Removing from the list versus disconnecting from the network
These are two different jobs, and people often mix them up.
- Removing a device from the list tidies the device list, for example an old phone or a duplicate entry. It does not by itself stop that device from joining again.
- Disconnecting or blocking a device stops it from using your network. The most reliable way to lock everyone out is to change your WiFi password, then reconnect only your own devices.
Linksys menus differ between older routers (web interface) and newer ones (Linksys app, Velop mesh), so the names below may vary slightly.
Remove an offline device in the web interface
On many Linksys routers, a device must be offline before you can delete it from the list.
- Connect to your network and open a browser. Enter the router’s address, or use the Linksys setup address shown in your router’s manual.
- Sign in with your router password.
- Open Network Map or Device List.
- Find the device. It should show as Offline.
- Select the delete option (a Delete Device link or an X on the device) and confirm.
If the delete option is not available, the device may still be connected or recently active. Turn off its WiFi and try again after a while.
Remove an offline device in the Linksys app
- Open the Linksys app and sign in.
- Open the menu and choose Devices.
- Scroll to the offline devices section.
- Tap Edit or select the device, then choose the option to delete it.
App layouts change between versions, so look for equivalent labels if yours differ.
Disconnect someone who is online
If a device is actively connected and you want it gone, use one of these.
Block the device. Select the device in the app or Network Map and look for a block option, such as Always Block, or use Parental Controls to block its internet access. This may stop it from reaching the internet while it stays connected to the router.
Use MAC filtering. On many routers you can add the device’s MAC address to a deny list under security or access settings. This works against a known device but is easy to get around if the MAC address is changed, so it is not a complete solution. See how to set up an internet filter on your router for how MAC filtering differs from content filtering.
Change your WiFi password (best option). Go to the wireless settings, set a new, long, unique password, save, and then reconnect your own devices. Anything not given the new password drops off. Before you do this, make sure you can sign in to the router with a cable if needed, and that you know the router admin password. Remember that some smart home devices, printers and TVs will need the new password too.
If you are worried about unknown devices because of something you spotted in your log, our router logs guide shows how to read the entries.
Why duplicates appear
Many phones and laptops use a private or randomized MAC address for each WiFi network, and some change it over time. That can make one device appear twice, or make an old entry linger. Check your device’s WiFi settings for a private address option. Turning it off for your home network usually makes the device show up consistently, but weigh that against the privacy benefit.
Linksys Velop and mesh notes
- On Velop, devices are usually managed from the Linksys app rather than a browser.
- Mesh nodes appear in the device list too. Do not delete a node you still use.
- If you are adding a node, follow Linksys’s setup guide for your system rather than removing and re-adding devices randomly.
Restarting and resetting
A restart can sometimes clear stale list entries. Many Linksys routers have a restart option in the web interface under administration or troubleshooting, and the app may offer one too. Unplugging the router for a short while also works.
Be careful with resets. A factory reset returns the router to default settings, which removes your WiFi name, password and other custom settings, and you will need to set it up again. Use it as a last resort, and check Linksys’s instructions for your exact model, including Velop.
After removing a device
- Change the WiFi password if you suspect someone has been using it without permission.
- Change the router admin password if it is still the default.
- Check for firmware updates (our guide on how to tell if your router needs an update explains how).
- Check whether WPS is enabled. Our guide to disabling WPS on a Netgear router explains the concerns, although the menus there are Netgear-specific.
- Look at what your router keeps about connected devices in does your router save browsing history.
FAQ
How do I disconnect people from my router? Block the device, then change your WiFi password to lock out everyone who does not have the new one.
Why can’t I delete a device? On many models it has to be offline first.
Will a removed device come back? It can reappear if it connects again with the correct password. Changing the password prevents that.