Who's Using My Wi-Fi Modem: 5 Ways to Check and Block Intruders

Suspect someone is accessing your Wi-Fi? Slow internet, unexpected data usage, or simply a desire to monitor your home network—there are many reasons to check your device list. Other people's gadgets on your modem Not only do they steal speed, but they also pose a security threat: through router vulnerabilities, attackers can gain access to personal data or infect the network with viruses.

In this article we will look at how Find out who's using your Wi-Fi modem Through the router's web interface, mobile apps, and specialized programs. We'll also learn how to block unknown devices and strengthen network security. Spoiler: for most modern models (TP-Link, ASUS, Keenetic, MikroTik) the process takes no more than 5 minutes.

Important: If you rent a modem from a provider (for example, Rostelecom, MTS or Beeline), access to some settings may be restricted. In this case, please contact support or request administrator rights.

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

The most reliable method is to access the modem control panel through a browser. This doesn't require any additional software, just a computer or smartphone connected to the same network.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Find out Router IP address. Usually it is 192.168.0.1, 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.8.1The address can be found on the sticker on the back of the device or in the documentation.
2. Enter the IP into the address bar of your browser (e.g. http://192.168.0.1).
3. Log in. The default login/password is admin/admin or admin/passwordIf they don't fit, reset the settings using the button. Reset on the body.
4. Find the section with a list of connected devices. Depending on your model, it may be called:
   • 🔹 DHCP Clients List (TP-Link, Mercusys)
   • 🔹 Connected Devices (ASUS, Netgear)
   • 🔹 Client list or Devices on the network (Keenetic, Zyxel)

The table will display all gadgets with the indication IP addresses, MAC addresses, device name, and connection type (Wi-Fi or cable). Look out for unfamiliar names or manufacturers—for example, Xiaomi_1234 if you don't have devices of this brand at home.

Unknown MAC addresses (starting with 00:1A:2B:...)

Devices with names like "Android-XXXX" or "iPhone (unknown)"

Cable connections if you only have Wi-Fi devices

Activity during non-working hours (at night)

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⚠️ Attention: Some routers (eg. Huawei HG8245) hide the list of devices in the menu LAN → DHCPIf you can't find the section, use the settings search (usually the magnifying glass icon at the top of the screen).

2. How to distinguish your device from someone else's

It's easy to get lost in the list of connected gadgets, especially if you have a lot of devices at home. Here's how to identify "your own":

• 📱 Smartphones/tablets: Names usually contain the model or brand - iPhone-13-Pro, Samsung-Galaxy-S22. The MAC address can be found in the device settings (Settings → About phone → Status for Android).
• 💻 Laptops/PCs: The computer name is displayed in Windows network settings (Start → Settings → System → About). View the MAC address through the command line:

  ipconfig /all

• 🖥️ Smart technology: Televisions (LG WebOS, Samsung Tizen), columns (JBL, Sonos), cameras (Xiaomi Mi Home) often have brand names. For example, LGwebOSTV-1234.
• 🎮 Game consoles: PlayStation And Xbox are displayed as PS5-XXXX or XboxOne-XXXXThe MAC address can be found in the console's network settings.

Clue: If a device was previously connected to your network but is now turned off, it may remain in the list with a note Offline or InactiveSuch gadgets do not consume traffic.

3. Mobile applications for network monitoring

If accessing your router settings is inconvenient, use specialized apps. They scan your network and display connected devices along with additional data (manufacturer, OS type, and data usage).

Top 3 apps for Android and iOS:

• 🔍 Fing — identifies devices by MAC address, reveals open ports and vulnerabilities. A free version with limitations is available.
• 📊 WiFi Guard — compares the current list of devices with the "white list" and notifies about new connections.
• 🛡️ NetCut — allows you not only to monitor, but also to block other people's gadgets (requires root access on Android).

How to use (using Fing as an example):

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 a suspicious gadget to see details: manufacturer (by MAC), host name, IP.

⚠️ Attention: Applications like NetCut may violate the rules of some providers (for example, Rostelecom or Dom.ru). Use them only for personal purposes and not to attack other people's networks.

Via the router's web interface

Mobile application (Fing, WiFi Guard)

Special programs on a PC

I don't check, I don't see the need

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4. Checking via the command line (for advanced users)

If you prefer to work without a graphical interface, you can get a list of devices on the network via the Windows command line or the Linux/macOS terminal.

For Windows:

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

   arp -a

3. Review the list of IP and MAC addresses. Compare them with the addresses in the router's web interface.

For Linux/macOS:

Use the command:

nmap -sn 192.168.0.0/24

(replace 192.168.0.0/24 to your router's subnet, for example 192.168.1.0/24).

What does the data mean:

• 🔢 IP address — a unique identifier for a device on your network.
• 🔤 MAC address — the network card's serial number. It can be used to identify the manufacturer (the first 3 bytes). For example, B8:27:EB — Raspberry Pi, 3C:5A:B4 — Google (including Nest And Chromecast).
• 📶 Type — dynamic (dynamic IP issued by DHCP) or static (manual setting).

How to decipher a MAC address?

The first 6 characters (OUI) indicate the manufacturer. For example:

- 00:0A:F7 — Cisco

- 78:31:C1 — Apple

- B0:C0:90 — ASUS

A complete list of OUIs can be found on the IEEE website or through services like MAC Vendors.

5. How to block someone else's device

Found an unfamiliar gadget online? MAC address blocking — the most effective method. Instructions for popular router models:

TP-Link (Archer, TL-WR):

1. Go to Advanced → Security → Access Control.
2. Turn on Access Control and select the mode Blacklist (black list).
3. Add the MAC address of the stranger to the list and save.

ASUS (RT-AC, RT-AX):

1. Open Wireless → MAC Filter.
2. Select Deny (disable) and enter the MAC address.
3. Apply settings (Apply).

Keenetic:

1. Go to Home Network → Devices.
2. Find someone else's device and click Block.
3. Activate Access control in security settings.

Alternative methods:

• 🔄 Changing your Wi-Fi password: The fastest way to kick out all strangers: Use a complex password (at least 12 characters, including numbers and special characters).
• 🔒 Disabling WPS: This feature simplifies connection, but is vulnerable to hacking. Disable it in your router settings (Wireless → WPS).
• 📡 Hiding SSID: The network will not appear in the list of available ones, but this does not protect against experienced hackers. Setting in Wireless → Hide SSID.

⚠️ Attention: MAC address blocking isn't 100% secure—an experienced user can spoof the MAC address. For added security, combine this method with change password And disabling WPS.

6. Signs that strangers have connected to your Wi-Fi

You don't always have time to check your device list. Pay attention to these indirect signs:

• 🐢 A sharp drop in speed: This is especially noticeable when watching videos (buffering) or playing online games (ping above 100 ms).
• 📉 Unexplained traffic consumption: If your tariff limit expires faster than usual, check the statistics in your provider's personal account.
• 🔌 Night activity: The lights on the router blink when everything is asleep and the devices are turned off.
• 🚨 Strange notifications: For example, messages about connecting to a network on your smartphone when you haven't done so.
• 🔍 Unknown devices in a smart home: Voice assistants (Alice, Google Assistant) suddenly begin to respond to other people's commands.

How to check traffic:

1. In the router's web interface, find the section Traffic Monitor or Statistics.
2. See which devices are consuming the most data. For example, if Unknown-Device downloaded 10 GB overnight - this is a reason to be wary.

Critical information: If your traffic statistics show connections to unfamiliar IP addresses (for example, in China or the US), your router may have been hacked for cryptocurrency mining or DDoS attacks. Reset your router immediately and update your firmware!

7. How to protect your Wi-Fi from future hacking

Preventing strangers from connecting is easier than trying to find them later. Follow these rules:

• 🔐 Complex password: Do not use birth dates or simple combinations (12345678, qwerty). Optimal: Tr0ub4dour&3 (a mixture of letters, numbers and symbols).
• 🔄 Changing your password regularly: Change it every 3-6 months, especially if guests have connected to your network.
• 🛡️ Firmware update: Outdated router software contains vulnerabilities. Check for updates in the section Administration → Firmware Upgrade.
• 📡 Separate network for guests: Set up Guest Wi-Fi with limited access to local resources (printers, NAS).
• 📵 Disabling remote control: In the router settings (Administration → Remote Management) block access from the Internet.

Additional measures for advanced users:

• 🔗 VLAN: Dividing the network into virtual subnets (for example, for smart home and basic devices).
• 🔍 IDPS: Intrusion Detection System (available on routers) MikroTik, Ubiquiti).
• 🕒 Wi-Fi Schedule: Network shutdown during your absence (Wireless → Schedule).

⚠️ Attention: If your router is provided by your ISP (for example, MGTS or Third Transport Ring), some security settings may be blocked. In this case, contact support for access to advanced features or purchase your own router.

8. Common mistakes and how to avoid them

When checking devices, users often encounter common problems. Let's look at the most common ones:

• 🔌 "I can't see the list of devices in the router":
  • Make sure you are in the correct section (see the instructions for your model above).
  • Check if you are connected to a router (and not to mobile Internet).
  • Refresh your browser page (Ctrl + F5) or try another browser (Chrome, Firefox).
• 🔄 "MAC addresses do not match":
  • Some devices (eg. iPhone) The MAC address may change when connecting to different networks (Private Wi-Fi Address). Disable this feature in your phone settings.
  • Compare addresses without colons or dashes (00:1A:2B = 00-1A-2B).
• 🔒 "Can't lock device":
  • Check if it is enabled MAC Filter or Access Control.
  • Make sure you enter the MAC address in the correct format (usually XX:XX:XX:XX:XX:XX).
  • Reboot your router after applying the settings.

If nothing helps:

• Reset the router to factory settings (button Reset for 10 seconds).
• Update the firmware through the manufacturer's official website.
• Contact your provider's support team - the problem may be on their end (for example, double NAT).

FAQ: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

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

No, the MAC address or device name can only determine the model and manufacturer (for example, Samsung Galaxy S21). To identify a person, provider data is required, which is only provided upon request by law enforcement agencies.

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

This means the attacker is changing the MAC address or exploiting another vulnerability. Actions:

1. Change your Wi-Fi password to a more complex one.
2. Disable WPS and enable WPA3.
3. Update your router firmware.
4. If the problem persists, contact your ISP - your modem may be compromised.

How can I check if my router has been hacked?

Signs of hacking:

• Unknown devices in the list of connected devices.
• Changed settings (e.g. DNS forwarding to 8.8.8.8 or other addresses).
• The router is slow or overheating.
• Traffic statistics show connections to suspicious IPs.

What to do: Reset settings, update firmware and change all passwords (Wi-Fi, admin panel).

Is it possible to see the history of Wi-Fi connections?

Most consumer routers don't keep connection logs. The exception is business models (MikroTik, Ubiquiti), where you can configure log saving. At home, use applications like GlassWire (Windows) or Fing (mobile) for real-time activity monitoring.

Why block devices if I have an unlimited plan?

Even with unlimited internet, other people's devices pose risks:

• 🐌 Speed ​​drop — especially critical for online games or video calls.
• 🔓 Security vulnerabilities — other devices on the network can be attacked through your router.
• 📤 Illegal activity — If pirated content is downloaded from your IP address, you will be held accountable.
• 🔌 Router overload - some devices (for example, mining farms) create a high load.