Is it safe to use a phone or smartwatch near a pacemaker?
Answer
Many people with pacemakers can use phones and wearables, but keep phones, smartwatches, and chargers at least 6 inches (15 cm) away from the implant site. Follow your clinician’s advice and the device maker’s instructions before changing how you carry or charge devices.
Before you start: stop right away if…
- This is general consumer guidance, not personalized medical advice. Follow your clinician if their instructions differ.
- Ignore unexpected callers who claim they can “certify” electronics for pacemakers in exchange for payment or account codes.
Follow these steps
Review your implant guidance
Check the pacemaker ID card and any paperwork from your clinic for rules about phones, magnets, security scanners, and household electronics.
You should see: You know the distance or product limits your clinic already gave you.
Keep wireless devices away from the implant
When using a phone, smartwatch, or charger, keep it at least 6 inches (15 cm) from the implant site. Carry the phone in a bag or opposite-side pocket, not directly over the device.
You should see: Everyday phone and wearable use stays away from the implant area.
Check the product’s medical warnings
Open the phone, watch, or charger manual or support page and look for pacemaker, ICD, or magnet warnings before wearing it against the chest or using wireless charging near the implant.
You should see: You know whether that specific product has extra distance or usage limits.
Ask the clinic before special accessories
If you want a magnetic case, wireless charger, smartwatch on the implant-side wrist, or another close-contact accessory, contact the implant clinic or device maker and describe the exact product.
You should see: A clinician or maker support team confirms whether that product is acceptable for your implant.
Stop and get medical advice if symptoms change
If you feel dizzy, notice irregular pacing sensations, or your implant monitor alerts after using a device, move the electronics away and contact your clinic or emergency care as directed on your implant card.
You should see: You have a clear next medical contact if a device interaction is suspected.
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Extra tips
What to look for: Your implant card or clinic instructions, any maker warning about magnets or wireless charging, and whether a device will sit against the implant site in a pocket or on the wrist.
Before you change anything: Read the pacemaker ID card and any written guidance from your clinic. Note which products you want to use: phone, smartwatch, charger, or other electronics. Do not place a phone or magnet accessory directly over the implant to test it. Ask your clinician or the implant maker if your situation is unclear.