A slow connection or unexplained router activity is a good reason to check the connected-device list. The fix, if you find a stranger, is to remove the device and change the Wi-Fi password.
Does this affect you?
Use this for most home routers and mesh systems, including ISP routers, Netgear, TP-Link, ASUS, Eero, Google Nest Wifi, Orbi, and Deco.
Check the router admin page
The router can show devices connected right now.
- Find your router address, often printed on the router label as 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1.
- On Windows, you can also check Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi and look for Default gateway.
- Type the address into a browser while connected to your home network.
- Sign in with the router admin username and password. If it is still the default from the sticker, change it later.
- Open Connected Devices, Attached Devices, Client List, or a similar section.
- Compare the listed phones, laptops, TVs, consoles, smart speakers, and smart-home devices with what your household owns.
- Investigate unfamiliar names before assuming theft. Guest phones and generic manufacturer names can look strange.
Use the router app
Newer routers often make this easier in a phone app.
- Open the app for your router or mesh system.
- Look for Devices, Clients, or Network.
- Tap devices for details such as first connected time, usage, and device type if the app shows it.
- If a device is still unexplained, treat it as unwanted and lock down the network.
Remove devices and lock access
Blocking one device helps, but changing the password is the real reset.
- Use Block or Remove on the unfamiliar device if your router offers it.
- Open Wireless or Wi-Fi Settings and change the Wi-Fi password to something long and unique.
- Use WPA3 if available, or WPA2 at minimum. Do not use WEP.
- Update every household device with the new password.
- Share the new password only with people who need it.
More control
Change the router admin password
The Wi-Fi password lets devices join. The router admin password lets someone change settings. Replace default admin credentials under Administration or System.
Disable remote management
If the router allows admin login from outside your home, turn it off unless you specifically need it.
Use guest Wi-Fi
A guest network gives visitors internet without access to your main devices and files. It is also useful for smart-home devices you trust less.
Update firmware
Router firmware updates patch security holes. Check every few months or enable automatic updates if available.
Sources
- FTC Consumer Advice – How to secure your home Wi-Fi network
- FCC Consumer Guide – Wi-Fi network security
- CISA – Securing wireless networks