Microwave interference commonly affects 2.4 GHz near the appliance. Confirm timing, then move compatible devices to 5/6 GHz and improve placement rather than opening the appliance. Run a continuous connection test and see whether the loss begins and ends with microwave use.
Differential
Likely causes of “Wi-Fi drops when the microwave is running”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
The microwave leaks a little radio energy on the 2.4 GHz band
What separates it The connection drops or slows while the microwave runs and returns as soon as it stops, on a device using 2.4 GHz.
How to confirm Run a continuous connection test and see whether the loss begins and ends with microwave use.
- 2
The router or device sits close to the microwave
What separates it The effect is strongest in the kitchen and weak in other rooms, and the router is on the other side of the kitchen wall.
How to confirm Move the router or the test device farther from the microwave and repeat.
- 3
The device could use 5 GHz but is on 2.4 GHz
What separates it A phone or laptop supports 5 GHz yet stays on the 2.4 GHz network.
How to confirm Connect to the 5 GHz network name and repeat the test during a heating cycle.
- 4
A damaged door seal leaks more than a normal microwave
What separates it The interference is strong even at some distance and the door or seal is damaged.
How to confirm Do not test the microwave's shielding yourself; have it checked by a qualified person.
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Whether the drop starts and ends exactly with the microwave running.
- The band and channel in use and the distance between the router, the microwave and the device.
- The condition of the microwave's door and seal.
Try in this order
0 of 4 completedCapture the exact symptom
ReversibleRun a continuous connection test and note whether loss begins and ends exactly with microwave use.
Run the smallest isolation test
ReversibleMove the router/device away, use 5 GHz or 6 GHz where supported and choose a cleaner 2.4 GHz channel.
Correct only the proven cause
ReversibleReplace a visibly damaged or leaking microwave through qualified service; never inspect RF shielding yourself.
Verify before changing anything else
ReversibleRepeat the same network test during a heating cycle from the original room.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !Replace or service a microwave with a visibly damaged door or seal, and never inspect RF shielding yourself.
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Exact questions
Common questions
Why does my Wi-Fi drop when I use the microwave?+
Microwaves and 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi share a frequency range. Using 5 GHz, changing the 2.4 GHz channel or moving the router usually fixes it.
Why does the microwave affect Wi-Fi?+
Microwaves operate near the 2.4 GHz band and can interfere.
What helps when the internet drops while the microwave runs?+
Use the 5 GHz band and move the router away from the microwave.
Is the microwave broken?+
No, it is a known interference effect.