Help- can I shield a magnet so it won't damage my phone?

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    Damage Magnet Shield
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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the potential risks of placing an iPhone near a neodymium magnet, specifically one embedded in a purse. Participants explore whether such magnets can damage the phone and discuss possible shielding methods.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses concern about the safety of placing an iPhone near a neodymium magnet, noting conflicting information found online.
  • Another participant suggests that iPhones are generally safe from magnets, citing that hard drives are more susceptible and that the magnet in the purse is likely not strong enough to cause damage.
  • A third participant shares insights from an Apple Product Specialist, indicating that while there is no formal testing, strong magnets could potentially affect the phone's antenna and circuitry.
  • This participant also references testing by Sena case manufacturers, who found neodymium magnets to be harmful to phones, leading them to use different magnets in their products.
  • Some light-hearted comments are made regarding the dangers of eating magnets, which do not directly address the main concern but add humor to the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the safety of iPhones near neodymium magnets, with some expressing confidence in the phone's resilience while others highlight potential risks based on expert opinions.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes varying assumptions about the strength of the magnet and the specific model of the iPhone, as well as the lack of definitive testing on the issue.

baggage
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I feel a little silly for posting this rather mundane question- but I really am at then end of my (limited) wits. I have an iPhone, and there is a rather strong magnet on my favorite purse (I believe it is a neodymium magnet, but don't know for sure). I have been researching this issue online and I am getting conflicting answers- some say don't even think about putting the phone in the bag, others say it won't cause any problems:confused:

First- is there any kind of consensus among PF posters about whether an iPhone is in danger from a neodymium magnet? (I can't tell how large the magnet is because it is sewn into the leather and hidden by a large leather-covered button)

Second- if there is a danger, is there any way I can have my cake and eat it, too? Can I shield my phone from the magnet?

I know this probably isn't as interesting a topic as the others- but any help would be greatly appreciated!

Warmest thanks:)
 
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I doubt you have anything to worry about. Hard drives are usually what people are worried about having problems with magnets (hard drive themselves have very strong magnets in them so even with hard drives there isn't much to worry about). The iPhone doesn't have a hard drive though. I would guess that the magnet isn't very strong, especially if all it does is keep the purse closed. Credit cards are pretty sensitive to magnets so assuming you keep credit cards in there and they are fine the iPhone should be ok.
 
Just heard from an Apple Product Specialist- he says that while they haven't done actual testing on this particular issue, he has had experience with magnets polarizing the antenna, causing the first gen iPhones to lose reception. Dr. Bandurski, PhD also said that while the iPhone may not have a drive, a strong enough magnet could cause magnetizing of some of the circuitry inside the phone- causing disruption.

I also found out that Sena case manufactures (they make cases for Blackberry and iPhone) did specific testing with neodymium magnets and found they were destructive to phones- so they use a different kind of magnet in their cases. Hope this info helps anyone else surfing around for information!
 
Welcome to PF!

Hi baggage! Welcome to PF! :smile:
baggage said:
if there is a danger, is there any way I can have my cake and eat it, too?

You can eat one magnet, but it is dangerous to eat two …

see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neodymium_magnet#Health_hazards and http://www.rsna.org/media/pressreleases/pr_target.cfm?ID=203 :wink:
 

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