Can pacemakers interfere with phones or magnets? 

Modern pacemakers are sophisticated computers that are designed to be well shielded from everyday electrical interference. However, because they rely on delicate electrical signals to monitor your heart, they can still be affected by strong electromagnetic fields. In the UK, cardiologists provide specific guidance on how to safely navigate a world filled with mobile technology and magnetic accessories to ensure your device functions without interruption. 

In this article, you will learn about the safe distances required for mobile phones, the risks associated with modern magnetic gadgets, and what happens to your pacemaker if it gets too close to a magnetic source. We will also discuss the 2025 safety standards for household appliances. 

What We’ll Discuss in This Article 

• Safe handling of mobile phones and smart devices 

• The impact of strong magnets on pacemaker programming 

• Why magnets in headphones and tablet covers require caution 

• Household appliances that are safe and those that need distance 

• Understanding the magnet mode in cardiac devices 

• Guidance for high risk environments like security gates 

• Internal Link Suggestions for heart device safety 

Mobile phones and smart devices 

While mobile phones do not usually cause permanent damage to a pacemaker, they can temporarily interfere with the device’s ability to sense your heart’s natural rhythm. This is most likely to happen if the phone is held very close to the pulse generator. 

To minimize risk, you should keep your mobile phone at least 15cm away from your pacemaker at all times. In practice, this means using the ear on the opposite side of your implant for calls and avoiding carrying your phone in a breast pocket directly over the device. Modern 5G phones and smartwatches in 2025 follow these same safety principles. 

• 15cm Rule: The standard clinical safety distance for handheld wireless devices. 

• Opposite Ear: Always use the phone on the side furthest from your pacemaker. 

• Breast Pockets: Never store phones or smart devices in pockets near the chest. 

• Smartwatches: These are generally safe as long as you do not rest your wrist directly over your device site. 

The impact of strong magnets 

Magnets are the primary source of concern for pacemaker patients because they can trigger a specific response called magnet mode. When a strong magnet is placed directly over a pacemaker, it tells the device to stop listening to the heart and instead pace at a fixed, pre programmed rate. While this is useful for doctors during a checkup, it can make you feel dizzy or unwell if it happens unexpectedly at home. 

In recent years, the use of powerful neodymium magnets in consumer electronics has increased. Items such as magnetic tablet covers, wireless charging pads, and even some high end headphones contain magnets strong enough to interfere with a pacemaker if they come into direct contact with the skin over the device. 

• Magnet Mode: A safety setting that causes the pacemaker to pace at a fixed rate. 

• Neodymium Magnets: Small but powerful magnets found in 2025 tech gadgets. 

• Wireless Chargers: These generate electromagnetic fields and should be kept at a distance. 

• Magnetic Jewellery: Items like magnetic therapy bracelets or necklaces should be used with caution. 

Headphones and wearable technology 

A common question for UK patients is whether it is safe to wear headphones. Most headphones contain magnetic components. While wearing them on your ears is perfectly safe, you must be careful not to drape them around your neck or let them hang over your chest when you are not using them. 

• Earphones or Buds: Safe when used in the ears but keep the charging case away from your chest. 

• Large Headphones: Contain larger magnets and should be kept at least 15cm from the device. 

• Tablet Covers: Many use magnets to wake the screen; do not rest a tablet against your chest. 

• Digital Health Tools: Most wearable fitness trackers are safe, but check for magnetic clasps. 

Conclusion 

While the risk of permanent damage from phones and magnets is very low, maintaining a basic level of awareness is the best way to ensure your pacemaker works perfectly. By following the 15cm rule for phones and keeping magnetic tech away from your chest, you can enjoy modern technology with total peace of mind. Your pacemaker is a robust life saving tool, and with these simple precautions, it will continue to protect your heart rhythm safely in our increasingly digital world. 

If you experience sudden dizziness, a rapid heartbeat, or a return of your original fainting symptoms after being near a magnet or phone, move away from the source and contact your pacing clinic or 111 immediately. 

Authority Snapshot  

This article was written by Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, a UK trained physician with an MBBS and extensive experience in cardiology and emergency medicine. Having managed patients with complex cardiac devices and supervised technical device clinics in the NHS, Dr. Fernandez provides expert guidance on environmental safety and device interference. This content follows 2025 safety standards to ensure accurate health information.