Does a Faraday Cage Block WiFi? Understanding the Pros and Cons

Last Updated on November 26, 2024

Does a Faraday cage block WiFi? The short answer is yes—a properly made Faraday cage or Faraday bag will effectively block any signals from entering or exiting, shielding you from electromagnetic fields. However, there’s a catch: you won’t be able to access the Internet from the device inside. Connectivity is completely eliminated.

In this blog, we’ll explore the impact of blocking WiFi with a Faraday cage and discuss whether it’s worth the trade-off, considering the everyday use of WiFi.

From this article you’ll learn:

• Is WiFi harmful
• The purpose and function of Faraday cages
• What happens when you place a WiFi router in a Faraday cage
• The impact of blocking WiFi entirely
• How to protect yourself without going offline

Is WiFi Harmful?

The discussion around WiFi safety is ongoing and knowledge is ever evolving. WiFi works by emitting RF microwaves like a two-way radio transmission. The routers used in this technology emit non-ionizing radiation, similar to other wireless devices.

The long-term health effects of low-level radiation are still being researched, but some people opt to limit their exposure as a preventative measure. There is a growing body of evidence showing that WiFi exposure, even in the short term, is dangerous.

The Purpose and Function of Faraday Cages

Faraday cages, named after scientist Michael Faraday, are made from conductive materials that block electromagnetic fields and radio waves, causing signal attenuation. These cages are designed to block a variety of signals, including cellular, GPS, Bluetooth, and, yes, WiFi frequencies.

The conductive material essentially absorbs or reflects electromagnetic signals, preventing them from entering or leaving the enclosure. Check out our other article that explains what Faraday bags are, a more portable option for protection.

What Happens When You Place a WiFi Router in a Faraday Cage?

WiFi operates at specific wavelengths, typically 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. A Faraday cage for wi-fi router blocks these frequencies because the conductive materials create a barrier, preventing the signals from reaching connected devices.

As a result, while you might shield yourself from EMF exposure, you also eliminate its only significant function: your Internet access.

This outcome illustrates the double-edged nature of using a Faraday cage for this purpose. Within the cage, signals are successfully blocked, but at the cost of being connected. You might as well just unplug it.

WiFi cages that still promise you WiFi access are not a complete Faraday cage, so some signals are still coming through. This still can make your WiFi spotty or prevent it from going a far distance, which is an impractical solution for those who rely on WiFi for work, communication, and everyday tasks.

Evaluating the Impact of Blocking WiFi Entirely

For most people, going offline is not viable, as WiFi can be a primary tool for work and communication. Additionally, WiFi access often extends beyond one individual to an entire household or office, making the complete blocking of signals disruptive for many.

It may not make sense to use a Faraday cage for WiFi router, but there are other ways to stay safe.

Finding a Middle Ground: How to Protect Yourself Without Going Offline

While a Faraday cage does decrease WiFi exposure, several other strategies can help reduce exposure without sacrificing Internet access when you need it. Some more practical solutions include:

• Distance and placement: Positioning the WiFi router in a less-frequented area of your home reduces exposure. Keeping the router at least several feet away from your main living or working areas can help. We recommend 6-10 feet of distance. Proximity to the source is the most important factor of exposure to EMF.
• Router timers: Setting a timer that automatically turns off your router during sleeping hours limits exposure without affecting daily Internet access. We recommend a Christmas tree timer or a timed outlet!
• Wire up: Using Ethernet cables can replace the need for WiFi for your laptop, smart TV, computer, and even a phone or tablet! You can easily purchase Ethernet adapters so you can eliminate the need for WiFi at home.
• Signal-blocking products: By this, we don’t mean a Faraday cage for your router. We mean shielding yourself from ambient WiFi signals or signals on your connected devices! Various shielding products can be a more balanced solution for blocking your body’s exposure without completely cutting off access to WiFi.

Conclusion: Faraday Cages for WiFi Protection

In short, a Faraday cage does indeed block WiFi signals, but it comes with a price: the loss of Internet connection. Though effective at stopping radiation, this method is often impractical for those who rely on WiFi daily. For those concerned about WiFi exposure, exploring more moderate strategies is likely a better route.

So stay tuned for our upcoming post, where we’ll further explore less disruptive ways to limit radiation from WiFi routers.