Mobiles, lightning risks and other myths
Is it Safe to Use a Mobile Phone During a Thunderstorm?
Yes. Using a mobile phone during a thunderstorm does not increase your risk of being struck by lightning.
This long‑standing myth continues to circulate, but expert evidence shows mobile phones do not attract lightning and are not a risk factor during storms.
What Is the Myth?
There is a common belief that using a mobile phone outdoors in a storm could attract lightning because mobile phones contain metal. This is incorrect.
What the Evidence Says
Mobile phones are low‑power devices and contain very little metal—nowhere near enough to influence a lightning strike.
Lightning experts and meteorological agencies consistently confirm that:
- Lightning is not attracted to mobile phones.
- Lightning tends to strike tall objects or exposed locations, not handheld devices.
- People are struck because they are outside in the wrong place at the wrong time, not because they are using a mobile phone.
One specialist interviewed by the ABC notes that being outdoors itself, not phone use, is what increases danger.
“The safest place during a storm is indoors,” says Australian lightning specialist Grant Kirkby.
Similarly, the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has stated that small metal objects — including phones, jewellery or keys — do not attract lightning.
What Actually Increases Lightning Risk?
You’re at higher risk of being struck if you are:
- On high ground
- In open spaces
- Near water
- Close to tall objects such as trees or large metal structures
These environmental factors — not the use of a mobile phone — determine your level of risk.
Safety Advice: What Australians Should Do
If you see lightning or hear thunder:
- Move indoors immediately
- Avoid sheltering under trees
- Stay away from tall structures and open areas
- If outdoors with no shelter available, reduce your exposure by moving to a lower area
Can I use my mobile phone indoors during a storm?
Yes.
In fact, safety standards recommend using a mobile phone instead of a landline because fixed copper‑wire phones can conduct lightning.
Why the Myth Persisted
This idea gained attention many years ago following online rumours and media reports. However, standards bodies and lightning experts have repeatedly clarified that:
- The Australian Lightning Protection Standard does not warn against mobile phone use during storms.
- Concerns were based on misunderstandings about electrical injuries linked to landline use.
- Reports of lightning injuries involving phone users simply reflect how common mobile phones are — not any added risk from the devices themselves.
The Bottom Line
Mobile phones do not attract lightning and do not increase your risk during thunderstorms.
The real danger comes from being outdoors and exposed.
If someone nearby is struck by lightning, having your mobile phone with you is essential — it allows you to call emergency services quickly.
This myth is one of several outdated misconceptions about mobile phones that have been debunked by scientific evidence and safety authorities.