Many people use public or private WiFi networks to access the internet, whether at a coffee shop, a library, or in the comfort of their homes. This common scenario leads to a question: Can the WiFi owner see what sites you visit on your phone?
This article discusses whether the WiFi owner can see what sites you visit on your phone and how to access the browsing history on the router.
Also read: What does privacy warning mean on WiFi?
Can the WiFi owner see what sites you visit on your phone?
Yes, the WiFi owner can see the sites you visit on your phone.
The person who owns the WiFi network you’re connected to can see the websites you visit on your phone, even if you’re in incognito mode. This is possible because they have access to the WiFi router’s control panel, which enables them to check the websites you’re browsing and monitor the network traffic.
To enhance your privacy, especially when using public or shared WiFi networks, it’s advisable to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, keeping your online activities hidden from anyone trying to snoop on your browsing.
Also read: Can you see the search history on the WiFi bill?
How to view Internet browsing history on your WiFi router?
Checking the browsing history on a WiFi router can be a bit different depending on the brand and model of your router. Here are the steps to access the browsing history:
- Connect your computer or mobile device to the router’s WiFi network.
- Open the web browser on your device and then type the router’s IP address. You can usually find the router’s IP address in its documentation or the router itself. If you can’t find it there, you can search for your router’s brand and model online.
- Enter the username and the password.
- Look for the History, Activity Log or Recent Events section on the router setting page.
- You should be able to see a list of websites that have been visited, along with the time and date of each visit.
Also read: Why does my WiFi keep turning on?
