What devices are on the network
A home network today often holds a dozen devices: phones, TVs, printers, smart bulbs or cameras. An unknown device may be just a forgotten appliance, but it may also be someone who knows your Wi-Fi password.
How to find the device
- Sign in to the router's administration (the address and password are often on the router's label).
- Open the list of connected devices or DHCP clients.
- Compare the names and MAC addresses with your own devices. The beginning of a MAC address hints at the manufacturer.
- Try to identify an unknown device by briefly disconnecting your own appliances.
What if you do not know what it is
Change the Wi-Fi password to a strong, new one, turn on WPA2 or WPA3 encryption and update the router firmware. Also change the router administration password if the original is the factory default. All your devices will then have to reconnect.
What BirdGuard can do
BirdGuard alerts you when a new device appears on your home network. It will not change the router password for you, but it spares you the regular manual checks.