How to See Who Is Connected to Your Wi-Fi Network

Slow internet, unexpected charges, or just a nagging feeling that someone is using your Wi-Fi without permission? You can see every device connected to your network in seconds — no router admin panel required. This guide shows you how to do it directly from Windows.

Knowing what's on your network isn't just about catching freeloaders. It's also how you spot smart devices that have gone rogue, identify unfamiliar phones connected by guests who forgot to disconnect, and verify that your security camera or smart TV is the only device using your bandwidth at 3am.

Method 1: SterJo Wireless Network Scanner (Easiest)

SterJo Wireless Network Scanner is the simplest way to see all devices on your Wi-Fi. It scans your local network automatically and presents results in a clear list — no network knowledge required.

How to Use SterJo Wireless Network Scanner

1. Download and run the tool — no installation needed.
2. Click Start Scan. The tool scans your local IP range automatically.
3. All connected devices appear with their IP address, MAC address, and hostname.
4. Compare the list against your known devices (phone, laptop, TV, printer, etc.).
5. Any unfamiliar entry is worth investigating further.

Method 2: SterJo Fast IP Scanner

For larger networks or if you want to scan a specific IP range, SterJo Fast IP Scanner lets you define the exact range to scan and returns results even faster than a full network sweep.

Method 3: SterJo NetStalker (Real-Time Network Monitoring)

If you want to go beyond a one-time scan and continuously monitor what devices are connecting and disconnecting from your network, SterJo NetStalker runs in the background and alerts you when new devices appear.

Method 4: Router Admin Panel

Every router has a built-in client list showing connected devices. This is the most authoritative source — it shows devices your PC might not directly see during a scan.

1. Open your browser and go to your router's IP address — usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1. If you're unsure, open Command Prompt and type ipconfig. The Default Gateway is your router's IP.
2. Log in with your router admin credentials (often printed on the router label).
3. Look for a section called Connected Devices, DHCP Client List, or Wireless Clients.
4. All connected devices are listed with their name, IP, and MAC address.

Method 5: ARP Command (Built-in Windows, No Tools Needed)

The Windows ARP cache keeps a temporary record of recently seen devices on your network. It's not as complete as a full scan, but works instantly without any software.

1. Open Command Prompt (press Windows + R, type cmd, press Enter).
2. Type the following and press Enter:

arp -a

You'll see a list of IP addresses and their MAC addresses that your computer has communicated with recently. This won't show every device — only ones that have interacted with your PC — but it's a quick first check.

How to Identify Unknown Devices

Once you have a list of IP and MAC addresses, identifying unfamiliar devices is straightforward:

• Hostname — the device name (e.g. "JOHN-LAPTOP" or "Galaxy-S24") is often enough to identify it.
• MAC address prefix — the first six characters of a MAC address identify the manufacturer. Search the prefix at macvendors.com to find out if it's an Apple, Samsung, or unknown device.
• IP address pattern — your router typically assigns addresses sequentially. Addresses far outside the normal range can indicate a device that's been on your network for a long time.
• Check your devices — go through your phone, laptop, tablet, smart TV, gaming console, smart speaker, and any IoT devices. Every one of them will appear on the scan. What's left after accounting for all your own devices is worth investigating.

How to Remove Unwanted Devices from Your Wi-Fi

If you find a device you don't recognise and can't account for, here's what to do:

1. Change your Wi-Fi password immediately. All connected devices will be disconnected and need the new password to reconnect. Legitimate devices (yours) will reconnect; others won't.
2. Enable MAC address filtering on your router if it supports it. This whitelists specific devices and blocks everything else — though it requires some initial setup.
3. Check for devices you forgot about — old phones, smart plugs, IoT sensors — before assuming the worst. Many households have 10–20 devices connected at any time.
4. Update your router firmware and make sure the admin password is not the default. Default credentials are publicly known and make it easy for someone to add devices without your knowledge.

Method Comparison

📚 Related Guides

Take Control of Your Network

Knowing exactly what's on your Wi-Fi takes less than a minute with the right tool. SterJo Wireless Network Scanner gives you a complete device list immediately, and SterJo NetStalker keeps watching in the background so you're always the first to know when something new connects.

Download SterJo Wireless Network Scanner Free →