Are Magnets Bad For Your Phone?

Do Magnets in MagSafe Really Harm Smartphones?

Written by: Joanavi Fernan

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Time to read 5 min

Understanding the Impact of Magnets of MagSafe on Smartphones

In an age where technology is as essential as air, concerns about what could potentially harm our digital lifelines are more prevalent than ever. One question that seems to pop up repeatedly is: "Will magnets in the MagSafe hurt smartphones?


Given the myriad myths and half-truths floating around, it's a valid concern. So, let's explore this magnetic conundrum and set the record straight.

Can Magnets in MagSafe Hurt Phone's Battery?

One of the most prevalent myths about magnets and smartphones is the belief that magnets can either drastically drain or charge your phone's battery. Lithium-ion batteries power modern smartphones. These batteries store energy through a chemical process involving lithium ions moving between the anode and cathode. This process is entirely electrochemical, meaning it relies on the movement of electrons within the battery cell.
Magnets produce a magnetic field, a force that can influence ferromagnetic materials (like iron) and electric currents. 



In smartphones, the concern is that a magnetic field could affect the electronic circuits or the flow of electrons within the battery. However, lithium-ion batteries and most components in a smartphone are not made from materials that react significantly to magnetic fields. The circuits in a smartphone are designed to handle the flow of electrons in a very controlled manner, and the materials involved in these components are chosen for their electrical properties, not their magnetic properties. Hence, the interaction between everyday magnets and your smartphone's battery is negligible, dispelling the myth of magnets having the ability to drain or charge them.

💡 What you need to know

Myth: Magnets mess up phone batteries.

Fact: Smartphone batteries (lithium-ion) use chemicals, not magnets. Magnets of MagSafe won't drain or charge your phone.

Magnetic Case For  Your Smartphone

Are MagSage Cases Safe for Your Smartphone?

As magnetic cases are popular, questions about their safety and potential to damage phones have also increased. These cases are specifically designed to be phone-friendly, ensuring that neither the battery life nor the internal components of your device suffer from their proximity to magnets. Understanding why selecting the best magnetic case is safe and beneficial for your device is crucial.



One of the primary advantages of choosing a high-quality magnetic case like our Thinborne MagSafe case is the peace of mind it brings. Knowing that your phone is protected from drops and scratches while being compatible with magnetic mounting solutions for hands-free use can significantly enhance your daily mobile experience. Moreover, the convenience of easily snapping your phone onto various magnetic accessories without worrying about alignment issues or damage underscores the utility of these cases.

💡 Did you know

MagSafe cases are safe for your phone (battery and components) and offer benefits like:

  • Protection from drops and scratches
  • Compatibility with magnetic mounts
  • Easy attachment of magnetic accessories

Do Magnets Inside MagSafe Affect Your Phone's Compass Accuracy?

While your phone's screen and data remain secure around magnets, a component could be influenced: your phone's compass. The magnetic fields can temporarily interfere with the digitizer and sensors in your phone, including the magnetometer that powers the compass app. This could lead to some quirky behavior, such as dead spots on the touchscreen, distortion, or inaccurate readings from navigation apps.



However, it's important to note that these effects are typically temporary and arise only in the presence of very strong magnets. The impact is negligible in most scenarios, especially with consumer-grade magnets found in accessories. But it's something to remember if you find yourself around industrial-strength magnets.

💡 Did you know

Magnets won't hurt your phone, but if you choose bad products without proper manetic array with sealing, it can mess with the compass app (temporary!).

Make sure you choose it from Apple, Otterbox and Thinborne.

Can Magnets of MagSAFE Harm TVs and Demagnetize Credit Cards?

The curiosity about magnets continues beyond smartphones. Concerns about their effects on devices like TVs or credit cards are common. However, much like with smartphones, the impact is often overestimated. Televisions, especially modern ones, have degaussing coils that counteract magnetic interference. And while magnets can demagnetize the magnetic strips on credit cards, they typically require a much stronger magnet than those around the house.

MagSafe Ready Case

How Do Wireless Charging and Magnetic Accessories Work with Smartphones?

With the introduction of wireless charging, magnets have carved out a new niche in the tech ecosystem. This technology utilizes fluctuating magnetic fields to charge devices without direct contact. The core technology behind wireless charging is based on inductive charging. This involves two main components: an induction coil in the charging base (transmitter) and an induction coil in the charged device (receiver). These coils are essentially loops of wire that can transfer energy through a magnetic field when placed near each other.



When current passes through the transmitter coil, it generates a magnetic field around it. This magnetic field then induces a voltage across the receiver coil, which can be converted into electric current to charge the smartphone's battery. The efficiency of this energy transfer is heavily dependent on the alignment and proximity of the two coils, which is where magnets come into play.

💡 Did you know

Wireless charging uses magnetic fields to transfer energy between charging pads and phones. It relies on coils in both devices. Magnets help align these coils for efficient charging

Final Thoughts

The fear that magnets could be detrimental to our smartphones is largely unfounded. From battery life to data security, the components of modern smartphones are resilient against the effects of everyday magnets. While there's a slight possibility of temporary interference with certain sensors like the compass, the overall risk posed by magnets is minimal. So, whether it's opting for a magnetic case or using a magnetic mount, you can do so knowing your beloved device is safe.

If you want to buy MagSafe-ready protective case , you can check out more on our store

Products Featured In This Blog

Frequently Asked Questions

Can magnets erase my phone's data?

No, Apple iPhones and Android devices are equipped with NAND flash memory, which is immune to magnets. Your data is safe.

Can a magnet permanently damage my phone's compass?

While strong magnets can temporarily interfere with your phone's compass, the effect is typically short-lived and doesn't cause permanent damage.

Why is alignment important in wireless charging?

Alignment is crucial because the effectiveness of wireless charging can significantly decrease if the transmitter (charging pad) and receiver (smartphone) coils are not properly aligned. This misalignment can lead to a rapid drop in the strength of the magnetic field and the induced voltage, making the charging process less efficient.

How do magnets improve wireless charging?

Manufacturers incorporate magnets in the charging pad and the smartphone or its accessories to ensure precise alignment between the transmitter and receiver coils. These magnets are strategically placed to automatically pull the device into the correct charging position, thus optimizing the charging process by maintaining an effective magnetic field strength.

Are all wireless charging systems equipped with magnets for alignment?

While many modern wireless charging systems utilize magnets to aid in alignment and optimize the charging process, not all systems may employ this feature. It's essential to check the specifications of your charging pad and smartphone or accessories to determine if they include magnetic alignment technology.

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Joan F.

General manager of Thinborne - the super thin phone case made of Aramid Fiber.

"I am a tech nerd who's obsessed with everything Apple. With plenty of experience in the tech world, I enjoy sharing tips and tricks to help folks get the most out of their devices. When I'm not glued to my screen, you can find me hiking or cooking up a storm in the kitchen."