Why does my router say my device is connected via Ethernet when it's not?

 There could be a few reasons why your router may indicate that your device is connected via Ethernet when it's not actually physically connected with an Ethernet cable. Here are some possible explanations:



  1. False indication or glitch:

  2. Sometimes, routers can display incorrect information due to software glitches or temporary communication errors. Try restarting your router and device to see if the issue resolves itself.


  3. Wi-Fi adapter settings:

  4. Some devices have both Wi-Fi and Ethernet capabilities. In some cases, the Wi-Fi adapter may be disabled or malfunctioning, leading the router to assume it's connected via Ethernet. Check your device's network settings to ensure the Wi-Fi adapter is enabled.

  5. Wired connection sharing:

  6. If you have multiple devices connected to a switch or another device that is then connected to the router via Ethernet, the router might display the shared wired connection for all devices connected to the switch.

  7. Ghost devices:

  8. Routers can sometimes retain information about previously connected devices, even after they have disconnected. This can result in old devices being listed as connected via Ethernet. Check your router's connected devices list and remove any entries that are no longer in use.

  9. Network bridging or virtualization:

  10. If you have a virtual machine or network bridge set up on your device, it might appear as if the device is connected via Ethernet to the router. In this case, the virtual machine or bridge is using the Ethernet connection, while your physical device is connected via Wi-Fi.

  11. Misidentification:

  12. The router's display or interface maybesmisidentifyg the type of connection for your device. This can happen if the router's firmware has a bug or if it doesn't recognize the specific device properly.

If none of the above solutions work, you may need to troubleshoot further or contact your router manufacturer's support for assistance. Remember that the accuracy of the information provided by the router's interface can vary depending on the router model and firmware version.


  1. Device Misconfiguration:

  2. Sometimes, devices can misreport their network connections. The network settings on your device may be incorrect, causing it to falsely indicate an Ethernet connection. Ensure that your device's Wi-Fi is enabled and connected to the correct network.

  3. IP Address Conflict:

  4. Your router might have assigned the same IP address to both the Ethernet-connected device and the Wi-Fi-connected device. This can lead to the router displaying the wrong connection type for the device in question. Rebooting your router and the device can help resolve IP address conflicts.

  5. Network Spoofing or Cloning:

  6. If someone is attempting to spoof or clone your device's MAC address, the router might mistakenly identify the cloned device as connected via Ethernet. This situation is rare, but it's worth considering if you suspect any security issues.

  7. Router Firmware Issue:

  8. Certain router firmware versions might have bugs or glitches that cause them to display inaccurate connection information. Check if there are any firmware updates available for your router and apply them if needed.

  9. Signal Interference:

  10. In some cases, Wi-Fi signals might be weak or unstable, causing the device to switch between Wi-Fi and Ethernet connections. This can lead to the router's display showing inconsistent information.

  11. Hidden Network Bridge:

  12. Your device might have a hidden network bridge set up, using both the Wi-Fi and Ethernet connections simultaneously. This configuration could make the router think the device is connected via Ethernet.

  13. Cable Malfunction:

  14. If you have a faulty Ethernet cable connected to your device, it could cause intermittent connection issues. The router might detect the cable connection sporadically, leading to display confusion.

To address the issue, you can try the following steps:

a. Verify Wi-Fi Connection:

Double-check that your device is indeed connected to the Wi-Fi network you intend to use.

b. Restart Devices and Router:

Reboot both your device and the router to clear any temporary glitches and to ensure a fresh network connection.

c. Check Network Settings:

Review your device's network settings to ensure the correct network connection is selected.

d. Inspect Ethernet Connections:

If you have any devices physically connected to the router via Ethernet, confirm their connection status and check for any faulty cables.

e. Reset Router Settings:

As a last resort, you can try resetting your router to its default settings and reconfiguring it from scratch.

If the issue persists despite trying these solutions, it might be worthwhile to contact your router manufacturer's support for further assistance or consider seeking help from a network technician.


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