How to Tell if Someone is Using Your Home Wi-Fi (And Kick Them Off)

Are your YouTube videos buffering constantly? Is your Netflix dropping in quality? If you are paying for high-speed internet but experiencing sluggish performance, there is a good chance your neighbor has guessed your password and is streaming movies on your dime.

1. Log Into Your Router’s Admin Panel Find the IP address printed on the sticker at the back of your physical router (it is usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1). Type that exact number into the URL bar of your web browser. Log in using the Admin Username and Password (also usually printed on the back of the router).

2. Find the “Connected Devices” List Once you are inside the settings dashboard, look for a menu option named “Attached Devices,” “Client List,” “DHCP Clients,” or “Device Management.” Click it.

3. Play Detective You will now see a list of every single phone, smart TV, and laptop connected to your Wi-Fi. Count the devices in your house. If you own 4 devices, but the list shows 7 connected items, you have freeloaders!

4. The Ultimate Fix (Kick Them Off) The fastest, most effective way to eliminate all intruders is simply to change your Wi-Fi password. Go to the “Wireless Settings” or “WLAN” tab. Change your password to something complex and hit “Save and Reboot.”