Ever feel like your Wi-Fi is slower than it should be? It might not just be your devices – someone else could be piggybacking on your network. Having extra devices connected to your Wi-Fi can mess with your Internet speed and even put your security at risk.
The good news? It’s not hard to figure out who’s on your Wi-Fi and kick them off if needed. In this guide, we’ll show you simple ways to check your network and share tips to keep it secure so you don’t have to worry about freeloaders slowing you down.
Here’s how to know how many devices are connected to your Wi-Fi router (and figure out which ones don’t belong).
Key Takeaways
- Slow Internet, frequent disconnections, or unknown devices may mean someone is using your Wi-Fi.
- Check connected devices using your router, command line, or apps like Wireless Network Watcher.
- Apps like Fing and NetCut let you identify, block, and monitor devices on your network.
- Improve security by changing your Wi-Fi name and password, enabling WPA3, and disabling WPS.
- Regular checks and updates protect your network from freeloaders and security risks.
3 Signs Someone Is On Your Wi-Fi
It’s not always obvious when someone is using your Wi-Fi without permission, but there are a few signs you can watch for:
These things might have a perfectly normal explanation, like outdated equipment or software glitches, but they’re good reasons to take a closer look at who’s using your Wi-Fi.
How to Check Who Is on Your Wi-Fi
Think someone’s hitching a ride on your Wi-Fi? The first step is to confirm it.
Use Your Wireless Router
The best way to see which devices are connected to your network is to check your router’s web/app interface. Your router is the control center of your network, and it keeps a list of all connected devices.
First, you’ll need your router’s IP address. This is usually something like 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, but it can vary. You can find this on the router itself or in its manual, or you can find your default gateway using the ipconfig /all command in Command Prompt.
Once you have your router’s IP address, open a browser and enter the IP address in the address bar. This is how to check who is using your Wi-Fi on your PC, but some may prompt you to download an app instead. This is what my Wi-Fi router (Google Nest) did.
Once you’re in, look for a section called Connected Devices, Device List, or something similar. This will show you all the devices using your Wi-Fi. If there’s something unfamiliar, it may be time to investigate!
Some routers keep a log of all devices that have connected. If you’re unsure about a device, these logs can give you more details.
Use a Wireless Network Watcher
Wireless Network Watcher is a handy little tool that lets you scan your Wi-Fi network and see all the devices connected to it. It’s nice if you don’t feel like finding your router IP or are having trouble logging in to the interface.
You’ll need to download their application:
Head over to the official NirSoft website, scroll down to the Feedback section, and click Download Wireless Network Watcher (in a Zip file). You can select either the 32-bit or 64-bit.
Open the program, and it will automatically start scanning your network. Give it a minute or two, though, as it can be a bit slow.
You can find the list of connected devices on your Wi-Fi with details like the device name, IP address, and MAC address.
If you see anything suspicious, kick it off your network.
Use Command Prompt or Terminal
If you’re not into downloading extra tools, you can use the built-in command-line tools on your computer to check devices connected to your Wi-Fi.
The command is the same for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Open the command line on whichever operating system (OS) you’re running, and then run this command: arp -a
It will return a list of IP and Mac addresses, but it won’t give you any fancy details like device names. But it’s a quick way to check which devices are leeching off your network without downloading additional software.
Go through it and see if anything doesn’t belong.
Use a Wi-Fi Security App
Wi-Fi security apps are an easy way to check who is on your Wi-Fi. These tools scan your network and show connected devices with details like device names and IP addresses without needing to access your router settings.
There are several Wi-Fi security apps out there, but here are a few more popular options. Btw, these apps are all able to check which devices are on your network, so I’ll add a special detail about each to help you decide which one you want:
- Fing: Provides a clear list of devices and sends alerts when new ones connect.
- NetCut: Allows you to block unwanted devices.
- GlassWire: Tracks connected devices and monitors activity for potential threats.
- WiFi Analyzer: Helps you identify devices and optimize your network by finding the best signal channels.
5 Tips to Prevent Unwanted Connections to Your Wi-Fi
Knowing how to find if someone is using your Wi-Fi is the first step, but prevention is key:
The Bottom Line
Keeping an eye on your Wi-Fi network is a simple but important way to make sure it’s secure and running smoothly. Knowing how to see what devices are connected to your Wi-Fi lets you spot any freeloaders and deal with them before they cause problems.
Taking a few proactive steps like updating your passwords, enabling WPA3, and turning off features like WPS can go a long way in keeping your network safe. A little effort now will save you from headaches down the line.
FAQs
How can I get a list of all devices on my network?
How do I find out who my Wi-Fi is with?
How many users are connected to my Wi-Fi?
How can I see who is on my Wi-Fi router?
References
- Wireless Network Watcher – Show who is connected to your wireless network (Nirsoft)
- Fing | Network Monitoring & Device Blocking App (Fing)
- Netcut for WIndows,MacOs, Android | Arcai.com (Arcai)
- GlassWire – Personal Firewall & Network Monitor (Glasswire)
- Free WiFi Analyzer App for macOS and Windows PC (Netspotapp)