Is the internet running slowly? Here's how to spot devices using your connection and turn them off if you think your neighbor is stealing your WiFi.
Is the speed of your internet a little slower than usual? When you cast media to your TV or in File Explorer, do you notice any indications of unfamiliar devices? Here's how to check if your neighbor is stealing your Wi-Fi (and boot them off).
You might say, "Oh, somebody's using my internet to watch Netflix." Even if you have a little extra bandwidth, you generally don't want strangers on your network, especially if it's unprotected.
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It's risky if someone gains access to your network since they can use any machine connected to it. They might gain access to files you've unintentionally shared, they might infect you with malware, and in certain cases, they might even steal your passwords and other private data.
As a result, you need to be careful to only allow reputable devices to join to your network. Fortunately, there are free tools available that will enable you to see everyone currently using your Wi-Fi.
See Who's On Your Network
Windows users can get a free, portable program called Wireless Network Watcher (Opens in a new window) by scrolling down to the Zip download link below "Feedback." It will provide you a list of all the devices that are currently connected to your network so you can tell which ones are yours.
Launch Wireless Network Watcher and it will start scanning your network the moment you do. It will take a minute or two; when it is finished, a full list of connected devices will be displayed and a notification stating that it is "Scanning..." will vanish from the bottom-left corner.
If you're not too tech-savvy, the resulting list can seem a little confusing, but don't panic. The IP address and MAC address information can be disregarded for the time being. Just concentrate on the Device Name and Network Adapter Company columns if you're using Wireless Network Watcher.
For instance, in Wireless Network Watcher, which is the name of my wife's MacBook, I notice an item with the name "Dulce." I notice another without a name, but it is most likely the hub for my Philips Hue lights because "Philips Lighting BV" is listed as the manufacturer of the network adapter. Double-clicking on a device will allow you to add "User Text," which will help you identify each device and make this list more manageable.
Although the full capability of LanScan (which opens in a new window) costs $6, it is a viable alternative. Most other apps either cost a lot of money or have limitations that make them unsatisfactory. The information you require can be on your router's settings page if you're using a Mac. You might also try Fing (which opens in a new window) if you have an iPhone.
Consult Your Router Settings
If you're fortunate, you'll be able to identify every item on that list, but there might be a few that lack sufficient details. For instance, after reading through my list, I was left with a few gadgets that had no maker or name indicated. However, the web interface for my router allowed me to access a little bit more data.
By entering your router's IP address in the address bar of your browser, you can access its control page. Look for an option that says "Attached Devices" or "Client List" when you get there; this will show you a list similar to Wireless Network Watcher, but the data may be slightly different.
I discovered one of the unidentified devices was labeled as "AzureWave Technology, Inc" in the router's interface but not in Wireless Network Watcher after comparing the two. I was able to note that it was my Rachio sprinkler system after a quick Google search and continue.
Look around your home for any internet-connected devices you might have missed if you notice any additional unlabeled items in the list. When I noticed that my Amazon Echo wasn't mentioned, I checked the Alexa app on my phone and was able to match its MAC address to one of the unlabeled things in Wireless Network Watcher.
In a perfect world, you'll be able to recognize any device connected to your network. There's a potential that someone nearby may be utilizing your
Wi-Fi if there are any left over and you've searched your home for other internet-connected gadgets without success.
Beef Up Your Network Security
Even if you find that a neighbor is using your
Wi-Fi without your permission, you can simply tell them to stop by changing the router's security without having to track them down and make a scene. Go return to your router's web interface and select the password-changing option (usually under the "Wireless" section somewhere).
If you don't already, you must create a strong password right away if you don't already. Your personal information is accessible to every inexperienced hacker who drives by if you don't have a password. Select WPA2 as your password type because it is much harder to hack than the out-of-date WEP.
Verify that WPS is not activated. If it is, disable it immediately because doing so makes it simpler for hackers to guess your
Wi-Fi password. You may always enable your router's guest network or just wirelessly distribute the password if you want to allow visitors access to your
Wi-Fi without giving them access to your devices and data.
Changing your password to something new should be enough to keep your neighbors off if you already had one—possibly because it was weak and simple for them to guess. Naturally, you'll also need to re-authenticate each of your devices, but knowing that they are all yours should let you sleep a bit easier.
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