Have you noticed your internet has slowed down or your router is flickering more frequently than usual? Perhaps unauthorized devices have connected to your Wi-Fi network—neighbors, guests who forgot to disconnect, or even hackers using your traffic for their own purposes. Who’s on My Wi-Fi helps identify all connected users, display their IP addresses, MAC addresses, and even block unwanted devices. In this guide, we'll cover how to use the utility. Windows, macOS And Android, as well as alternative ways to check the network without third-party software.
It's important to understand that even if you set a strong Wi-Fi password, some devices (such as smart light bulbs or cameras) can automatically connect to the network, creating vulnerabilities. Who's on My Wi-Fi scans your network in real time and identifies not only active devices, but also sleeping devices that can wake up at any time. Below are detailed instructions with pictures, setup tips, and answers to frequently asked questions.
What is Who's on My Wi-Fi and why is it needed?
Who’s on My Wi-Fi (or WhoIsOnMyWiFi) is a local network monitoring program that scans all connected devices and displays:
- 🔹 IP addresses And MAC addresses gadgets;
- 🔹 Device names (if any are broadcast);
- 🔹 Network card manufacturer (by MAC);
- 🔹 Connection time and activity;
- 🔹 Possibility to block unwanted users.
The program is useful in several cases:
- 📉 Internet speed drop — if someone downloads torrents or watches videos in 4K;
- 🔒 Suspected hacking — for example, an unknown device with a Chinese MAC address appeared on the network;
- 🏠 Guest access control - to turn off friends' devices after they leave;
- 🛡️ Vulnerability Scanning — Old gadgets with outdated software can be entry points for hackers.
Who's on My Wi-Fi works on Windows 7/10/11, macOS And Android (through analogs like Fing or NetCut). Version for iOS absent due to restrictions Apple for scanning local networks. The program is paid (costing approximately $20–$30), but there is a free trial version with limited functionality.
⚠️ Attention: Some antiviruses (for example, Avast or Kaspersky) may block Who's on My Wi-Fi as "potentially unwanted software." This is a false positive—please add the program to your exceptions.
How to download and install Who's on My Wi-Fi
The official website of the program is www.whoisonmywifi.comDownload the utility only from there to avoid viruses. Instructions for Windows:
Go to the website and select the version for your OS (32-bit or 64-bit).
Download the installer (file
WhoIsOnMyWiFiSetup.exe).Run the installation with administrator rights (right-click → “Run as administrator”).
Follow the installation wizard, agreeing to the license agreement.
After installation, run the program - it will automatically scan the network.
For macOS the process is similar, but instead .exe downloading .dmg-file. On Android There is no official version, but you can use alternatives:
- 📱 Fing — free network scanner with blocking function;
- 📱 NetCut — allows you to disable devices by MAC;
- 📱 WiFi Guard — notifies about new connections.
⚠️ Attention: On Android 10+ Local network scanning is limited by policy GoogleSome features may only work on rooted devices.
Step-by-step instructions: how to use Who's on My Wi-Fi
Once launched, the program will automatically begin scanning the network. Let's take a look at the main functions:
1. View the list of devices
The main window will display a table with all connected gadgets. Columns:
- 🔹
IP Address— local IP of the device; - 🔹
MAC Address— unique identifier; - 🔹
Device Name- name (if assigned); - 🔹
Vendor— network adapter manufacturer; - 🔹
First Seen— when the device first appeared online; - 🔹
Last Seen— last activity.
To refresh the list, click RescanIf the device is not recognized (in the column Device Name empty), you can manually assign it a name by right-clicking → Rename Device.
2. Blocking unwanted devices
If you find a foreign gadget:
Select it from the list.
Click
Block(or right click →Block Device).Confirm the action - the device will be blocked at the router level (if it supports it)
MAC Filtering).
To unlock, select the device and press Unblock.
3. Setting up notifications
The program can notify about new connections:
Go to
Settings → Alerts.Enable the option
Notify when new device connects.Specify an email for notifications (optional).
Make sure it is not your gadget (check the MAC in the router settings)|
Take a screenshot of the device list in case of an error|
Check if the device is connected via a guest network|
Update your router firmware (outdated versions are vulnerable)
-->
4. Export reports
To save a list of devices:
Click
File → Export.Select format:
CSV,HTMLorTXT.Specify the save path.
Reports are useful for analyzing network activity over time (for example, if you suspect someone is connecting at night).
| Function | Description | Where is it located? |
|---|---|---|
| Network scanning | Updates the list of connected devices | Rescan (main window) |
| Device lock | Denies network access by MAC address | Right click → Block Device |
| Notifications | Notifies about new connections | Settings → Alerts |
| Export report | Saves the list of devices to a file | File → Export |
| Adding a device manually | Adds a known MAC to the whitelist | Devices → Add Manually |
Alternative ways to check Wi-Fi without Who's on My Wi-Fi
If you don't want to install third-party software, you can check the network using other methods:
1. Via the router's web interface
Any router (TP-Link, ASUS, Keenetic etc.) shows a list of connected devices:
Open your browser and enter your router's IP (usually
192.168.0.1or192.168.1.1).Enter login/password (by default it is often
admin/admin).Find the section
DHCP Clients,Connected DevicesorLocal area network.
Example path for popular models:
- 🔹 TP-Link:
Advanced → Network → DHCP Clients List; - 🔹 ASUS:
Local Network → DHCP Client List; - 🔹 Keenetic:
Devices → Device List.
2. Via the command line (Windows/macOS/Linux)
You can scan the network manually:
- 🔹 Windows: open
Command lineand enter:arp -aThe command will show all IP and MAC addresses on the local network.
- 🔹 macOS/Linux: in the terminal, run:
nmap -sn 192.168.1.0/24(replace
192.168.1.0to your subnet).
3. Mobile applications
For Android And iOS There are free alternatives:
- 📱 Fing — scans the network, shows open ports;
- 📱 NetScan — analyzes traffic by device;
- 📱 WiFi Analyzer — visualizes channel load.
⚠️ Attention: Applications for iOS have limited functionality due to policy AppleThey can only show basic information about the network.
How to Block Someone's Device Without Who's on My Wi-Fi
If you detect a foreign device, you can block it through your router settings:
1. Through MAC filtering
The method works on most routers:
Log into your router's web interface.
Find the section
MAC Filtering(or "MAC Address Filtering").Add the MAC address of the unwanted device to the blacklist.
Save the settings and reboot the router.
Example for TP-Link:
Advanced → Security → MAC Filtering → Add → [enter MAC] → Save
2. Change your Wi-Fi password
The most reliable way is to change the network password:
In the router's web interface, go to
Wireless → Security.In the field
PasswordEnter a new password (at least 12 characters, including numbers and special characters).Select encryption type
WPA2-PSKorWPA3.Save your changes - all devices will disconnect and be required to re-enter the password.
3. Disabling DHCP for unknown devices
You can manually bind IP addresses to MAC addresses of trusted devices:
Find it in your router
DHCP Reservation(or "DHCP Reservation").Add MAC addresses of your gadgets and assign them fixed IPs.
Disable DHCP for other devices.
After this, third-party devices will not be able to automatically obtain an IP address.
Common errors and problems when using Who's on My Wi-Fi
The program may not work correctly for several reasons:
1. Doesn't see all devices
Possible reasons:
- 🔹 Devices are connected to a guest network (it can be hidden from scanning);
- 🔹 The router is blocking
ARP requests(need to be disabled)AP Isolation); - 🔹 Devices are sleeping or disconnected from the network.
Solution: Update your router firmware or try scanning from another device.
2. Cannot lock the device
Blocking via Who's on My Wi-Fi only works if:
- 🔹 The router supports
MAC Filtering; - 🔹 You have access to its settings;
- 🔹 The device does not use a static IP.
If blocking doesn't work, use the methods in the "How to block someone else's device without Who's on My Wi-Fi" section.
3. False antivirus alarms
Some antiviruses (Avast, Norton) block the program as "potentially dangerous." This is because it scans the network at a low level.
Solution:
Add Who's on My Wi-Fi to your antivirus exceptions.
Download the program from the official website (not from torrents!).
Check the file on VirusTotal.
⚠️ Attention: If you downloaded the program from an unofficial source and your antivirus is complaining, delete it and download it again from whoisonmywifi.com.
Wi-Fi Security Tips: How to Prevent Unwanted Connections
To minimize the risk of hacking or connection of third-party devices:
- 🔹 Use
WPA3instead ofWPA2(if the router supports it); - 🔹 Turn it off
WPS- this protocol is vulnerable to brute force attacks; - 🔹 Update your router firmware regularly;
- 🔹 Create a separate guest network for friends;
- 🔹 Turn on
Firewallon the router; - 🔹 Change your Wi-Fi password periodically (every 3–6 months).
Also useful:
- 🔹 Set up
Schedule(schedule) - turn off Wi-Fi at night; - 🔹 Use
VLANto separate traffic (for advanced users); - 🔹 Enable
Intrusion Detection(if available in the router).
If you suspect your Wi-Fi has been hacked, immediately:
Change your password to a complex one (example:
k7#pL9!qW2@mN5$).Check the list of devices in the router.
Update the firmware.
Disable remote control of the router (
Remote Management).
What to do if the hacker is already online?
If you find a device with an unknown MAC address (for example, from TP-Link or Xiaomi(even if you don't have such gadgets), immediately disconnect the router from the internet (pull out the WAN cable) and change all passwords: for Wi-Fi, the router's web interface, and accounts on connected devices. Then scan your PC/smartphones for viruses (for example, Malwarebytes or Dr.Web CureIt!).
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Who's on My Wi-Fi
Is Who's on My Wi-Fi free to use?
Yes, there's a trial version with a time limit (usually 7-14 days). After that, you need to purchase a license (~$20-$30). Free alternatives: Fing, Advanced IP Scanner.
The program doesn't recognize my device. Why?
Possible reasons:
- The device is connected to another network (for example, a neighbor's).
- The router is in the enabled mode
AP Isolation(client isolation). - The device is using a VPN or proxy.
Try turning it off AP Isolation in the router settings or reconnect the gadget.
How do I find out which device my neighbor owns?
Check it out MAC address through the service MAC VendorsIf the manufacturer is Xiaomi, TP-Link or another brand you don't have, it's probably someone else's gadget. You can also:
- Disable the internet on the router and see who starts complaining.
- Check your Wi-Fi signal - if your device is weakly connected (1-2 bars), it's probably behind a wall.
Can I use Who's on My Wi-Fi on my phone?
Official version for Android/iOS no. Alternatives:
- Fing (free, premium features available);
- NetCut (requires root on Android);
- WiFi Guard (notifies about new devices).
On iPhone functionality is limited due to policy Apple.
How to completely remove Who's on My Wi-Fi from your computer?
To uninstall the program:
- Close Who's on My Wi-Fi.
- Go to
Control Panel → Programs and Features. - Find WhoIsOnMyWiFi and click "Delete".
- Delete the remaining files in the folders:
C:\Program Files\WhoIsOnMyWiFiC:\Users\[Your_Name]\AppData\Roaming\WhoIsOnMyWiFi