Too close or too far away from an iPad, and you won’t get the most out of it. You need the ideal distance for a great iPad experience. Let us show you the perfect viewing distance for your eyes and the iPad. Enjoy!
Quick facts: How Far Away Should You Be From An Ipad
- ✅Distance from iPad Should Not Exceed 20 cm, Apple Inc.
- ✅Eye Safety for Viewing iPads and Tablets, American Academy of Ophthalmology
- ✅Keeping Your Child’s Eyes Safe from iPads and Smartphones, American Academy of Pediatrics
- ✅Blue Light and Your Eyes: Recent Findings and What You Can Do, All About Vision
- ✅iPad and Tablet Use: A Guide to Protecting Your Child’s Eyesight, American Optometric Association
Checkout this video:
Understanding iPad Radiation
iPad radiation is referred to as electromagnetic fields (EMFs). It is the energy that comes from electronic devices like iPads. Prolonged exposure to EMF radiation can be dangerous. Although it is hard to avoid, understanding the risks and how to protect yourself is key.
The amount of radiation emitted by an iPad varies. Newer models have higher emission rates. They include more features that require more energy, so they are closer to your head/face when in use.
To keep safe, stay at least 3 feet or 1 meter away. This is true even when using headphones or other accessories that bring the device closer to you. Also, limit use of an iPad, particularly when held close to your body. Keep it plugged in whenever possible to reduce exposure to EMF radiation.
What type of radiation does an iPad emit?
iPads and other mobile devices emit non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation (EMF or EMR). This is like radiofrequency (RF) radiation from cell phones and other wireless devices. RF radiation has been studied a lot, and is known to be dangerous. But, for non-ionizing EMF/EMR radiation, it is generally safe at certain levels and distances. Research is ongoing about its possible long-term health effects.
Therefore, it is suggested to stay 8 inches away when using an iPad, and 10 feet away when it is in standby mode.
How much radiation does an iPad emit?
People often wonder about radiation from iPads and its effects on health. To answer this, it’s important to understand RF radiation. This is a type of electromagnetic radiation, similar to the kind used in cell phones. How much exposure you get depends on the distance you have from the device. The farther away, the less radiation you’ll get due to inverse square law. To be safe, it’s recommended to keep an iPad 10 inches away from your body.
Distance Guidelines
Using an iPad? You should be one to two feet away! Too close or too far can disrupt use.
Parallax may happen if you’re closer than one foot – it looks like the screen moves, even if you stay still. This can cause confusion and eye strain.
But, sit more than two feet away and you’ll have trouble touching the screen accurately.
Keep a consistent distance of one to two feet to prevent inaccuracy. That’s the ideal!
Recommended distances for different age groups
Using an iPad needs knowledge of the right distance for different age groups. Generally, the farther away, the better.
- Kids under 3 should be 1.5 meters away.
- 3-8 years old, 1 meter.
- Over 8, 0.75 meters.
But, there are extra costs with distance. Reading gets harder. Sound quality suffers. And applications like drawing or games become less enjoyable. To ensure optimal use, be aware of these costs and adjust. Find a comfortable distance based on your own needs and others using the device.
Recommended distances for different iPad models
Different iPad models come in different sizes and have varied capabilities. So, the distance for optimal use will depend on the model. To find out, refer to manufacturer’s instructions or search online.
In general, 6-8 inches away is good for most iPads. For example, iPad mini should be 8-10 inches away. But for larger iPads like Air or Pro, 6-8 inches is enough. Screens with higher resolution need less space than lower resolutions. Newer tablets can work well even when used further away than older ones.
Tips to Minimize Exposure
It’s essential to reduce exposure to radiation from iPads and other tablets and smartphones. Keep the device at least 6 inches away from your body when it is in use. Utilize a case and keyboard with your iPad to keep it away from you. When using an iPad for long intervals, prop it up away from your body or face. Don’t place it on metal surfaces or areas with heat or moisture.
If possible, minimize the time spent using iPads and other devices by taking breaks. Follow these tips to help minimize radiation emissions from devices like iPads:
- Keep the device at least 6 inches away from your body when it is in use.
- Utilize a case and keyboard with your iPad to keep it away from you.
- Prop it up away from your body or face when using an iPad for long intervals.
- Don’t place it on metal surfaces or areas with heat or moisture.
- Minimize the time spent using iPads and other devices by taking breaks.
Use a radiation-shielding case
Shield your iPad with a radiation-shielding case! It blocks EMR from the device. Make sure it’s tested and certified by an independent third-party lab. Plus, the cases are lightweight and easy to transport – so you can protect your iPad on the go! Reduce your exposure to hazardous EMR levels when charging or using it a lot.
Use an external keyboard
External keyboards can up your iPad game! Get more out of it. Inputs are faster and more accurate. Plus, external keyboards come in all shapes and sizes, so you can find one to fit your iPad.
Remember: for optimal use, stay at least 20 inches away from your iPad. Too close or too far? That leads to lag or neck strain.
Use an external monitor
Using an external monitor with your iPad can be great. Especially if it’s a big display. It can also help reduce eye strain. You can keep a comfortable distance away from your device. It’s easier to spot typos and other small issues. This helps productivity – especially when dealing with long documents.
You can choose between a regular-sized monitor and a bigger one. This depends on your budget and how much space you have.
An external monitor with your iPad can give you many benefits. These include:
- Productivity
- Comfort when using your device
Other Considerations
When using an iPad, keep in mind a few things:
- Position the device so light won’t wash out or reflect off the screen.
- Choose a spot to access buttons and ports.
- Consider how far away you will be when using it. Some models have limited viewing angles and can’t be used if too far away.
- Adjust the position until it is at arm’s length and within reach of all buttons and ports.
Consider the environment
When finding the best place to use your iPad, think about your environment. Choose a quiet spot where you won’t be disturbed. Make sure the view of the screen is clear. Lighting can influence how you read the display, so don’t let too much light interfere. Lastly, don’t forget ergonomics. Being too close for too long can cause strain and discomfort.
Considering these factors can help you get more out of your iPad use. Enjoy!
Consider other sources of radiation
It’s important to remember the radiation coming from other devices when using your iPad. Wi-Fi networks, Bluetooth and cell towers can all emit radiation. This may not be dangerous to health but it can affect the performance of your device and its battery life.
To reduce this, stay at least 10 feet away from radiation sources when using your iPad. If you notice reduced performance or battery drain after being exposed, turn off the wireless capabilities like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for a few hours. Then restart them.
Consider the duration of use
When making notes with an iPad, think about your time. The American Optometric Association proposes a two-hour limit, then a break for 15 minutes. There are no special rules for how far from the iPad you should be when writing, but 10 inches is suggested. This helps decrease eye strain from extended use and lowers the chances of getting Digital Eye Strain Syndrome (DES). Take away bright reflections on the screen to increase viewing comfort.
FAQs about: How Far Away Should You Be From An Ipad
Q1: How far should I hold my iPad from my face?
A1: You should hold your iPad at least 30cm away from your face.
Q2: How far should I sit from my iPad when using it?
A2: You should sit at least 1 meter away from your iPad when using it.
Q3: Is it safe to use my iPad while lying down?
A3: It is not recommended to use an iPad while lying down since it can be difficult to maintain the recommended distance of 30cm away from your face.