How to protect Wi-Fi from your neighbors (2024)

If you are worried about your WiFi security and doubt your neighbors, this blog is for you. Watching your favorite shows, filling out any necessary form, or lagging while gaming, you should check neighborhood WiFi hijackers. If someone else is using your WiFi, this might also put you at a security risk. Let’s discuss what can be done to protect WiFi from neighbors.

How to check who’s connected to your WiFi

It is very important to know how many devices are connected to your router. This can be easily checked if you log in to the user interface of your router and check a list of connected devices. If you see any suspicious devices with unknown MAC (media access control) addresses, block them immediately. This will not always work because some devices have multiple MAC addresses like iPhones and in this way, you can only block a device from your home.

How to protect your WiFi networks

If your neighbors are using your WiFi without your permission, the security of your device and network can be compromised. Using network monitoring apps can help in the long run to monitor such activities. Besides this, there are many ways to protect your WiFi or immediately stop someone from using it.

• Unplug your router or modem: If you have recognized someone suspiciously using your WiFi, then you can unplug your router. This would immediately stop them from using your WiFi. However, someone else will still connect to your WiFi network once you turn on the network router.

• Turn off open WiFi access or change your password: If your network is open, then it is very important to keep a complex password. If you have previously given your password to someone, then change it immediately. You can do that by logging in to the user interface and enabling encryption or a password.

• Turn off WPS: The WPS code can be used to gain access to your internet, so it is better to turn that off through the user interface of your router.

• Update your router: It is very important to update the firmware of your router so that previous bugs can not be exploited.

• Try using WPA-3 routers: All routers are not WPA3 compatible, which is a better method of security. So, consider using WPA-3 routers instead.

• Disable guest accounts: Many routers come with an option to allow access to guests. You need to disable this option. This can be easily done through the router’s user interface.

• Change and hide your SSID: Service Set Identifiers (SSID) are usually given by manufacturers in the same format for your router. It is always better to change that identification code and then hide it from the list of available networks.

• Use a VPN: Following the above-mentioned steps are essential to protect your WiFi from neighbors. But, using a VPN enhances privacy and will help you keep your internet access secure from your neighbors, ISPs, and unnecessary surveillance. It is advisable to connect PureVPN to your router so that your connection is safe and secure and prevents malicious content even if WiFi is used by someone illegally.

Frequently asked questions

How do I make my home WiFi private?

Here’s how you can make your home WiFi private:

• Select Settings > Network & internet > WiFi.
• On the WiFi settings screen, select Manage known networks,
• Then select the WiFi network you want to change.
• On the WiFi network screen, under the Network profile type, select Public or Private.

What can block WiFi signals?

Concrete blocks and bricks can sometimes completely block your WiFi signals.

Can my next-door neighbor use my WiFi?

Yes, your neighbors can use your WiFi without your consent. To check if they are doing it you should log in to your router interface and check how many devices are connected to your WiFi.

How can I see if someone is connected to my WiFi?

To see who is connected to your WiFi, you need to log in to your user interface.

• Open the Google Home app.
• Tap WiFi.
• At the top, tap Devices.
• Tap a specific device and a tab to find additional details.

Can someone use my WiFi without me knowing?

Yes, people can hijack your router and get access to your WiFi network.

Do mirrors block WiFi?

Yes, mirrors can block WiFi as they reflect the signals creating disruption.

Are there WiFi blockers?

WiFi blockers are installed to block your WiFi signals so that others can not get access to it.

Is there a WiFi jammer app?

Yes, certain WiFi jammer apps manage your home WiFi from intruders.