How to Know Someone Else Is Using Your WiFi

When your internet speed becomes slow or you see unusual activity on your network, it may indicate that someone else is using your WiFi without authorization. To identify unfamiliar devices and safeguard your internet connection, follow these steps. Begin by checking the list of devices connected to your network, typically found on your router's administration page.

Compare this list with the devices you own, such as smartphones, laptops, tablets, smart TVs, printers, gaming consoles, security cameras, and smart speakers. If the list shows more devices than you own, investigate the extra entries. Unfamiliar device names could be a warning sign, but they may not necessarily indicate unauthorized access.

To confirm, turn off devices one at a time and refresh the router's connected-device list. When an unfamiliar device disappears, you can identify its owner. Some routers provide recent device activity, which can help you determine if a device was recently connected. Next, examine the security of your WiFi password. If you find an unauthorized device, it's possible that the password was shared with someone else.

Changing the password is a quick way to remove people using the old password. Create a strong password, avoiding easily guessable information, and change your router's administrator password as well. If your router supports a guest network, use it for visitors and change its password. Blocking an unauthorized device directly from the connected-device list is also an option, but changing the password is more effective.

After implementing these security measures, monitor your WiFi connection and repeat the process periodically to ensure no unauthorized devices remain on your network.