If the mystery item is currently idle - i.e.

If it disappears from your list of connected devices, then that's your answer. Once you think you've tracked down the gadget in question, unplug or disconnect it if you can. Some Wi-Fi products actually have their MAC address printed on them physically, but you can also find them in the device's settings. Then find that info on your connected devices. To identify these mysterious devices, start by looking for their MAC and IP addresses in your router's app or web portal. Within the list of devices connected to your network, sometimes there are items with mysterious labels like, 'Unknown Device.' Check your manual for access instructions. Even so, you should be able to access a list of connected devices though your router's web portal. If your router is a few years old, it may not offer an app. If you see an active device that's clearly not one you own, like a Windows PC when your family has only Macs, or perhaps an unknown iPad ( $289 at Amazon), that's a tell-tale sign that someone else is using your Wi-Fi. Look through the list and take stock of what's in your home that connects to the internet. You should see a list of devices currently connected to your home Wi-Fi. Within the app, look for a menu called 'connected devices' or something similar. Products from many big players offer home network hardware that come with this ability, including Google, Netgear and Asus. Check your router's user manual to see if there's an app for it. These applications let you both monitor and control your network right from your phone. Many of today's network routers feature companion mobile apps. No matter if it's somebody you know next door, a complete stranger passing through the neighborhood, or merely bad code running on a shoddy product, the misuse must stop. Has the speed of your Wi-Fi slowed to a crawl lately? Do your devices constantly drop from the network? There might be a nefarious cause - someone stealing your Wi-Fi.ĭon't stand for these disruptions. Is someone you don't know stealing your home Wi-Fi?

Unknown device on wifi