Does anyone use my WiFi? Here's how to find out

If you are afraid that someone else is using your WLAN, you can access all connected devices via your router. We'll show you how to detect such WLAN parasites with your telecom router, your Fritz! Box or a simple tool.

Find out connected WLAN devices - this is how it works with Telekom routers

1. Open the router configuration in your browser. After you have entered your device password, the configuration opens. You can usually find the password on the bottom of your router.
2. Click on "Network" in the menu on the right. There you will find the "NAT & port rules" entry that you select.
3. A list opens with devices already entered - you can see all connected devices after clicking on the "Add device" button.
4. The best thing is to switch off all but one of the devices to give it a name and to be able to identify it in the future. You can repeat this step for all devices you are familiar with.
5. If a device then appears in the list that you cannot identify, your WLAN will be shared by someone else. Then you should quickly change your WiFi key or set up a Mac filter.

Show connected WLAN users - this is how it works with the Fritz! Box

1. Open the Fritz! Box configuration in your browser and enter your router password here as well.
2. In the menu on the left you will find the entry "Home network" and after a click the sub-item "Network". The opening page consists of three tabs: The item "Devices and users" shows you a list of the connected devices.
3. The Fritz! Box has more functions than the Speedport router: Among other things, you can see devices that have connected in the past. Devices that are currently connected are also identified by a green dot in front of the name.
4. With a click on the red "X" you can remove individual devices from the list - the WLAN connection will then be disconnected. You can then change the key of your router as described in this practical tip.

Who uses my WiFi? Exposing hackers via IP control

If you do not have any of the above router models, you can also use a small Windows program to test the connected devices in your network.

1. To do this, download the freeware "AutoScan Network" from the manufacturer's website.
2. After installation, open the program - a detailed, English step-by-step guide will introduce you to the tool.
3. In the "Where is located in the network" section, select the "localhost" entry for your own network. You will then find all the IP addresses connected in the network.
4. Using the website "WhatsMyIPAdress" you can now determine the addresses of your own devices one after the other. If an address is connected that you cannot identify, there is a third-party device in the network.

The practical tip refers to the Speedport W303V with firmware 1.10 and the Fritz! Box 7170. If you would prefer a more secure router, we will show you the best tips for a new router in the next practical tip.