Tuesday, 2 Jul 2024
Technology

How to Find and Remove Unwanted Devices Connected to Your Network

If you use wireless internet at home, you probably have several devices connected to your network. It’s so easy to keep piling on additional devices, too. Your new laptop, another video game console, a tablet, or even your friend’s phone.

All that congestion can slow down your network, but there are other culprits. You may begin to lose track of everything connected or, worse, notice things that don’t belong. There may even be users who have tried to connect to your Wi-Fi without your permission. Luckily, there are simple ways to determine which devices are connected to your network, and you can remove what shouldn’t be there.

Use Your Router’s Online Interface

This is a relatively simple way to get an idea of who’s using your network. Log into your router to see the most up-to-date information about which devices are connected. Most models will support this as it’s a pretty universal feature.

First, you’ll need your computer’s IP address. Once you have it, type the IP address into your browser’s address bar. You should be brought to your router’s menu. You’ll need to log in with the custom username and password for your router or the default information if you never set one.

Tham Khảo Thêm:  Understanding "Phone Extension" on a Job Application

Once you’re in, check for a list that says DHCP Client or Connected Devices. From there, you’ll be met with a list of devices currently using your network. If you see something you don’t recognize, change your Wi-Fi password and reconnect only the devices you trust. It’s a pretty lengthy process, but one worth doing.

You can also manually remove individual devices from the list of connected gadgets. Look for the command to delete, block, or remove.

Use Advanced IP Scanner

If you don’t feel comfortable digging into your network, you can always have an app do it for you. Advanced IP Scanner is a free and reliable option that delivers fast results with very little input from you. It’s compatible with Windows 10 and 11.

To use Advanced IP Scanner, you must download and install it, then run the program to analyze your wireless network. Click the large green button that says SCAN. It will commence a network scan to show you all the devices currently connected to your Wi-Fi.

It should only take a few seconds, and you can even export your results for safekeeping. This is an excellent method for anyone less comfortable with tech, especially since it’s fast and easy.

how can i see what devices are connected to my network

Use Acrylic Wi-Fi Analyzer

If you’re looking for something with more oomph, try Acrylic’s Wi-Fi Analyzer. You can choose between the free and paid options, and it does more than allow you to see what devices are on your Wi-Fi network.

Tham Khảo Thêm:  Full Speed Ahead for River Valley Agronomy Center

The free version gives you information on up to five devices, while the paid version gives you info for unlimited devices. It can also help monitor traffic on your network, manage passwords, and much more. This would be a fantastic business solution or a realistic option for anyone with multiple networks.

Don’t Forget to Remove These Devices, Too

While you certainly want to boot strangers from your network, you should also look closer to home:

  • Remove your devices that you’re no longer using: old phones, speakers, laptops, gaming consoles, and tablets.
  • Boot any guests you haven’t had over in a while. And next time you have people over, let them connect to your guest network rather than your main one.
  • Sometimes a technician will need to access your network to diagnose a problem or set up a new system or device. For example, a smart sprinkler tech may need to access your Wi-Fi to set up the sprinkler zones. Once they’re finished with the job, remove their device.
  • If you go through a breakup, remove all your ex’s devices and any shared ones just to be safe.

Important: Change your network password as needed, especially when kicking off a snooping stranger or someone you’ve parted ways with. It’s the safest way to protect your privacy.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How do I view devices connected to my network?
  • What should I do if I see an unrecognized device on my network?
  • Are there any apps that can scan my network for connected devices?

Conclusion

Keeping track of the devices connected to your network is crucial for both security and performance reasons. By following the methods mentioned above, you can easily identify and remove any unwanted devices from your network. Remember to regularly check and update your Wi-Fi password to ensure the privacy and integrity of your network.

Tham Khảo Thêm:  Unlocking Your Technology’s Potential with BlueKey IT Services in Phoenix

Discover more about Eireview and stay updated with the latest technology trends.