Abstract: Faced with the problems of low permeability of coal reservoirs and low production of coalbed methane in China, the research on microwave heat injection technology for reservoir transformation has become an important topic to increase the production rate of coalbed methane. In this study, by combining experimental research with numerical simulation, we review the effects of single microwave radiation on coalbed gas production from the perspectives. We clarify how microwave heat injection influences the mechanical properties, microstructure, and physicochemical characteristics of coal seams. Furthermore, we summarize the factors affecting microwave heat injection by examining both coal petrophysical properties and microwave field parameters. Additionally, we analyze the advantages and disadvantages of combining microwave heating with other methods. The research results show that microwave heat injection significantly reduces the compressive strength of coal, while simultaneously increasing its porosity and permeability. This process alters the microstructure of coal and reduces its gas adsorption capacity. When combined with other coal seam permeability increased technologies, such as microwave-assisted acidification, microwaveassisted oxidation and microwave-liquid nitrogen freeze-thaw cycles, the efficiency of coalbed methane extraction can be further improved.