What it means
A router's connected-device, wireless-client or DHCP-client list shows names and addresses associated with its network. Some entries are current connections, while others may be leases from devices that have left. Phones can use randomized Wi-Fi addresses, making familiar hardware appear under a new identifier.
A real-world example
An entry called Android appears after a family member updates a phone. Blocking it immediately could cut off their service. Powering off the suspected phone and comparing the list offers a better test.
What to do
Inventory household devices, compare last-seen times and label confirmed clients. If an active device remains unexplained, change the Wi-Fi password, disable unused joining methods and review the list again.
The distinction that matters
A client name can be changed, so the label is not reliable identity verification. An offline entry can also remain visible until its lease expires; check whether the router marks it active. FTC recommends consulting the router's client list as one part of connected-home security.
FTC's connected-device advice
