iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
To see who is connected to your Wi-Fi, open your router’s app or administrator page and check its connected, attached, or online devices list. Compare unfamiliar entries with the phones, computers, TVs, smart-home devices, and guests in your household before blocking anything. If you think someone has your Wi-Fi password, change it and reconnect your trusted devices.
Where to find the devices connected to your Wi-Fi
-
Connect your phone or computer to your home network, then open the router manufacturer’s app or its local administrator interface. The setup and sign-in details vary by model, so use the instructions for your router rather than assuming a universal address or login.
-
Look for a page or menu named Connected Devices, Attached Devices, or Devices. If the router separates wired and wireless clients, use the wireless list to check who is on Wi-Fi. NETGEAR documents this distinction for its listed Nighthawk models in its device-list instructions.
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy. -
Review the list while your household’s usual devices are connected. A router may show a device name, address, connection type, or other identifying details; the available information depends on the router.
#1 Best Overall
Sale
TP-Link AX1800 WiFi 6 Router (Archer AX21 V5)- DUAL-BAND WIFI 6 ROUTER: Wi-Fi 6(802.11ax) technology achieves faster speeds, greater capacity and reduced network congestion compared to the previous gen. All WiFi routers require a separate modem. Dual-Band WiFi routers do not support the 6 GHz band.
- AX1800: Enjoy smoother and more stable streaming, gaming, downloading with 1.8 Gbps total bandwidth (up to 1200 Mbps on 5 GHz and up to 574 Mbps on 2.4 GHz). Performance varies by conditions, distance to devices, and obstacles such as walls.
- CONNECT MORE DEVICES: Wi-Fi 6 technology communicates more data to more devices simultaneously using revolutionary OFDMA technology
- EXTENSIVE COVERAGE: Achieve the strong, reliable WiFi coverage with Archer AX1800 as it focuses signal strength to your devices far away using Beamforming technology, 4 high-gain antennas and an advanced front-end module (FEM) chipset
- OUR CYBERSECURITY COMMITMENT: TP-Link is a signatory of the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) Secure-by-Design pledge. This device is designed, built, and maintained, with advanced security as a core requirement.
How to tell whether an unfamiliar device is really unauthorized
Treat an unfamiliar name as a reason to investigate, not proof that someone has joined without permission. Device labels can be vague or inaccurate, and ASUS notes that MAC address randomization may cause a device to appear unknown or under imprecise names. A phone may also use a different randomized address on different networks, so entries need not map neatly to a device’s familiar name.
Check phones, laptops, tablets, televisions, game consoles, speakers, cameras, and other connected household equipment. Ask household members about recently connected devices and consider whether a guest has your password. ASUS explains how to inspect connected-device information in its router support FAQ.
Rank #2
- Dual-band Wi-Fi with 5 GHz speeds up to 867 Mbps and 2.4 GHz speeds up to 300 Mbps, delivering 1200 Mbps of total bandwidth¹. Dual-band routers do not support 6 GHz. Performance varies by conditions, distance to devices, and obstacles such as walls.
- Covers up to 1,000 sq. ft. with four external antennas for stable wireless connections and optimal coverage.
- Supports IGMP Proxy/Snooping, Bridge and Tag VLAN to optimize IPTV streaming
- Access Point Mode - Supports AP Mode to transform your wired connection into wireless network, an ideal wireless router for home
- Advanced Security with WPA3 - The latest Wi-Fi security protocol, WPA3, brings new capabilities to improve cybersecurity in personal networks
How to block a device or remove its access
If you identify a device you do not want on the network, use the router’s model-specific block or access-control feature. The effect can differ: a block may prevent internet access, while an access-control rule may govern whether a device is allowed to join or use the network. Follow the router’s own instructions and verify what the setting controls.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFor example, TP-Link documents deny-list and allow-list modes for supported routers; exact options can depend on the model and firmware. Its instructions are in How to Block or Allow Devices on Your TP-Link Router (Access Control). ASUS also documents blocking a device through its app or web interface in the connected-device FAQ. Blocking is different from renaming or hiding an entry, which does not itself remove the device’s access.
Rank #3
- NIGHTHAWK WIFI 6 ROUTER FOR YOUR WHOLE HOME: Delivers fast, reliable WiFi across every room of your apartment or small home for streaming, gaming, video calls, and smart home devices, all running at the same time without slowing each other down.
- WORKS WITH YOUR EXISTING INTERNET SERVICE: Pairs with your existing modem or gateway via ethernet. Compatible with most cable, fiber, DSL, and satellite providers. Some gateways and modem router combos may require bridge mode. No coax needed.
- SET UP AND MANAGE YOUR NETWORK WITH THE NIGHTHAWK APP: Download the free Nighthawk app on iOS or Android for guided setup. Manage WiFi, run speed tests, pause devices, and set up guest networks from anywhere. Active internet required.
- READY FOR THE DEVICES YOU ALREADY OWN: Your phones, laptops, and TVs work right out of the box. WiFi 6 delivers speeds up to 1.8 Gbps across 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. Backward compatible with WiFi 5 and earlier.
- COVERAGE IN EVERY ROOM: Covers up to 1,500 sq. ft. for up to 20 connected devices. Walls, floors, and interference can reduce range. Larger or multi-story homes may benefit from a NETGEAR Orbi mesh WiFi system.
When you should change the Wi-Fi password
If you suspect an unwanted person knows the Wi-Fi password, change it in the router’s wireless settings. Choose a strong, unique password and update the connection on household devices that should remain online; they will need the new credential. NETGEAR documents password changes through router settings in its Wi-Fi security settings guidance, though menus vary by model.
Password rotation is the more durable general response when the old credential may have been shared. Do not assume that blocking one listed device will permanently stop reconnection: a router’s controls and their effect vary, and a person with the current password may be able to connect again from another device.
Rank #4
- 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞-𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐟 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐖𝐢-𝐅𝐢 𝟕: Powered by Wi-Fi 7 technology, enjoy faster speeds with Multi-Link Operation, increased reliability with Multi-RUs, and more data capacity with 4K-QAM, delivering enhanced performance for all your devices.
- 𝐁𝐄𝟑𝟔𝟎𝟎 𝐃𝐮𝐚𝐥-𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐢-𝐅𝐢 𝟕 𝐑𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐫: Delivers up to 2882 Mbps (5 GHz), and 688 Mbps (2.4 GHz) speeds for 4K/8K streaming, AR/VR gaming & more. Dual-band routers do not support 6 GHz. Performance varies by conditions, distance, and obstacles like walls.
- 𝐔𝐧𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐡 𝐌𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢-𝐆𝐢𝐠 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐃𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝟐.𝟓 𝐆𝐛𝐩𝐬 𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝟑×𝟏𝐆𝐛𝐩𝐬 𝐋𝐀𝐍 𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬: Maximize Gigabitplus internet with one 2.5G WAN/LAN port, one 2.5 Gbps LAN port, plus three additional 1 Gbps LAN ports. Break the 1G barrier for seamless, high-speed connectivity from the internet to multiple LAN devices for enhanced performance.
- 𝐍𝐞𝐱𝐭-𝐆𝐞𝐧 𝟐.𝟎 𝐆𝐇𝐳 𝐐𝐮𝐚𝐝-𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐫: Experience power and precision with a state-of-the-art processor that effortlessly manages high throughput. Eliminate lag and enjoy fast connections with minimal latency, even during heavy data transmissions.
- 𝐂𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐫 - Covers up to 2,000 sq. ft. for up to 60 devices at a time. 4 internal antennas and beamforming technology focus Wi-Fi signals toward hard-to-reach areas. Seamlessly connect phones, TVs, and gaming consoles.
Secure the router and Wi-Fi settings
-
Use WPA2 or WPA3 where supported. Disable legacy WEP and WPA. Some older devices may not support WPA3, so check compatibility and the router’s documentation before changing encryption settings. CISA recommends current Wi-Fi security options in its network security guidance; NETGEAR notes that available protocol options depend on router age and model in its security-protocol instructions.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy. -
Change the router administrator password if it is still set to a factory credential. This is separate from the Wi-Fi password: it protects access to the router’s management settings. CISA recommends changing factory-set router credentials in its 5 Steps to Protecting Your Digital Home tip sheet.
Best Value
TP-Link AC1200 Gigabit Dual Band WiFi Router (Archer A6)- Dual band router upgrades to 1200 Mbps high speed internet (300mbps for 2.4GHz plus 900Mbps for 5GHz), reducing buffering and ideal for 4K stream
- Full Gigabit Ports - Gigabit Router with 4 Gigabit LAN ports, ideal for any internet plan and allow you to directly connect your wired devices
- Boosted Coverage - Four external antennas equipped with Beamforming technology extend and concentrate the Wi-Fi signals
- MU-MIMO technology - (5GHz band) allows high speeds for multiple devices simultaneously
- Access Point Mode - Supports AP Mode to transform your wired connection into wireless network, an ideal wireless router for home
-
Check for manufacturer-provided software updates. Keep the router’s software current using the process specified for your model. CISA includes software updates among its home-network recommendations in the same digital-home guidance.
Do you need a new router?
Usually, no. Start with the router you already have. Consider replacing it only if it cannot provide supported WPA2 or WPA3 security, useful controls for viewing or managing connected devices, or current manufacturer support. Before buying, verify those features for the exact model, hardware revision, and region, and make sure your existing devices are compatible. Router features and protocol choices can vary across models and firmware.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
