Smart devices internet access: Why your fridge and stove should never connect to the internet.

Why your fridge, stove, microwave and AC should not be online

The modern household is increasingly being filled with “smart” appliances. Refrigerators come with touchscreens, ovens can be controlled through an app, and even your ceiling fan may try to connect to Wi-Fi the moment you plug it in. While the sales pitch for these devices is convenience and efficiency, the reality is that many of them have no legitimate reason to be connected to the internet.

A fridge does not need to browse the web, a microwave does not need cloud services to heat leftovers, and an air conditioning unit has no business sending data outside your home network. Yet most new appliances now ship with online connectivity switched on by default, and in many cases the option to disable it simply does not exist. This shift quietly eliminates consumer choice and raises serious questions about security, privacy, and necessity.

This article explains why these devices should remain offline, the risks of keeping them connected, and most importantly how you can take back control by setting up your own private network and restricting internet access to appliances you do not trust.

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The problem with internet-enabled appliances

At first glance, the idea of a connected fridge or stove might sound futuristic and convenient. Imagine getting a notification on your phone when the milk is running low, or preheating your oven while driving home from work. But behind the marketing gloss lies a different reality. These devices are often poorly designed in terms of cybersecurity. Manufacturers focus on flashy features to stand out in the market, but security is an afterthought.

When your refrigerator, microwave, or fan connects to the internet, it creates another potential entry point for hackers. Many of these appliances run stripped-down versions of outdated operating systems, have hardcoded default passwords, or lack regular security updates. Once compromised, they can be used for spying, for launching attacks on other devices in your home, or even to join massive botnets that overwhelm websites and services worldwide.

Even when not hacked, connected appliances pose privacy concerns. Some manufacturers log usage data, when you cook, what you store in your fridge, when you turn on your AC, and transmit it back to company servers. In the best case, this information is used for targeted advertising. In the worst case, it could be sold, leaked, or stolen.

Lack of choice: Connectivity on by default

One of the most worrying trends is that internet connectivity is often built in by default and cannot be turned off. Many modern appliances require an app for basic setup. Some cameras, thermostats, and smart plugs will not function at all unless they connect to the manufacturer’s servers. This forces consumers into online dependency even if they would prefer to keep things offline.

This shift removes choice. You may not want your fridge talking to external servers, but the manufacturer has already decided for you. In some cases, the only way to block online traffic is at the network level, which is where consumers must take action.

Why restricting internet access works

The safest approach is simple: treat any device that does not absolutely need an internet connection as untrusted. Your phone and your computers are the devices that genuinely require online access. Almost everything else, from your speaker system to your robotic vacuum, can function without being connected to the wider internet.

By restricting internet access, these devices can still communicate locally within your home. For example, a smart bulb can still pair with your phone over Wi-Fi if both are on the same network. But without access to the outside world, the bulb cannot leak data, phone home to a manufacturer’s server, or expose you to remote attacks.

This method allows you to keep the useful features while removing the risks.

Step-by-step: Creating a separate network

The most robust way to protect yourself is to create a separate network for untrusted devices. Many modern routers allow you to set up multiple networks. Here is how you can do it:

1. Access your router settings
Log into your router by typing its IP address into your web browser. Common addresses are 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1. You will need your administrator username and password.

2. Create a guest network
Look for the option to set up a “guest” or “secondary” Wi-Fi network. Enable it and give it a name that makes sense, such as “IoT Devices” or “Appliances”.

3. Set a strong password
Secure this new network with a unique, strong password. Do not reuse the password from your main Wi-Fi.

4. Restrict guest network access
In your router settings, ensure that the guest network cannot access your primary network. This prevents untrusted devices from communicating with your computers and phones.

5. Connect appliances to the guest network
Move all internet-enabled devices except your phone and computer onto this separate network. This includes smart TVs, speakers, thermostats, and appliances.

By doing this, even if one of your appliances is compromised, the attacker cannot easily reach your sensitive personal devices.

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Alternative method: Blocking internet access by device

If setting up a separate network feels complicated, there is another option. You can block specific devices from accessing the internet altogether.

1. Log into your router
Again, use your router’s IP address and administrator login.

2. Identify devices
Your router will list all connected devices. Look for unfamiliar names that match your appliances, such as “SmartFridge123” or “AC-WiFiModule”.

3. Restrict internet access
Many routers allow you to block internet access for specific devices. This is sometimes found under “Parental Controls” or “Access Restrictions”.

4. Save changes
Once blocked, the appliance can still communicate locally within your network but cannot reach the internet.

This method works well if you have only a few smart devices to control.

Do you really need updates?

One common argument in favour of keeping appliances online is that they need updates. In theory, firmware updates fix bugs and improve security. In practice, most consumers rarely receive useful updates for their appliances. Unless a critical security flaw is exposed, the device is unlikely to receive ongoing support.

A sensible rule is to temporarily allow internet access if an update is absolutely necessary, then immediately block it again once the update is complete. Many experienced users follow the principle: “If it works, don’t touch it.”

The risks of poorly designed devices

What makes many smart devices unsafe is not only careless engineering but sometimes deliberate design. In some cases, companies prioritise rapid production over thorough security testing. Bluetooth modules are added for pairing but then left exposed. Cloud connections are implemented without proper encryption.

There are also examples of malicious intent. Some low-cost cameras, often imported without regulation, have been found to include hidden back doors that transmit footage to remote servers. This means your home could be monitored without your consent.

Separating these devices from the internet or blocking their access entirely is the only reliable safeguard.

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Looking for safer standards

If you still want smart functionality, consider devices built on established standards such as Matter. Matter is a protocol supported by major brands, designed to improve compatibility and security across devices. While not perfect, it is more trustworthy than products from obscure companies that may abandon support after a few months.

Choosing devices from reputable brands that adhere to open standards increases the likelihood of better security practices. However, even with standards, restricting internet access remains the safest option.

Building a security-first mindset

The idea that your fridge should need an internet connection is a product of marketing, not necessity. Heating food, cooling air, or keeping groceries fresh are physical functions that do not depend on cloud servers. By keeping these devices offline, you protect your privacy, reduce security risks, and retain control of your home.

The key is to stop assuming that every new feature is an improvement. Instead, treat online connectivity with suspicion. Ask yourself: why does this appliance need to send data to a company server? What happens if those servers shut down? What happens if the data is hacked? If you cannot answer these questions with confidence, the safest choice is to block internet access.

Take back control

The rise of internet-connected appliances has created an environment where consumers are losing choice and exposing themselves to unnecessary risks. A refrigerator, stove, microwave, HVAC system, or fan does not need to be online to perform its function. Yet manufacturers insist on enabling connectivity by default, leaving you with little say in the matter.

You can reclaim control by creating a separate network for untrusted devices or by blocking their internet access directly through your router. Doing so allows your devices to work locally while preventing them from communicating externally. Updates can be managed on a temporary basis, but for everyday use, offline is safer.

The internet of things does not have to mean the internet owns your things. By setting boundaries, you secure your home, your privacy, and your peace of mind.

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