Do Magnetic Phone Holders Damage The Phone?

Last Updated on August 3, 2023 By Emma W. Thomas

No, magnetic phone holders generally do not damage phones. Most modern smartphones have components that are not affected by magnetic fields used in these holders. However, it’s advisable to use magnetic holders designed specifically for phones to avoid any potential issues.

Do Magnetic Phone Holders Damage The Phone?

Magnetic phone holders have become hugely popular due to their convenience and ease of use. However, concerns about these accessories damaging smartphones have been circulating. In this article, we aim to debunk the myth and address the question: Do magnetic phone holders damage the phone? Let’s dive in and find out!

1. Magnetic Phone Holders – How Do They Work?
   Magnetic phone holders typically consist of a mount that can be attached to a car dashboard or other surfaces and a metal plate that is either placed on the back of the phone or inside the phone case. The magnet in the mount securely holds the phone in place, allowing for easy viewing and accessibility.
2. Understanding the Concerns:
   The primary concern surrounding magnetic phone holders is the potential impact of magnets on the internal components of smartphones. Since smartphones contain various electronic components, it is natural to question whether the magnets can interfere with these delicate parts.
3. Exploding the Myth:
   Fortunately, modern smartphones are not easily affected by the magnets used in phone holders. The magnets in these accessories are generally not strong enough to cause any harm to the phone’s internal components, such as the battery, camera, or memory. Phone manufacturers take measures to protect their devices from any external magnetic interference.
4. Magnetic Fields and Phone Functionality:
   Magnetic phone holders can interfere with some phone features, such as the compass or magnetometer sensor that enables apps like navigation. However, this interference is only temporary and ceases as soon as the phone is no longer in contact with the magnetic holder. Once the phone is removed, the compass recalibrates automatically and resumes normal functionality.
5. Non-Magnetic Cases for Additional Protection:
   If you are still concerned about potential interference or want to be extra cautious, you can opt for a non-magnetic case for your phone. These cases offer the added benefit of shielding your device from scratches, impacts, and accidental drops.
6. The Fine Print:
   It’s important to note that if you have a wireless charging-enabled phone, magnetic phone holders can interfere with wireless charging functionality. The metal plate attached to the phone can disrupt the wireless charging connection. In such cases, it is advisable to either remove the plate or consider wireless charging options that are compatible with magnetic phone holders.

So, the myth that magnetic phone holders damage smartphones is just that – a myth. The magnets used in these holders pose no significant risk to the internal components of your phone. However, it is essential to be aware of any potential interference with certain phone features and charging options. Ultimately, the choice to use a magnetic phone holder comes down to personal preference and convenience.

What Is A Magnetic Phone Holder?

A magnetic phone holder (also known as a magnetic phone mount) is a simple device used to hold mobile phones in a car position. It is usually safely attached to the car’s air vent to enable the driver to have easy access to the phone while driving, such as receiving a call and accessing GPS, among other activities. A magnetic phone holder comes in two parts; the magnetic head and the adjuster. The magnetic head holds the phone in position, whereas the adjuster enables one to position it to their convenience. Magnetic phone holders have a thin metallic plate whose function is to mount the phone against the magnet in the magnetic head.

Are Magnetic Phone Holders Safe?

How safe a magnetic phone holder is, depends on the manufacturing company. Some companies use just a small magnet that is unlikely to affect the phone’s circuits and normal functioning. When a strong magnet is used, they tend to alter the OIS and the phone’s closed loop, which could temporarily interfere with its sensors.

 Magnetic phone holders have played a significant role in recent years as far as road accidents are concerned. They have helped in that most people do not get distracted as before by their phones while driving. They can easily make calls, navigate using their phones, and listen to music. They achieve this by using magnetic phone holders. Their firm grip on the phones makes them suitable for use, especially when driving through a rough road with sharp bends.

What Are The Features To Consider When Buying A Magnetic Phone Holder?

Some of the factors to consider include:

Compatibility

A good magnetic phone holder should be compatible with almost all phone types and sizes. One cannot always buy a magnetic phone holder whenever they get a new phone, which is an additional expense. 

Adjustability

People have different sight visions. A good holder should easily adjust in different angles and distances to avoid restricting its usage to specific positions.

Strength And Firmness

magnetic phone holders need to be firm and strong because some phones are large and bulky. The holder should have the ability to hold them in position despite bumpy and twisty roads.

Where Do You Place The Magnetic Phone Holder In A Car?

Magnetic phone holders are placed in different positions depending on the convenience and objective of the users. For example, some people place it in the dashboard as it is easy to reach and access for people who drive while texting or calling. Other people put their phone holders at the windshield, especially when they need to access a navigation map or video calls. For those who love to drive while listening to music, the magnetic phone holders are placed near or directly connected to the CD slot for ease of access.

Why Should You Get A Magnetic Phone Holder? 

Magnetic phone holders provide safety when driving because many road accidents are associated with mobile phone use. With the use of magnetic phone holders, it is easy to access the phone while still driving.

It helps keep the phone in one main position, which helps avoid distractions such as looking for the phone in the bags and pockets while driving. One can concentrate while driving, which prevents distractions that could lead to road accidents.

It also helps one easily access directions since the phone is held in position. The phone can provide the right GPS readings than a loose phone, which keeps altering the GPS readings.

Do Magnetic Phone Holders Affect Phone GPS?

Magnetic phone holders do not interfere with the phone’s GPS since GPS uses satellite navigation systems and can not get affected by magnetic forces or other geometric forces. Magnetic phone holders are completely safe for use as far as GPS functioning is concerned. Additionally, most GPS apps do not use the normal compass, which is affected by a magnetic field. 

Will Magnetic Phone Holders Affect Other Phone Components?

Phone Screen

Most smartphone screens are  LCDs (Liquid Crystal Display) or LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes). This means that in LCDs, the liquid crystals are controlled by an electric current to move pixels that create images on the screen. For the LEDs, small diodes generate light when electric current flows through them. This indicates that magnetic phone holders do not affect the phone screen since no magnetism is involved.

Phone Compass

As much as the direction is highly affected by magnetic fields, the little magnetic force in magnetic phone holders is too little to affect the compass. It is important to position any magnetic accessory at the bottom of the phone since magnetometers are situated at the top of most phones. This helps to avoid any magnetic effect on the phone compass.

Phone Signals

Mobile phones use normal radio waves such as those used by walkie-talkies. The only difference is that mobile phones use two frequencies, enabling both phone users to speak simultaneously. The walkie-talkies use a single frequency, and only one person can talk. These radio waves are not affected by magnetic fields unless they are very strong, which is not the case with magnetic phone holders.

Phone Speakers

 Magnetic phone holders do not affect the speakers’ functionality because phone speakers have very small magnets with a stable magnetic field permanently. Therefore, only very strong electromagnets would affect the phone speakers, which is not the case with magnetic phone holders.

Phone Batteries

Household magnets, including phone holders, do not affect phone batteries. Only strong magnets affect batteries by causing them to work harder when supplying voltage, making them wear off faster. Only very strong magnets can do this, considering that the magnetic phone holders have very small magnets, they do not affect the phone’s battery. 

Magnetic Phone Holder VS. The Conventional Phone Holders

Magnetic phone holders are smaller in size, making them easy to carry around and hold. They also require little space, for example, on the dashboard or the windshield compared to the conventional ones, which are larger and heavier.

Magnetic phone holders provide a stronger grip than the conventional holders with clips, which could be plastic made, making them loose and less firm hence unable to hold the phone in position.

Magnetic holders are durable since magnets last longer before losing their magnetism, unlike the conventional ones made of plastic springs that tend to wear out and loosen over a short time.

Magnetic holders are comfortable with a clear view when in use since the holder is mostly located behind the phone screen. Unlike the conventional holders that cover some parts of the screen, occasional positioning is required to uncover the hidden parts making them uncomfortable and disturbing.

It is possible to purchase magnetic plates and holders separately, depending on the user’s taste. They are readily available in the markets, and one can form a unique and customized magnetic phone holder. However, this is impossible with conventional holders. One might end up buying unnecessary parts that may be incompatible, leading to incurred losses from unnecessary expenditures.

Magnetic phone holders are compatible with almost all phone types and sizes, unlike conventional phone holders, which require replacement after a new phone is bought. This helps avoid extra costs associated with replacing the phone holders.

Can Magnetic Phone Holders Be Repaired?

Sometimes, the magnetic phone holders lose their tackiness due to the adhesive on the sticker going dry. Some holders are vintages, and one wouldn’t want to dispose of them, therefore repairing them. This can be achieved by removing the damaged sticker, cleaning and drying the surface where the sticker was initially placed. Using an adhesive spray, re-stick the sticker and wait for the adhesive spray to dry before letting the holder go. When sticking back the holder, one should avoid glues or sprays permanently as they damage the surface when you try to remove the sticker again. This is only applicable for small and locally installed phone holders since professionally installed magnetic holders require more temperature and environmental control during replacement.

Conclusion

Magnetic phone holders do not damage the phone. They have an insignificant effect on the functionality of the phone. They are very important in recent times and it is almost impossible to stay away from the phone even when driving.  People talk, listen to music and use google maps for directions while driving.  Magnetic phone holders are compatible with almost all phone types and sizes, making them preferable to conventional ones. Besides, they can be placed in different positions to win the car depending on the use while driving. 

References:

https://www.mobarmor.com/blog/blog-1/can-magnetic-phone-mounts-damage-my-phone-42
https://www.apexmagnets.com/news-how-tos/magnetic-phone-mounts-safe-smartphone/