Popsockets and phone holders

What is a phone holder?

A phone holder is a small, foldable disc that attaches to the back of your phone using a reusable adhesive pad. When folded, it lies flat against the case and is barely noticeable. When unfolded, it provides a firm grip between your index and middle fingers, making it harder to drop your phone, and this same grip acts as a stand when you want to place your phone on a table, either horizontally or vertically.

How to attach it, and how long it lasts

The underside that attaches to the phone or case is reusable and normally lasts for several years with normal use, provided the surface it’s attached to is clean, smooth and free from grease or dust. If the grip becomes loose, you can usually rinse the attachment in lukewarm water and leave it to air-dry, which restores its adhesive properties. Most models can also be transferred to a new case if you change your phone, provided the adhesive surface is still intact.

Does it work with cases, phone holders and wireless charging?

Most phone holders work well on thin cases, but adhere less effectively to textured or very uneven surfaces. A folded-out holder also fits into most car phone holders designed for this purpose, such as a vent mount with a clamp that grips around the folded-out disc rather than around the whole phone.

However, a standard phone holder and wireless charging are a poor combination: the disc is too thick for the phone to sit properly against a wireless charger, so charging will be slow or won’t work at all. If you want both a grip and the ability to charge wirelessly, there are special MagSafe-compatible phone holders available, which attach magnetically rather than with adhesive and can be temporarily removed when you need to charge.

How to choose the right phone holder

• Fixed or magnetic: A grip that’s attached with adhesive remains permanently on the case. A magnetic, MagSafe-compatible grip can be removed and reattached, which is handy if you switch between using the grip and wireless charging.
• Material: Standard phone holders are made of plastic with a printed pattern. Aluminium or metal models are sturdier and often last longer, but are slightly more expensive.
• Interchangeable top: Some phone holders have a removable top, so you can change the design without having to buy a whole new holder.
• Car mount: If the holder is also to act as a mount in the car, check that it can be combined with your car phone holder, rather than just sitting loosely in place.

Common uses

A phone holder is most useful when you’re holding your phone a lot with one hand – for example, when taking photos, scrolling or making video calls – where a more secure grip reduces the risk of dropping your phone. When extended as a stand, it works well for watching videos or keeping your phone visible as a clock on your bedside table, without needing a separate phone stand.

Frequently asked questions and answers

Do phone holders work with wireless charging?

Not a standard holder with an adhesive backing, as the pad makes the phone too thick to lie flat against a wireless charger. A magnetic, MagSafe-compatible holder, on the other hand, can be temporarily removed whilst charging, or is slim enough to work anyway, depending on the model.

Can I transfer a phone holder to a new phone?

Yes, in most cases, as long as the adhesive is still holding firmly. Carefully peel it off and stick it onto a clean, smooth surface on the new case or phone.

What should I do if the grip has stopped sticking?

Rinse the underside in lukewarm water without soap, and let it air-dry completely before reattaching the grip. This usually restores the adhesion. If it still doesn’t work, the adhesive surface may be worn and need replacing.

Do phone holders work on all cases?

On most thin, smooth phone cases, yes. Cases with a rough texture, raised patterns or soft silicone may cause the grip to stick less well or come loose more easily.

Can I use the phone holder as a car mount?

Yes, if you have a car mobile holder designed for this purpose, such as a clamp that grips round the extended disc. Standard mobile holders that grip round the whole phone do not work as well with a holder.

Will attaching a phone holder damage the phone?

No, the mount is designed to be removed without damaging the case or the phone, and normally leaves no marks on a clean surface. In rare cases, it may leave a slight mark when removed from certain matt-finished or delicate cases.