Buzz
Today, Mytour will guide you on how to prevent strangers from accessing your home Wi-Fi network. You can remove unwanted users from your network through most router configuration pages, though the process may differ depending on the router. For Windows users, downloading the "NetCut" application can help eliminate uninvited guests from your network. If all else fails, resetting your router to factory settings can clear any unwanted connections.
Steps
Using the Router's Page
Disconnect the Internet on all devices except the computer you are using. This is the simplest way to determine if anyone else is using your network. Any remaining addresses will belong to your current device or an uninvited guest.
- You’ll need to disconnect devices connected via Ethernet cables directly to the router (e.g., gaming consoles).
Identify the IP address of your router.On WindowsStart
Settings
Network & InternetStatusCheck your network propertiesOn MacApple menu
System Preferences...NetworkAdvancedTCP/IP
Access the router's page. Open a web browser, enter the router's numerical address into the address bar at the top of the window, and press ↵ Enter.
Log in if required. Enter the username and password if prompted. If you haven't set these up, check the back of the router, the manual, or the router's online documentation.
- You may be prompted to log in again after making changes to the router's settings.
Locate the Wi-Fi connections menu. Most router configuration pages will display a list of all current connections. This section is often labeled Wi-Fi Connections, Connected Devices, or something similar.
- For some routers, you may need to look under Parental Controls.
Review the current connections. Block any connections that do not belong to your devices (e.g., gaming consoles, computers, phones, tablets, smart TVs, etc.).
Click the "Block" or "Remove" option. This option will typically be located next to, below, or near the connection you intend to remove. The selected connection will be disconnected from the network.
Save changes if necessary. If there is a Save option nearby, click it to confirm your changes.
- Avoid using the browser's "Back" button to exit this page; instead, click the router manufacturer's name or the Dashboard link (or similar) at the top of the page.
Change the network password. While not mandatory, updating your network password ensures that others cannot reconnect if you reset the router to factory settings or lose the block list. You can change the password in the Settings section of the router's page.
- You’ll need to reconnect all devices (e.g., phones, computers, etc.) to the router after changing the password.
Using NetCut on Windows
Disconnect the Internet on all devices except the computer you are using. This is the simplest way to determine if anyone else is using your network. Any remaining addresses will belong to your current device or an uninvited guest.
Open the NetCut download page. Visit http://www.arcai.com/downloads/ using your web browser.
Click on Download NetCut. This link is located in the middle of the page.
Click the "Netcut 3.0" link near the top of the page. This version of NetCut is optimized for Windows 8 and 10. Once you click the link, the NetCut setup file will begin downloading.
Install NetCut. Double-click the netcut.exe setup file and follow the on-screen instructions. Note that NetCut will also install "WinPcap"; this is simply a support program for NetCut's user interface.
- You’ll need to restart your computer after installing NetCut to proceed.
Open NetCut. Double-click the NetCut application icon. A new tab will open (or a new browser window if the program hasn’t been launched yet).
Click the "Scan" ⟳ button near the top of the page. The program will search for and identify all active connections on the network.
Identify unauthorized users. On the right side of the page, you’ll see multiple boxes with detailed information about devices using the network. Look for any unfamiliar devices.
- For example, if you don’t own any Apple products but see "apple" listed under "Manufacturer," disconnect that device from the network.
- If you notice an unfamiliar address under "Gateway" or "Network host," don’t worry—this is likely your router.
Disconnect unwanted users from your Wi-Fi network. Drag and drop the unwanted user’s frame to the left side of the page. This will pin the user to the left, preventing them from accessing your Wi-Fi network.
- You can repeat this process for any other users you wish to block.
- You may need to re-add users to the block list after restarting your computer.
Reset the Router
Disconnect the router and modem. Unplug the Ethernet cable connecting the modem to the back of the router.
- Skip this step if your router and modem are combined into a single device.
Locate the "Reset" button on the router. This button is usually found on the back of the router and is intentionally hard to access, so inspect carefully.
- The "Reset" button is often recessed and no larger than a pinhead.
Hold down the "Reset" button. Use a pin, straightened paperclip, or SIM ejector tool to press and hold the "Reset" button for at least 30 seconds.
Release the "Reset" button after 30 seconds. This allows the router additional time to reset. The device will then begin to reboot automatically.
Wait for the router to restart. This process may take a few minutes to complete, and the router might reboot several times on its own.
Reconnect the router to the modem. Use the same Ethernet cable that initially connected the two devices.
- As a reminder, you can skip this step if your router and modem are a combined unit.
Connect to Wi-Fi. Use the default network name and password, which are typically listed on the bottom or back of the router.
Change the password when prompted. Upon first connecting to the router after a reset, you will usually be asked to enter a new password. Choose a password that is significantly different from the old one to prevent unauthorized access to your Wi-Fi network.
Contact your internet service provider
Prepare the necessary information for the call. Gather details such as your account number or billing address to help the customer service representative verify your identity.
Explain the issue. Inform the representative that someone is using your Wi-Fi without permission. If your modem/router was provided by the ISP, they may be able to log in and remove unauthorized users.
Decide whether you want to change your Wi-Fi password. If you suspect someone has accessed your network, ask the representative to help you set up a new configuration. Note: Passwords are sensitive information.
Ask the representative about appropriate security settings for your router. If your router hasn’t been updated in a while, your ISP can also assist with this issue.
Advice
- Create a hard-to-crack password. Experts recommend using a long password (at least 15 characters) that combines uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using dictionary words.
- Some internet providers, like Comcast in the U.S., may configure your router to function as a Wi-Fi hotspot for other customers. These users won’t share your connection, so you don’t need to worry about them using your household resources.
Warning
- Only share your Wi-Fi password with people you trust. If someone uses your Wi-Fi for hacking or downloading illegal content, you could face unforeseen consequences.
- Never download internet-blocking software from any source other than the official manufacturer’s website.
