Slow WiFi? This is how to find out who is connecting without permission to your network
How to Check Devices Connected to Your Home WiFi Network
Internet connections via WiFi networks are now an important part of everyday life. Starting from working, studying, to playing games, everyone needs stable and fast internet access. However, many users often complain that the WiFi speed feels slow even though the internet package used is quite large.
One common cause is the large number of devices connected to the network. In fact, there is a possibility that foreign devices may also use the network without the owner’s permission. Therefore, identifying who is using a WiFi network is very important to maintain security while ensuring internet speed remains optimal.
To check which devices are connected to a WiFi network, you usually need some basic information regarding the router, such as the device’s IP address, username, and password to enter the settings page. The IP address is usually listed on a label on the back of the router or in the user manual. Meanwhile, you can ask your username and password directly from the internet operator you use.
Once all the access information is collected, you can start checking what devices are connected to your home WiFi. Here are several ways you can do this:
1. Check via the Router Page
The most basic method is to go directly to the router administration page via a browser on your cellphone or laptop. Each modem brand has a different IP address. For example, ZTE modems use IP 192.168.1.1, while Huawei modems usually use 192.168.100.1 or 192.168.1.254.
You simply type the IP address in the URL column, then enter the username and password. After successfully logging in, you can go to menus such as Status, Device Info, or User Device Information (depending on the router brand). From there, you will see a complete list of devices that are actively using your WiFi network. The data displayed usually includes the IP address, device name, and MAC address, so you can find out which devices are your own and which ones are suspicious.
2. Using the Fing Application
If you want a more practical process, the Fing application can be a solution. This application can scan WiFi networks and quickly display all connected devices. Fing also provides additional details such as device manufacturer name, device type, and IP address making it easier to identify whether the device is yours.
The method is quite simple. Download the Fing application via Google Play Store or App Store, open the application, then run the network scanning process. In a matter of seconds, you will see a complete list of devices connected to your WiFi.
3. View WiFi Users Via Command Prompt in Windows
For Windows computer users, checking can also be done via Command Prompt (CMD). Open the Run menu with the Windows+R key combination, type cmd, then press Enter. When CMD opens, you can type commands such as net view and arp -a to see a list of IPs that are using the same network as your device.
This method does not provide complete device identity like the Fing application, but is still useful for checking the number of connected devices.
4. Check via the Google WiFi Application
If you use a Google WiFi device, checking can be done in more detail via the application. This application displays all connected devices, whether using WiFi or Ethernet cable. Apart from device identity, Google WiFi also provides data regarding internet usage, including the amount of data downloaded and uploaded in a certain period and history available for the past 30 days.
You can tap on a specific device to see complete details such as connection status, IP address, and MAC address.
By checking the device list regularly, you can ensure that no outside parties are using the network without permission. Apart from increasing security, this step also helps maintain internet speeds that remain stable for all residents of the house. If a foreign device is found, you can immediately block or change the WiFi password to prevent unwanted access.
