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Busting Mobile Myths: The Truth Behind Your Smartphone

We’ve all heard them—the wild stories and strange rumours that swirl around mobile phones. Some of them are so convincing they get stuck in a state of perpetual “maybe?” But it’s time to clear the air and separate fact from fiction. Get ready for some myth-busting fun as we tackle some of the most popular misconceptions about mobile phones and tech!

Myth 1: Radiation from Mobile Phones Causes Cancer

Ah, the big one! The idea that mobile phones cause cancer makes sense at first glance—they emit radiation, we press them against our faces for hours, so what could go wrong, right?

Well, here’s the twist: despite endless debates and studies (some claiming danger, others debunking it), the general consensus from scientists is that mobile phones are safe. The largest-ever study, spanning 13 countries, found no link between phone usage and cancer. Unless, of course, you’re a rat—then, maybe be cautious!

Myth 2: All Phone Calls in the UK Are Recorded

With all the talk of surveillance, it’s easy to think every phone call you make is being stored somewhere in a secret government vault. Good news: it’s not true!

While phone calls can be recorded if a warrant is issued (usually if you’re up to something suspicious), the idea that every call in the UK is tracked is pure science fiction. Recording every single call would be legally dubious and logistically impossible—not to mention a massive waste of storage!

Myth 3: Phones Track You Even When They’re Turned Off

Here’s a spooky one: the idea that your phone knows where you are, even when it’s powered down. Relax—this one’s busted too! When your phone is off, it can’t send any network or GPS data.

The only way your phone could be tracked when it’s off is if someone has installed special software to keep it active—something that’s highly unlikely for the average user. So unless you’re starring in a spy movie, your phone isn’t following you in stealth mode.

Myth 4: Apple Deliberately Makes Their Phones Stop Working

Apple has faced some heat for this one, and for good reason. It turns out, there’s some truth to the rumour! Apple was caught using ‘planned obsolescence’ tactics, deliberately slowing down older iPhones—allegedly to preserve battery life, though critics argue it was to push users to buy newer models.

Apple was even hit with a $113 million fine in 2020 for this practice. While they maintain it was to prevent sudden shutdowns, the lawsuits say otherwise. So yes, Apple has slowed down older iPhones—but at least they’re paying for it!

Myth 5: Leaving Your Phone Plugged in Damages the Battery

Worried that leaving your phone plugged in overnight is slowly killing your battery? Fear not, this myth is completely false! Modern smartphones are smart enough to stop charging once the battery is full. Thanks to built-in protections, there’s no risk of overcharging—so you can leave it plugged in without a care.

Myth 6: Putting Your Wet Phone in Rice Will Fix It

We’ve all heard the classic advice: drop your phone in water? Throw it in a bag of rice! While rice can absorb moisture, it’s not the ultimate solution. Before you even think about rice, you should dry the phone off with a cloth and use compressed air to blow out moisture from hard-to-reach spots. Rice alone won’t save your phone—unless you really love sticky buttons.

Myth 7: Your Phone is Constantly Listening to You

Here’s a big one. Ever have a conversation about a product, and suddenly start seeing ads for it? It’s easy to assume your phone must be spying on you, right? Well, not exactly.

Yes, your phone listens for key phrases like “Hey Siri,” but it’s not recording your private chats for advertisers. Instead, online ads are much smarter than we think. You might have searched for something related, or your browsing history and demographic info may have aligned with popular trends. While it feels creepy, it’s more likely a combination of clever algorithms—not your phone playing secret agent.

The Verdict?

Your phone is packed with incredible tech, but it’s not the cancer-causing, 24/7 surveillance device that some myths would have you believe. So rest easy—and if you’re looking for a phone that won’t track your every move, record your calls, or turn you into a science experiment, check out our range of refurbished phones at The Big Phone Store. Get great deals, and leave the myths behind!