Yes—you can check which devices are using your Wi-Fi in your router’s connected-device list or your internet provider’s app. But an unfamiliar name is not proof that someone is stealing your connection: household devices can appear under generic names, and some devices use identifiers that differ from their hardware addresses. Verify the entry first; if it remains unexplained, secure the router and Wi-Fi network.
Where to check which devices are connected
Open your router’s web interface or your internet provider’s app and look for a section called connected devices, wireless clients, or DHCP clients. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recommends checking these lists to see what is connected: Securing Your Internet-Connected Devices at Home.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Router menus vary by manufacturer and model. If you cannot find the list, check the router’s manual or the provider’s help page for your exact model. Make a list of the devices you expect to see, then compare it with the router’s entries.
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minutePC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11How to verify an unfamiliar device
Check more than the device name before deciding a connection is unauthorized. A router may show a manufacturer, model, or generic hostname rather than the name you use for that device. Your inventory should include phones, computers, TVs, game consoles, printers, cameras, smart speakers, appliances, and devices belonging to visitors who have joined your network.
#1 Best Overall
- DUAL-BAND WIFI 6 ROUTER: Wi-Fi 6(802.11ax) technology achieves faster speeds, greater capacity and reduced network congestion compared to the previous gen. All WiFi routers require a separate modem. Dual-Band WiFi routers do not support the 6 GHz band.
- AX1800: Enjoy smoother and more stable streaming, gaming, downloading with 1.8 Gbps total bandwidth (up to 1200 Mbps on 5 GHz and up to 574 Mbps on 2.4 GHz). Performance varies by conditions, distance to devices, and obstacles such as walls.
- CONNECT MORE DEVICES: Wi-Fi 6 technology communicates more data to more devices simultaneously using revolutionary OFDMA technology
- EXTENSIVE COVERAGE: Achieve the strong, reliable WiFi coverage with Archer AX1800 as it focuses signal strength to your devices far away using Beamforming technology, 4 high-gain antennas and an advanced front-end module (FEM) chipset
- OUR CYBERSECURITY COMMITMENT: TP-Link is a signatory of the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) Secure-by-Design pledge. This device is designed, built, and maintained, with advanced security as a core requirement.
- Check the device list against your household inventory. Look for devices that are powered off or used infrequently, as well as guest devices that may still be connected.
- Compare device details. If the router displays a manufacturer, model, or network address, compare it with the device’s Wi-Fi settings or companion app where possible.
- Account for randomized addresses. Supported Apple devices can use a unique, randomized Wi-Fi MAC address. That address may differ from the device’s hardware address, so a mismatch alone does not establish that the device is foreign. Apple explains this feature in its private Wi-Fi address guidance.
- Investigate entries you still cannot identify. If an entry remains unexplained after checking household and guest devices, treat it as a reason to secure the network—not as conclusive proof of theft.
How to secure the network if a device remains unexplained
- Change the router administrator password. This password controls router settings and is separate from the Wi-Fi password. Use a unique password you do not reuse elsewhere. The FTC notes that someone who gains administrator access could change router settings, including the Wi-Fi password. See its home Wi-Fi security guidance.
- Set a new Wi-Fi password. Choose a unique password that is not used for another account. You will need to reconnect your household devices using the new password.
- Choose a secure Wi-Fi encryption mode. Use WPA3 Personal if your router and devices support it; otherwise, use WPA2 Personal. The FTC identifies WPA3 as the newer and best available option in its guidance and says WPA2 also protects the network. Avoid outdated WPA or WEP modes. See the FTC’s recommendations.
- Install available router updates. Check the router interface, provider app, or manufacturer’s instructions for software or firmware updates. If the manufacturer no longer supports the router with security updates, the FBI recommends replacing it with a supported model where possible. See the FBI’s router-malware advisory.
- Review administrator settings. Look for configuration changes you do not recognize. The FBI lists unexpected setting changes, connectivity problems, and overheating as signs associated with router malware; none of these signs alone proves that a router is compromised. Its advisory also recommends disabling remote administration when it is not needed, applying necessary updates, changing passwords, and rebooting.
- Ask for model-specific help if the issue persists. Contact your internet provider or router manufacturer if an unexplained device or unexpected configuration remains after you secure the network.
When to keep or replace the router
An unfamiliar device entry by itself is not a reason to buy a new router. First check whether your current router receives security updates and supports WPA3 Personal or at least WPA2 Personal. If it does not offer either secure mode after available updates, or it is no longer supported, consider replacing it. The FTC advises considering a new router if updates do not make WPA2 or WPA3 available; the FBI recommends replacing routers that have reached end of life where possible. See the FTC guidance and the FBI advisory.
For a replacement, check that the router supports WPA3 or WPA2, still receives security updates, and works with the devices in your household. The exact menu names, encryption options, update availability, and support status depend on the router model, so confirm them with its manufacturer or your internet provider.
Rank #2
- Dual-band Wi-Fi with 5 GHz speeds up to 867 Mbps and 2.4 GHz speeds up to 300 Mbps, delivering 1200 Mbps of total bandwidth¹. Dual-band routers do not support 6 GHz. Performance varies by conditions, distance to devices, and obstacles such as walls.
- Covers up to 1,000 sq. ft. with four external antennas for stable wireless connections and optimal coverage.
- Supports IGMP Proxy/Snooping, Bridge and Tag VLAN to optimize IPTV streaming
- Access Point Mode - Supports AP Mode to transform your wired connection into wireless network, an ideal wireless router for home
- Advanced Security with WPA3 - The latest Wi-Fi security protocol, WPA3, brings new capabilities to improve cybersecurity in personal networks
Keep visitors’ devices separate
If your router supports a guest network, use it for visitors rather than giving them access to your main household network. The FTC’s home-router guidance includes advice on setting up a guest network.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesQuick Recap
Best Value
- Dual band router upgrades to 1200 Mbps high speed internet (300mbps for 2.4GHz plus 900Mbps for 5GHz), reducing buffering and ideal for 4K stream
- Full Gigabit Ports - Gigabit Router with 4 Gigabit LAN ports, ideal for any internet plan and allow you to directly connect your wired devices
- Boosted Coverage - Four external antennas equipped with Beamforming technology extend and concentrate the Wi-Fi signals
- MU-MIMO technology - (5GHz band) allows high speeds for multiple devices simultaneously
- Access Point Mode - Supports AP Mode to transform your wired connection into wireless network, an ideal wireless router for home
Rank #4
- 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞-𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐖𝐢-𝐅𝐢 𝟕 - Designed with the latest Wi-Fi 7 technology, featuring Multi-Link Operation (MLO), Multi-RUs, and 4K-QAM. Achieve optimized performance on latest WiFi 7 laptops and devices, like the iPhone 16 Pro, and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.
- 𝟔-𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦, 𝐃𝐮𝐚𝐥-𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐢-𝐅𝐢 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝟔.𝟓 𝐆𝐛𝐩𝐬 𝐓𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐰𝐢𝐝𝐭𝐡 - Achieve full speeds of up to 5764 Mbps on the 5GHz band and 688 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band with 6 streams. Enjoy seamless 4K/8K streaming, AR/VR gaming, and incredibly fast downloads/uploads.
- 𝐖𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 - Get up to 2,400 sq. ft. max coverage for up to 90 devices at a time. 6x high performance antennas and Beamforming technology, ensures reliable connections for remote workers, gamers, students, and more.
- 𝐔𝐥𝐭𝐫𝐚-𝐅𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝟐.𝟓 𝐆𝐛𝐩𝐬 𝐖𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 - 1x 2.5 Gbps WAN/LAN port, 1x 2.5 Gbps LAN port and 3x 1 Gbps LAN ports offer high-speed data transmissions.³ Integrate with a multi-gig modem for gigplus internet.
- 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐂𝐲𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 - TP-Link is a signatory of the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) Secure-by-Design pledge. This device is designed, built, and maintained, with advanced security as a core requirement.
Rank #3
- NIGHTHAWK WIFI 6 ROUTER FOR YOUR WHOLE HOME: Delivers fast, reliable WiFi across every room of your apartment or small home for streaming, gaming, video calls, and smart home devices, all running at the same time without slowing each other down.
- WORKS WITH YOUR EXISTING INTERNET SERVICE: Pairs with your existing modem or gateway via ethernet. Compatible with most cable, fiber, DSL, and satellite providers. Some gateways and modem router combos may require bridge mode. No coax needed.
- SET UP AND MANAGE YOUR NETWORK WITH THE NIGHTHAWK APP: Download the free Nighthawk app on iOS or Android for guided setup. Manage WiFi, run speed tests, pause devices, and set up guest networks from anywhere. Active internet required.
- READY FOR THE DEVICES YOU ALREADY OWN: Your phones, laptops, and TVs work right out of the box. WiFi 6 delivers speeds up to 1.8 Gbps across 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. Backward compatible with WiFi 5 and earlier.
- COVERAGE IN EVERY ROOM: Covers up to 1,500 sq. ft. for up to 20 connected devices. Walls, floors, and interference can reduce range. Larger or multi-story homes may benefit from a NETGEAR Orbi mesh WiFi system.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
