Can a magnet really erase a phone’s memory? Science Short

Could an evil supervillain erase every photo, message and high score on your phone with one enormous magnet? ZAP! It might work in the movies, but what would happen in real life?

Ten-year-old Audrey from Naremburn wants to know whether a magnet can really erase a phone’s memory. Christie investigates how old cassette tapes, floppy disks and computer hard drives stored information using magnetism, why modern phones use something completely different called flash memory, and what a powerful magnet can interfere with inside your phone.

It’s a magnetic mystery with a surprising answer, and some very good news for all your favourite photos.