Who's Connected to My Wi-Fi: How to Check the Device List Online and Manually

Have you noticed your internet has become slower and your data is running out faster than usual? Perhaps other devices are connecting to your Wi-Fi. In 2026 every third user faces the problem of unauthorized access to your home network—especially if the router password is too simple or has never been changed. In this article, we'll look at how check the list of connected devices access your Wi-Fi online and through your router settings, as well as what to do if you discover other people's gadgets.

The testing methods depend on the router model and its firmware. Some manufacturers (for example, TP-Link, ASUS or Keenetic) offer convenient mobile apps that display a list of devices in real time. Others require logging into a web interface through a browser. We'll look at both options, as well as alternative methods for advanced users—from analysis ARP tables before using specialized utilities like Wireless Network Watcher.

It's important to understand: even if you don't see any suspicious devices right now, that doesn't guarantee security. Attackers may connect periodically (for example, at night) or use techniques to disguise themselves as legitimate devices. Therefore, in addition to a one-time scan, we'll explain how set up notifications about new connections and secure the network for the future.

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

The most reliable method is to access the router's control panel. This doesn't require any additional software, just a browser and access to the device itself. This guide is suitable for most models, including D-Link, Zyxel, MikroTik and budget routers from providers (for example, Rostelecom or Beeline).

Sequence of actions:

1. Find out Router IP address. Usually it is 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1The exact address can be found on the sticker on the device body or via the command ipconfig V Windows command line (look for the line Main gateway).
2. Enter the IP into the address bar of your browser (e.g. Chrome or Firefox) and press Enter.
3. Enter your username and password to log in. By default, this is often admin/admin or admin/passwordIf the data has changed, use the latest ones.
4. Find the section with connected devices. It may have different names:
   • 🔹 DHCP Clients List (DHCP client list)
   • 🔹 Connected Devices or Device List
   • 🔹 Local Network → Devices (in Russified firmware)
   • 🔹 Wireless → Station List (for wireless connections)

In the table you will see:

• 📱 Device name (if it is broadcast - for example, iPhone-12-Pro or Samsung-Galaxy-S23).
• 🔢 MAC address (a unique identifier by which the gadget can be tracked).
• 🌐 IP address (local on the network, for example 192.168.0.103).
• ⏱️ Connection time (helps to identify "guests" that appear at night).

2. Mobile apps for Wi-Fi monitoring

If accessing your router settings each time is inconvenient, you can use specialized apps. They scan the network and display all connected devices in real time. The main advantage is notifications about new connections and the ability to block unknown devices directly from your phone.

Top 5 apps for Android And iOS:

How to use such programs:

1. Download and install the application from the official store.
2. Connect to your Wi-Fi network.
3. Start the scan (usually the button Scan or Start).
4. Compare the list with your devices. Unknown devices can be blocked directly in the app (if supported) or through the router settings.

3. Checking via the command line (for Windows and macOS)

If you prefer to work without additional programs, you can use the built-in tools of the operating system. This method is suitable for Windows 10/11 And macOS, but requires basic knowledge of working with Command line or Terminal.

For Windows:

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

   arp -a

   It will show all the IP and MAC addresses of the devices your computer has interacted with.

3. To see only active connections to your router, first find out its IP (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1), then run:

   ping 192.168.0.1 -n 1
   arp -a | find "192.168.0"

For macOS:

1. Open Terminal (through Spotlight or folder Utilities).
2. Enter the command:

   arp -a | grep "192.168"

   (replace 192.168 to the beginning of your network's IP address, if different).

What to do with the received data:

• 🔍 Compare the MAC addresses with those indicated on your devices (you can find them in the network settings or on the gadget's sticker).
• 📌 Write down suspicious addresses—they can be blocked in your router.
• ⚠️ Pay attention to devices with names like unknown, host-XX:XX or unknown vendors (the first 6 MAC characters encode the manufacturer).

How to decipher a MAC address?

The first 3 bytes (6 characters) of the MAC address indicate the device manufacturer. For example:

- 00:1A:79 — Apple

- 3C:5A:B4 — Google (Pixel, Nest)

- 78:31:C1 — Xiaomi

You can check through services like MAC Vendor Lookup or Wireshark.

4. How to identify a "foreign" device on the network

Even if the list of connected devices contains unfamiliar entries, it doesn't always mean your device has been hacked. It could be:

• 📺 Smart devices (TV, speaker, light bulb) that you forgot to take into account.
• 🎮 Guest gadgets (a friend connected and didn't disconnect).
• 🔄 Duplicates (one device may appear twice if it uses both Wi-Fi and Ethernet).

Signs of an unauthorized connection:

• ❌ Unknown MAC address, which does not match any of your devices.
• ❌ Suspicious name (For example, hacker123 or a random set of characters).
• ❌ Activity at unusual times (at night, when everyone is sleeping).
• ❌ High traffic (if the router shows that the device is consuming gigabytes of data).

To accurately identify the gadget:

1. Take a look manufacturer by MAC address (as in the spoiler above).
2. Try it ping the device:

   ping 192.168.0.XXX

   (replace XXX (the last digits of the IP address). If there are responses, the device is active.

3. Use apps like Fing For port scanning - this will help you understand what kind of device it is (smartphone, PC, camera, etc.).

5. Blocking third-party devices

If you're sure there's an unauthorized device on your network, you need to block it. This can be done in two ways: through your router settings or using specialized software.

Method 1: Blocking by MAC address in the router

1. Go to the router's web interface (as in the first section).
2. Find the section MAC Filtering (MAC Address Filtering) or Access Control (Access control).
3. Add the suspicious MAC address to blacklist (Deny).
4. Save the settings and reboot the router.

Method 2: Change your Wi-Fi password

If blocking by MAC doesn’t help (an attacker can spoof the address), it’s easier change your Wi-Fi password:

1. In the router's web interface, go to Wireless Settings (or Wi-Fi settings).
2. In the field Password or Pre-Shared Key Enter a new password (we recommend using at least 12 characters with letters, numbers and special characters).
3. Select a modern encryption type: WPA3-Personal or WPA2/WPA3.
4. Save your changes and reconnect all your devices.

Method 3: Using a guest network

If you frequently provide Wi-Fi access to guests but don't want to risk your main network, set up guest Wi-Fi:

• 🔧 Limit speed and access to local devices.
• 🔄 Set it to turn off automatically after a few hours.
• 🔒 Use a separate password that you can change more often.

Make sure it's gone from the list of connected devices|Change your Wi-Fi password to a more complex one|Enable WPA3 encryption|Set up notifications for new connections|Check the list of devices once a week-->

6. Additional Wi-Fi security measures

To minimize the risk of being hacked again, follow these guidelines:

1. Update your router firmware

Outdated firmware contains vulnerabilities that hackers exploit. Check the latest version in the section System Tools → Firmware Upgrade and update if necessary.

2. Disable WPS

Technology Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) This simplifies the connection, but makes the network vulnerable to brute-force attacks. Disable it in your router settings.

3. Hide the network name (SSID)

In the Wi-Fi settings, disable the option Enable SSID BroadcastThis won't make the network completely invisible, but it will make life more difficult for random "neighbors."

4. Set up bandwidth control

Limit the maximum speed for each device. This won't prevent hackers from connecting, but it will reduce their impact on your internet.

5. Use a VPN for important data

If you work with confidential information, please connect via VPN even at home. This will protect your traffic from interception.

7. Common Mistakes and Myths About Wi-Fi Security

Many users mistakenly believe their network is secure, even though this is not the case. Let's address the most common misconceptions.

Myth 1: "My password is strong, so I won't be hacked."

Even a complex password won't help if the router uses an outdated encryption protocol (for example, WEP or WPA). Always choose WPA3 or at least WPA2-AES.

Myth 2: "I disabled DHCP, so now no one can connect to me."

Disabling DHCP only forces an attacker to manually enter the IP address. This isn't protection, just a minor complication.

Myth 3: "MAC filtering reliably protects the network"

MAC addresses are easy to spoof using specialized software. This is an additional measure, but not the primary one.

Myth 4: "If the internet is fast, it means no one is connected."

Modern hackers can use your network for background tasks (mining, DDoS attacks) without loading the channel.

Myth 5: "Changing your password once a year is enough."

If your Wi-Fi has ever been hacked, your password may have been compromised. You should change it immediately after detecting suspicious devices.

FAQ: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

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

No, a MAC or IP address can only identify the device's manufacturer and its location on your local network. To identify a specific person, you'll need to report unauthorized access to the police—they can request data from the provider (but only if they have compelling grounds).

What should I do if someone else's device reappears after being blocked?

This means the attacker either changes the MAC address or cracks the password again. In this case:

1. Change your password to a more complex one (12+ characters, with special characters).
2. Update your router firmware.
3. Turn on MAC filtering in mode allow only specified addresses (white list).
4. If the problem persists, contact your provider to check for vulnerabilities.

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

Yes. Hiding the network name (SSID) does not protect against connection—an experienced user can manually enter the network name and password. This only makes it more difficult for random people to connect, but it does not prevent targeted attacks.

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

Most routers have a section Traffic Statistics or Bandwitch monitor, which shows how much data each device is consuming. Compare the figures to your normal usage. You can also use programs like GlassWire (Windows) or NetGuard (Android) for traffic monitoring.

Is it legal to block other people's devices from your network?

Yes, you have every right to control access to your Wi-Fi network, as you pay for the internet and are responsible for its use. However, if it's a corporate network, the rules may be governed by internal company regulations.

Now you know how check connected devices, detect unauthorized access, and protect your network. Regular scans and basic security measures will help avoid most problems. If hacking continues despite all efforts, consider purchasing a router with support. WPA3 and a built-in intrusion detection system (IDS), for example, ASUS RT-AX88U or Netgear Nighthawk.