Is your connection speed slightly below what you’re used to? Are there icons for devices you don’t recognize popping up in File Explorer or when you cast content to your TV? Here’s what to do if you think your neighbor is illegally accessing your Wi-Fi: (and boot them off).
So, someone is using your internet connection to stream Netflix, you might think. The question, “So what?” Even if you have some spare bandwidth, you probably don’t want strangers on your network, especially if it’s not secure.
Having unauthorized users access your network puts all of your computers at risk. They might gain access to files you have unwittingly made public, infect your computer with malware, or even steal your passwords and other sensitive information.
Therefore, it is important to verify that every device accessing your network has been verified as trustworthy. Fortunately, there are no-cost utilities that will reveal who is currently connected to your Wi-Fi.
See Who’s On Your Network
If you’re using Windows, you can get a free, portable program called Wireless Network Watcher that will provide a list of every device currently connected to your network, allowing you to determine which ones are yours.
Simply launching Wireless Network Watcher will cause it to start scanning your network for any potential problems. The bottom-left corner should say “Scanning…” after a minute or two, indicating that the process is successful.
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The vast majority of alternative apps are either prohibitively expensive or limited in some significant way. Information you need might be hiding in your Mac router’s settings page. And if you happen to own an iPhone, you can always check out Fing(Opens in a new window).
Consult Your Router Settings
It’s possible, but not guaranteed, that you won’t be familiar with some of the items on that list. When I was done with my list, for instance, there were still a few gadgets that had neither a brand nor a manufacturer listed.
But through the web interface of my router, I was able to glean some additional insight.
Simply entering your router’s IP address into your browser’s address bar will bring up the administration page.
In the end, I was able to locate my Amazon Echo by comparing its MAC address with one of the unlabeled items in Wireless Network Watcher by consulting the Alexa app on my phone.
In a perfect world, you would be able to single out each and every gadget connected to your system. There is a chance that someone is using your Wi-Fi if you still have some and have searched your home thoroughly for other internet-connected devices without finding any.
Beef Up Your Network Security
If you find out that a neighbor is using your Wi-Fi without permission, you can prevent it by updating the security settings on your router rather than going on the offensive. Get back into your router’s web interface and look for a password reset button.
You should start using a strong password immediately if you aren’t already doing so. Without a password, your sensitive data can be easily stolen by any hacking noob who happens to be passing by.
It’s recommended that you use WPA2 as your password security standard because it’s much harder to crack than the antiquated WEP. If you’re using WPS, turn it off immediately. If this setting is enabled, it will make cracking your Wi-Fi password much simpler for others.
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You can enable the guest network on your router or simply share the password wirelessly to allow visitors to use your Wi-Fi without access to your devices or data.
Changing your password to something more difficult to guess should be enough to keep nosy neighbors out if you already had one. Even though you’ll have to re-authenticate all of your devices, you can rest assured that your network contains only your personal equipment.
FAQs – People Also Ask
How can I see all devices connected?
Find the IP Address of Any Networked Device with Fing.
Fing is an app that is free to download on both iOS and Android. When you’re ready, launch the app to have it check out your home network. The time it takes depends on the speed of your network and the number of devices you have connected to it.
How many devices are connected to my WiFi router?
In order to log in to your router, you will need to enter the password you set up when you first set up the device. Instrument cluster screens. To access the network status screen, swipe up. Any gadgets linked to your router will show up on screen.
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