How to view the number of Wi-Fi connections: all methods for a router and phone

Have you noticed your internet speed is slowing down or fluctuating for no apparent reason? Perhaps unauthorized devices—neighbors, guests, or even hackers—have connected to your Wi-Fi network. Checking the number of Wi-Fi connections It not only helps identify "unnecessary" gadgets, but also optimizes router operation, avoids channel congestion, and even saves traffic.

In this article you will find 5 working methodsHow to view a list of connected devices—from standard router tools to mobile apps and the command line. We'll cover the nuances for popular models (TP-Link, ASUS, Keenetic, Xiaomi), we'll explain how to distinguish your device from someone else's and what to do if you detect an unauthorized connection. No IT expertise required: all methods are thoroughly illustrated and adapted for beginners.

⚠️ Attention: If you are using a router provided by your ISP (for example, Rostelecom, Beeline or MTS), the admin panel interface may differ. In this case, check the device model on the sticker on the back and refer to the instructions below.

1. View connected devices via the router's web interface

The most reliable and universal method is to access your router settings through a browser. This doesn't require installing any additional software, and data is updated in real time. Let's look at the process using popular brands as examples.

First, connect to your Wi-Fi network (or use a cable LAN). Then:

1. Open any browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge) and enter in the address bar 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1If none of the addresses work, check the sticker on your router—it contains the correct IP address.
2. Enter your login and password (by default it is often admin/admin or admin/empty field). If the data has changed, use your own.
3. Go to the section with the device list. Its name depends on the model:

• 🔄 TP-Link: Wireless → Wireless Statistics or DHCP → DHCP Client List
• 🖧 ASUS: Network Map → Clients or Local Area Network (LAN) → DHCP Client List
• 🌐 Keenetic: Devices → Connected devices
• 📱 Xiaomi: Devices → List of connected devices or Wi-Fi → Connected devices

In the table you will see:

• 📌 IP address devices (for example, 192.168.0.102)
• 🔤 MAC address (unique identifier, looks like 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E)
• 🖥️ Host name (what is the device called on the network, for example, iPhone-13-Pro)
• ⚡ Connection type (Wi-Fi or cable LAN)

⚠️ Attention: Some routers (especially budget ones) may not show device names, but only MAC addresses. In this case, use services like MAC Vendors (enter the address into the search engine) to find out the manufacturer of the gadget (for example, Apple, Samsung or Xiaomi).

2. Mobile applications for monitoring Wi-Fi networks

If you're too lazy to access your router settings or don't have access to a computer, you can use dedicated smartphone apps. They scan your network and display all connected devices, sometimes with additional information, such as how much bandwidth they're consuming.

Top 3 verified apps:

• 📊 Fing (Android/iOS) — identifies devices by MAC address, reveals open ports and network vulnerabilities. The free version is limited to scanning one network.
• 🔍 NetScan (Android) - analyzes the local network, saves connection history and exports data to CSV.
• 🛡️ WiFi Guard (Android/iOS) - Sends notifications when new devices appear on the network.

How to use (using example) 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. Tap any item to see details: MAC address, manufacturer, IP, and even model (if detected).

🔹 Advantages of mobile apps: No need to remember the router password, user-friendly interface, additional functions (speed test, vulnerability scan).

🔸 Cons: may not show devices connected via cable, and sometimes make mistakes in identifying models.

3. Windows Command Prompt: Who's Connected to My Wi-Fi

If you prefer to work on a computer, you can use the built-in tools WindowsThis method is suitable for experienced users, as it requires knowledge of commands.

Open Command line as administrator (click Win + X → Windows Terminal (Administrator)) and execute two commands one after the other:

arp -a
net view

🔎 What the commands show:

• arp -a — displays a table of IP and MAC addresses of all devices in the local network.
• net view - shows the names of computers and other devices (if they have enabled sharing).

To save the list to a file for further analysis, use:

arp -a > C:\wifi_devices.txt

🔹 How do you know if a device is someone else's? Compare the MAC addresses with your devices (find them in your phone/laptop settings). Check unknown addresses using services like MAC Vendors Lookup.

What to do if the command line does not show all devices?

If on the list arp -a not enough entries, try:

1. Connect to the router via cable (not Wi-Fi).

2. Execute the command ping 192.168.0.255 (or other broadcast address of your subnet), then repeat arp -a.

3. Use third-party utilities like Advanced IP Scanner (see next section).

4. PC programs: Advanced IP Scanner and WireShark

For a thorough network analysis, specialized programs are suitable. They will not only display a list of connected devices but also help identify suspicious activity.

1. Advanced IP Scanner (free, Windows):

• 🔍 Scans the local network and displays all active IP addresses.
• 📋 Exports results to CSV or XML.
• 🔌 Allows you to remotely shut down computers on the network (if you have administrator rights).

2. WireShark (cross-platform, for advanced users):

• 📊 Intercepts and analyzes all network traffic.
• 🔎 Can detect "invisible" connections (for example, if a hacker is masquerading as a legitimate device).
• ⚠️ Requires skills in working with network protocols.

🔹 How to use Advanced IP Scanner:

1. Download the program from official website (avoid third party sources!).
2. Run the scan - the program will automatically detect the IP range of your network.
3. In 1-2 minutes you will receive a list of devices with names, MAC addresses and manufacturers.
4. Right-click on the suspicious device → Copy MAC address and check it through MAC Vendors.

⚠️ Attention: Programs like WireShark may violate the security policies of some corporate networks. Do not use them at work without permission from the IT department.

Disable VPN on your computer

Connect to the router via cable (for accuracy)

Close torrent clients and other programs that consume traffic

Run scans during off-peak times (eg at night)-->

5. Checking via a mobile operator (for routers from a provider)

If your router is provided by your internet service provider (Rostelecom, Beeline, MGTS etc.), it may have limited admin panel functionality. In this case, check the connected devices via:

• 📱 Provider's personal account - some operators (for example, Dom.ru) show a list of devices in the "My Network" section.
• 📞 Mobile application - at Rostelecom There is a "Personal Account" application where you can see active connections.
• 💬 Help Desk — the operator can remotely check how many gadgets are using your Wi-Fi (identity verification will be required).

🔹 Example for subscribers Beeline:

1. Go to personal account.
2. Go to the section Internet → My Devices.
3. Click View connected gadgets — a list will open indicating the connection time.

⚠️ Please note: Providers may limit the number of simultaneously connected devices (for example, the "Home Internet" tariff from MTS Allows up to 10 devices. If you exceed the limit, your speed will drop or your connection will be blocked. Check your plan for details.

6. How to block unauthorized devices on a Wi-Fi network

Found an unknown device? Don't panic—there are several ways to block it:

1. Via router settings (MAC filtering):

• 🔒 Log in to your router's admin panel (see Section 1).
• 📋 Find the section Wireless Mode → MAC Filtering (or Wireless MAC Filter).
• 🚫 Add the unwanted MAC address to the blacklist and save the settings.

2. Change Wi-Fi password:

• 🔑 Go to Wireless Mode → Security Settings.
• 🔄 Create a new password (we recommend using WPA3-PSK, if the router supports it).
• 📱 Reconnect only your devices.

3. Disabling the WPS function:

Many routers have a vulnerability in the protocol WPS, which allows you to connect without a password. Disable it in the settings (Wireless Mode → WPS → Disable).

🔹 What to do if the hacker reconnects?

• 🛡️ Turn on guest network for friends and leave the main network hidden (SSID Broadcast → Disable).
• 🔄 Update your router firmware (section System → Software Update).
• 📡 Set a connection limit (if available).

7. Common mistakes and how to avoid them

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

Problem	Cause	Solution
The router does not show all devices	Some gadgets may be connected via cable or use a static IP.	Check the section DHCP Clients And LAN in the settings
MAC addresses are displayed as 00:00:00:00:00:00	The device uses a random MAC (privacy feature in iOS/Android)	Disable random MAC in your phone settings or check by IP
The Fing app doesn't detect the router.	The router blocked ICMP requests (ping)	Turn on Reply to ping in the router settings
Team arp -a shows few devices	The ARP cache was not updated or the scan was superficial.	Do it ping to the broadcast address before arp -a

⚠️ Attention: If you use Mesh system (For example, TP-Link Deco or Google Nest WiFi), the device list may be duplicated on different nodes. In this case, see the general statistics in the main system application.

🔹 Advice for smart home owners: Smart light bulbs (Xiaomi Yeelight), sockets (TP-Link Tapo) and cameras (Ezviz) also take up a connection slot. If there are many of them, consider allocating a separate network for them (VLAN or guest network).

FAQ: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to find out which websites connected devices visit?

Yes, but for this you need:

1. Install alternative firmware on the router (for example, DD-WRT or OpenWRT).
2. Use sniffer programs like WireShark (requires skills).
3. Set up traffic logging in the router settings (section System Log).

⚠️ Attention: Traffic interception may violate privacy laws (Article 138 of the Russian Criminal Code). Use this method only on your own devices.

Why do unknown gadgets with names like "Android-XXXX" appear in the list of devices?

These could be:

• 📱 Phone numbers of guests who have connected to your network before.
• 🤖 Smart devices (e.g. TV LG or column Yandex Station).
• 🕵️ Neighbors, if your Wi-Fi is not secure enough (weak password or enabled WPS).

Check MAC address via MAC Vendors - if the manufacturer Xiaomi, and you don’t have devices of this brand, this is a reason to be wary.

How to limit speed for specific devices?

Most routers have a feature QoS (Quality of Service) or Bandwidth control. For example:

• TP-Link: Advanced Settings → QoS → QoS Rules.
• ASUS: Adaptive QoS → Device Priority.

Specify the MAC address of the device and set the speed limit (for example, 5 Mbps for guest gadgets).

Is it possible to see connected devices on public Wi-Fi (in a cafe, hotel)?

No, you won't be able to get a full list of devices without network administrator rights. However, you can:

• 🔍 Use Fing to scan your subnet (will show only some of the devices).
• 📊 View channel load in Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc → Performance → Wi-Fi).

⚠️ Attention: Scanning other people's networks may be considered an invasion of privacy (Article 137 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation).

Why does the router show more devices than it actually has?

This is related to:

• 🔄 DHCP Caching: The router stores the IP addresses of devices that were previously connected but are now disconnected.
• 📡 Double connections: Some gadgets (for example, Samsung SmartThings) create multiple sessions.
• 🤖 Background services: Cloud services (Google Drive, Dropbox) can create virtual connections.

Refresh the list manually (button Refresh or Refresh) or reboot the router.