How to Log Out Someone From Using Your WiFi

If you think someone is using your WiFi without permission, there are steps you can take to disconnect them and stop them from connecting again. The exact method depends on your router, but you can normally block or remove a specific device from your router settings or by changing the WiFi password. Before removing anyone, check which devices are currently connected to your router.

Open your router's app or admin page and look for options like Connected Devices, Clients, Device List, Network Map or Device Manager. Review the list and identify devices that aren't yours. Don't trust device names alone, as some devices may appear under generic or unfamiliar names. To confirm a device is unwanted, temporarily turn off WiFi on your own devices and refresh the router's device list.

This can help identify which entries belong to your household. Some devices use private or random MAC addresses, so an unfamiliar name doesn't always mean someone is accessing your network without permission. Modern routers often let you block a specific device. Open the connected-device list, pick the unwanted device, and look for options like Block, Deny, Pause, Disable Internet or Access Control.

Choose the right option and save the settings. The exact menu names depend on your router's brand and model. For example, TP-Link offers device-blocking options through its Tether app on compatible routers. If you want to ensure the person can't reconnect using the old password, change your WiFi password. Log in to your router's admin page or open the router's app, find WiFi Settings or Wireless Settings, and change the network password.

Save the new password and reconnect your own devices using the new credentials. A strong new password is important – avoid simple combinations that others can guess. Use a long password or passphrase with a mix of letters, numbers and symbols. Don't use personal information like your name or house number. Remember, if your router has separate settings for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks, check if both use the same password and update them if necessary.

Otherwise, a person could still use a network with the old password. If you think someone might have accessed your router's settings, change the administrator password as well. The administrator password lets you change router settings, so keeping it secure helps prevent unauthorized changes. Some routers have a guest WiFi network that's separate from your main network.

Check the devices connected to the guest network separately. Changing the main WiFi password won't change the guest network's password. If you find someone using the guest network without permission, change its password or disable the guest network when it's not needed. You usually don't need to factory reset your router to remove someone from your WiFi.

Factory resetting can delete your network name, password and other settings, requiring you to set up the network again. After blocking the device or changing your password, double-check the connected-device list. Reconnect your trusted devices using the new password. Keep checking the list if you suspect someone is still trying to access your network.

If an unfamiliar device keeps showing up, review your router's security settings and contact your internet service provider or router manufacturer for help.