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How to know if someone is connected to your WiFi and what you should do to kick them out

Having a secure Wi-Fi network at home is more important than many people think. Every day we rely on the internet to work, study, watch TV shows, play games, or even communicate via WhatsApp or other platforms, and there's nothing more frustrating than noticing that our connection is slower than usual for no apparent reason.

One of the most common reasons is that someone is connecting to our network without permission, wasting bandwidth and putting our data security at risk. Fortunately, there are ways to tell if this is happening and how to take action to resolve it quickly.

Has someone connected to your WiFi network?

The first thing to do is identify if there are any unknown devices on your network. Many modern routers offer mobile apps that allow you to view all connected devices. By opening your internet provider's app or accessing your router's settings from a browser, you'll find a list of all devices with active access. Each device is usually listed with a name or MAC address. If you see something you don't recognize, someone is probably using your Wi-Fi without authorization. Another option is to look at your data usage. If you notice your internet is slower than usual without anyone at home using the network intensively, it could be a sign of intruders.

Once you've confirmed that there are suspicious connections, the next step is to secure your network and remove intruders. Changing your Wi-Fi password is the most effective and quickest way. Make sure to choose a long password, combining letters, numbers, and symbols, avoiding obvious names like your address or date of birth. After changing the password, all devices will have to reconnect, which will automatically kick out any devices that were connected without permission. If you have frequent guests or smart devices at home, it's a good idea to remember these devices and make a note of them so you don't block them.

 

 

If your router allows it, you can also block specific devices using the MAC address list. Each device connected to the network has a unique identifier, and by adding the intruder's MAC address to the blacklist, you'll prevent them from connecting even if they know the new password. Some routers also offer the option of enabling a separate guest network, which limits access to your main files and settings.

It's also advisable to periodically check your router's settings. You should keep the firmware updated to improve performance and address security vulnerabilities that hackers could exploit. Additionally, disabling unnecessary features, such as remote router management, reduces the chances of unauthorized access from outside your home. For those who want even more security, configuring your Wi-Fi with WPA3 encryption is the best option, as it protects information transmitted over the network from intruders.

Finally, it's important to adopt habits that prevent them from reconnecting. To do this:

  • Never share your Wi-Fi password in public places or on social media.

  • Change your password periodically, even if you don't detect any problems.

  • Periodically review connected devices and data usage to detect any irregularities in time.

With these steps, you'll make your connection yours alone, protect your personal information, and ensure your network operates with the speed and security you need.

 

Link: https://www.adslzone.net/noticias/internet/como-saber-conectado-red-wifi/