How to Kick People Off Your Wi-Fi Network: 7 Proven Methods (2025 Update)

Unauthorized users on your Wi-Fi network can slow down your internet, compromise your security, and even expose your personal data. Whether it’s a neighbor, a forgotten guest, or a hacker, removing unwanted devices from your network is essential for maintaining speed, privacy, and control.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• How to identify unknown devices connected to your Wi-Fi.
• 7 effective methods to kick people off your network—with and without changing your password.
• Step-by-step instructions for routers from TP-Link, Netgear, ASUS, Google Nest, and more.
• How to secure your network to prevent future intrusions.
• Pro tips and FAQs for troubleshooting common issues.

Why You Need to Remove Unauthorized Wi-Fi Users

When unknown devices connect to your Wi-Fi, you risk:

• Slower internet speeds: Bandwidth is shared among all connected devices. Unauthorized users can hog your connection, causing lag and buffering.
• Security threats: Hackers can intercept your data, access shared files, or launch attacks on other devices.
• Higher bills: Some ISPs charge for excess data usage, and freeloaders can drive up your costs.
• Legal liability: If someone uses your network for illegal activities, you could be held responsible.

Before taking action, confirm that the device is unauthorized. Sometimes, smart home gadgets, guest networks, or forgotten phones may appear as unknown connections.

Method 1: Change Your Wi-Fi Password

The simplest and most effective way to kick everyone off your Wi-Fi is to change your network password. This disconnects all devices, forcing them to re-authenticate.

Steps to Change Your Wi-Fi Password:

1. Access your router’s admin panel:
   • Open a web browser and enter your router’s IP address (commonly 192.168.1.1, 192.168.0.1, or 10.0.0.1).
   • Log in with your admin username and password (check your router’s manual or sticker for defaults).
2. Navigate to Wireless Settings:
   • Look for sections like Wireless, Wi-Fi, or Security.
3. Change the password:
   • Select WPA2-PSK or WPA3-PSK as the security type.
   • Enter a strong, unique password (use a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols).
4. Save and apply changes:
   • Your router will restart, and all devices will be disconnected.
5. Reconnect your devices:
   • Update the Wi-Fi password on your phones, laptops, and smart devices.

Pro Tip: Avoid using common phrases or easily guessable passwords. A strong password should be at least 12 characters long.

Method 2: Use MAC Address Filtering

MAC (Media Access Control) address filtering allows you to create a whitelist of approved devices. Only devices with MAC addresses on the list can connect to your network.

Steps to Enable MAC Filtering:

1. Find the MAC addresses of your devices:
   • On Windows: Open Command Prompt and type ipconfig /all.
   • On macOS/Linux: Open Terminal and type ifconfig or ip a.
   • On phones: Check Wi-Fi settings or use apps like Fing or NetSpot.
2. Access your router’s admin panel:
   • Go to Wireless > MAC Filtering or Access Control.
3. Add your devices’ MAC addresses:
   • Enable MAC Filtering and set the mode to Allow (whitelist).
   • Enter the MAC addresses of your trusted devices.
4. Save and apply:
   • Unauthorized devices will be blocked automatically.

Note: Tech-savvy users can spoof MAC addresses, so this method is best combined with a strong password.

Method 3: Block Specific Devices via Router Settings

Many modern routers let you block individual devices without changing the password or enabling MAC filtering.

Steps to Block a Device:

1. Open your router’s admin panel:
   • Log in using your credentials.
2. Find the list of connected devices:
   • Look for Connected Devices, DHCP Clients, or Device List.
3. Identify the unwanted device:
   • Check the device name, IP, or MAC address.
4. Block the device:
   • Select the device and choose Block, Disconnect, or Add to Blacklist.
5. Save changes:
   • The device will be immediately disconnected and unable to reconnect.

Router-Specific Guides:

• TP-Link: Use the Tether app or go to Advanced > Security > Access Control.
• Netgear: Navigate to Attached Devices and select Block.
• ASUS: Go to Wireless > MAC Filter and add the device to the blacklist.
• Google Nest Wi-Fi: Use the Google Home app to Pause internet access for specific devices.

Method 4: Use a Third-Party App (Advanced Users)

Apps like NetCut (Windows/Android), JamWiFi (macOS), and Fing (iOS/Android) can help you detect and kick off unwanted users. However, these tools require technical knowledge and may violate your ISP’s terms of service.

How to Use NetCut:

1. Download and install NetCut:
   • Available for Windows and rooted Android devices.
2. Scan your network:
   • NetCut will display all connected devices.
3. Select the intruder’s device:
   • Click Cut Off to disconnect it.

Warning: Using third-party apps can be risky. Only download from official sources, and avoid apps that require excessive permissions.

Method 5: Enable Guest Network Isolation

If you frequently share your Wi-Fi with guests, create a separate guest network with limited access. This keeps your main network secure.

Steps to Set Up a Guest Network:

1. Access your router’s admin panel:
   • Look for Guest Network or Guest Access.
2. Enable the guest network:
   • Set a different SSID (network name) and password.
3. Restrict access:
   • Disable access to local devices and limit bandwidth if needed.
4. Save and share the guest credentials:
   • Guests can connect without accessing your primary network.

Pro Tip: Schedule the guest network to turn off automatically during certain hours (e.g., overnight).

Method 6: Factory Reset Your Router

If you suspect your router has been hacked or compromised, a factory reset will erase all settings and kick everyone off.

Steps to Reset Your Router:

1. Locate the reset button:
   • Usually a small hole on the back of the router.
2. Press and hold the button:
   • Use a paperclip or pin to hold the button for 10–15 seconds.
3. Reconfigure your router:
   • Log in with the default credentials and set up a new password and security settings.

Note: This will disconnect all devices, including yours. Only use this as a last resort.

Method 7: Use QoS to Throttle Bandwidth

Quality of Service (QoS) rules let you prioritize or limit bandwidth for specific devices. While this won’t kick users off, it can render their connection unusable.

Steps to Set Up QoS:

1. Access your router’s admin panel:
   • Look for QoS or Bandwidth Control.
2. Add a rule for the unwanted device:
   • Enter its MAC or IP address and set the bandwidth limit to the minimum.
3. Save and apply:
   • The device will experience extreme lag or disconnections.

Best For: Temporarily slowing down freeloaders without blocking them entirely.

Pro Tips for Securing Your Wi-Fi Network

• Update your router’s firmware: Manufacturers release updates to patch security vulnerabilities. Check for updates monthly.
• Disable WPS: Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) is notoriously insecure. Turn it off in your router settings.
• Use WPA3 encryption: If your router supports it, WPA3 is more secure than WPA2.
• Regularly check connected devices: Use your router’s admin panel or apps like Fing to monitor for unknown devices.
• Turn off remote management: Prevent hackers from accessing your router settings from outside your network.
• Change the default admin password: Use a strong, unique password for your router’s admin panel.
• Disable SSID broadcasting: Hide your network name to make it harder for outsiders to find (though this won’t stop determined hackers).

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I kick someone off my Wi-Fi without changing the password?

Yes! Use MAC filtering, block the device via your router, or use a third-party app like NetCut.

Q: How do I find out who is using my Wi-Fi?

Check the Connected Devices list in your router’s admin panel or use apps like Fing, NetSpot, or GlassWire to scan your network.

Q: What if the intruder keeps coming back?

Combine multiple methods: change your password, enable MAC filtering, and update your router’s firmware. If the issue persists, consider upgrading to a more secure router.

Q: Is it legal to kick people off my Wi-Fi?

Yes, it’s your network, and you have the right to control who uses it. However, using third-party tools to disrupt others’ connections may violate laws in some regions.

Q: Can someone hack my router if I don’t secure it?

Absolutely. Unsecured routers are prime targets for hackers, who can steal data, install malware, or use your network for illegal activities.

Conclusion

Kicking unauthorized users off your Wi-Fi is crucial for maintaining speed, security, and privacy. By following the methods outlined in this guide—such as changing your password, using MAC filtering, or blocking devices via your router—you can take back control of your network. For long-term protection, enable WPA3 encryption, set up a guest network, and regularly monitor connected devices.

If you’re still experiencing issues, consider upgrading to a router with advanced security features or contacting your ISP for support.