How to see who is connected to the access point on Xiaomi: full instructions

Xiaomi's modern smartphones have powerful features that allow users to use the gadget not only to receive a signal, but also to distribute it. The Access Point feature turns the phone into a full-fledged Wi-Fi router, which often saves you when traveling or without home Internet. However, the openness of the network can become a vulnerability if you do not know how to control connections.

Many users are faced with a situation where the Internet speed on the device suddenly drops and traffic is consumed at an alarming rate, a sure sign that outsiders may have connected to your network. The MIUI operating system and the new HyperOS have built-in tools for monitoring activity, but they are not always obvious to the beginner.

In this guide, we will go into detail how to detect “guests” on your network, not only learn to see the list of connected devices, but also effectively manage access by blocking unwanted devices in one click. Data security begins with controlling who has access to your communication channel.

Built-in monitoring tools in MIUI and HyperOS

The first thing Xiaomi should do is to use standard settings, and engineers have provided basic functionality to track current connections right in the hotspot menu, and you don't need to install third-party apps to get the primary status information.

To access this data, you need to go to Settings → Wi-Fi Access Point. This displays key information: the number of active connections and the ability to view a detailed list. The interface may vary slightly depending on the version of the shell, but the logic of the operation remains the same for all models.

⚠️ Note: In some older versions MIUI The list of connected devices may not display the names of gadgets, showing only MAC-Don't be afraid if instead of "iPhone friend" you see a set of numbers and letters.

If you notice that there are more devices connected than your gadgets, you need to take immediate action to protect your device, quickly change your password or temporarily disable the distribution module, and access control is your first line of defense against unauthorized traffic.

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The built-in monitoring in Xiaomi works in real time, but does not always save the history of connections after a connection breaks.

Step-by-step: how to see the list of devices

To get a complete picture of who is hanging on your access point, follow the algorithm of actions. Accuracy of execution of steps ensures that you do not miss any hidden connection.

Start by opening the main settings menu. Find an item that may be called Wi-Fi Access Point or Personal Access Point. Depending on the regional firmware, this section is sometimes hidden inside the Connections and Sharing menu.

Inside the menu, find the line "Connected Devices" or "Device Management." When you click on it, you'll see a list of all active customers. Here, the device names (if they're transferred) and their names are displayed. MAC-This is critical information to identify intruders.

Pay attention to the status of each device. It allows you to see how long a device is online and how much traffic it has consumed, and if you see an unfamiliar name or device that consumes a lot of data while you sleep, that's a cause for concern.

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Write it down. MAC-The addresses of all your devices (laptop, tablet, second phone) in the notes, this will help you instantly distinguish your gadget from someone else's in the list of connections.

Using Mi Wi-Fi for deep analysis

For more advanced network management, Xiaomi has developed a special application Mi Wi-Fi. Although it is focused primarily on the brand routers, its functionality is useful for analyzing mobile access points, especially in conjunction with the ecosystem of the smart home.

The app provides advanced statistics and network visualization, so you can see not just a list, but a load graph on the channel, which helps you understand who is eating up your speed, and the app's functionality is often updated, adding new tools to administer the network.

• 📡 Visualization: A convenient network map shows all active devices in the form of icons.
• 🛑 Blocking: Ability to lock the device directly from the application interface.
• 📊 Statistics: Detailed report on traffic consumption by each customer.

Using specialized software from the manufacturer gives the advantage of deep integration with the system, but it is worth remembering that some functions may require authorization in the Mi Account account.

⚠️ Note: Mi Wi-Fi can request broad network and location permissions, only if you trust the download source (GetApps official store or Google Play).

If standard functionality isn't enough, the app allows you to set up more flexible rules, such as limiting speeds for certain devices or setting time limits, which makes your smartphone a powerful control tool.

Alternative methods: third-party network scanners

When built-in tools are scarce, third-party tools come to the rescue, and there are many tools on the Google Play store that specialize in analyzing network traffic and scanning connections.

One of the most popular tools is Fing or Network Analyzer, which scans the local network your phone is on (even if it gives away Wi-Fi) and detects all active devices. IP-They often show more technical information than the standard shell of Xiaomi.

Use these programs requires caution, choose only proven applications with high ratings and a lot of reviews, and the security of your device depends on the reliability of the software you install.

Third-party scanners often know how to identify the manufacturer of the device by MAC-This helps us understand which device is connected: Apple laptop, Samsung TV or unknown gadget, such detail makes it easier to find the intruder».

Protection: How to block uninvited guests

If you find a third-party device, you have to immediately shut it down, and the most effective way is to change the password, and if you change the security key, all the connected devices will be disabled, and you will have to re-enter the new password on your gadgets.

The second method is Blacklist, and Xiaomi's access point settings often have a lock function. MAC-You can select a particular device from the list and deny it the connection, even if it knows the correct password.

• 🔒 Resetting Password: A Radical, but 100% Effective Method of Resetting All Connections.
• 🚫 Blacklist: Point-Blocking Specific Infringers Without Changing the Key.
• 👁️ Hiding SSID: The network is no longer visible to search, the connection is only possible manually.

It is recommended to use complex passwords containing different register letters, numbers and special characters. Simple combinations like “12345678” are hacked by automatic programs in seconds. WPA2/WPA3 cryptography is your main ally.

⚠️ Warning: When locking a device through Blacklist, make sure you don't lock your own device.Always check the list of blocked customers after making changes.

It’s also worth disabling WPS if it’s active in the AP settings, which makes it easier to connect, but has known vulnerabilities that allow attackers to easily match passwords to the network.

Setting up the security of the access point on Xiaomi

To avoid the problem of left-handed connections in the future, you need to set up the security settings correctly when you first start the access point. Don't rely on factory settings, which are often too open.

Go to the access point settings and find the option "Security." Make sure you choose the type of encryption WPA2 PSK or WPA3 PSK. Use of the Open protocol (open network) is strongly discouraged, as all your traffic will be visible to others.

Turn on the Hide SSID option if you want your access point to stay out of the network lists of passers-by, and you can only connect to it by manually entering the network name, which reduces the likelihood of random or curious connections.

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Use the Traffic Limit feature in the hotspot settings. Set a limit of, for example, 1 GB. When the limit is exhausted, the Wi-Fi distribution will automatically shut down, saving you from unexpected expenses.

Check your connection logs regularly, especially if you often give out the Internet in public places, and the habit of monitoring network activity will help keep your data intact and keep your speed steady.