Cell Phone SAR Ratings Explained: What the FCC Says About RF Exposure
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How we wrote this: A plain-English summary of FCC consumer guides on SAR and on wireless devices and health, checked October 29, 2026. This is general information, not medical advice.
What SAR is
Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) measures the rate at which the body absorbs radiofrequency (RF) energy from a device. The FCC uses it to make sure phones stay within its safety limits.
- For devices used near or against the body at or below 6 GHz (phones, tablets), the FCC limit is 1.6 watts per kilogram, averaged over one gram of tissue.
- Since 1996, every wireless device sold in the U.S. must meet the FCC's RF exposure guidelines. Those guidelines are based on standards from IEEE and NCRP, with input from federal health agencies.
How phones are tested
Labs use standardized models of the head and body, filled with liquids that mimic human tissue. Each phone is tested at its highest power in every frequency band, in several positions against the head and body. A robotic probe measures the field.
The reported SAR is only the single highest measurement for each frequency range.
Why a lower SAR isn't "safer"
The FCC says comparing phones by SAR is unreliable:
- Phones constantly adjust power to the minimum needed, and rarely run at maximum.
- A phone with a higher top reading may still give you less RF energy overall. It might connect more efficiently, or its peak might come from a position you never use.
- All phones must meet the standard. The FCC says it's set well below the level where lab testing and medical and biological experts suggest harm could occur.
What the health agencies say
The FCC cites the FDA and the World Health Organization: to date, there is no consistent or credible scientific evidence of health problems from phones' RF energy. The FDA says the weight of evidence doesn't support increased health risk from phone use at or below the FCC limits.
If you want less exposure anyway
- Use speakerphone or a hands-free accessory.
- Hold the phone away from your head and body.
The FCC says these steps matter far more than small SAR differences between phones.
Pacemakers: some studies found wireless devices might interfere with implanted pacemakers within eight inches. Pacemaker wearers may want to keep phones farther away.
You can find a model's maximum SAR on the FCC website, in the device documentation, or on some phones by dialing *#07#.
Related: hearing aid compatible phones, small business phone systems, dead zones.