Have you ever noticed your internet slowing to a crawl even when you’re not doing anything heavy online? Maybe a simple web page takes forever to load or your streaming service keeps dropping down in quality. If that sounds familiar, it’s worth asking a question many people overlook: is someone else using your Wi‑Fi without permission?

It’s not uncommon for neighbours to connect to an unsecured or weakly protected network. That extra traffic eats up your bandwidth, leaving you with a sluggish connection. While you might eventually consider whether switching to better internet providers could help, the first step is to figure out if someone nearby is quietly tapping into your connection.

Signs That Someone Might Be Using Your Network

Before you dig into settings or call your provider, look out for these tell‑tale clues:

  • Unexpected slowdowns: If your internet speed drops dramatically even when you’re the only one online, it could mean extra devices are connected.
  • Activity at odd hours: Notice buffering late at night when nobody’s using the internet in your home? That’s suspicious.
  • Your data cap is disappearing quickly: If you’re on a plan with usage limits and you’re running out earlier each month, extra traffic might be to blame.

These symptoms aren’t proof on their own, but they’re strong indicators that further investigation is worth your time.

How to Check Who’s Connected

The good news is, you don’t need advanced tech skills to see what’s happening on your network. Most modern routers have built‑in tools to show connected devices.

Here’s how to start:

  1. Log in to your router’s admin page: The login address is often printed on the router or included in the manual.
  2. Find the device list: Look for a menu option like “Connected Devices,” “Device List,” or “LAN Status.”
  3. Identify unfamiliar names: Every device will have a name or MAC address. If you see items you don’t recognise, it’s time to act.

Some routers also allow you to pause or block unknown devices immediately.

Strengthen Your Wi‑Fi Security

If you’ve confirmed unauthorised access — or simply want to prevent it — a few quick changes can lock things down:

  • Update your Wi‑Fi password: Choose a strong, unique password that isn’t easy to guess.
  • Use WPA3 or WPA2 encryption: These security standards are far stronger than outdated options like WEP.
  • Hide your network name (SSID): It won’t appear in casual scans, making it harder for neighbours to find.
  • Disable WPS: This one‑touch setup feature is convenient, but it’s also a known vulnerability.

Making these changes takes only a few minutes and can dramatically improve your privacy and speed.

Monitor Your Network Regularly

Even after securing your Wi‑Fi, it’s smart to keep an eye on it. Many routers now include apps that let you monitor devices from your phone. You can see who’s connected in real time, get alerts when new devices join, and quickly block anything suspicious.

There are also third‑party network monitoring tools that provide more detail, but for most households, the built‑in options are enough.

When to Consider Other Solutions

If your connection remains slow even after confirming no one else is using it, the issue might not be freeloaders. Outdated equipment, poor placement of your router, or a plan that no longer meets your needs could be the culprit. In those cases, upgrading your hardware or exploring a higher‑speed plan can give you the consistent performance you’re looking for.

Take Control of Your Connection

Sharing is great when it’s intentional — but not when it’s slowing down your entire household. By checking who’s connected, securing your network, and keeping an eye on activity, you can make sure your bandwidth is used only by the people in your home. A few simple steps are all it takes to keep your connection private, reliable, and ready whenever you need it.