How to Check Who Is Connected to Your Wi-Fi

If your internet speed seems slower than usual, it might be due to unauthorized users connected to your Wi-Fi. But how do you find out who is using your Wi-Fi? Let’s go through some simple methods to check and what you can do about it.

Method 1: Use Your Router's Web Interface

The most reliable way to see connected devices is through your router's settings. Here’s how to do it:

Open your browser and enter your router's IP address (typically 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
Log in with your router’s username and password (default credentials are often admin/admin).
Look for a section named Connected Devices or DHCP Clients.
You’ll see a list of all devices connected to your Wi-Fi network. Check the names and IP addresses to identify them.

If you see unknown devices, it’s possible someone is using your Wi-Fi without permission.

Method 2: Use Apps to Scan Connected Devices

If accessing the router settings is difficult, you can use mobile apps to check who is connected:

Fing (iOS/Android) — One of the best apps for network scanning. It shows all connected devices, their IP addresses, and manufacturer details.
WiFi Analyzer (Android) — This app not only lists connected devices but also analyzes your network to help improve signal strength.

These apps are easy to use and provide a quick way to see all devices on your network.

Method 3: Use Command Line (Windows/Mac)

If you prefer using the command line, try these commands:

Windows: arp -a
Mac: arp -a

These commands will display a list of IP addresses and MAC addresses of devices on your network. Compare them with your known devices to detect unknown ones.

What to Do If You Find Unauthorized Devices

If you spot unknown devices on your network, here’s what you can do:

Change Your Wi-Fi Password — Make sure it is strong and unique.
Enable MAC Address Filtering — Only devices with approved MAC addresses can connect.
Disable WPS — WPS can be a vulnerability that hackers exploit to gain access.