“WTF! Why is my LG washing machine using 3.6GB of data per day?” This was the reaction of an X user after discovering the strange behavior of his appliance. The post, viewed more than 17 million times, quickly sparked controversy and became a meme. However, the explanation might be simple—and rather mundane.
An X user named Johnie shared a graph showing that his LG washing machine consistently sent over 150 megabytes of data each hour, with minimal fluctuations.
Using an Asus router with advanced monitoring tools, Johnie discovered the issue. He noted that the “rogue process” likely used the same port as iMessage (5223).
There were gigabytes of data being uploaded from the IP address of the washer. I have segregated this device to its own network and logging data usage. I have yet to hear from LG on how to reset/update the firmware or how to fix the rogue washing machine,” another Johnie’s post reads.
He believes that the washing machine was powered off, as it should automatically turn off when non-active.
“Ended up blocking it on my router” Disconnecting the washing machine from the Wi-Fi was unsuccessful as it wouldn’t let the user remove the Wi-Fi configuration, only change it to another Wi-Fi. Johnie had to tinker with his router settings to block the device from the internet, decreasing its data usage.
Unlike traditional routers like the one Johnie was using, Rio automatically blocks all unauthorized devices from connecting, only allowing the devices you know and trust access to your Wi-Fi. Rio customers automatically receive alerts of any device attempting to access their network, giving them the one click ability to approve/deny the device.
“Sorry if you were using my washing machine for bitcoin mining. But I'd gladly rent our LPU (Laundry Processing Unit) by the hour,” Johnie joked.
