ELI5 Devices On Planes - do you really have to turn them off?

Is there a legitimate reason why we must power down all our electronic devices on planes? Has EMI ever caused an actual plane crash? What are some of the potential solutions? What is the new issue with 5G and planes?

... we explain like I'm five

Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community and in particular the following users whose questions and comments formed the basis of this discussion: ak2040, elietech, cycle_chyck, mikeofallpeople, concussion962 and iknowwhoyouareguy

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