Ensuring the security of your Wi-Fi network is crucial to maintain network quality and avoid potential limitations caused by unauthorized users. In this article, we will guide you on how to detect if someone is connected to your wireless network using your mobile device. It’s a simple and quick process, especially considering how much we rely on our phones for various internet activities nowadays.
But first, let’s understand how intruders can gain access to your Wi-Fi network. The most common method is through the use of a weak or easily guessable password, or even by leaving your network completely open. If you have a weak password, attackers can exploit it to gain control over your network. Once inside, they can connect to your network, view connected devices, boot devices off the network, and potentially engage in unauthorized activities using your IP address. It’s important to address these security concerns promptly to avoid any legal complications.
Now, let’s explore how you can identify if there are unauthorized users connected to your Wi-Fi network using your mobile device.
See intruders in the Wi-Fi from the mobile
Detecting intruders or monitoring connected devices on your Wi-Fi network can be done using either your computer or your mobile device. In this case, we will focus on the mobile option. It is often important to determine if there are any unauthorized users on your network or simply to keep track of the devices connected to it. By doing so, you can easily identify if a computer, television, or any other home automation device like a light bulb or smart plug is currently connected.
Enter router settings
To access the router configuration and view the list of connected devices, you can follow these steps:
1. Open a web browser on your mobile device.
2. Type the default gateway address, which is usually 192.168.1.1, into the browser’s address bar.
3. Enter the corresponding username and password when prompted. These credentials are typically provided by your internet service provider or can be found on the router itself.
4. Once you are logged into the router configuration page, navigate to the Connection, Connection status, or similar menu. In some cases, you may need to go to Device Information and select DHCP.
5. Here, you will find a complete list of all the devices currently connected to your network.
For example, if you have a Movistar Smart WiFi 6 router, you would go to Advanced Settings and select Connection status to view the connected devices. On the HGU router provided by Movistar, you would navigate to Device Info and select DHCP.
By accessing the router configuration, you can easily monitor and identify the devices connected to your Wi-Fi network.
Use an app
Another option to monitor devices connected to your Wi-Fi network is by using a dedicated application like Fing, available for both Android and iOS devices. This app allows you to see a list of devices connected to the wireless network your phone is currently connected to.
If you notice any unfamiliar devices on the list, it’s important to investigate the reason behind their presence. It could indicate a potential security breach, such as someone gaining unauthorized access to your network due to a weak password. In such cases, you should also check for router firmware updates and consider changing your Wi-Fi passwords.
In summary, as outlined above, you have multiple ways to detect and address potential intruders on your Wi-Fi network directly from your mobile device. Whether through accessing the router configuration or utilizing apps like Fing, you can take swift action to ensure the security of your network.