Taking your phone to the toilet causes infections and other health risks, according to medicine

We all use our phones in the toilet or the bathroom. The concept of whiling away time in the loo didn’t just start with the advent of technology. For decades, people have kept books and magazines by the window sill or on top of their WC.

Now that there’s a smaller device that contains endless content across social media, games, and more forms of entertainment, it’s now easier than ever to spend ages in the toilet. It’s even worse, as they can easily fit into our pocket or pin to our chest with our jaw.

But the hard truth is that your phone might be one of the dirtiest things you touch every day.

Studies have found that smartphones can carry up to 10 times more bacteria than a toilet seat, according to research from the University of Arizona. In fact, a global study identified over 2,200 microbial traces, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, on mobile phones. 

And it gets worse.

Scientists have confirmed that flushing a toilet releases a cloud of microscopic particles, known as a “toilet plume”, that can spread bacteria into the air and onto nearby surfaces. Some microbiologists say these particles can travel several feet and settle on everyday items, including your phone. 

So when you take your phone into the bathroom, you’re exposing it to germs that can follow you everywhere as you scroll through it. Once contaminated, your phone can spread germs to your hands, face, bed, and even your food later on.

This and many more are the reasons doctors say it’s a habit worth breaking.

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Health experts warn that using your phone in the toilet increases the chances of transferring harmful bacteria into your body.

This can lead to infections such as:

• Stomach infections

• Food poisoning

• Skin and eye infections

This happens because germs transfer easily from your phone to your hands and then to your mouth, nose, or eyes.

And even if you wash your hands, touching a contaminated phone can undo that hygiene in seconds.

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Using your phone in the toilet distracts you and increases how long you sit there. And that can lead to haemorrhoids.

It can also worsen existing symptoms, like:

• Pain

• Itching

• Bleeding

What should be a 5-minute visit can easily turn into 20 minutes of scrolling.

Using your phone in the bathroom often means hunching over in a cramped position. Over time, this posture can contribute to:

• Neck strain (“tech neck”)

• Back discomfort

• Pressure on nerves in the legs

While it may seem minor, repeated strain adds up, especially if this is a daily habit.

After leaving the bathroom, your phone goes everywhere with you:

• Kitchen counters

• Pillows

• Dining tables

Studies have even found that faecal bacteria can be present on phones, largely due to poor hygiene and bathroom use habits. 

So even if your bathroom is clean, your phone might not be.

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Your body has a natural rhythm when it comes to bowel movements. But when you’re distracted by your phone, you may:

• Delay bowel movements

• Strain unnecessarily

• Stay longer than needed

Over time, this can contribute to digestive issues like constipation.

The ideal response would be 'Yes'. But habits are not so easy to break, so it is advised to minimise the habit and always clean your phone regularly with disinfectant wipes.

You can also leave your phone outside the bathroom, and if you must bring it in, avoid using it. But always wash your hands thoroughly before touching your phone again.

Taking your phone to the toilet might feel harmless, but it quietly exposes you to bacteria, increases your risk of infections, and encourages habits that can affect your health over time.

Sometimes, the best thing you can do for your body is to just go in, do your business, and get out.

Your phone can wait.