Signs Someone May Be Using Your Wi-Fi
- Internet feels slower than usual, especially when you're the only one home
- Your router's activity lights blink rapidly even when you're not browsing
- You notice unfamiliar device names in your router's device list
- Your monthly data usage seems higher than expected
How to Check Connected Devices
- 1Open a browser and go to 192.168.1.1 (or 192.168.0.1, 192.168.1.254, 192.168.0.254, 192.168.88.1, routerlogin.net, or netic.cc).
- 2Log in with your admin credentials.
- 3Look for a section called Connected Devices, DHCP Client List, or Device Management.
- 4Review the list — you'll see device names, IP addresses, and MAC addresses.
- 5Identify every device: your phone, laptop, smart TV, tablet, smart speaker, etc.
- 6Any device you don't recognize is a potential intruder.
How to Remove an Unauthorized User
- 1Immediately change your Wi-Fi password (see guide: Change Wi-Fi Name & Password).
- 2All devices, including the intruder, will be disconnected and must re-enter the new password.
- 3Reconnect only your authorized devices.
- 4Optionally, enable MAC address filtering to whitelist only your own devices.
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If your Wi-Fi is open (no password) or uses WEP encryption, anyone nearby can access it. Switch to WPA2 or WPA3 immediately.
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