How to See Who Is Connected to Your Wi‑Fi
If you want to see who is connected to your Wi‑Fi, sign in to your router settings or use your router manufacturer’s app. The connected-devices list shows the phones, laptops, TVs, smart-home devices, and other equipment currently using your network.
How to see who is connected to your Wi‑Fi
- Connect to your home Wi‑Fi network.
- Open a browser and enter your router IP address.
- Sign in to your router settings.
- Look for a section named Connected Devices, Device List, Clients, or Network Map.
- Review the device names, IP addresses, and MAC addresses shown.
Many routers also show whether each device is connected by Wi‑Fi or Ethernet, which Wi‑Fi band it is using, and how much data it has used.
Use your router app instead
Many newer routers and mesh systems have an app that makes this easier. Open the app and look for sections such as Devices, Network, or Clients. You may be able to pause internet access for a device, rename it, or assign it to a profile.
How to identify an unknown device
Device names are not always obvious. A television may appear as a brand name, a phone may show only a model number, and some smart-home products use unusual names.
- Turn off Wi‑Fi on one of your devices and refresh the router list.
- Check the device’s MAC address in its network settings.
- Look for a manufacturer name beside the device, if your router shows one.
- Remember that printers, speakers, cameras, smart plugs, and game consoles may all appear separately.
What to do if someone is using your Wi‑Fi
If you still cannot identify a connected device, change your Wi‑Fi password and reconnect only your trusted devices. This removes devices using the old password.
Also make sure your router uses WPA2 or WPA3 security, turn off WPS if you do not use it, and change the router administrator password if it still uses the default login.
Follow our guide on how to change your Wi‑Fi password for the full process.
Why unknown devices may slow down Wi‑Fi
One extra device does not always cause a problem, but several devices streaming video, downloading files, gaming, or backing up photos can use a large share of your connection. If your internet feels slow, check the connected-device list before buying new equipment.
Frequently asked questions
Can I see who is using my Wi‑Fi without logging in to the router?
Usually, no. Your router settings or router app provide the most reliable connected-device list. Some network-scanner apps can help, but they may not identify every device accurately.
Can I kick a device off my Wi‑Fi?
Some routers let you pause or block a device directly. Changing the Wi‑Fi password is the most reliable way to remove every unknown device at once.
Why does my router show more devices than I own?
Devices can appear more than once if they switch between Wi‑Fi bands, use private MAC addresses, or reconnect after an update. Check each device carefully before assuming it is unwanted.
