloads more than 5 GB in an hour, the router will send an email notification.

⚠️ Note: Traffic analysis features may be disabled by default. Enable them in your router settings if you want to monitor your data usage in real time.

Method 5: Checking through your provider (for Rostelecom, Beeline, and MTS subscribers)

Some internet service providers provide their own network monitoring tools. For example, Rostelecom There is a personal account with a "My Network" section where connected devices are displayed. Beeline In its application, it shows a list of gadgets and their activity.

How to check:

1. Log in to your personal account on the provider's website or open their mobile app.
2. Find the "Wi-Fi," "My Network," or "Devices" section.
3. Review the list of connected devices. You can usually block unknown devices there.

The advantage of this method is that you don't need to access your router settings. However, there are some disadvantages:

• ❌ Data is updated with a delay (not in real time).
• ❌ Not all providers provide this feature (for example, MGTS it may not exist).
• ❌ Sometimes only devices connected via cable are displayed, not via Wi-Fi.

If your personal account doesn't contain information about connected devices, use the other methods in this article.

Which providers support device verification through a personal account?

As of 2026, the following companies provide Wi-Fi device monitoring via a personal account or app:

- Rostelecom (section "My Network")

- Beeline (Wi-Fi tab)

- MTS (only for some tariffs with a rented router)

- Third Transport Ring (partially, through the "My TTK" application)

Check with your provider to see if this feature is still available—interfaces may change.

How to block unauthorized devices

If you find unfamiliar devices on the network, you should disconnect them immediately. Here are four ways to do this:

1. Blocking by MAC address

The most reliable method is to add the MAC address to the blacklist. Instructions for TP-Link:

1. Go to your router settings (192.168.1.1).
2. Go to Wireless Mode → MAC Filter.
3. Enter the MAC address of the unknown device and save the settings.

2. Change your Wi-Fi password

If you're unsure which device is the wrong one, it's easier to change the network password:

1. Find it in your router settings Wireless Mode → Security.
2. Select encryption type WPA2-PSK (or WPA3, if supported).
3. Create a complex password (at least 12 characters, with numbers and special characters).

3. Disabling DHCP for a specific device

In some routers (for example, ASUS) you can bind an IP to a MAC address and disable the issuance of addresses to other devices:

1. Go to Local Network → DHCP Server.
2. Find the "Reservation" or "IP-MAC Binding" section.
3. Add your devices to the list and disable DHCP for the rest.

4. Enabling the "Client Isolation" feature

This option prevents devices on the network from "seeing" each other. This is useful if you frequently connect guests but don't want to risk it:

• IN TP-Link: Advanced Settings → Wireless Mode → Client Isolation.
• IN ASUS: Local Area Network → AP Isolation.

After blocking, it is necessary to:

• 🔄 Reboot your router.
• 📱 Check that your devices have reconnected.
• 🔍 Rescan your network after 10-15 minutes.

How to protect your Wi-Fi from future hacking

To avoid encountering unwanted connections again, follow these rules:

• 🔐 Complex password: Use a combination of 12+ characters with uppercase letters, numbers and signs (P@ssw0rd!2026 - a bad example, 7h#kL9!pQ2$vR4 - better).
• 🔄 Changing your password regularly: update it every 2-3 months.
• 📵 Disabling WPSThis feature is vulnerable to brute-force attacks. Disable it in your router settings.
• 🛡️ Firmware update: Manufacturers regularly patch vulnerabilities. Check for updates quarterly.
• 👤 Guest networkIf you have frequent guests, create a separate network with limited access to local resources.

Additional measures for advanced users:

• 🔗 VPN on a router: some models (ASUS, Keenetic) support a VPN server. This encrypts all network traffic.
• 📡 Hiding the SSID: Turn off network name broadcasting (Hide SSID (in the settings). This won't protect you from experienced hackers, but it will reduce the number of accidental connections.
• ⏱️ Wi-Fi schedule: Set the network to turn off automatically when you are away (for example, from 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM).

If you are using a router from a provider (for example, Sagemcom from Rostelecom), check if any ports for remote control are open. Close them in the section Port forwarding or Firewall.

⚠️ Attention: Some smart devices (such as cameras) Xiaomi or columns Alice) can create their own networks or connect to cloud services. If you see an unfamiliar device with the name miio123456, it could be a legitimate gadget, not a hacker.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about connected devices

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

No, you can only determine the device model and its manufacturer using the MAC or IP address (for example, Samsung Galaxy S22). It's impossible to determine the owner's identity without the involvement of law enforcement. If you suspect targeted hacking, contact the police with the router logs.

Why do unfamiliar gadgets with names like "Android_abc123" appear in the list of devices?

These could be:

1. Guest devices that were previously connected and did not disconnect correctly.
2. Smart gadgets (lamps, sockets, vacuum cleaners) that you forgot to take into account.
3. Neighbors who can pick up your signal if your network isn't password protected.

Check your MAC address using the service MAC Vendors - it will show the manufacturer of the device.

I changed my password, but other people's devices still connect. What should I do?

Possible reasons:

• The password was hacked through a vulnerability WPS or weak encryption (WEP).
• Someone saved the password in the cloud (for example, through Google Wi-Fi or iCloud Keychain).
• The router is infected with malware (rare, but possible).

Solution:

1. Reset the router to factory settings (button Reset on the back panel).
2. Update your firmware to the latest version.
3. Re-configure the network with a new name (SSID) and password.

Is it possible to track the physical location of a device on my network?

The exact location cannot be determined, but the distance to the device can be roughly estimated:

• Use apps like WiFi Analyzer (Android) that show the signal strength (RSSI). The closer the device is to the router, the higher the value (for example, -30 dBm - near, -80 dBm - far).
• If the device is connected via cable, check the physical ports on the router—it's possible someone has connected directly.

For accurate tracking, specialized tools are needed (for example, Kismet), which require deep knowledge of networks.

Why do hackers connect to other people's Wi-Fi networks?

Main motives:

• 💻 Safe Internet access: to hide your activity (for example, to download pirated content).
• 🕵️ Data interception: If the network is not secure, you can access files on connected devices.
• 💰 Cryptocurrency mining: using your traffic and computing power for mining Bitcoin or Monero.
• 📡 Expanding your network: Some create "bridges" between networks to bypass blockages.
• 🎮 Online games: Gamers connect to other people's networks to reduce ping.