Can pacemaker patients wear smart watches?
Isabella Harris
Updated on January 21, 2026
Precautions for pacemaker patients with pacemakers and other implanted medical devices. FDA says to keep any consumer electronic devices, such as cell phones and smart watches, at least six inches away from implanted medical devices, especially cardiac defibrillators.
Can you wear a fitness watch with a pacemaker?
Research we're watchingPeople who have an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) or pacemaker should avoid the iPhone 12 as well as wearable tech products — such as the Fitbit and Apple Watch — that use magnetic chargers.
Can a pacemaker patient wear an Apple watch?
Apple has listed products it says should be kept a "safe distance" away from medical devices like pacemakers and implanted defibrillators. The list includes iPhone 12 models, Apple Watch and MacBook Pro.What are 4 things to be avoided if you have a pacemaker device?
What precautions should I take with my pacemaker or ICD?
- It is generally safe to go through airport or other security detectors. ...
- Avoid magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines or other large magnetic fields. ...
- Avoid diathermy. ...
- Turn off large motors, such as cars or boats, when working on them.
Can I wear a Fitbit with a pacemaker?
Let me share with you that using a Fitbit tracker will not interfere in any way with your pacemaker. Fitbit has tested their products and they are very safe to use.Can pacer/ICD/CRT patients wear an iWatch?
Can WIFI affect pacemakers?
Wireless transmissions from the antennae of phones available in the United States are a very small risk to ICDs and even less of a risk for pacemakers.Do smartphones affect pacemakers?
Pacemakers can mistake interference from a smartphone's electromagnetic field for a cardiac signal. That can disrupt the pacemaker and cause your heart to beat irregularly. Extreme cases can trigger your ICD to shock your heart back into normal rhythm.What devices interfere with pacemakers?
Keep at least 6 inches (15 cm) away from your pacemaker:
- Cellular phones, including PDAs and portable MP3 players with integrated cellular phones.
- Devices transmitting Bluetooth® or Wi-Fi signals (cell phones, wireless Internet routers, etc.)
- Headphones and earbuds. ...
- Magnetic wands used in the game of Bingo.