Mobile Phone Myths Brits Believe The Most

When you look something up online - no matter where you look or what you search - you're bound to read a myth or two. Especially when it comes to tech.

From 5G conspiracy theories to radiation poisoning, OnBuy's mobile phone department investigates.

OnBuy started the analysis by conducting a survey* which asked Brits to select the mobile phone myths they believe to be true. These myths roughly break down into three categories: battery myths, security myths and general myths.

Battery Myths

When it comes to mobile phone batteries, OnBuy found the number one thing Brits believe is: apps running in the background use up battery. In fact, 87% of those surveyed believe this is true.

While this is more common sense than myth, it's worth remembering modern smartphones are designed to optimise foreground "tasks" while others harmlessly float in the background.

Another common belief is overcharging a phone damages the battery (39%) or charging your phone overnight is bad for it (34%).

However, contrary to popular belief, modern smartphones contain chips to prevent charge overload. If your phone uses a lithium-ion battery, the current stops once its fully charged.

The battery myths selected by respondents in the survey:

Security Myths

Looking at security, the number one thing Brits believe is: taking out mobile phone SIM cards keeps you from being tracked (75%). This is likely due to what we've seen in the movies. (Hands up if you've seen an action star make an escape and expel their SIM card!)

But it might surprise you to know, sans SIM, your phone can still be tracked by authorities if power remains in the battery!

Other common security myths include that incognito mode protects your privacy (30%) and free Wi-Fi is safe to use (5%).

More and more internet surfers use the incognito or private browsing mode to keep their information safe. But such modes typically protect cookies, passwords and personal data - not overall connection. Often, a user's browsing activity and history is still up for grabs.

Likewise, free Wi-Fi is appealing - especially when you're on the move - but it's worth noting that free Wi-Fi networks are often open and vulnerable.

Hint: if you need to use public Wi-Fi, use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) for additional security.

The security myths selected by respondents in the survey:

General Myths

The general mobile phone myth Brits believe most is: you can dry a wet phone in a bag of rice - at 66%!

It's best to err on the side of caution with this one - otherwise you might find yourself in the market for new mobile phone accessories! While rice does absorb moisture, it only works if grains contact the water, which is tricky when moisture is sealed inside your device! Plus, powdery starch can infiltrate cracks and cause corrosion.

To our surprise, a THIRD (31%) of Brits believe a mobile phone has the ability to reduce sperm count/fertility if kept in your pocket.

But let's not panic. Quality mobile phone brands sell products that have passed the SAR (Specific Absorption Rating) test. This ensures your mobile phone does not emit enough radiation to cause concern.

The general myths selected by respondents in the survey:

5G

Curiously, when asked "Do you believe all of the 5G conspiracy theories?" (e.g. that 5G will be especially susceptible to cyber-attacks and surveillance), 18% of Brits answered yes. While 63% said no, 20% revealed they are undecided.

Urban Myths

Worryingly, Brits admit they have heard many more myths. Things like 5G will give you cancer, or mobile phone companies listen to all your conversations for "marketing". But the most common urban myths they have heard are:

1. You can cook an egg by placing it between two mobile phones - 6%
2. Never use a mobile when there's a lightning storm - 19%
3. You can charge an iPhone in 20 seconds using a microwave oven - 25%

A full list of mobile phone myths included in the survey can be seen here: