How to See Who's on Your Wi-Fi and Kick Them Off
Internet feeling slow? Your neighbours might be using it. It's easy to check which devices are connected to your Wi-Fi and remove the ones that shouldn't be there.
Check the router's device list
- Log into your router in a browser or open its app. See router login guide.
- Look for Connected Devices, Device List, DHCP Clients or Attached Devices.
You'll see device names, IP addresses and MAC addresses.
Identify your devices
- Count your devices: phones, laptops, TVs, consoles, smart speakers, printers, cameras.
- Names like "Galaxy-S23" or "DESKTOP-ABC" are usually easy to spot.
- For unknown names, check each device's MAC address in its settings (usually in About or Wi-Fi details) and compare.
- Turn devices off one by one and see which disappear from the list.
Note: modern phones use a random "private" MAC address per network, so the phone's hardware MAC may not match.
Use a network scanner app
Reputable network scanner apps can list devices on your network with manufacturer names, which makes identification easier.
Kick them off
The most effective method: change your Wi-Fi password. Everyone is disconnected, and only people with the new password can reconnect. Also make sure you're using WPA2 or WPA3.
Many routers also have a Block button next to each device, or MAC filtering or access control lists. Blocking works, but determined users can change MAC addresses, so a new password is better.
Turn off WPS
WPS lets devices connect with a button press or PIN. Turn it off to stop unauthorised connections.
Use a guest network
Give visitors a guest network so you can change its password often without affecting your devices.
Secure the router
Change the admin password and update firmware. See securing your router.
Understanding MAC addresses
A MAC address is a hardware identifier for each network device, written like A4:5E:60:12:34:56. Routers use it to recognise devices. The first half often identifies the manufacturer, which is why network scanner apps can show "Samsung" or "Apple" next to a device.
Modern phones and laptops use randomised MAC addresses by default for privacy, so each network sees a different address. This is good for privacy but makes identification harder. On your phone, you can view the address it uses for your home network in the Wi-Fi network's details.
Using device lists for parental controls
Once you've identified devices, many routers let you:
- Name devices, such as "Ali's phone" or "Kids' tablet".
- Schedule internet access for children's devices, such as pausing after 10 PM.
- Block specific websites for certain devices.
- Limit bandwidth for devices that hog the connection.
Mesh system apps often make this especially easy. See parental controls.
Legal and neighbourly note
If a neighbour has been using your Wi-Fi, simply changing your password is usually the best solution. Avoid trying to access their devices; focus on securing your own network.
Frequently asked questions
Can someone on my Wi-Fi see what I do?
With encryption (HTTPS) they can see limited information, but they could attempt attacks on your devices. Keep strangers off your network.
Why are there devices I don't recognise but own?
Smart plugs, TV boxes and appliances often have odd names.
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