How to Identify Unknown Devices Connected to Your Network (Windows/Mac/Linux/Android/iPhone)

Experiencing slow internet or noticing unfamiliar devices on your Wi-Fi network? It could be caused by unauthorized users connected to your network. These unknown devices may be harmless or they could be using your bandwidth or posing a security risk.

Ways to Detect Unknown Devices Connected to Your Network

Let's understand how you can check for connected devices using any operating system like Windows, macOS, and Linux:

Method 1: Using your Router's Admin Page (Most Effective)

This is the most effective and popular method that is commonly used on devices such as laptops and mobile phones (Android or iPhone):

Step 1: Find Your Router’s IP Address

On Windows

Open Command Prompt and type the below command:

ipconfig

Look for the Default Gateway (e.g., 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).

On Mac

Go to System Preferences > Network > Advanced > TCP/IP tab.

Note: Once you have the router IP address on your laptop, you will be able to follow the next steps of this method easily in your mobile devices.

Step 2: Log in to the Router

• Open your browser on laptop or mobile phone and enter the IP (e.g., http://192.168.1.1).
• Enter your admin username and password (usually found on the back of the router or documentation).

Example:

• Username: admin
• Password: admin or password

Step 3: Navigate to Device List

This section may be labeled as:

• Attached Devices
• Connected Devices
• DHCP Clients List

Example of Device List Section layout shown on your Router Admin Page:

Pro Tips:

• Compare MAC addresses to your known devices.
• If you see unknown names, investigate further or block them.

Method 2: Use Command Line (Windows/Mac/Linux)

This method helps to display the ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) table, showing IP addresses and corresponding MAC addresses of devices on the network. Follow the below steps to find out unidentified physical addresses with your known devices:

Note: Follow the same command on Windows/Mac/Linux

Step 1: Open Command Line

In order to see physical addresses of all the connected devices to your network, Open Command Prompt on Windows or Command Line if you are a Mac or Linux User and run the below command:

arp -a

You’ll get a list like this:

Step 2: Compare the Physical Addresses

Now, compare the physical addresses with all your known connect devices and this will help you to identify all unknown devices connected to your network.

Method 3: Check the Unknown Device Hostname Using its IP Address

This method is helpful when you want to resolve an IP address to a hostname, which can give you clues about the identity of an unknown device connected to your network:

Important to Know:

The ping -a command sends packets to a specific IP address and attempts to resolve the hostname (device name) associated with that IP. It's a useful way to figure out which device is using a specific IP address in your network.

Step 1: Open Command Prompt

1. Press shortcut key Win + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type cmd and press Enter.
3. You should now see the Command Prompt window open.

Step 2: Type the Command

Now, run the following command and don't forget to change the identified [IP address]:

ping -a [IP address]

Step 3: Analyze the Output

Now, the result will look similar to the below image which will show that the hostname of the device using the IP XX.XXX.XX.8 is GFGxxxxxx-LAPTOP.gfg.geeksforgeeks.org

Here, This means you have identified the device as a laptop named GFG19298-LAPTOP

Step 4: Check Ping Results

1. If you get replies, the device is currently online and the device is reachable and responsive.
2. If you get Request timed out, the device is likely offline or blocking pings.
3. The statistics show Packets sent/received and Round-trip time (latency)

When to Use the above Method?

But it has some limitation when you run this command like:

• Some devices do not return hostnames, especially if hostname broadcasting is disabled.
• Doesn't show device type (use Fing or MAC vendor lookup for that).
• Won’t work for offline devices.

Pro Tips

• Run this for each unknown IP address from your router’s "Connected Devices" list.
• Combine with arp -a to match IPs with MAC addresses.
• If hostname resolution fails, try using a network scanner like Fing or compare MAC addresses.

How to See Who Is Connected to Your Wireless Network Using Android and iPhone?

If you are looking for a solution to find out unknown devices and you do not have a laptop, there are several methods which can help you find the solution using your mobile phone. All of the below methods work on both Android and iPhone using Chrome, Safari, or any browser:

Method 4: Use Your Internet Provider App (If Available)

Many ISPs offer official apps that let you see connected devices. For example: ISPs like Xfinity, TP-Link, Netgear, JioFiber, Airtel, etc., often provide apps to control your home network.

Step 1: Download the ISP App

Examples:

• Xfinity App
• TP-Link Tether
• Netgear Nighthawk
• MyJio App (for JioFiber)

Step 2: Login to Your ISP Account

Now, add the credential of your ISP Account and Submimt oyur response.

Step 3: Go to “My Wi-Fi” or “Connected Devices” Section

Here, you can see all the connected devices list along with the devices which are currently active on the same Wi-Fi Network and offline devices which were connected in the past.

Step 4: View the List of Devices on Your Network

You can usually block, pause, or rename connected devices right from the app.