To see who is connected to your hotspot, you can check the hotspot settings on your phone. However, be aware that stock Android devices like Google Pixel phones only show the number of connected devices, not their names, so you may need a different approach to identify specific users.
How to see who is connected to your hotspot on Android
On most Android phones, you can find the list of connected devices directly in the hotspot settings. The exact steps vary by manufacturer, but the general process is as follows:
- Open the Settings app on your Android device.
- Tap on "Connections," "Network & internet," or a similar option.
- Select "Mobile hotspot and tethering" or "Hotspot & tethering."
- Tap on your mobile hotspot name or "Hotspot settings."
- Look for a "Connected devices" or "Manage connected devices" option.
Critical warning: If you are using a stock Android device such as a Google Pixel, the hotspot settings will only show the total number of connected devices, not their individual names or IP addresses. For dedicated router hotspots, you can also check the connected devices list on your router's admin panel.
How to see who is connected to your hotspot on iPhone
Follow these steps:
- Open the Settings app.
This list updates in real time, so you can see who joins or leaves your hotspot instantly.
What to do if you can't see device names on stock Android
Stock Android devices like the Google Pixel have a known limitation: they do not provide a native way to view the names of connected devices. Instead, the hotspot settings only show a number indicating how many devices are connected. The verified workaround is to change your hotspot password. This action disconnects all current users immediately. Once you change the password, you can reconnect only the devices you trust, effectively removing any unauthorized users without needing to see their names.
Using third-party apps to monitor your hotspot
When native settings are insufficient, especially on stock Android, third-party network scanner apps offer a reliable alternative. Apps like Fing can scan your network and display a list of all connected devices, showing their device names, IP addresses, and MAC addresses. This is particularly useful for identifying unknown devices and managing your hotspot more effectively. These apps work on both Android and iOS and are available from your device's app store. Alternatively, you can use the Command Prompt or Terminal with specific commands like 'netsh wlan show hostednetwork' (Windows) or 'ifconfig' and 'arp -a' (Mac/Linux) to view connected devices.
How to remove unauthorized devices from your hotspot
If your phone supports it, you can often tap on a specific device in the connected devices list and choose to disconnect it. This is the most direct method when available. However, the universal method that works on all phones is to change your Wi-Fi hotspot password. Changing the password will immediately disconnect every device currently connected. After changing it, you can share the new password only with people you trust, ensuring that unauthorized users cannot reconnect. This method is effective regardless of whether you can see device names or not, and it is especially important to use it if you are concerned about someone using your hotspot data allowances without permission, as many mobile plans have limited hotspot data allowances and plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see the data usage of individual devices connected to my hotspot?
Some Android phones and iPhones allow you to view data usage per device in the hotspot settings or data usage section, but this feature is not universal. Third-party apps may also provide this information if your device supports it.
Is there a limit to how many devices can connect to my hotspot?
Yes, most mobile devices limit the number of simultaneous connections, typically between 5 and 10 devices. The exact limit depends on your phone model and carrier.
Can I block a specific device from ever connecting to my hotspot again?
Some phones allow you to block a device by its MAC address through a feature called MAC filtering in the hotspot settings. If your phone does not support this, changing your hotspot password is the most reliable way to prevent a specific device from reconnecting.
Will changing my hotspot password disconnect my own devices?
Yes, changing the password disconnects all devices, including your own. You will need to re-enter the new password on every device you want to reconnect.
Do third-party hotspot monitoring apps work on iPhones?
Yes, network scanner apps like Fing are available for iOS and can scan your hotspot network to identify connected devices by name, IP, and MAC address, just as they do on Android.
Can I change the name and password of my hotspot?
Yes, you can change both the network name (SSID) and password in your device's hotspot settings. Look for options like "Configure hotspot" or "Set up Wi-Fi hotspot" to edit these details.
