Who is connected to my Xiaomi Wi-Fi router? full guide to checking and locking

Have you noticed that the Internet has become slower, even though the tariff has not changed? or the Xiaomi router suddenly began to overheat for no apparent reason? Most likely, your network has been connected by third-party devices – neighbors, guests who forgot to disconnect, or even hackers using vulnerabilities of old firmware. In this article, we will analyze all available ways to check connected devices to Xiaomi Mi Router 3/4/4A/4C/AX1800/AX3600 routers and learn how to block unwanted “neighbors”.

The manufacturer has introduced several official network monitoring methods: through the web interface, the Mi WiFi mobile app (or Xiaomi Home for some models), and third-party utilities like Wireless Network Watcher or Fing. We will go into detail on each option, including hidden features that are not written about in the standard instructions, such as how to track devices that masquerade as legitimate ones, replacing the MAC- addresses, or how to set up notifications for new connections.

Important: If your router is older than 2019 (e.g. Mi Router 3G), some features may be missing due to outdated firmware, in which case we recommend first updating the software via Settings → Update or manually from the official Xiaomi website.

1. Verification through the web interface of the Xiaomi router

The most reliable way is to use the built-in router control panel, which does not require additional programs, but you will need a computer or smartphone with a browser.

Instructions:

• 🌐 Open any browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge) and type in the address bar 192.168.31.1 (for most Xiaomi models) or miwifi.com. If the page does not open, check the connection to the router network.
• 🔑 Enter your username and password (the default is admin and Wi-Fi password if you haven't changed it). Newer models (AX3600, AX6000) may require a Xiaomi account binding.
• 📊 Go to Devices (or Connected Devices, Network → Clients depending on the firmware version) and see a list of all gadgets with the following:

⚠️ Warning: If there are devices on the list with unfamiliar MAC- addresses or names like android_123456, Unknown Device, these are potential "outsiders." However, some smart devices (such as Yeelight light bulbs or robot vacuum cleaners) may be displayed without a readable name.

2.Use of the Mi WiFi mobile application

The official Mi WiFi app (or Xiaomi Home for MiOT-enabled routers) lets you manage your network directly from your smartphone, which is handy if you check your connected devices frequently or want to receive notifications about new gadgets online.

How to check:

1. Download the Mi WiFi app from Google Play or the App Store.
2. Sign in with the Xiaomi account to which the router is linked.
3. On the home screen, tap your router icon (such as the Mi Router AX1800).
4. Go to Devices or Network → Connected Devices.

🔹 Advantages of the method:

• 📱 Convenient to use on the go (do not need to turn on the computer).
• 🔔 You can configure notifications for new connections (Settings → Security → Notifications).
• 🔄 Quickly shut down unfamiliar devices with one tap.

⚠️ Warning: Some versions of the app update the list of devices with a delay of up to 5 minutes. If you need up-to-date data, use the web interface or restart the router through Settings → Reboot.

Check the MAC- address via a search engine (may belong to a smart device)

Turn off the device temporarily and watch the speed of the Internet

Try pinging IP- address via command line (ping 192.168.31.X)

Set the lock to the lock. MAC-web-based address-->

3. Command Prompt Verification (Windows/Linux/macOS)

If you have access to a computer connected to a router's network, you can use network commands to scan devices, which is useful if the web interface or application is not available.

For Windows:

arp -a

This command will show the ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) table with IP and MAC- addresses of all devices on the LAN. Note addresses starting with 192.168.31. (or another subnet of your router).

For Linux/macOS:

nmap -sn 192.168.31.0/24

The nmap utility scans the entire subnet and displays a list of active hosts with MAC- addresses and network card manufacturers (for example, Xiaomi Communications, Apple, Samsung).

🔹 How to decrypt MAC- address?

The first 6 MAC- characters (e.g., 78:11:DC) are the device manufacturer, and can be checked at MAC Vendors, for example, addresses starting with:

• B4:FB:E4 – Xiaomi devices (routers, smartphones, smart appliances).
• 3C:5A:B4 – Google gadgets (including Nest, Chromecast)
• 5C:51:4F – Apple’s iPhone, MacBook, iPad

💡

If you have many devices on your network, save the output of the arp -a command to a text file for comparison: arp -a > devices.txt. This will help track new connections.

4. Third-party programs for network monitoring

If Xiaomi’s built-in tools seem inadequate, you can use specialized utilities that offer advanced features: connection history, network map, hidden device detection.

Top.-3 programme:

• 🔍 Wireless Network Watcher (Windows) — scans the network and shows all connected devices with manufacturer indication, IP and MAC Supports list export to CSV.
• 📱 Fing (Android/iOS) is a mobile application with port scanning and vulnerability detection, useful for security checks.
• 🖥️ Advanced IP Scanner (Windows) – not only allows you to view devices, but also remotely turn them off (if supported).

⚠️ Warning: Some antiviruses (e.g. Kaspersky, ESET) may block network scanning as a potential attack.

🔹 How to detect "invisible" devices?

Some hacking tools (such as MAC-changer) allow you to swap MAC addresses to disguise yourself as legitimate gadgets, to detect such connections:

1. Compare the list of devices in the router’s web interface and in a third-party program (for example, Fing).
2. Pay attention to devices with the same MAC- addresses – this is a sign of spoofing.
3. Check the traffic: if the gadget consumes a lot of data, but you do not recognize it, this is a reason to block.

5. How to block a foreign device

You find a strange gadget online, and here's how to turn it off.

Method 1: Through the Web Interface

1. Go to Devices (or Network → Clients).
2. Find a suspicious device in the list and click Block (or Disable).
3. For permanent locking, add MAC- to the blacklist: Settings → Security → MAC filter.

Method 2: Through the Mi WiFi app

1. Slip on an unknown device on the list.
2. Choose to Disable or Add to the Blacklist.
3. Activate the option to Lock new devices (if available) so that the router automatically refuses to connect to unfamiliar gadgets.

Method 3: Changing the Wi-Fi Password

If there are many unknown devices on the network, it is easiest to change the password:

1. Go to Settings. → Wi-Fi.
2. Change your password (we recommend using at least 12 characters with numbers and special signs).
3. Choose the WPA2-PSK or WPA3-PSK encryption type (more secure).
4. Save the settings – all devices will be disabled and must connect again.

6. Additional security measures

To minimize the risk of unauthorized access, follow these steps:

• 🔒 Disable WPS — this feature is vulnerable to brute force attacks. Find the option in Settings → Wi-Fi → WPS and deactivate it.
• 📡 Hide SSID — the network will not appear in the list of available, but you will only be able to connect to it manually. Option: → Wi-Fi settings → Hide the network.
• ⏳ Set up a Wi-Fi schedule — turn off the network at night or in your absence (Settings → Schedule).
• 🔄 Enable automatic firmware updates — this closes the vulnerabilities. Path: Settings → Update.

🔹 Guest Wi-Fi

If you often visit guests, create a separate guest network:

1. Go to Settings. → Guest network.
2. Activate the option and set a separate password.
3. Limit speed and access to local resources (such as printers or network drives).

⚠️ Warning: Don't use simple passwords like 12345678 or qwerty. Hackers pick up these combinations in seconds. Optimal password: Tr0ub4dour&3 (a mixture of capital, lowercase letters, numbers, and characters).

💡

Regularly checking connected devices and updating the router’s firmware reduces the risk of hacking by 80%.

7. Frequent errors and their solutions

When checking devices, users often encounter problems.

🔹 If the router is blocked

If you forgot your password from the web interface or someone changed your settings, reset:

1. Find the Reset button on the back of the router (usually recessed in the case).
2. Press and hold it for 10-15 seconds until the lights flash.
3. After restarting, the router will return to the factory settings (login / password - admin/ password from the sticker).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions