Magnetic Car Mounts

A phone holder with a magnet

A magnetic car holder has a magnet on its face, and the phone clicks onto it. There are no arms to open or close: the phone goes on and comes off in one movement with one hand, done before you set off or after you stop. Magnetic holders come on vent clips, dashboard bases and windscreen arms, so the fitting is chosen the same way as any car holder.

Two kinds of magnetic holder

• Ring holders, MagSafe-compatible or Qi2. A ring of magnets matches the ring built into iPhones from the iPhone 12 on, into Qi2 phones, or into a magnetic case. No plate is needed, and the ring lines the phone up the same way every time. The iPhone 16e has no MagSafe magnets, and many Android phones have none either, so they need a magnetic case.
• Holders for a metal plate. A thin metal plate goes inside the case or sticks to the back of the phone, and the holder's magnet grips it. These work with almost any phone, but the plate gets in the way of wireless charging.

How to choose a magnetic holder

Start with the phone. If it has a magnetic ring, or you use a magnetic case, a ring holder is the simpler choice. If not, a plate holder works, but think about where the plate goes. Apple advises keeping magnets and metal plates away from the area round the rear camera, because they can affect the camera's image stabilisation and focus, and it names magnetic car mounts as an example. Holders made for the ring sit on the ring, below the camera.

Then think about the case. A thick case widens the gap between phone and magnet and weakens the hold, so test it with your phone and case on a bumpy road before you rely on it. A heavy phone is better on a dashboard or windscreen base than on a thin vent slat.

Questions people ask about magnetic car holders

Will the magnet damage my phone?

The point Apple raises is the rear camera, as above, which is why a holder that sits on the magnetic ring, below the camera, is the better choice. Keep bank cards and key fobs out from between the phone and the holder.

Can a magnetic holder charge the phone?

Only if it has a charging coil. A plain magnetic holder holds the phone, and a charging one is in wireless charging car mounts. The guide to wireless and magnetic charging explains the difference.

Is it legal?

Yes, if you do not hold the phone and it does not block your view of the road. See the guide to car phone holders and the law.

How long does delivery take?

Delivery is included in every price and tracked to your door. Each product page says when it usually arrives.

More to look at

• Wireless charging car mounts
• Magnetic phone cases
• Air vent car mounts
• All car phone holders
• Ring holders
• Guide: Car phone holders: vent, dashboard or windscreen, and the law