Last Updated: 14 October, 2026
If your internet has become unusually slow or you suspect someone is using your Wi-Fi without permission, checking the devices connected to your router is a useful first step. Your router can show which phones, computers, televisions, and other devices are using your home network.
The quickest method is to sign in to your router’s administration page or open its official mobile app and look for a section called Connected Devices, Device List, Attached Devices, or Network Map. The exact name depends on your router model.
However, an unfamiliar device name does not automatically mean someone has hacked your Wi-Fi. Some devices use generic names, and phones may use private Wi-Fi addresses that make identification less straightforward.
This guide explains how to check your router’s device list, identify unfamiliar connections, and secure your network if something looks suspicious.
How to Check Devices Connected to Your Router
Follow these steps to see which devices are connected to your network.
Step 1: Connect to your home network
Connect your computer or phone to the Wi-Fi network you want to inspect. You can also connect a computer directly to the router using an Ethernet cable.
Checking the correct network matters because a phone connected to mobile data or a different Wi-Fi network will not necessarily show the devices connected to your home router.
Step 2: Find your router’s IP address
On Windows, you can find your router’s local address using Command Prompt.
- Press Windows + R.
- Type
cmdand press Enter. - Enter
ipconfig. - Find the active Wi-Fi or Ethernet adapter.
- Look for Default Gateway.
The address beside Default Gateway is usually your router’s local IP address. Common examples include 192.168.1.1 and 192.168.0.1, although your network may use a different address.
On a phone, check the details of your connected Wi-Fi network. Some devices display the router or gateway address in the network information screen.
Step 3: Open your router’s administration page
Open a browser and enter the gateway address in the address bar. For example:
http://192.168.1.1
Replace this example with your actual gateway address.
Sign in using your router’s administrator credentials. These credentials may differ from your Wi-Fi password. If you have never changed the administrator password, consult your router’s manual or the manufacturer’s official support page.
Only enter your credentials on your router’s legitimate local administration page or official management app. Avoid unfamiliar websites claiming to provide router login access.
Step 4: Find the connected-device list
After signing in, look for a menu with a name such as:
- Connected Devices
- Attached Devices
- Device Manager
- Network Map
- Wireless Clients
- DHCP Client List
Some routers separate wireless devices from Ethernet-connected devices. Others show both in one list.
For example, NETGEAR documents the Attached Devices page for viewing wired and wireless connections, while ASUS provides a client-status view through its router interface and mobile app.
Official guides: NETGEAR connected-device instructions and ASUS router device information.
Step 5: Review the devices shown
You may see a combination of device names, IP addresses, MAC addresses, connection types, and online or offline statuses.
Look through the list and compare it with the equipment you own or regularly use. Include smart televisions, streaming devices, printers, game consoles, security cameras, smart speakers, and other connected equipment.
Do not immediately block a device simply because its name is unfamiliar. First, investigate what it might be.
How to Identify Unknown Devices on Your Wi-Fi
If you find a device you do not recognize, use the information in the router’s dashboard to narrow down its identity.
Check the device name
Some routers display recognizable names, such as a laptop’s hostname or a television’s model name. Others show generic labels, manufacturer names, or entries such as “Unknown.”
A generic name does not necessarily indicate unauthorized access. The device may simply not provide enough information for the router to identify it clearly.
Compare the IP address
An IP address is the local network address assigned to a device. Your router may display addresses such as 192.168.1.15.
You can use an IP address to distinguish entries in your router’s list, but it is not a permanent identity. Addresses can change when devices reconnect or receive a new DHCP lease.
Therefore, do not assume that an unfamiliar IP address belongs to an intruder.
Check the MAC address
A MAC address identifies a network interface at the local network level. Your router may show it beside each connected device.
You can compare the address shown by your router with the Wi-Fi address listed in the device’s network settings. Make sure you check the address for the correct Wi-Fi network.
One important detail: many modern phones use private or randomized Wi-Fi addresses. This feature can make a device appear under a different address than you expected, and some routers may display duplicate or unfamiliar entries.
For more information, see the ASUS explanation of unknown devices and randomized MAC addresses.
Identify devices by disconnecting them one at a time
If you still cannot identify an entry, try a simple comparison:
- Keep the router’s device list open.
- Turn off Wi-Fi on one of your own devices.
- Refresh the router’s device list.
- Check whether the entry disappears or changes to offline.
- Repeat with other devices as necessary.
Allow a little time for the router to update. Some dashboards retain previously connected devices, so an entry may remain visible even after its device disconnects.
This method is often more reliable than guessing from a device name alone.
Why Does My Router Show Unknown Devices?
There are several legitimate reasons an unfamiliar entry may appear in your router’s dashboard.
1. The device uses a generic name. A smartphone, laptop, or smart-home product may appear under a manufacturer name or a label that does not identify its owner.
2. Your phone uses a private Wi-Fi address. Address randomization can cause a familiar device to appear unfamiliar or create additional entries in some router interfaces.
3. The router retains offline devices. Some dashboards show both active and previously connected equipment. An old entry does not necessarily represent a device currently using your internet connection.
4. You forgot about a connected device. A guest’s phone, an old tablet, a printer, or a television may still be connected.
5. The device is connected through Ethernet or another network component. Some routers combine wired and wireless clients in one list. Mesh systems and access points can also make network layouts less obvious.
6. Someone may have connected without permission. Unauthorized access is possible, particularly if your Wi-Fi password has been shared widely or your network uses weak security.
The important distinction is whether the device is actively connected and whether you can reasonably identify it. Investigate first, then secure the network if necessary.
How to Remove Unknown Devices From Your Router
If you confirm that a device is not yours or should no longer have access, take steps to protect the network.
1. Change your Wi-Fi password
Open your router’s wireless settings and create a strong, unique password that you have not used elsewhere.
After saving the change, legitimate devices may need to reconnect using the new password. This is also an opportunity to remove access for people who previously knew your old credentials.
If possible, review the connected-device list again after your own devices reconnect.
2. Change the router administrator password
Your router’s administrator password protects its settings. It is separate from the password used to connect to Wi-Fi.
If the administrator password is weak, shared, or still set to an insecure default, change it to a strong, unique password. Otherwise, someone with administrative access might be able to change your network settings.
3. Use WPA3 or WPA2-AES security
Check your router’s wireless security settings. Choose WPA3-Personal if your router and devices support it. If not, use WPA2-Personal with AES where available.
Avoid outdated security options such as WEP. If your router offers a compatibility mode, review its security implications before selecting it.
4. Update your router’s firmware
Firmware updates can fix security vulnerabilities, improve reliability, and address device compatibility problems.
Check your router manufacturer’s official support page or management app for the correct update instructions. Use firmware intended for your exact router model and hardware revision.
5. Review WPS and remote administration
If you do not need Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS), consider disabling it, particularly if your router’s implementation or configuration creates a security concern.
Also review remote administration settings. If you do not need to manage your router from outside your home network, disable remote management where appropriate.
6. Block the device if your router supports it
Some routers allow you to block a selected device or deny it internet access. This can help when you have identified an unwanted connection.
However, blocking an entry by itself is not a substitute for changing a compromised Wi-Fi password. A device may reconnect using a different address, and router blocking features vary.
If you suspect unauthorized access, securing the network credentials is the more important step.
What If You Cannot See Connected Devices?
If you cannot find a device list, try these checks.
- Look under Advanced settings: The list may be inside LAN, Network, Wireless, or DHCP settings.
- Try the official router app: Some manufacturers provide a clearer device list through their mobile applications.
- Check the correct router: If you use a modem-router combination, mesh system, or separate access point, devices may appear on different management screens.
- Refresh the dashboard: Some interfaces need refreshing before connection-status changes appear.
- Check your login permissions: A restricted account may not display all network-management features.
- Consult the manual: Menu names and available features differ by manufacturer and firmware version.
If your router’s lights appear normal but your internet still does not work, the problem may be unrelated to unauthorized connections. See our guide on router green lights but no internet.
If you are investigating unexpectedly slow browsing, you may also find our guide to why real broadband speeds differ from advertised speeds useful.
Quick Checklist for Checking Your Router
Before finishing, make sure you have completed these checks:
- Opened the correct router’s device list.
- Reviewed both wired and wireless connections where available.
- Checked device names, IP addresses, and MAC addresses.
- Compared unfamiliar entries with your own devices.
- Distinguished active connections from offline or historical entries.
- Changed your Wi-Fi password if unauthorized access is suspected.
- Updated the administrator password and reviewed security settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I check devices connected to my router using my phone?
Yes. Connect your phone to the network and use your router’s official mobile app or open the router’s local administration page in a browser. The exact method depends on the router model.
Can I see who is using my Wi-Fi?
You can usually see connected-device details, but your router may not identify the person using each device. Names, IP addresses, and MAC addresses can help you recognize equipment, but they do not reliably establish a person’s identity.
Does an unknown device mean someone has hacked my Wi-Fi?
No. Generic device names, private Wi-Fi addresses, offline entries, and forgotten equipment can all cause confusion. Investigate the entry before concluding that someone has gained unauthorized access.
Can I check devices connected to my Wi-Fi without logging into the router?
Some router apps and internet-provider apps display connected devices without requiring you to open the browser-based administration page. However, access to detailed information or security controls may still require administrator authentication.
Will changing my Wi-Fi password disconnect other devices?
Changing the Wi-Fi password normally requires devices to authenticate again using the new password. Your own phones, computers, televisions, and smart devices may need to be reconnected manually.
How often should I check my connected devices?
Check whenever you notice unexplained network activity, suspect unauthorized access, or make significant changes to your network. An occasional review is also useful for recognizing old devices and keeping your network organized.
Final Thoughts
Checking devices connected to your router helps you understand which equipment is using your home network and investigate unfamiliar connections. The simplest approach is to open your router’s device list, compare the entries with your own devices, and investigate anything you cannot recognize.
Remember that an unknown name is not proof of an intruder. Check connection status, compare device details, and consider private Wi-Fi addresses before taking action.
If you confirm unauthorized access, change your Wi-Fi password, secure the router’s administrator account, use modern wireless security, and install available firmware updates. These steps help you regain control of your network and reduce the risk of unwanted connections.
