Have you ever wanted to see a list of devices that are connected to your Android smartphone’s hotspot? Maybe you’re sharing your mobile data with friends or family, and you want to keep track of who’s using it. Or perhaps you suspect someone is sneaking onto your hotspot without your permission. Whatever the reason, it’s possible to view a list of connected devices on your Android phone – and in this blog post, we’ll show you how.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to See Hotspot Connected Devices
There are several reasons why you might want to see a list of devices that are connected to your Android phone’s hotspot:
1. Ensure you’re not exceeding your carrier’s data usage limits. If you’re sharing your mobile data with others, it’s important to keep track of how much data is being used and by whom. By knowing which devices are connected to your hotspot, you can monitor data usage and avoid exceeding your monthly allowance.
2. Keep track of who’s using your hotspot. Sharing your hotspot with others can be convenient, but it’s also important to know who’s connected to your phone. By seeing a list of connected devices, you can quickly identify who’s using your data and at what times.
3. Maintain security. If you suspect that someone is using your hotspot without your permission, checking the list of connected devices is an easy way to confirm your suspicions. It’s also a way to ensure that no unauthorized devices are using your hotspot.
Method 1: Via Your Android Phone’s Settings
The first method to see connected devices on your Android phone is through your phone’s settings. Here’s how to do it:
1. Open the settings app on your Android phone.
2. Select “Network and Internet”.
3. Tap on “Hotspot and tethering”.
4. Look for the option “Hotspot management” or “Connected Devices”. This may vary based on your Android version and phone manufacturer.
5. Tap on the option.
6. You should now see a list of devices connected to your phone’s hotspot.
Pros:
– It’s a built-in feature of Android phones, so there’s no need to install any third-party apps.
– It’s a quick and easy way to see a list of connected devices.
Cons:
– Some Android versions or phone manufacturers may not have this option.
– It only shows the basic information of connected devices.
Method 2: Using Third-Party Apps
Another way to see connected devices on your Android phone is by using third-party apps. There are several apps available on the Play Store that can help you do this. Here’s how to do it using one such app – Fing:
1. Install the Fing app from the Play Store.
2. Open the app and select your hotspot network.
3. You should now be able to see a list of devices connected to your hotspot, along with their names and IP addresses.
Pros:
– These apps may provide additional features beyond just seeing connected devices.
– They may provide more detailed information about connected devices.
Cons:
– Some third-party apps may require a paid subscription for full features.
– It’s one extra download you need to worry about.
Method 3: Via Your Router Admin Page
Another method to see connected devices is by accessing your router’s admin page. This method gives you a more comprehensive list of connected devices – not just those connected to your Android hotspot. Here are the steps:
1. Open your browser and enter your router’s IP address. If you don’t know your router’s IP address, you can usually find it printed on the bottom of the router or in the manual.
2. Enter your login credentials to access the router admin page.
3. Look for a page or tab labeled “Connected devices”, “Device list”, or something similar. This may vary depending on your router brand and model.
4. You should now see a list of devices connected to your router, including those that are connected to your Android hotspot.
Pros:
– Provides a comprehensive list of all connected devices, not just those connected to your Android hotspot.
– May provide more detailed information than other methods.
Cons:
– Requires access to your router admin page.
– It may be more complex than other methods.
Method 4: Using Third-Party Software
If you’re looking for even more detailed information about connected devices, you might consider installing third-party software on your computer. There are several options available, including Wireshark and SoftPerfect WiFi Guard. Here’s how to do it using SoftPerfect WiFi Guard:
1. Install SoftPerfect WiFi Guard on your computer.
2. Connect your Android phone to your computer via USB cable.
3. Open SoftPerfect WiFi Guard and select your wireless adapter.
4. Start the scanning process.
5. You should now be able to see a comprehensive list of devices connected to your hotspot, including detailed information like MAC addresses and device vendor names.
Pros:
– Provides the most detailed information possible about connected devices.
– Can be used in conjunction with other security measures, like MAC filtering.
Cons:
– Requires installation of third-party software.
– May be complicated for casual users.
What to Do If You Can’t See Hotspot Connected Devices
If you’re having trouble seeing a list of connected devices on your Android phone, there are a few things you can try:
– Verify that your hotspot is turned on and that your phone is broadcasting a signal.
– Restart your phone and try again.
– Try using a different method to see connected devices (e.g Method 2 or Method 3).
– Reset your network settings to default. This should clear any issues with your phone connecting to other devices.
Bonus Tips
1. Enable “MAC Filtering” to restrict access only to authorized devices.
2. Change your hotspot name to something unique so that you can easily identify it among other available hotspots.
3. Use a strong password for your hotspot to prevent unauthorized access.
5 FAQs
Q1: Can I see the amount of data used by each device on my hotspot?
A: Unfortunately, none of the methods above provide information on data usage by connected devices. You’ll need to use your carrier’s website or app to see data usage.
Q2: How do I disconnect a device from my hotspot?
A: You can disconnect a device by going to your hotspot settings on your Android phone and tapping the connected device, then selecting “Disconnect” or by simply turning off your hotspot altogether.
Q3: Is it possible to see devices that were previously connected to my hotspot?
A: No, your Android phone’s settings can only show devices currently connected to the hotspot.
Q4: Why can’t I find the “Connected Devices” option in my hotspot settings?
A: This may be due to your phone manufacturer or Android version not supporting this feature. Try using a different method to see connected devices.
Q5: Can I see connected devices on my Android phone using an iPhone?
A: No, the methods above require use of your Android phone settings, apps or router which are not compatible with iPhone.
Final Thoughts
Being able to see a list of connected devices on your hotspot can be extremely useful. Whether you’re trying to monitor data usage, maintain security, or just keep track of who’s using your hotspot, there’s a method that will work for you. By following the steps outlined above, you can easily view a list of devices connected to your Android phone’s hotspot.