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netrout7's avatar
netrout7
Follower
Sep 01, 2025

Unknown Device on My Network

I got a USED Netgear AX1800 Wifi Router From Amazon and I noticed 2 unknown devices on my network, is this be just a memory or history of the devices used from the previous owner? 

Can the previous owner somehow hack my router, compromising my devices that i use on my Network??

I did block those 2 devices but they still show up on the list of Devices Online in the app.

Also how can i enhance my router security ?

I feel unsafe after seeing these unknown devices on my network and will be getting a new Router instead

3 Replies

  • CrimpOn's avatar
    CrimpOn
    Guru - Experienced User

    No.  WiFi routers display only devices which are currently connected to the router.  It would be helpful to determine which of your devices do NOT appear to be connected.

    Modern software for mobile devices (cell phones, tablets, laptops) often enables a feature called "MAC Randomizing"

    https://cloud.wikis.utexas.edu/wiki/spaces/EndpointManagement/pages/57739479/MAC+Address+Randomization+How+it+works+and+What+IT+needs+to+know

     

    This results in "strange devices" appearing on networks because they use a MAC address different from their real MAC address.

    • netrout7's avatar
      netrout7
      Follower

      Well I called sutomer service and they said it was most likely from the previous user who owned the device.  I blocked those two devices but i felt uneasy so I decided to buy a brand new router instead.  I did a factory reset of my router yesterday and it cleared the unknowns and showed only my own 3 devices

       

      But just now, I logged in and I see 3 unknown devices that are not mine:  Chromebook laptop, Ideapad and Amazon-  i dont own any of those!

      I also went to a website i normally go to and 2 times it took me to a completely different website

       

      Is it possible the previous owner (or someone else can hack my router, even after i did factory reset yesterday with Netgear Tech support?

      • FURRYe38's avatar
        FURRYe38
        Guru - Experienced User

        What devices do you have? Brand and model#

        What model Router do you have? RAX###? 

         

        Are the unknown devices wire or wireless connected? 

        Change the SSID name and password to something else and see if these devices re-appear? 

         

        What is the brand and model# of the ISP modem/ONT that the NG router is connected too?