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How to tell if someone is using your WiFi (and what to do)
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Think someone else might be using your WiFi? Learn how to spot the signs, check connected devices and secure your network to keep your broadband safe
By Virgin Media Edit
- Published
- 23 February 2026
Signs your WiFi may have extra users connected
Even the fastest broadband can slow down if extra devices are connected. While these signs don’t always mean a stranger is on your network, it’s worth checking if you notice any of the following:
If videos start buffering, downloads take longer than usual, or online calls lag, especially when fewer people are online at home, this could indicate extra devices are hogging your bandwidth. Keep in mind that multiple smart devices or heavy streaming can also affect speeds, so it’s good to investigate further.
Seeing unfamiliar phones, laptops or smart home devices in your router settings is often the clearest sign someone else may be connected. Frequent dropouts or connection issues can sometimes happen if your router is handling more devices than expected.
If your password suddenly doesn’t work or gets changed without you doing it. If you know you’ve entered the correct password but can’t connect, it might have been changed or compromised.
Watch for unusual router activity, such as lights constantly blinking, unexpected restarts, or overheating, even when no one in your household is actively online. These issues can indicate extra devices are connected or potential tampering with your network.
How to check who's connected to your WiFi network
Most modern routers make it easy to see what devices are connected.
You can usually do this by:
1. Check your router or Hub settings
Log in to your Virgin Media Hub via the app or browser.
Look for a list of connected devices: any unfamiliar names may indicate unwanted users. If anything looks unfamiliar, it’s worth investigating.
2. Use MyVM app
MyVM app shows all devices currently connected to your network. You can even block or manage devices straight from the app.
3. Check your device logs
Some devices show recently connected networks or IP activity, so look for anything unexpected.
Someone using your WiFi? Here's what to do
If you think someone else has access to your network, don’t panic, a few quick steps can help secure it.
Change your password: This is usually the fastest fix. Choose a strong password with a mix of letters, numbers and symbols. Changing it will automatically disconnect everyone from your network, so you’ll need to reconnect your own devices.
Restart your router: Once you change the password, restarting your router disconnects all devices so only authorised ones reconnect.
Check your router’s connected devices: Most routers make it easy to see what’s connected. Log in to your Hub via the app or a web browser, then look for a list of devices. If you’re unsure, turn devices off one by one or disable WiFi temporarily to see which ones are authorised.
Enable security features: Many routers and apps, including the Virgin Media Connect app, let you monitor your network and spot unusual activity automatically.
MyVM app
MyVM app includes a smart two-step home scan powered by Cisco.
You can also see all connected devices in one place and pause WiFi to individual devices whenever you like. If needed, you can even reboot your Hub directly from the app without leaving the sofa.
How to protect your WiFi from unwanted users
Keeping your network safe doesn’t have to be complicated. Once you’ve spotted any suspicious devices, a few simple steps can help lock your WiFi down:
Use strong, unique passwords for your WiFi and router login: Make it strong and unique. Avoid obvious choices like “password123” or “homeWiFi.”
Position your Hub centrally: Position your router centrally to improve coverage indoors rather than leaking signal outside unnecessarily.
Rename your network (SSID): Hiding the default name makes it less obvious to potential intruders.
If you're with us, turn on Virgin Media Advanced Security: Our built-in protection monitors threats and keeps devices on your network safe.
Keep your Hub updated: Updates often include security improvements, so make sure everything is running the latest version.
That’s why keeping your WiFi secure isn’t just a nice-to-do. Checking connected devices, updating passwords, and making use of built-in security features are simple steps that give you peace of mind.
Keep your WiFi safe with Virgin Media
Keeping your home network secure doesn’t have to be complicated. Understanding who’s connected, using strong passwords and having the right broadband security features in place can help keep your connection running smoothly.
Every Virgin Media broadband package includes Essential Security at no extra cost. That means fast, reliable connectivity plus built-in protection to help keep your devices, data, and home network secure, so you’ll get the speed and security you need.
Not sure what’s available in your area? Check out all of our broadband deals and enter your postcode to see what you can get.
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