Do microwaves really interfere with Wi-Fi signals?
Microwaves and Wi-Fi, seemingly unrelated, have a surprising connection. Many users complain that their Wi-Fi network is unstable every time they turn on their microwave. Is this interference or just a coincidence?
The Wi-Fi is fine, everything is running smoothly, until the YouTube video freezes, the music you’re listening to cuts out, or your Bluetooth headphones suddenly disconnect. And strangely enough, it all happens right after you press the microwave button. This is no coincidence.
It may sound unbelievable, but microwaves can actually interfere with Wi-Fi signals. That's because they both operate in the 2.4 GHz band, a frequency range commonly used by wireless devices in the home, from Wi-Fi routers to Bluetooth headphones to security cameras.
Even if your microwave isn't surfing the web, streaming Netflix, or sending text messages, it's still emitting powerful electromagnetic waves, enough to cause interference in the frequency range that Wi-Fi uses.
So if you've ever wondered why your internet goes down every time you reheat leftovers, the culprit could very well be right in your kitchen.
Why can microwaves interfere with Wi-Fi and wireless devices?
The answer lies in the huge difference in transmission power. While a typical Wi-Fi router only broadcasts a signal at around 28 milliwatts, a microwave can put out 1,000 watts of power, a level somewhere between a whisper and the roar of a jet engine.
In that wireless “dialogue,” the weak Wi-Fi signal simply doesn’t stand a chance and is completely overwhelmed by the powerful and chaotic electromagnetic waves the microwave generates.
It's not just your Wi-Fi signal that's affected, but devices that use the 2.4 GHz band like Bluetooth speakers, wireless headphones, cordless landlines, or baby monitors can also temporarily lose connection while you're reheating dinner.
If you've ever noticed your AirPlay speaker suddenly go "silent" or your Bluetooth headphones cut off while your microwave is running, the culprit is the electromagnetic pulses it emits.
Microwaves don’t “communicate” as subtly as other devices. They broadcast signals as if they own the frequency band, leaving everything else in the 2.4 GHz range struggling to maintain a stable connection.
How to keep your microwave from interfering with your home Wi-Fi?
However, you don’t need to throw away your microwave or remodel your entire kitchen to fix interference. Distance is key. Simply moving your Wi-Fi router at least 10 feet away from your microwave can significantly reduce the risk of dropped connections. A simple adjustment, but surprisingly effective.
If you have a dual-band router, prioritize connecting important devices (like computers, smart TVs, smartphones) to the 5 GHz band. This band is faster, has less interference, and, importantly, is not affected by microwaves, which operate on 2.4 GHz.
It's worth noting, however, that the 5 GHz frequency band has a shorter range and is less effective at penetrating walls, but for most indoor spaces, it's still the ideal choice.
Additionally, you can also try switching the Wi-Fi channel on your router to other channels to avoid interference with interfering devices.
If you’ve tried everything and your connection keeps dropping out every time you heat up your food, your microwave may be a bigger culprit than you think. Older microwaves tend to leak more electromagnetic waves, even if they’re still working properly.
Even newer devices are allowed to leak a small amount as a safety standard, but with older models, especially those with bent doors or loose gaskets, leaks can significantly impact your home's network connectivity.
While this type of radiation is not harmful to your health, it can still interfere with your Wi-Fi signal.
