5 Ways to Check Who’s Connected to Your Wi-Fi Network
See every device on your network using the router page and free scanner tools — on your own network.
Overview
Wondering who’s using your Wi-Fi? Your router lists connected devices, and free tools scan the network for details. This guide shows how to see connected devices and spot unknown ones — on a network you own.
Note: Only scan and manage networks you own or are authorized to administer.
Key Takeaways
- Your router’s admin page lists connected devices.
- Free scanners show IP/MAC and device names.
- Unknown devices may indicate an unauthorized user.
- Securing Wi-Fi (WPA2/WPA3, strong password) is the real fix.
Method 1: Router Admin Page
1. Open a browser and go to your router (e.g., 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
2. Sign in with the router admin credentials.
3. Find "Connected devices" / "DHCP clients" / "Device list".
4. Review the devices and their IP/MAC addresses.
Method 2: Free Scanner Tools
Note: Download scanners only from their official sites.
- Wireless Network Watcher (NirSoft) — lists devices with IP/MAC/name.
- SoftPerfect WiFi Guard — flags new/unknown devices.
- Advanced IP Scanner — scans the subnet for hosts.
- Fing (desktop/mobile) — friendly device discovery.
Identify Unknown Devices
1. Match device names/MAC vendors to your known devices.
2. Temporarily power off a device to see which entry disappears.
3. Anything you can’t account for may be an intruder.
Secure Your Wi-Fi
1. Use WPA2 or WPA3 with a strong, unique password.
2. Change the default router admin password.
3. Update router firmware, and change the Wi-Fi password if you suspect intruders (this disconnects everyone).
4. Consider disabling WPS.
Troubleshooting
Problem: Can’t log in to the router.
Solution: Check the label for default credentials; reset the router only as a last resort (reconfigures it).
Problem: Device names are cryptic.
Solution: Use the MAC vendor prefix (via a scanner) to identify the manufacturer.
Problem: Suspect an intruder.
Solution: Change the Wi-Fi password to a strong new one and enable WPA2/WPA3; this evicts unknown devices.
Problem: Scanner misses devices.
Solution: Run it as administrator and ensure your PC is on the same subnet/band as the devices.
Conclusion
Your router’s device list plus a scanner like Wireless Network Watcher shows exactly who’s on your Wi-Fi. If you spot an unknown device, secure the network with WPA2/WPA3 and a strong password — the reliable way to keep intruders off.
