Who's Connected to My Wi-Fi Network? Check and Protect Yourself in 10 Minutes

Have you noticed your internet has slowed down and your data usage is unusually high? Perhaps unauthorized devices have connected to your Wi-Fi network. According to research Kaspersky, every fifth router in Russia has vulnerabilities that allow attackers to access the network without permission. In this article, you'll learn how check the list of connected devices, identify unauthorized connections and reliably protect your network from intrusions.

The problem isn't just traffic theft. Third-party devices can intercept your personal data, spread viruses to other devices on the network, or even use your IP address for illegal activities. We'll take a look. 7 working methods checks—from standard router tools to specialized applications. We'll also show you how Block other people's devices permanently using MAC address filtering and password changes.

1. How to check connected devices via the router's web interface

The most reliable way is to go to the router control panel. Most modern models (TP-Link, ASUS, Keenetic, MikroTik) displays a list of active connections in real time. Here's how:

First, find your router's IP address. This is usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1, but may vary depending on the model. You can find out for sure using the Windows command line:

ipconfig | findstr "Default Gateway"

On MacOS or Linux use the command:

netstat -rn | grep default

Next:

• 🌐 Enter the router's IP address into the browser's address bar (e.g. 192.168.0.1).
• 🔑 Enter your login and password (usually admin/admin, if you haven't changed it).
• 📊 Find the connection statistics section. Depending on your firmware version, it may be called:
  • TP-Link: Wireless Mode → Wireless Mode Statistics
  • ASUS: Network Map → Clients
  • Keenetic: Devices → Device List
  • MikroTik: Wireless → Registration Table

Check the number of devices - it should match your gadgets

Please note any unknown names (e.g. "android-123456")

Compare MAC addresses with your devices' addresses

Look at the connection time - new devices can give themselves away-->

If you see a suspicious device, write it down MAC address (unique species identifier 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E) - you'll need it for blocking. Some routers allow you to immediately turn off the device with a button. Block or Kick.

2. Apps for monitoring Wi-Fi networks on a smartphone

Don't want to access your router settings? Install one of the specialized apps. They scan your network and display all connected devices, even if you don't have access to the router.

Top 5 verified apps:

• 📱 Fing (Android/iOS) — identifies the device manufacturer by MAC address, tests network speed, and checks ports for vulnerabilities.
• 🛡️ NetCut (Android) - allows you to not only view devices, but also disconnect them from the network (requires root rights on some versions of Android).
• 🔍 WiFi Guard (Android) - Compares current connections with a "white list" of your devices and signals new ones.
• 📊 IP Tools: WiFi Analyzer (Android/iOS) - shows IP, MAC, hostname and even the approximate location of the device on the network.
• 🚨 GlassWire (Windows/Android) — Monitors traffic in real time and identifies suspicious activity.

Example of working with Fing:

1. Download the app from Google Play or App Store.
2. Connect to your Wi-Fi network.
3. Click Scan — after 10-20 seconds a list of devices will appear.
4. Click on any device to see details: MAC address, manufacturer, IP, and even connection history.

Fing

NetCut

WiFi Guard

IP Tools

Other/Not using-->

Please note: If there is a device with the name in the list Unknown or an unknown manufacturer (for example, Xiaomi, when you don't have equipment of this brand), this is a reason to be wary. Some applications, for example NetCut, allow you to immediately disconnect a suspicious device from the network.

Can you trust Wi-Fi scanning apps?

Most popular apps (Fing, WiFi Guard) are safe, but some may collect data about your network. Check permissions in Google Play/App Store before installing. Avoid apps that request access to SMS, contacts, or geolocation without reason. For maximum privacy, use open-source alternatives like nmap for PC.

3. Checking via the command line (Windows, MacOS, Linux)

If you prefer to work without a graphical interface, you can check connected devices via the terminal. This method is suitable for experienced users and provides the most accurate data.

For Windows:

1. Open Command line (Win + R → enter cmd).
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 see only active connections, use:

   net view

For MacOS/Linux:

1. Open Terminal.
2. Enter:

   nmap -sn 192.168.0.0/24

   (replace 192.168.0.0/24 to your subnet, if it is different).

3. For detailed port scanning (advanced level):

   nmap -sV 192.168.0.1-255

The result will look something like this:

If you see a device marked Unknown If you're using a MAC address or an unfamiliar MAC address, this is cause for concern. Write down its details and proceed to blocking it.

4. How to identify "friend" and "foe" devices on the network

You've received a list of connected devices—but how do you know which ones are yours and which aren't? Here's the verification process:

Step 1: Make a list of your devices:

• 📱 Smartphones (Android/iPhone)
• 💻 Laptops and PCs
• 🖥️ Tablets
• 🎮 Game consoles (PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch)
• 📺 Smart TVs (Samsung, LG, Sony)
• 🔊 Smart speakers (Yandex Station, Google Home, Amazon Echo)
• 💡 Smart bulbs and sockets (Xiaomi, TP-Link Tapo)

Step 2: Check MAC addressesEach device has a unique MAC address, which can be found:

• 📱 On Android: Settings → About phone → General information → Wi-Fi MAC address
• 🍎 On iPhone: Settings → General → About → Wi-Fi Address
• 💻 On Windows:

  ipconfig /all | findstr "Physical Address"

• 🖥️ On MacOS:

  networksetup -getmacaddress Wi-Fi

Step 3: Compare with the data from the routerIf there is a device in the list that is not in your inventory, or the MAC address does not match any of your gadgets, this is 100% sign of unauthorized connection.

5. How to Block Other People's Devices: 3 Reliable Methods

Have you discovered a rogue device on your network? Act quickly to prevent data theft or the spread of viruses. Here are three proven blocking methods:

Method 1: Filtering by MAC address

The most reliable way is to add other people's MAC addresses to the blacklist:

1. Go to the router control panel (see Section 1).
2. Find the section Wireless Mode → MAC Filter (the name may differ).
3. Select mode Ban (or Blacklist).
4. Add the MAC address of the foreign device (eg. 78:31:C1:BE:99:FA).
5. Save the settings and reboot the router.

Method 2: Change your Wi-Fi password

If you don't know how to find the MAC address filter, just change your password:

1. In the router panel, go to Wireless Mode → Security Settings.
2. Select encryption type WPA2-PSK or WPA3-PSK (never use WEP - it gets hacked in minutes!).
3. Create a complex password (example: k7#pL9!vQ2$mN5).
4. Save the changes - all devices will be disconnected and will need to reconnect.

Method 3: Disabling DHCP and manually assigning IP

For advanced users: Disable automatic IP address distribution and manually assign IP addresses only to your devices:

1. Find it in your router settings LAN → DHCP server.
2. Disable DHCP or set the range of IP addresses to be issued (for example, 192.168.0.100-192.168.0.200).
3. In the section IP reservation (or Static Lease) add the MAC addresses of your devices and assign them fixed IPs.

⚠️ Attention: If a foreign device reappears on the network after being blocked, it may mean your router has been hacked at the firmware level. In this case, you'll need to reset it to factory settings (Reset) and update the firmware.

6. Signs of Wi-Fi hacking: When to sound the alarm

Sometimes other devices connect so quickly that you don't even notice them. Pay attention to these 7 Signs of a Hack:

• 🐢 The Internet has become slower without objective reasons (check the speed on Speedtest).
• 📉 Traffic is being used up unusually quickly (check in your provider's personal account).
• 🔄 The router reboots spontaneously or blinks in an unusual way.
• 🚫 Some sites are unavailable (the attacker could have changed the DNS servers).
• 📧 Strange emails about traffic exceeding limits are appearing from the provider.
• 🔌 Unknown devices appear on home automation networks (for example, in Google Home or Yandex Smart Home).
• 🛡️ Antivirus detects attacks from the local network.

If you notice at least 2-3 signs from the list, immediately:

1. Disconnect the router from the Internet (remove the cable from the port) WAN).
2. Reset your router settings using the button Reset (hold for 10-15 seconds).
3. Update your router firmware to the latest version (download from the manufacturer's official website).
4. Re-configure the network with a new name (SSID) and password.

⚠️ Attention: Some modern viruses (eg, Mirai or VPNFilter) can infect routers and create botnets. If the problem persists after a reset, the router may be infected. In this case, the only solution is to reflash the firmware or replace the device.

7. How to protect your Wi-Fi from hacking: 10 security rules

The best defense is prevention. Follow these guidelines to minimize the risk of hacking:

Additional measures for the paranoid (but effective):

• 🔒 Use VPN on a router (For example, OpenVPN or WireGuard) to encrypt all traffic.
• 🕵️ Set up network monitoring by using Pi-hole or GlasWire.
• 📡 Turn off remote router management (option Remote Management).

If you are using a router from a provider (for example, Rostelecom or Beeline), keep in mind that their firmware often contains vulnerabilities. If possible, replace it with a model from ASUS, TP-Link or Keenetic with support WPA3.

⚠️ Attention: Even the most secure settings won't save you if you use a password like 12345678 or qwerty. According to the report NordPass, 80% of Wi-Fi hacks occur due to weak passwords.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about Wi-Fi Security

Is it possible to find out who exactly connected to my Wi-Fi?

It's impossible to accurately determine a person's identity using their MAC address or IP address. However, you can:

• See device manufacturer by the first 3 bytes of the MAC address (for example, 00:1A:79 — Samsung).
• Understand device type (smartphone, laptop, TV) by host name.
• To determine approximately location in the house by signal level (in some routers).

To identify the perpetrator, you can contact the police if there is evidence of illegal activity (for example, an attack on your devices).

What should I do if my neighbor hacked my Wi-Fi and refuses to disconnect?

Algorithm of actions:

1. Change your password to the most complex one (example: T7!kQ9#pL2$vR4).
2. Enable MAC address filtering and add his device to the blacklist.
3. Turn it off WPS and hide SSID (do not show network name).
4. If your neighbor continues to connect, contact your provider and ask them to change your router's MAC address (some operators provide this service).

Legally, in Russia, unauthorized connection to someone else's Wi-Fi network is classified as unauthorized access to computer information (Article 272 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation). You can file a police report, but you'll need evidence (router logs, screenshots).

Can my bank accounts be accessed through my Wi-Fi?

Theoretically yes, but in practice it's unlikely. To access your accounts, an attacker would need:

1. Connect to your network.
2. Intercept traffic (for example, through ARP-spoofing).
3. Bypass encryption (https, VPN).
4. Guess or steal your bank logins/passwords.

To protect yourself:

• Use two-factor authentication in banking applications.
• Do not access your bank account through public or third-party networks.
• Install antivirus with network protection (For example, Kaspersky Internet Security).

Is it true that smart light bulbs and speakers can be a backdoor for Wi-Fi hacking?

Yes, devices IoT (Internet of Things) are often targeted by attacks due to weak security. Problems:

• Many smart light bulbs (Xiaomi Yeelight) and sockets (TP-Link Tapo) use standard passwords by default.
• Some devices (such as cheap IP cameras) transmit data without encryption.
• An attacker could connect to the light bulb and then attack the router from within the network.

How to protect yourself:

• Place all IoT devices in separate network (guest or VLAN).
• Update firmware for smart devices.
• Turn it off UPnP in the router settings (this will reduce the risk of attacks through vulnerabilities in the IoT).

Is it worth using programs like WiFi Kill or NetCut to block other people's devices?

These programs work on the principle ARP-spoofing — they "trick" the router, impersonating other devices and disconnecting them from the network. Pros and cons:

Pros	Cons
Quickly disables unwanted "guests"	May disrupt the operation of your devices
Does not require access to router settings	Some antivirus programs block such programs.
Works even if you don't know your Wi-Fi password.	An attacker can use the same methods against you.

Recommendation: Use such programs only as a last resort. It's better to set up protection at the router level (MAC filter, strong password).