If your internet suddenly feels slower, videos buffer more often, or smart devices go on the blink and disconnect randomly, someone might be secretly using your Wi-Fi. Certainly, unauthorized devices on your network siphon bandwidth, but they also pose security risks. The good news? You can easily see everything that’s connected to your Wi-Fi and lock intruders out for good. Here’s how to take control of your network and keep it safe from unwanted digital guests.

Understand why unrecognized devices become a serious concern.

When somebody connects to your Wi-Fi without permission, they consume your data, weaken your connection, or even access shared files. Even worse, it allows hackers to use your network as a gateway for attacks. Knowing every device connected to your Wi-Fi will keep your home network fast, secure, and under your full control.

Learn How to Access Your Router’s Device List

The first thing you would want to do is to check for unauthorized connections in your router’s admin dashboard. Use the IP address of the router-it usually is either 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1-and click through to the device list or “connected clients” section. There, you find listed all devices currently using your Wi-Fi: phones, tablets, laptops, cameras, printers, and even smart home gadgets.

Know the names of common devices to identify strangers.

Most routers label devices by name, IP address, or MAC address. Familiar names like “John’s iPhone” or “Samsung TV” help identify which gadgets are legitimate. Unknown labels or suspicious manufacturer names—like devices from brands you don’t own—are red flags. If you remain in doubt, power off your devices one by one to see which item disappears from the list.

Use Network Scanning Apps to detect hidden users.

If your router’s interface looks confusing, network scanning tools make the process easier. Apps like Fing, WiFi Analyzer, and Network Scanner show every device on your network with naming that is much clearer. These same tools will also help you to track unusual activity, therefore making it easy to identify unwanted users who try to hide.

Strengthen your Wi-Fi security to block unwanted access.

Once you’ve found suspicious devices, remove them by changing your Wi-Fi password. Change the password to a strong one using a mixture of letters, numbers, and symbols. Another thing to do is to change your security setting to WPA3 if your router allows it, since the older standard WEP and WPA2 are easier to break. Reconnect only your trusted devices from now on.

Setup Additional Tools for Ongoing Network Monitoring

To keep thieves out long-term, enable features for network monitoring. Many routers can either whitelist approved devices, send notifications when new devices are connected, or automatically block unknown ones. Setting up a guest network keeps visitors separate from your main devices. Regularly check the list of devices connected to your router, so nothing surprising slips through.

Take Charge and Keep Your Wi-Fi Protected Your Wi-Fi should be used only by people you trust. By monitoring connected devices, strengthening your security settings, and using scanning tools, you can stop Wi-Fi theft before it slows you down or puts your privacy at risk. A secure network begins with staying aware—and staying in control.

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News Source: PCmag.com