Do Wi-Fi Jammers Really Work? What To Know About The Home Security Threat

Attention-grabbing headlines have surfaced recently about thieves using a Wi-Fi jammer to gain access to homes in big cities like Los Angeles, but it's important not to get drawn in by sensationalism. With so many wireless smart gadgets that upgrade any home's lighting and security, the thought that this same technology could be compromised with a device is unsettling. However, news coverage can sometimes be quite overstated in its delivery. Some networks even consult with the founders of the very security companies that have a vested interest in selling you the products and peace of mind.

Yes, Wi-Fi jammers can work and apparently cost anywhere from around $200- up to more than $2000. However, these jammers are illegal in the U.S. not only for civilians, but also for local police. Even Federal law enforcement agencies must get special authorization to use any such device. This is because Wi-Fi jammers can interfere with emergency or other regular communications.

The only way to mitigate the threat of these signal jammers entirely is to switch from a wireless to a hard-wired security system. But this means running cables through walls (likely involving professional installation), not easily being able to relocate devices such as cameras (unless you want to rewire again), and not easily being able to take the system with you should you move. In addition, a wired system has vulnerabilities of its own, such as requiring your home's power to run. 

Fortunately, there are several reasons why you shouldn't be too worried about Wi-Fi jammers. A thief using a Wi-Fi jammer often must be near the device they're targeting in order for it to work, for which there are no guarantees. With devices like a video doorbell equipped with motion detection, it'll likely trigger and capture footage of the criminal before the signal can be interrupted. However, there are differences between major home security brands, with some clearly outranking others in terms of performance and features. Some experts do warn that larger Wi-Fi jammers can achieve greater range, but because they block signals indiscriminately, these disruptions can also affect your neighbors, raising unwanted attention.

Burglars are often highly opportunistic, meaning they are looking for an easy target that won't require much work. This approach goes counter to using sophisticated illegal gadgets to breach home defenses. In fact, according to data compiled from 1994-2011 by the U.S. Department of Justice, the majority of burglars simply walked through an unlocked door or climbed through an open window.

Other than a small number of instances in major cities like Phoenix, Los Angeles, and New Jersey (some of which don't confirm any jammer device was recovered), don't immediately suggest burglars are all going hi-tech en masse. In addition, according to the Council on Criminal Justice, residential break-ins in the first half of 2025 are down 19%, and have dropped 47% when compared to 2019 figures.