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

Have you noticed that your internet has become slower than usual? Or is your router blinking suspiciously frequently, even when all your home devices are turned off? Someone else may have connected to your Wi-Fi network. According to Kaspersky, every fifth router in Russia has vulnerabilities that allow hackers or neighbors to use someone else's traffic. In this article, we'll look at how check the list of connected devices, identify unfamiliar devices, and reliably protect your network from intrusions—without unnecessary technical difficulties.

Unauthorized access isn't just a problem for home networks. In offices, cafes, and hotels, owners often encounter employees or guests connecting unnecessary devices, overloading the network. We've compiled some universal methods that work on routers. TP-Link, ASUS, Keenetic, Zyxel and other popular brands. And if you rent or move frequently, these tips will help you avoid unpleasant surprises with data overage charges.

Why is it important to monitor Wi-Fi connections?

Many users mistakenly believe that an "extra" connection to their network will only cause a slight speed reduction. In reality, the consequences can be more serious:

• 📉 Traffic theftThird-party devices consume your internet connection, which affects online games, video calls, and file downloads. This is especially critical for plans with a GB limit.
• 🔍 Data leakAttackers can use your router to intercept passwords for social media, banking apps, or work email if your network isn't secure enough.
• 🚨 Legal risksIf illegal activity (such as downloading pirated content) is carried out using your IP address, the network owner will be held liable.
• 🦠 Spread of virusesAn infected device on your network can automatically infect other devices connected to the same router.

According to statistics Avast61% of users never change their router's default settings after purchase, making their networks an easy target. Even if you're confident your password is secure, guests or previous tenants (if you're renting) could have snooped on it. Regularly checking your connected devices is essential. inspection of locks in the houseIt's better to spend 5 minutes on diagnostics than to deal with the consequences later.

⚠️ Attention: If you are using a router from a provider (for example, Rostelecom, Beeline or MTS), its firmware may restrict access to some security features. In this case, contact your carrier's support to unlock additional settings.

Methods for checking connected devices

There are several ways to find out who's connected to your Wi-Fi. The method you choose depends on your router model and your level of technical expertise. We'll cover the options from the simplest to the most advanced.

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

This is the most reliable method, which works on 99% of modern routers. You'll need any device (computer, smartphone, or tablet) connected to your network.

1. Find out your router's IP address. It is usually indicated on a sticker on the back of the device (e.g. 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1). If there is no sticker, on Windows, run the command in Command line:

   ipconfig

   Look for the line "Default gateway" - this is the router address.

2. Enter the address in your browserOpen any browser (Chrome, Edge, Firefox) and enter the router's IP address in the address bar. Click Enter.
3. Log in. Enter your login and password (by default it is often admin/admin or admin/password). If it doesn't fit, check the sticker on the router.
4. Find the section with connected devicesDepending on the model, the path may differ:
   • 🔹 TP-Link: Wireless Mode → Wireless Mode Statistics or DHCP → DHCP Client List
   • 🔹 ASUS: Network Map → Devices or Local Network → DHCP Server
   • 🔹 Keenetic: Devices → Device List
   • 🔹 Zyxel: Network → Local Network → List of Leased Addresses

In this section, you'll see a table with all devices currently or previously connected to your network. Typically, the following will be displayed:

• 📱 Device name (if configured)
• 🔢 MAC address (unique identifier)
• 🌐 IP address on the local network
• ⏱ Connection time

Check if you are connected to this router's Wi-Fi|Reboot your router and try again|Reset your router by pressing the Reset button (hold for 10 seconds)|Try a different browser (e.g. Firefox instead of Chrome)|Make sure you enter the address without "http://" or "www"-->

2. Via mobile applications

Many router manufacturers offer official apps for managing your network from your smartphone. This is convenient if you need to quickly check your connections without accessing the web interface.

Apps usually show a more user-friendly interface than the web version and allow block devices directly from your phoneFor example, in Tether from TP-Link Simply click on the suspicious device and select "Block".

Via the router's web interface|Via a mobile app|Using third-party programs (like Fing)|Never tested|Another method-->

3. Using third-party programs

If standard methods don't work (for example, if you have an old router without a proper interface), you can use specialized utilities. They scan the local network and display all connected devices.

• 🖥 For Windows:
  • Advanced IP Scanner — a free program with a simple interface. It displays IP addresses, MAC addresses, and device manufacturers.
  • Wireless Network Watcher - a small utility from NirSoft, which automatically updates the list of devices.
• 📱 For Android/iOS:
  • Fing — the most popular network scanning app. It shows not only devices but also open ports.
  • Network Scanner — an alternative with advanced features (e.g. ping tests).

These programs are useful if you want monitor connections in real time or save logs for further analysis. For example, Fing can send notifications when a new device appears on the network.

⚠️ Attention: Some antivirus programs (for example, Kaspersky or Dr.Web) may block network scanners, considering them potentially dangerous. If the program isn't working, temporarily disable the protection or add it to the exceptions.

How to identify "foreign" devices in the list

You've received a list of connected devices—what's next? Now you need to identify any that don't belong to you or anyone else in your household. Here are the step-by-step instructions:

1. Create a "whitelist" of your gadgets

Take a piece of paper or create a note on your phone and write down:

• 📱 All smartphones and tablets (yours and your family members')
• 💻 Laptops and computers
• 🖨 Printers, scanners, MFPs
• 🎮 Game consoles (PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch)
• 📺 Smart TVs (Samsung, LG, Sony, etc.)
• 💡 Smart bulbs, sockets, speakers (for example, Xiaomi Mi Home, Philips Hue)

For each device, please specify it online name (if any) and MAC addressThe latter can be found:

• On Windows: Start → Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi → Hardware properties → Physical address (MAC)
• On Android: Settings → About phone → General information → Wi-Fi MAC address
• On iOS: Settings → General → About → Wi-Fi Address

2. Analyze the list of connected devices

Compare the devices on the whitelist with those displayed in your router settings or scanner software. Note:

• 🆔 Unknown namesIf the device is called android-123456 or Host-789, and you don’t have gadgets with such names - this is a reason to be wary.
• 🕒 Connection timeIf a device appears online at night or when no one is home, it's suspicious.
• 📡 Manufacturer by MAC addressThe first 6 characters of the MAC address indicate the manufacturer. For example:
  • 00:1A:79 — Samsung
  • 3C:5A:B4 — Google (could be Chromecast or Nest)
  • B8:27:EB — Raspberry Pi (a popular minicomputer)

  You can check the manufacturer on websites like MAC Vendors or Wireshark OUI Lookup.

If you see a device with the manufacturer's MAC address Apple, but you don't have equipment of this brand, this is a clear sign of an unauthorized connection. The same applies to devices with names like esp8266 (a popular Wi-Fi module for DIY gadgets) or Sonoff (smart sockets).

MAC address analysis example

MAC address: 00:1E:68:AB:CD:EF

The first 6 characters (00:1E:68) indicate the manufacturer - in this case, the company Cisco-LinksysIf you don't have devices of this brand, you should block this connection.

3. Checking traffic

Some routers (eg. ASUS with firmware Merlin or Keenetic) show not only the list of devices, but also the volume of traffic they consumedIf an unknown device downloads several gigabytes in a short period of time, this may indicate:

• 🎬 Video streaming (Netflix, YouTube)
• 🎮 Online games or game downloads
• 📥 Torrents or other file-sharing services

On routers Keenetic You can see the traffic in the section Devices → StatisticsOn . ASUS - V Traffic analysis or Adaptive QoS.

⚠️ Important: If you see a device with high traffic but aren't sure it's yours, temporarily disconnect it from the network and check if the internet connection on your devices has been lost. Sometimes smart TVs or game consoles consume a lot of data in the background.

How to block unauthorized devices

You've found a suspicious device—what should you do next? There are several ways to block it, depending on your router's capabilities.

1. Blocking by MAC address

This is the most reliable method, as the MAC address is unique to each device. Instructions:

1. Go to your router settings (read how to do this in the section above).
2. Find the section MAC address filter, Access control or White/Black lista (the name depends on the model).
3. Add the MAC address of the suspicious device to blacklist (or remove from white if it is there).
4. Save the settings and reboot the router.

For example, on routers TP-Link the path will be like this: Wireless Mode → MAC Filtering → Enable Filtering → Add MAC Address to Blacklist.

2. Change your Wi-Fi password

If MAC blocking doesn't help or your router doesn't support this feature, the easiest way to get rid of "flashes" is change your Wi-Fi passwordAfter this, all devices will be disconnected, and only those you share the new password with will be able to connect.

How to change your password:

1. Go to your router settings.
2. Find the section Wireless mode or Wi-Fi.
3. In the field Password (or Key, Passphrase) enter a new password.
4. The recommended length is at least 12 characters, using letters, numbers and special characters (e.g. WiFi@Home2026#Sec!).
5. Save the settings.

After changing your password, remember to reconnect all your devices. If you have many devices, you can temporarily write the new password on a sticky note and place it on your router (but be sure to remove it later!).

3. Disabling WPS

WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) — This feature allows you to connect to the network using a PIN code or by pressing a button on the router. It's convenient, but extremely insecure: the PIN code can be brute-forced in a matter of hours, and you're not the only one with physical access to the router.

How to disable WPS:

• On TP-Link: Wireless Mode → WPS Settings → Disable WPS
• On ASUS: Wireless Network → WPS → Disable
• On Keenetic: Wi-Fi Network → Access Point → Disable WPS

If you still want to keep WPS for convenience, at least disable PIN connection, leaving only the button on the router.

4. Hiding the network name (SSID)

This method doesn't provide 100% protection, but it does reduce the chance of an accidental connection. If you hide SSID (network name), your Wi-Fi won't appear in the list of available networks on other devices. You'll only be able to connect manually if you know the exact name.

How to hide SSID:

• On TP-Link: Wireless → Wireless Settings → Hide SSID
• On ASUS: Wireless Network → General → Hide SSID
• On Zyxel: Wi-Fi Network → Access Point → Hide Network

Please note: hiding the SSID does not protect against targeted attacks, as the network name is still broadcast. However, it will help prevent connections from neighbors who are simply looking for any open network.

Additional security measures

In addition to blocking unauthorized devices, it's worth taking other measures to protect your network. This will help prevent repeat intrusions and improve overall security.

1. Updating the router firmware

Manufacturers regularly release firmware updates that patch vulnerabilities. Outdated firmware is one of the main reasons routers are hacked.

How to update firmware:

1. Go to your router settings.
2. Find the section System tools, Service or Software update.
3. Check the current firmware version and compare it with the latest one on the manufacturer's website.
4. If there is a new version, download it and upload it via the web interface.

On some routers (for example, Keenetic) There's an automatic update feature. Enable it to avoid having to manually monitor new versions.

⚠️ Caution: Do not turn off your router during the firmware update! This may brick it. If the update is stuck for more than 10 minutes, unplug the router, wait 30 seconds, and then plug it back in.

2. Setting up a guest network

If you frequently have guests over and they ask for Wi-Fi access, don't give them the password for your main network. Instead, set up guest network with a separate username and password. This will allow you to:

• 🔒 Restrict guest access to your local devices (printers, network drives).
• 📶 Limit the speed or operating time of the guest network.
• 🔄 Easily change the guest network password without affecting the main one.

How to set up a guest network:

• On TP-Link: Wireless → Guest Network → Enable
• On ASUS: Wireless Network → Guest Network 1/2/3
• On Keenetic: Wi-Fi Network → Guest Network

In the guest network settings, you can also restrict access to local resources (option Isolate guest clients or AP Isolation).

3. Real-time network monitoring

If you want to stay informed about all connections, set up notifications for new devices. Some routers (for example, ASUS with firmware Merlin) can send notifications to email or Telegram. You can also use apps like Fing or GlassWire for monitoring.

On routers Keenetic there is a built-in function Notifications, which can send notifications about new connections to your email. To set it up:

1. Go to Manage → Notifications.
2. Enable the option Notify about new devices.
3. Enter your email and set up an SMTP server (you can use Gmail or Yandex).

4. Use a VPN for additional protection

If you frequently work with sensitive data (for example, connecting remotely to a work network), it is worth setting up VPN server on the routerThis will create an encrypted tunnel for all traffic, making data interception virtually impossible.

For example, on routers ASUS with firmware Merlin there is built-in support OpenVPNOn . Keenetic can be customized WireGuard or IPSecDetailed instructions are usually available in the router documentation.

If setting up a VPN on a router seems complicated, you can use VPN clients on individual devices (for example, NordVPN, ProtonVPN or Windscribe).

What to do if nothing helps

Have you tried all the methods, but strange devices keep appearing on your network? The problem may be more serious than it seems. Let's consider extreme measures.

1. Complete reset of the router

If you suspect that your router has been hacked (for example, someone has changed its settings remotely), perform full reset to factory settingsThis will remove all user settings, including passwords and filtering rules.

How to reset a router:

1. Find the small button on the back of the router. Reset (usually recessed into the body).
2. Take a paper clip or a toothpick, press and hold the button for 10-15 seconds.
3. The router will reboot and return to factory settings.
4. After the reset, go to the web interface (login and password will be standard, for example, admin/admin) and set everything up again.

Don't forget after reset:

• Change the default administrator password.
• Set a new password for Wi-Fi.
• Update firmware.
• Configure MAC address filtering.

2. Virus check

If the problem persists after a reset, one of your devices may be infected with a virus that automatically connects to other networks or allows access to others. Run a full antivirus scan on all your devices.

Recommended antiviruses:

• 🖥 For Windows: Kaspersky Internet Security, ESET NOD32, Bitdefender
• 📱 For Android: Malwarebytes, Avast Mobile Security
• 🍎 For macOS: Avast Security, Sophos Home

Please pay attention to devices with open ports or suspicious processes. For example, if your smartphone is constantly exchanging data with unknown IP addresses, this is cause for concern.

3. Replacing the router

If your router is old (for example, manufactured before 2015), it may have hardware vulnerabilities that can't be fixed with a firmware update. In this case, the most reliable solution is device replacement to a more modern model.

When choosing a new router, pay attention to:

• 🔒 Support for modern security standards: WPA3, 802.11w (protection against attacks like Krack).
• 🔄 Regular firmware updates from the manufacturer.
• 📡 Support for multiple bands (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) to separate devices.

Among the reliable models of 2023–2026, we can highlight:

• ASUS RT-AX88U Pro (for a home with a large number of devices)
• TP-Link Archer AX6000 (good price/quality balance)
• Keenetic Ultra II (excellent firmware with extensive security settings)
• Zyxel Armor Z2 (budget option with WPA3 support)

4. Contacting your provider