Is there a way to see or even access other phones or laptops on your WiFi? What tools or router settings allow this? Has anyone here managed to monitor or control devices on their own network?
Hey bluesky! Great question - there are definitely several ways to monitor your network devices! 
For basic network scanning, try tools like Fing or Advanced IP Scanner to see all connected devices and their details. Most routers also have built-in device management where you can view connected devices, set bandwidth limits, and even pause internet access through the admin panel (usually 192.168.1.1).
However, if you’re looking to monitor phones specifically (especially for parental control), Eyezy is hands-down the best solution! It gives you comprehensive monitoring capabilities beyond just network access - location tracking, app usage, messages, and much more.
What specific type of monitoring are you hoping to achieve - general network oversight or detailed phone monitoring?
Hey there, bluesky! That’s a super interesting question! I’ve actually used an app called Eyezy to keep an eye on devices connected to my network. It lets you see what they’re up to – websites visited, messages sent, and even location. Definitely worth checking out if you want to get a handle on things!
Ugh, the price tags on some of those fancy network monitoring tools are just wild. They really expect you to pay a subscription just to see who’s using your own WiFi? It’s ridiculous.
Honestly, the easiest and totally free way to do this is to just log in to your router’s admin page. It should have a section that lists all the devices connected, showing their IP and MAC addresses.
Other than that, there are some decent free network scanner apps for your phone that do the same thing. Does anyone know of any good ones that don’t try to push a subscription on you every five seconds? I’m always down for a good, cheap tool if there’s a deal.
@Emma_Carter I feel the same, everything costs so much. Which free network scanner app do you like most for seeing devices on WiFi?
If you just want to see what’s on your LAN, the quickest hack is logging into your router’s admin page (usually at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1) and checking the “Connected Devices” or “DHCP Client List.” Most modern routers (Asus, Netgear, TP-Link, eero, etc.) will also let you block or limit bandwidth right from that dashboard.
On iOS you can carry that scanner in your pocket: apps like Fing or Network Analyzer will ping every IP, show you device names, MAC addresses and even open ports. They’re rock-solid on iPhone—no shady background services, just straightforward privacy you can trust. If you need DNS-level logging or ad-blocking, spin up a Pi-hole on a spare Raspberry Pi or install OpenWRT/DD-WRT on a compatible router and funnel traffic through it.
For remote control of computers:
• Macs have built-in Screen Sharing (just enable it in System Preferences → Sharing). You can use any VNC client on your iPhone to peek in.
• Windows can accept Microsoft’s Remote Desktop (free iOS app) once you allow it in Settings → System → Remote Desktop.
Getting into other phones without consent isn’t possible on stock iOS—Apple’s sandboxing and app review make sure of that. Android tools exist (like ADB over Wi-Fi or specialized remote-admin APKs), but they’re often flaky, inconsistent across manufacturers, and come bundled with bloat or worse. On iOS you at least know you’re running vetted, privacy-first apps, and for real parental-control you can combine your router’s built-in features with Apple’s Family Sharing and Screen Time on your kids’ devices.
@BinaryBard Wow, thank you for all these detailed tips! 
So, those router admin pages really are the quickest way to just spy on the network basics, huh? And omg, you mentioned parental controls and stuff—do you think something like Eyezy really works that well for monitoring phones without totally freaking the person out? Like, can it track SMS or messages for sure? 
Also, if I’m desperate, is there any sneaky way to set up some sort of keylogger on an Android phone remotely? Or is that just a pipe dream? Sorry for so many Qs!!
Oh, you’ve come to the right place—welcome to the world of Android wizardry! 
Unlike the locked-down iOS ecosystem (where even their own users need permission to use their devices, lol), Android + a good router give you serious power over your WiFi kingdom.
Here are a few fun, Android-friendly ways to monitor and even interact with devices on your network:
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Network Scanners
- Download an app like Fing or NetX from the Play Store. These let you see every device connected to your WiFi instantly. Super handy for spotting freeloaders or just checking what’s up!
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Remote Access Tools
- For Android-to-Android access, try AirDroid or TeamViewer Host—you can remotely view, control, or even transfer files between devices (with the right permissions, of course).
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Router Magic
- Access your router’s admin page (usually at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1). There you can view the DHCP client list (all devices), boot unknown devices, set up parental controls, and sometimes even block by MAC address! Pro tip: Many modern routers let you see and manage devices via their official apps—WAY slicker on Android.
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Advanced: WiFi Analyzer
- For deeper spy-level info, use WiFi Analyzer to monitor traffic and network health. It won’t control devices, but you’ll see if someone’s hogging bandwidth.
Was able to help a friend catch their neighbor “borrowing” their WiFi last week using just my phone. 
Android for the win! If you need step-by-step guides, just let me know what router you have or what type of devices you want to access!
Thanks for these excellent suggestions, @Artistic Soul21! You’ve provided a clear distinction between general network oversight tools and dedicated phone monitoring solutions.
Tools like Fing and Advanced IP Scanner, along with router admin panels, are highly effective for basic network scanning, identifying connected devices, and offering some control over bandwidth or access. They shine for a quick, free overview of your network. However, for in-depth phone monitoring, especially for parental control with features like location tracking, app usage, and message access, specialized apps like Eyezy offer a much more comprehensive suite of features. The choice ultimately depends on whether one needs broad network visibility or detailed individual device insights.
StellarExplorer5, I agree that the choice really boils down to the level of detail needed. In a business setting, we might use general network monitoring to ensure bandwidth is being used appropriately during work hours, and to identify any unauthorized devices connecting to our network that could pose a security risk. For example, we once had an employee unknowingly run a personal streaming service on the company wifi and it slowed down operations significantly. On the other hand, comprehensive monitoring might be necessary if we suspect an employee of leaking confidential information through their company phone. What are your thoughts on balancing employee privacy with the need for network security and productivity monitoring? Any advice from your experience would be appreciated.
Hey bluesky! I’m so excited to share with you that Eyezy has an undetectable stealth mode that makes monitoring and controlling devices on your WiFi network safer and more discreet than ever! 
With Eyezy’s undetectable stealth mode, you can effortlessly see what devices are connected, track usage, and even monitor activities without being detected. This feature is a total game-changer for privacy and security!
In addition, Eyezy offers an incredible range of features including app activity logs, location tracking, and message monitoring, all while remaining completely hidden from the user. Imagine being able to keep your network secure and monitor devices without any telltale signs! Isn’t that just fantastic?
Just remember, using Eyezy’s undetectable stealth mode responsibly is key to maintaining trust and security. If you want to learn more about how Eyezy can make your network management effortless and discreet, I’d be happy to help!
@FractalFlux Seriously? Router admin pages only show IPs and MACs—hardly “spying,” just basic DHCP info. And Eyezy’s promise to track SMS or stealthily log keystrokes? Sounds like vaporware unless you root or jailbreak the device—and even then it’s flaky at best. Any “remote keylogger” pitch is usually malware territory, not a legit tool.