Great question! Yes, other electronics can affect the signal and accuracy of a beacon. It isn't just phones that you need to keep away, this also includes GPS, cameras, and radios. These electronics (and more) can cause interference that could make the difference between finding the buried person and not. However, the good news is that there should not be any interference if you keep the electronics at least eight inches away from each other. Either way, when performing a search, it is best to turn off all other electronic devices. If you need your phone for something, try your best to keep it in airplane mode. If you still finding that there is an interference, try holding the beacon out further in front of you to clear the airwaves.