How to Block Device From WiFi

Slow internet is incredibly annoying, and it can interrupt not only your leisure time but also remote work. It can interfere with your job. Your internet may be slow due to the number of devices connected to your WiFi router. If that is the case, you may wonder how to block device from WiFi. 

You should block all unauthorized devices attached to your WiFi router, improving your network’s speed and connectivity. The connected devices you do not recognize likely belong to your neighbors stealing your WiFi. Thus, let’s see how to do it!

How to Block Device From WiFi

In order to block a device from your WiFi, you need to follow these steps:

1. Ensure your network is working correctly.
2. Enter the settings page or the admin panel on your WiFi router. 
3. After you are in the router’s settings, look at the list of connected devices. 
4. Select the devices you do not recognize and choose the block option. 
5. Restart your WiFi router to ensure the settings are accepted. 

Step-By-Step Guide

The process of blocking devices from connecting to your WiFi may differ slightly from one router model to the next. 

However, they all generally require that you follow the same steps if you want to block unwanted devices. The steps are straightforward, and everyone can follow them to protect their network from unwanted access.

1. The first thing you need to do is check and ensure that your network is working correctly. Check that your router is connected to your modem via an Ethernet cable. Ensure that the modem and router are powered on and deliver an internet connection signal. 
2. After you check the network’s connection, you should enter the settings page or the admin panel on the WiFi router. As we have mentioned, every router may have a different process, so check out your router’s instructions to enter the settings. 
3. Once you read the instructions and enter the settings of your WiFi router, you will see a list of all the devices attached to it.
4. Now, you will be able to browse through the connected devices and see if there are any that look unfamiliar. You can select the ones you do not know and choose the block option to remove them from your WiFi. 
5. Once you are done with blocking the unknown devices and are only left with those that belong to you and your family, you should restart your router. Restarting your router ensures that the new changes are saved and accepted.

Alternative Ways to Block Devices

Change the password on your WiFi router 

This technique is effective as long as you still know the router’s WiFi password and the person you wish to disconnect from the network hasn’t changed it to something they can access exclusively.

In order to restrict access to unauthorized devices, look through the menus to find the password-changing section. The option to change the password might be found under Wireless Settings/Security/Advanced or marked with a special button. 

If you want to prevent a hacker from taking over the router, make sure you also update the admin/password for the router.

Disable dual-band WiFi

If you have Dual-Band WiFi enabled, you can use this method. Your router is transmitting a 2.4 GHz and a 5 GHz signal, each with its name and password.

If so, you may even be able to determine which WiFi band the undesirable device is using and disable it, leaving only one WiFi band active. Then, only the users you want to allow on the network can access that band’s password.

Although router settings differ, if you locate the Dual-Band WiFi screen, you frequently see a list of connected devices. You can turn it off if you want to remove that band from the network.

Read More: How to Block YouTube on Router

Reset your router to factory settings 

This is a fantastic choice if you have lost access to the router’s password and the password itself because someone else changed it. You have to reset everything to default, including the router’s original password, to recover access and control.

You can do this by pressing the “Factory Reset” button on routers. When you do this, the entire router will be reset to its initial “Out of the box” configuration. Naturally, all of your previously customized settings will be lost.

Setup a guest network 

A more workable compromise is to create a Guest Network if you do not want to completely remove a device but still do not want it connected to your network for protection or other reasons. Sometimes the router allows you to create a Guest Network that is distinct from your own.

Suppose you want to create a different network for your guests while keeping your main password confidential. In that case, this can be a fantastic alternative if you have lodgers, Airbnb guests, or other visitors staying at your house. You will not have to worry about your main network being overcrowded.

Set time limits 

If, for instance, some people use music or streaming devices too late in the evening and keep others awake, or if you have kids and do not want them to play games or watch YouTube for too long in a single day, this can be a smart alternative to limit access to the WiFi.

Most contemporary routers offer the option to restrict access to the router to certain hours of the day rather than completely. Kicking individuals from the WiFi network at specific periods can be a smart way to regulate the access and avoid slowing down your network.

Also Read: How to Connect Ethernet Cable to a Wireless Router

Conclusion 

In conclusion, knowing how to block device from WiFi can greatly improve your network’s connection. Your network will be faster because you will be able to block the unknown devices that may be stealing your WiFi. 

For example, your neighbors may have figured out your WiFi password and are now connected to your router, likely causing issues in your network. Once you find the unknown devices on your WiFi, you can remove them and block them from accessing your network.