Your internet crawls every evening? Files take forever to download even though nobody seems to be doing anything heavy at home or at the office? Before you blame your provider, there’s a simple question worth asking: who’s actually connected to your network? A nosy neighbor, a former employee whose phone keeps reconnecting on its own, a device you forgot you even installed. Every device on your network shares the same bandwidth, and more importantly, the same access to everything on it.

The good news is you don’t need to be a technician to clean this up. In a few minutes, you can list everything connected to your Wi-Fi, spot what doesn’t belong there, and shut the door. Here’s the step-by-step, whether you’re at home or running a small business in Trois-Rivières or anywhere else in Mauricie.

1. Why it matters to know who’s on your Wi-Fi

An open or poorly protected network is an open invitation. Devices connected to your Wi-Fi without permission don’t just slow your connection down. They share the same local network as your computers, your backups, and your printers. If one of them is infected or malicious, it’s already inside your digital walls.

For a small business, the stakes are higher. A personal phone, a cheap camera, or a forgotten smart device can become a way into your client data. The Canadian Centre for Cyber Security actually recommends knowing at all times which devices are on your network and keeping guests on a separate one. Checking who’s connected is the baseline. If you’d rather hand this monitoring off to someone else, our managed IT services include exactly this kind of device tracking on your network.

Here’s what an intruder on your Wi-Fi can cause:

• A slower connection for everyone, especially during peak hours.
• Possible access to shared files and other devices on the network.
• Your IP address being used for shady activity, under your name.
• A higher 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 to go straight to the router. It’s the one handing out access, so it knows every device. Here’s how to get in.

Open a browser on a device already connected to the network and type your router’s address into the address bar. The most common ones 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 admin password. It’s often printed on a sticker underneath the device. Once inside, look for a section called Connected Devices, Clients, DHCP List, or Network Map, depending on the brand. You’ll see each device’s name, IP address, and MAC address (a unique identifier).

Tip for reading the list

Names aren’t always clear. A phone might show up under a generic model number, a console under a string of digits. Here’s the trick: turn off a device you recognize, refresh the list, and see which one disappears. Do this one device at a time and you’ll eventually identify everyone. Whatever’s left unexplained deserves a closer look.

3. Checking from Windows 11 or an app

If you’d rather not dig into the router, there are simpler options. On Windows 11, open File Explorer and click Network in the left menu. You’ll see some of the devices visible on the local network, like computers and shared printers. It’s not a complete list, but it gives you a quick first look.

For a more detailed picture, free network scanning apps exist for phones and computers. They scan the network and show each device along with its manufacturer, which helps put a name to an obscure identifier. It’s handy when you want a quick regular check without opening the router page every time.

Whether you go through the router, Windows, or an app, the goal is the same: get a clear list, then compare it against what you actually own. Write down your legitimate devices on paper (computers, phones, TV, console, printer, thermostat, cameras). Anything beyond that list is worth investigating.

4. How to spot an intruder device

You’ve got your list in front of you and one device rings no bells. Before you panic, sort things out. Plenty of everyday objects connect to Wi-Fi without you thinking about it: a smart TV, a connected light bulb, a watch, a voice assistant, a robot vacuum. The manufacturer name shown in the list often helps you tie it back to something you own.

A device deserves a closer look when it shows several of these signs together:

• A name that’s completely unfamiliar and doesn’t match any of your devices.
• A presence that persists even after you’ve turned off all your usual devices.
• A manufacturer you’ve never bought from.
• Network activity when nobody should be online.

If doubt remains after these checks, it’s safer to treat the device as unwanted and block it. We’ll show you how in the next section. For a business with several employees and devices, sorting all this out can quickly turn into a headache: that’s exactly the kind of situation where our team in Trois-Rivières can take inventory for you.

5. Blocking an intruder and locking down your network

The simplest and most effective way to kick out everything connected to your Wi-Fi without permission: change your network password. In the router’s admin page, go to wireless settings, choose a strong new password, then save. Every unauthorized device drops off the network at once. You’ll just need to reconnect your legitimate devices with the new password.

While you’re at it, tighten up security across the board. These settings sharply reduce the odds of an intruder coming back:

• Turn on WPA3 encryption if your router supports it, or WPA2 at minimum. Microsoft and manufacturers recommend these standards for a well-protected network.
• Turn off WPS, the push-button connection feature that also makes intrusions easier.
• Change the router’s admin password, especially if it’s still the factory default.
• Create a separate guest network for visitors and smart devices, to keep them away from your main computers.
• Keep the router’s firmware updated to patch known vulnerabilities.

Some routers also let you block a specific device by its MAC address. That’s useful for keeping a persistent neighbor out, but it can still be worked around. Changing your password combined with strong encryption remains your best everyday protection.

Frequently asked questions

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

Open your router’s admin page and check the list of connected devices. Compare it against your actual devices. Anything that doesn’t match something you own is suspect. A connection that’s suddenly slower is also a classic sign.

Does changing my Wi-Fi password disconnect intruders?

Yes. As soon as you change the network password, every connected device gets disconnected, including unwanted ones. You’ll then need to reconnect your own devices with the new password. It’s the fastest and safest method.

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

If your network is poorly protected and your folders are shared without a password, it’s possible. A device connected to your local network can try to reach shared resources. Strong encryption and a separate guest network greatly reduce this risk.

Secure your network with a team based in Mauricie

Cleaning up your Wi-Fi takes a few minutes, but keeping a network healthy over time takes some ongoing attention, especially for a business. If you want a well-segmented network, devices under control, and protection that holds up, our IT security services cover all of that for small and medium businesses across Quebec. Not sure about a device or a suspicious connection? Contact OKTO Solutions in Trois-Rivières and we’ll take a look with you.