We often overlook how many germs our cell phones carry. From the number of surfaces we place them on to every time we touch — or allow someone else to touch — them with unclean hands.
According to a 2020 review of past studies, researchers found cell phones around the world carry a diverse range of microorganisms, including bacteria and other disease-causing microbes.
Because we carry our phones with us everywhere, understanding just how important it is to sanitize them properly is essential.
Bill Sullivan, PhD, studies infectious disease in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the Indiana University School of Medicine. He explains the types of germs that can be found on phones and what you can do to protect yourself.
Question: What type of germs can be on your phone?
Bill Sullivan: Multiple studies have indeed found a wide variety of germs on cell phones. These include skin bacteria like Staphylococcus (including MRSA, the difficult-to-treat version) and Streptococcus, as well as fecal bacteria like E. coli and Enterococcus faecalis. These bacteria can cause skin infections, strep throat, or gastrointestinal illnesses producing nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Viruses commonly found on cell phones include Norovirus, which can survive on surfaces for days and cause vomiting and diarrhea if contracted, and respiratory viruses that can cause pneumonia or the flu. Incidentally, we are in the midst of a Norovirus outbreak right now, not uncommon during winter months because the cold promotes the viruses’ ability to survive on surfaces (including phones).
What is your risk level for contracting an illness from your phone?
Sullivan: In general, the people most susceptible to all of these infections include the very young, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems. These individuals should take extra precautions to keep their phone clean. Parents who let their young child use their phone should clean it before and after the child handles it.
While several studies can find these germs on cell phones, it is less clear that they are a major source of infection causing widespread illness—more research is needed to verify that claim. But since the phone is a known carrier of germs, it makes sense to keep it clean.
What are some precautions that people should take to prevent getting sick from germs on their phones?
Sullivan: The risk of infection is real, so simple precautions can be taken to prevent getting sick. These include
- Avoid using your phone in the restroom and wash hands thoroughly before handling your phone.
- Do not place your phone down on surfaces where germs are likely to be.
- If you use your phone in a medical office or hospital, disinfect it.
- If someone else uses your phone, disinfect it.
- Avoid touching your face, mouth, and eyes with unclean hands.
- When speaking on the phone, avoid letting it touch your cheek or mouth.
- Disinfect your phone at least once a day.
- Always wash or sanitize your hands before eating.
How should you properly clean your phone?
Sullivan: Follow manufacturer’s instructions on how to disinfect your device; alcohol wipes generally work well without damaging the electronics.
About the Indiana University School of Medicine
The IU School of Medicine is the largest medical school in the U.S. and is annually ranked among the top medical schools in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. The school offers high-quality medical education, access to leading medical research and rich campus life in nine Indiana cities, including rural and urban locations consistently recognized for livability. According to the Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research, the IU School of Medicine ranks No. 13 in 2023 National Institutes of Health funding among all public medical schools in the country.
For more news, visit the IU School of Medicine Newsroom: medicine.iu.edu/news
