Before you start
- Your router’s app or admin login
Method 1 Check in your router’s app or admin page
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Step 1: Open the router
Use its app (TP-Link Tether/Deco, Google Home, eero, Netgear, ASUS, Huawei AI Life, your provider’s app) or browse to its address, often 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1.
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Step 2: Find the device list
Look for Clients, Devices, Connected Devices, Attached Devices, DHCP Client List or Network Map.
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Step 3: Count your devices
Phones, laptops, tablets, smart TVs, consoles, speakers, cameras, smart plugs and printers all count. Most homes have more than people expect.
Method 2 Identify unknown devices
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Step 1: Check names
Many devices show a name like “Galaxy-S24”, “LGwebOSTV” or “ESP_3F21” (often a smart plug).
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Step 2: Compare MAC addresses
Find each of your device’s MAC address: Android Settings > About phone or Wi-Fi details (note: “randomised MAC” per network); iPhone Settings > Wi-Fi > (i) > Wi-Fi Address; Windows ipconfig /all.
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Step 3: Look up the manufacturer
The first six characters of a MAC address identify the maker. Search them on a “MAC vendor lookup” site.
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Step 4: Turn devices off
Still unsure? Switch your devices off one by one and see which entry disappears.
Found an intruder?
- Block the device in the router app.
- Change the Wi-Fi password and use WPA2/WPA3.
- Turn off WPS.
- Change the router admin password.
Troubleshooting
The list shows devices that are switched off
Some routers keep recent devices in the list for a while (DHCP lease). Look for an “online” or “active” indicator.
I can’t log in to the router
Use the admin password on the router label, or reset the router if it was changed and you don’t know it.
Frequently asked questions
Can I see what websites people visit?
Not normally. Some routers show traffic by device or category, but most websites use HTTPS, which hides the content.
Can I check from my phone without the router app?
Network scanner apps like Fing can list devices on your network, but the router’s own list is more reliable.
Summary
Open your router’s app or admin page, view Connected Devices, and match names and MAC addresses to your own devices. Block anything unknown and change your Wi-Fi password.
