How to see hidden devices connected to your WiFi network

Online and device security have never been more important. This ensures that your identity is safe, as well as any files you may have on your smartphone, laptop, or other devices.

Software updates, antivirus programs, and other measures in a device level are already doing a fine job in protecting you from online threats. However, there’s still one way that culprits may get to you: your own WiFi network.

That said, it is best to ensure that your WiFi network is safe, especially if you’re living in a populous neighborhood.

One of the ways to do so is by checking what and whose devices are connected to your network. This could be tough, especially if your network router settings are already a couple of years old and has tons of people already listed.

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Here are some ways for you to check every open and hidden devices connected to your device.

How to check the devices connected to your WiFi

Method 1: Access your WiFi router’s admin settings

Step 1: Open your web browser either on a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop.

Step 2: Type your router’s IP address. If you’re not sure what it is, you can try these common IP addresses: 192.168.1.1, 192.168.0.1, 192.168.2.1, or 192.168.1.100. Bottom line is, you should land on your router’s log in page, which you can easily tell if it has your router’s branding or logo.

Step 3: Once in, sign in your router’s admin username and password. These credentials can be easily found at the bottom of your WiFi modem.

If it doesn’t work, you can reset the router by using the reset button.

Step 4: After a successful login, you should gain access on your router’s settings. Once inside, you can look for the section that shows every devices registered on your router. If you’re not sure who owns the devices listed, you can try changing your WiFi password to disconnect everyone.

Method 2: Use an advanced IP network scanner

The first method can be a little daunting, especially for those who don’t have the technical know-how. That said, you can use apps and software instead, which should look more straightforward and easier to use.

For Windows laptops and desktops, you can use the following apps:

• Glasswire: https://www.glasswire.com
• Advanced IP Scanner: https://www.advanced-ip-scanner.com

Method 3: Use network-related mobile apps

There are also apps available for mobile devices. Android users can try apps like WiFi Inspector, Net Scan, or Fing. Meanwhile, iPhone users can also try Fing, Who is on my WiFi, and WiFi Warden. These apps are available on both the Google Play Store for Android and Apple App Store for iOS.

These are just some of the ways you can scan your WiFi network to see what and whose devices are connected to your home network. If you have any questions, let us know and we’ll try to help you out.