Who Is Connected to My WiFi? How to See and Block Them
Is your internet suddenly slow, or is your data finishing faster than it should? Someone may be using your network without permission. In this guide, we show you how to see who is connected to your WiFi on your router, MiFi, Android hotspot or PC, and how to block unknown devices so only the people you trust can connect.
Signs someone is using your WiFi
- Your internet is slow even when you're not downloading anything.
- Your data plan or MiFi bundle runs out faster than usual.
- The WiFi light on your router keeps blinking when all your devices are off.
- You see device names you don't recognise in your router's device list.
Method 1: Check your router or MiFi admin page
Every router keeps a list of connected devices. This is the most accurate way to see who is on your WiFi.
- Connect your phone or PC to the WiFi.
- Open a browser and type your router's address. It's usually printed on a sticker under the router or on the back of the MiFi. Common ones are 192.168.0.1, 192.168.1.1 and 192.168.8.1.
- Log in with the admin username and password on the same sticker (or the one you set).
- Look for a section called Connected Devices, Device List, DHCP Clients, Wireless Clients or Attached Devices.
You'll see each device's name, IP address and MAC address. Count your own phones, laptops and TVs. Anything extra is a stranger.
Tip: identify your own devices
Each device has a unique MAC address. On Android, go to Settings > About phone > Status (or Settings > Wi-Fi > your network) to see it. On Windows, open the WiFi network's properties. Match these with the list to know which ones are yours. Note that many phones use a random MAC address for each network, so the address may differ from the one in About phone.
Method 2: Use your router's app
Many routers have an app that shows connected devices in a cleaner way. For example, TP-Link Tether shows every client on your TP-Link router and lets you block it with one tap. NETGEAR, Huawei, ZTE and other brands have similar apps, and some MiFi devices also show connected users in their app.
Method 3: Scan your network with Fing
If you can't log in to your router, Fing is a free network scanner for Android. Connect to your WiFi, open Fing and tap Scan. It lists every device on the network with its name, brand and IP address, so it's easy to spot an unknown phone or laptop. Fing can also alert you when a new device joins your network.
Method 4: Check who is connected to your Android hotspot
If you share your phone's data as a hotspot, go to Settings > Network & internet > Hotspot & tethering > Wi-Fi hotspot (on Samsung: Settings > Connections > Mobile Hotspot and Tethering > Mobile Hotspot). Most phones show the connected devices there, and some let you block them. Want to share a VPN connection instead? See how to share an Android VPN hotspot to PC.
Method 5: Use Command Prompt on Windows
On a Windows PC connected to the network, open Command Prompt and type:
arp -aThis shows the IP and MAC addresses of devices your PC has recently seen on the network. It's less complete than the router list, but it's a quick check. While you're there, you can also see your saved Wi-Fi passwords on Windows 11.
How to block someone from your WiFi
1. Change your WiFi password
This is the fastest fix. Log in to your router, open Wireless or WLAN settings, and set a new, long password (at least 12 characters with letters, numbers and symbols). Everyone gets disconnected, and only people you give the new password to can join.
2. Use WPA2 or WPA3 security
In the same settings, set security to WPA2-PSK (AES) or WPA3. Avoid WEP or "Open" networks, because they're easy to break into.
3. Turn off WPS
WPS (the push-button connect feature) can let people join without your password. Turn it off in your router settings if you don't use it.
4. Block devices by MAC address
Most routers have MAC filtering or a Block button next to each device. Add the stranger's MAC address to the block list, or create an allow list with only your devices.
5. Change the router admin password
If you never changed the default admin password, anyone on your network could log in and change your settings. Set a new admin password too.
6. Use a guest network for visitors
Many routers can create a separate guest network. Give visitors that password instead of your main one, and change it whenever you want.
Keep your WiFi secure
- Don't share your WiFi password on WhatsApp groups or social media.
- Update your router's firmware when updates are available.
- Check your connected devices once in a while, or let Fing alert you.
- If you use mobile data often, check our free browsing guides to save money.
For more tips, browse our Android tricks and PC tricks.
FAQs
How can I see who is connected to my WiFi on my phone?
Open your router's admin page in your phone's browser, use your router's app, or scan the network with Fing.
Can I see what someone is doing on my WiFi?
Most home routers only show which devices are connected and how much data they use, not the websites they visit.
Will changing my WiFi password kick everyone off?
Yes. Every device is disconnected and must enter the new password to reconnect.
What is 192.168.0.1?
It's a common router admin address. Type it in your browser while connected to your WiFi to open the router's settings page.
Did you find a stranger on your WiFi? Tell us in the comments.
Comments