When you connect your Android phone or tablet to the internet, there is a possibility that there are hidden devices that connect to your device without your knowledge. This could lead to your personal data being exposed, or even your device being hacked into. In this post, we will be discussing how to find these hidden devices so that you can keep your Android device secure.
In this article, we will be going through a step-by-step guide on how to find hidden devices connected to Android. We will look into why this is important, 3 different methods of finding hidden devices, potential fixes if any of the methods don’t work and 5 frequently asked questions, along with their answers.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Find Hidden Devices Connected to Android
Finding hidden devices on your Android is essential to know if you want to keep your device safe from malware or virus intrusion. Sometimes, it’s possible for devices to connect to your device without your knowledge when you’re using public Wi-Fi hotspots, which can lead to data theft or potential hacking, making your personal details vulnerable. This is why you need to learn how to find hidden devices connected to your Android as soon as possible.
Method 1: Using Fing Network Scanner
Fing Network Scanner is a free app that you can download from the Google Play Store. This app allows you to scan your network and see the devices that are connected to your Wi-Fi network. Here’s how you can use Fing Network Scanner to find hidden devices on your Android:
Step 1: Download and install Fing Network Scanner from the Google Play Store.
Step 2: Open the app and tap on the ‘Scan’ button.
Step 3: The app will start scanning your network. Wait for it to complete.
Step 4: You will now see all the devices that are connected to your network. Check each device to ensure that they are all known devices.
Step 5: If you see a device that you don’t recognize, tap on it and mark it as an ‘Intruder.’
Step 6: You can now block or disconnect the intruder’s device from your network.
Pros:
- Easy to use and free to download
- Quick analysis of all the devices on your network
Cons:
- Not always accurate: sometimes some devices might be missed
Method 2: Using Wi-Fi Analyzer
Wi-Fi Analyzer is another free app that you can find on the Google Play Store. This app is designed to help you analyze your Wi-Fi network to identify potential issues. But, it also allows you to see all the devices that are connected to your network. Here’s how you can use Wi-Fi Analyzer to find hidden devices on your Android:
Step 1: Download and install Wi-Fi Analyzer from the Google Play Store.
Step 2: Open the app and tap on the ‘View’ menu.
Step 3: Tap on ‘AP list.’
Step 4: You will now see a list of all the Wi-Fi network hotspots in range. Tap on your Wi-Fi network.
Step 5: The app will now show you all the devices connected to your network.
Step 6: If you see a device that you don’t recognize, it’s possible that it’s a hidden device. You can now block or disconnect the intruder’s device from your network.
Pros:
- Easy to download and use, as it’s free from the Google Play Store
- Quick identification of all the devices that are connected to your network
Cons:
- Wi-Fi Analyzer isn’t reliable, so some devices might be missed in the identification process
Method 3: Using Wireless Network Watcher on Windows PC
If you want to use a tool on your Windows PC to help you find hidden devices on your Android, you can use Wireless Network Watcher. This software is free and will help you scan your network to identify all the devices that are connected, including the hidden ones. Here’s how you can use it:
Step 1: Download Wireless Network Watcher from the official site.
Step 2: Install the software on your Windows PC and launch it.
Step 3: The app will start scanning for all the devices that are connected to your network.
Step 4: Once the scan is complete, all the connected devices will be displayed on the screen.
Step 5: Check each device that’s connected to ensure that they are all known devices.
Step 6: If you see a device that you don’t recognize, it’s possible that it’s a hidden device. You can block or disconnect the intruder’s device from your network.
Pros:
- Quick and easy to download and install on your Windows PC
- Effective at scanning and identifying all the devices connected to your network
Cons:
- Not a standalone app, as it requires installation on a Windows PC
- Requires your Windows PC to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Android device
What to Do If You Can’t Find Hidden Devices Connected to Android
If you can’t seem to find any hidden devices connected to your Android, there are a few things you can do:
- Ensure that your Wi-Fi network is password protected, so it’s not open to outsiders or passers-by
- Check the MAC addresses of all the devices that are connected to your network and compare them against the MAC addresses of all your known devices
- If you’re still having difficulty, consider contacting a professional to help you identify the presence of hidden devices.
Bonus Tip
One of the best ways to prevent hidden devices from connecting to your Android is by using WPA2 encryption standard to secure your Wi-Fi network. This provides you with a stronger level of protection that prevents unauthorized access to your network.
5 FAQs
Q1: Can hidden devices connect to my Android even if I’m not connected to a Wi-Fi network?
A: No, hidden devices can’t connect to your Android if you’re not connected to a Wi-Fi network. However, when you connect to a public or unsecured Wi-Fi network, hackers can exploit vulnerabilities, making it easier for them to break into your device or connection and introduce hidden devices that can siphon your personal data or cause harm to your device.
Q2: How can I prevent hidden devices from connecting to my Android?
A: One way to prevent hidden devices from connecting to your Android is by setting up a password-protected Wi-Fi network with an encryption level of WPA2 or higher. It’s also important to be mindful of the networks you connect to, especially when you are in public and unfamiliar settings.
Q3: Are there any other apps available to scan for hidden devices on my Android?
A: Yes, there are other apps available on the Google Play Store, similar to Fing Network Scanner and Wi-Fi Analyzer, that can help you scan for hidden devices on your Android.
Q4: Can a VPN help protect my Android against hidden devices?
A: Yes, a VPN or Virtual Private Network can help protect your Android device against hidden devices by encrypting your traffic and making it difficult for hackers to access and control your device. However, it’s important to do your research and subscribe to reputable VPN services to ensure maximum protection.
Q5: Should I be concerned about hidden devices connecting to my Android?
A: Yes, you should be concerned about hidden devices connecting to your Android. This is because they could be intruders that have infiltrated your device and could cause harm to your device, steal your personal data or even control your device without your knowledge.
Final Thoughts
Protecting your Android device from hidden devices is important to ensure that your personal data is secure and not vulnerable to hackers. After applying the methods mentioned in this post, you should be able to scan your network and identify any hidden devices that could be potentially harmful to your device. With the right knowledge and tools, you can prevent hackers from accessing your Android device and siphoning your data without your knowledge. We hope that you found this post informative and useful.