Post actualizado el día octubre 25, 2026 by DeiviSanzPlay
Frequently asked questions about intruders on your WiFi network
Before we start: there is no magic button that shows you «the name and photo» of whoever is sneaking onto your network. What you can do is identify connected devices and, from there, work out whether they are yours or not. Everything else is myths or apps that promise more than they deliver.
Can I see the names of the people using my WiFi?
No. The router only sees MAC addresses (a hardware identifier) and, sometimes, the name the device itself announces (hostname). That name might be «Laura’s-iPhone» or something generic like «android-abc123». If the intruder hasn’t changed the default name, you’ll see the phone model, not their identity. According to the documentation of the main router manufacturers, the DHCP client list is the only reliable source of connected devices.
How do I access the list of connected devices?
Log in to the router’s panel by typing its IP into the browser (it’s usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1; you’ll find it on the label on the back). Look for a section called «Connected devices», «DHCP clients» or «Network status». There you’ll see each MAC address, its assigned IP and, sometimes, the connection time. On ISP routers (Movistar, Orange, Vodafone) that list is usually under «My WiFi» or «Local network».
Hands-on detail: on many ISP routers in Spain, the DHCP client list only shows devices that currently have an IP assigned. An intruder who connected hours ago and left won’t appear. To catch someone who connects intermittently, check the list at different times or enable the router’s event log if it allows it.
Do apps like «WiFi Intruder» really work?
They work halfway. They do an ARP scan of the network and show you the visible devices, just like the router, but with a friendlier interface and sometimes with manufacturer logos. Real limitations: they don’t detect anyone hidden behind a VLAN or an isolated guest network, and many include advertising or request excessive permissions. According to home network security analyses, no app can read other devices’ traffic without root or without being in monitor mode, something Android and iOS block by default.
Can I kick out an intruder from my phone?
Yes, but with caveats. From the ISP’s app or the web panel you can block a specific MAC address (MAC filtering) or pause its access. The problem: if the intruder knows what they’re doing, they change their device’s MAC in seconds and come back. MAC filtering only stops curious people, not someone determined. What’s more, on some routers the MAC block is lost when you restart.
How do I know if someone is using my WiFi without permission?
Indirect signs: the speed drops inexplicably at specific times, the router shows constant activity when you should be disconnected, or you see unknown MAC addresses in the list. Watch out for false positives: repeaters, IP cameras, smart plugs and televisions show up as «strange» devices and they’re yours. Before accusing anyone, note down the MAC addresses of all your devices over a week.
Is changing the password enough?
It’s the first step, but not the only one. If you have WPS enabled, a neighbour with the right tools can get in even if you change the key. Disable WPS on the router. Use WPA2 or WPA3; WEP and WPA are vulnerable. And also change the router’s admin password, because many come with «admin/admin» from the factory. According to recommendations from cybersecurity agencies, the most common vector in home networks isn’t a weak password, but outdated firmware.
What if the intruder is using my network for something illegal?
In that case, just looking at the list isn’t enough. Save screenshots with the date and time of the unknown devices, check the router’s logs if it has them, and consider changing the SSID and password. If you suspect criminal use, document everything before blocking, because blocking erases part of the evidence. No home app gives you the traceability a judge would ask for; for that you need a router with persistent logs or a more serious monitoring system.
What doesn’t work for finding out who is using my WiFi?
The «hacker scanners» that promise to show messages and photos: they don’t work without physical access to the device. Websites that ask for your password to «analyse your network»: a classic phishing scam. And the idea that you can see the person’s real name: no, unless that person has put their name in the device’s hostname, which is unusual.
