Is your internet slow in the evenings? Are your files downloading slowly even though no one seems to be doing anything heavy at home or at the office? Before blaming your provider, there's a simple question to ask yourself: who is actually connecting to your network? An overly curious neighbor, a former employee whose phone keeps reconnecting itself, a device you forgot to install? Every connected device shares the same bandwidth and, more importantly, the same access to your network.

The good news is, you don't need to be a tech expert to clean up your Wi-Fi. In just a few minutes, you can list everything connected to your Wi-Fi, identify what doesn't belong there, and close the door. We'll explain the method step by step, whether you're at home or running a small business in Trois-Rivières or elsewhere in the Mauricie region.

1. Why know who is connected to your Wi-Fi?

An open or poorly protected network is an invitation. Devices connected to your Wi-Fi without permission don't just slow down your connection; they share the same local network as your computers, backups, and printers. If any of these are infected or malicious, they're already inside your digital walls.

For an SME, the stakes are even higher. A personal phone, a cheap camera, or a forgotten connected device can serve as a gateway to your customer data. The Canadian Centre for Cyber ​​Security recommends knowing at all times which devices are on your network and restricting access to unauthorized users. Keeping track of who connects to your network is fundamental. If you want to go further and delegate this monitoring, our managed IT services include device tracking on your network.

Here's what an intruder on your Wi-Fi can do:

• A slower connection for everyone, especially during peak hours.
• Possible access to shared files and network devices.
• Your IP address will be used for dubious activities, in your name.
• An increased risk of a virus spreading from one device to another.

2. The quick method: your router's page

The most reliable way to see everything connected to your Wi-Fi is through the router itself. It's the router that distributes access, so it knows about every device. Here's how to access it.

Open a web browser on a device already connected to the network and type your router's address in the address bar. The most common are 192.168.0.1, 192.168.1.1, or 10.0.0.1. On Windows 11, you can find this address by opening the command prompt and typing ipconfig : it's the Default Gateway line.

Log in with the router's administration password. This is often found on a sticker on the bottom of the device. Once logged in, look for a section called Connected Devices, Peripherals, DHCP List, or Network Map, depending on the brand. There you will see the name of each device, its IP address, and its MAC address (a unique identifier).

Tip for reading the list properly

The names aren't always clear. A phone might appear as a generic model, a game console as a string of numbers. The trick: temporarily turn off a device you recognize, refresh the list, and see which one disappears. By doing this one at a time, you'll eventually identify everyone. Anything that remains unexplained deserves your attention.

3. Check from Windows 11 or an app

If you'd rather not delve into the router's settings, there are simpler solutions. On Windows 11, open File Explorer and click Network in the left-hand menu. You'll see some of the devices visible on the local network, such as shared computers and printers. It's not a complete list, but it gives you a quick overview.

For a more detailed overview, free network scanning apps are available for phones and computers. They scan the network and display each device along with its manufacturer, helping to identify obscure identifiers. This is handy when you want a regular check without having to open the router's page each time.

Whether you use the router, Windows, or an app, the goal remains the same: to obtain a clear list and then compare it to what you actually own. Write down your legitimate devices (computers, phones, TV, game console, printer, thermostat, cameras). Anything not on this list is a potential issue to investigate.

4. How to recognize a rogue device

You have your list in front of you, and one device doesn't ring a bell. Before you panic, sort through it. Many everyday objects connect to Wi-Fi without us even thinking about it: a smart TV, a smart bulb, a watch, a voice assistant, a robot vacuum. The manufacturer's name on the list often helps to link them to something you already own.

A device warrants closer examination when it exhibits several of these signs:

• A completely unknown name that doesn't correspond to any of your devices.
• A presence that persists even when you have turned off all your usual devices.
• A manufacturer you've never bought from.
• Networking activity when no one is supposed to be online.

If doubt persists after these checks, it's best to treat the device as unwanted and block it. We'll show you how in the next section. For a company with multiple employees and devices, untangling all of this can quickly become a headache: this is exactly the kind of situation where our team in Trois-Rivières can take inventory for you.

5. Block an intruder and lock down your network

The simplest and most effective way to remove anything connected to your Wi-Fi without permission is to change your network password. On your router's administration page, go to wireless settings, choose a new, strong password, and save it. All unauthorized devices will be disconnected from the network at once. You'll just need to reconnect your legitimate devices using the new password.

Take this opportunity to tighten security measures while you're at it. These adjustments greatly reduce the risk of an intruder returning

• Enable WPA3 encryption if your router supports it, or WPA2 at a minimum. Microsoft and manufacturers recommend these standards for a well-protected network.
• Disable WPS, this button-based connection function that also facilitates intrusions.
• Change the router's administration password, especially if it is still the factory default.
• Create a separate guest network for visitors and connected devices, to keep them away from your main computers.
• Keep the router firmware up to date to fix known vulnerabilities.

Some routers also allow you to block a specific device by its MAC address. This is useful for blocking a persistent neighbor, but it can still be bypassed. Changing your password combined with good encryption remains your best protection on a daily basis.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I tell if someone is using my Wi-Fi without permission?

Open your router's administration page and check the list of connected devices. Compare it to your actual devices. Anything that doesn't match anything you own is suspicious. A suddenly slower connection is also a classic sign.

Does changing my Wi-Fi password disconnect intruders?

Yes. As soon as you change the network password, all connected devices are disconnected, including unwanted ones. You will then need to reconnect your own devices with the new password. This is the fastest and most secure method.

Can a neighbor really access my files via Wi-Fi?

If your network is poorly protected and your files are shared without a password, it's possible. A device connected to your local network could try to access the shared resources. Good encryption and a separate guest network greatly reduce this risk.

Secure your network with a team from Mauricie

Cleaning up your Wi-Fi takes a few minutes, but maintaining a healthy network over time requires some monitoring, especially in a business environment. If you want a well-segmented network, controlled devices, and robust protection, our IT security services cover all of that for Quebec SMEs. Have a question about a suspicious device or connection? Contact OKTO Solutions in Trois-Rivières and we'll look into it with you.