Have you noticed your home internet connection crawling at a snail's pace lately? The culprit could be an unwanted guest piggybacking on your Wi-Fi network. The Times of India has launched a new weekday series called 'Hack of the Day', aimed at providing quick, practical solutions to such everyday problems. The series focuses on simple fixes using readily available tools, from government portals to common apps, to promote smarter living.
Why You Should Be Worried About Unauthorised Wi-Fi Access
Discovering an unknown device on your home network is more than just an annoyance. It poses a genuine security threat. Strangers using your bandwidth not only slow down your internet for legitimate tasks like streaming or working but also potentially gain access to your personal data and files. This hack empowers you to take control of your digital domain.
Scanning your network delivers three key benefits:
- Enhanced Security: It helps you identify and stop unauthorised access to your private network and sensitive information.
- Better Performance: Every unknown device consumes a share of your bandwidth. Removing them can restore your internet speed.
- Full Control: It ensures that only devices you own and trust can connect to your Wi-Fi.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Scan Your Wi-Fi from Your Phone
You don't need to be a tech wizard to perform this check. Here is a straightforward, four-step process you can complete using just your smartphone's browser.
Step 1: Identify Your Own Devices First
Before you can spot intruders, you need to know the details of your legitimate devices. Find the MAC address and IP address of your personal smartphones, laptops, and tablets.
On an iPhone, navigate to Settings > General > About to find the MAC address. For the IP address, go to Settings > Wi-Fi and tap the information icon (the 'i' in a circle) next to your connected network.
On an Android device, the MAC address is usually under Settings > About Phone > Status. To find the IP address, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi and then tap on the network name you are connected to.
Step 2: Log Into Your Router's Admin Panel
Open your phone's web browser (like Chrome or Safari). In the address bar, type your router's IP address. The most common addresses are 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. You will be prompted to log in. The default username and password are typically 'admin' for both, or you can find them on a sticker on your router or in its manual.
Step 3: Examine the List of Connected Devices
Once logged into the router's interface, look for a section labelled 'Attached Devices', 'Device List', or 'DHCP Client List'. This page will display every single device currently connected to your Wi-Fi, along with details like the device name, MAC address, and IP address. Carefully compare this list with the information you gathered in Step 1 to identify any unfamiliar entries.
Step 4: Secure Your Network and Remove Intruders
If you find unauthorised devices, take immediate action. Change your Wi-Fi password right away. This will disconnect all devices, forcing you to reconnect only your trusted ones. For stronger protection, enable MAC address filtering in your router settings to allow connections only from pre-approved devices. Additionally, disable WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup), as it can be a security vulnerability. Make it a habit to update your router's firmware regularly and change the default network name (SSID) to something unique that doesn't reveal your router's make or model.
This simple yet effective hack from The Times of India's 'Hack of the Day' series puts the power back in your hands, helping you secure your digital life without any technical expertise.
About the Author: The TOI Tech Desk is a dedicated team of journalists committed to delivering the latest and most relevant news from the world of technology to readers of The Times of India. Their coverage spans gadget launches, reviews, trends, in-depth analysis, exclusive reports, and breaking stories impacting the digital universe, including AI, cybersecurity, personal gadgets, and major platforms.
