If you are experimenting with your wireless connection, you may wonder how to remove devices from a wifi router. The best routers, after all, can become sluggish when too many devices are using up data at the same time. Keep reading to learn all about how to remove connected devices from active router use.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Remove any mobile device from a wi-fi network by changing the password, which will force everyone off.
• You can also increase security by adding encryption, checking on the IP address, and changing the network name.
• Finally, check on any local Internet outages and be sure to pay your bill, as either could be limiting your wireless signals and shutting down your wireless network.

Removing Devices From a Router

This process varies depending on the make and model of your router, so there are several methods to try out.

Change Your Password

An easy way to kick out unauthorized devices from your network is to simply change your wifi password. This will forcibly disconnect all devices from the network, so you will have to sign in again with the new password on all of your devices. Fortunately, so will everybody else, and if they don’t have the new password, well, then they are out of luck. Once all unauthorized persons have left your wireless network, you can focus on other things, such as learning how to fix the red light on a router.

Insider Tip

Experts say you should be changing your router’s password around every two months or so, more often if you live in an urban area.

Change the Network Name and Add Encryption

These steps are along the same line as changing the password but take it a step further. While you are changing the password, go ahead and also change the network name itself. This way people won’t even know which network to attempt to access for that sweet, free Internet. You can also take an extra step beyond that and encrypt the network traffic using WPA or WPA2 encryption.

Access Your Router Software

You can access your router software or Internet service provider software to manually kick off any device using your network. This can be done by accessing a dedicated web portal provided to you by the ISP or by simply connecting the router itself to a personal computer if you were wondering what a USB port on a router is for. Once accessed, remove any suspicious devices. As an added bonus, you can set other security parameters via this same software and download new drivers.

Remain Vigilant

No network is safe forever. Repeat the above steps as needed to keep your wireless connection clear from interlopers and would-be thieves. Set a reminder to change your password regularly and to access your router software to take a look at who is using your network. You’ll also want to know what WPS is and how to use it, as well as disable access to the router from the Internet, especially if you’re seeing too many unwanted devices.

F.A.Q.S

How to manage devices in your home with secure wifi?

To eliminate hotspot-connected devices and other unauthorized devices from your wi-fi router, change the password and follow the other steps listed above.

How do I remove old devices from showing up on my network?

To remove old and inactive devices from your wi-fi router, head into the router software, find device management, and manually kick everything out.

What devices should be on 2.4 GHz and 5GHz?

Gadgets that require a high bandwidth Internet connection, such as gaming consoles, should use a 5GHz wi-fi network, while everything else can make do with a 2.4GHz connection.

STAT: Because 2.4 GHz WiFi transmits signals at a lower frequency, it is able to extend WiFi coverage further— easily penetrating your home’s walls and solid objects. Meanwhile, the higher 5 GHz WiFi frequency supports much faster speeds, allowing you to upload and download files faster for better performance. (source)