The use of modern technical innovations requires us to change some details in everyday life. For example, using a smartphone in a car will be much more convenient if you attach the device in close proximity to you on a special holder. This way, you can not only easily answer the call, but also benefit from navigation programs or other similar applications. In this article we will look at the most common mounts for a cell phone, which allow you to conveniently fix it in the car.
Some phone holders have a suction cup, which significantly expands the possibilities of installing such a stand, including on uneven surfaces. Over time, the suction cups lose a little stickiness and do not stick well, but this can always be corrected by rinsing them in warm water (the liquid will wash away all dirt and accumulated fats). This type of cell phone holder is well designed, and all buttons or ports of most gadget models will be fully accessible without being covered by elements of the device. In addition, various mount options allow you to mount your phone on the windshield or even on the dashboard, but any other convenient place in the car will be inaccessible. 
The advantages of using this particular option include ease of installation and the absence of the need to make any changes to the interior elements, while the main disadvantage of this type of phone mount is sensitivity to the peculiarities of placement. For example, if the car window is located at a strong slope, then it will be possible to attach the suction cup only in its upper part. The too long bracket is also inconvenient to use, since it swings the smartphone violently when the car is moving.
Important!When choosing a suction cup holder, pay attention to the thickness of the rubber from which it is made. In the cold season, material that is too thick will quickly lose its elasticity, and the holder will simply fall off the glass.
Clip for attaching a phone with a flexible cord
This option for placing your phone in your car will cause you a lot more problems than benefits. Despite the fact that it allows you to fix the phone almost anywhere in the vehicle without the need for glue or suction cups, such holders will create quite a lot of noise when driving, blocking the air flow coming from the deflector. Considering that the clothespin is most often attached to the heater grille, which has many thin jumpers-blinds, it is better for you not to drive over holes and potholes, as strong shaking can cause the fastener to break.
Among the advantages of using the clip is the ability to rotate the phone 360 degrees (made possible thanks to the presence of a flexible cord), but this does not make it unique. Therefore, mounting the phone on a deflector or in any other place using this method is not the best option for solving the problem of placing a smartphone in the car.
Phone holder for steering wheel
A phone mount on the steering wheel of a vehicle is a fairly simple design in which the platform for the gadget consists of two black plastic plates that fit into each other. They have a spring inside that allows you to use the holder for phones of very different widths, holding them from below and from above using silicone rollers.
You won’t have to spend a long time figuring out how to install such a phone holder in your car. Mounting on the steering wheel is done using a silicone loop, at the end of which there is a plastic pedal. By pressing it, you can remove the holder from the steering wheel.
Among the disadvantages of this type of fastener, it is worth highlighting the limited visibility of instruments on the dashboard (in particular, the speedometer indicators are poorly visible, which can easily lead to a fine for speeding), the appearance of a feeling of motion sickness in the initial stages of using the device, which occurs due to the rotation of the phone along with the steering wheel of the vehicle. In addition, if the power cord is connected to the phone, the cord often wraps around the steering wheel when turning. True, this does not always happen.
Bracket that is adjustable
Another option for devices for holding the phone while moving in a vehicle. The adjustable bracket is mounted on the ventilation grill and is suitable for smartphones with different body widths. The gadget is inserted between two limiters, one of which extends down, thereby providing the space the phone needs. The advantages of using this type of mount include the compactness of the mount itself and the ease of installing the phone, and among the disadvantages, there are all the same disadvantages as in the case of using a clip: noise, knocking and the possibility of breaking the place where the holder is installed.
There are so many phone holders for cars that you can’t immediately choose which one is best. Some of them are similar to each other, and some are radically different from their own kind. The last option is a magnetic ball made of steel and coated with a layer of treated aluminum. 3M® VHB™ bonding material is applied to the bottom of the ball base, which can provide a secure attachment to the surface of the dashboard. The bonding layer is absolutely harmless to the place where the holder is attached, so it can be removed without any problems.
The second element that is included in the design of this mount is a magnetic washer that remains on the ball base and holds the device using magnetic attraction. Thanks to it, it is possible to change the angle of inclination of the mount.
The third component is a metal plate that is glued to the phone using 3M® VHB™. It is she who is attracted to the magnetic ball and securely fixes the gadget in one position. The silicon core guarantees smooth gliding and a strong grip, thanks to which you can easily move your phone from vertical to horizontal position, while changing the angle of inclination.
If you don’t know how to attach a phone holder to a dashboard, or all the previously purchased devices did not meet your requirements, we recommend that you turn your attention to a completely new development in the field of such inventions. It is based on the capabilities of a powerful neodymium magnet. You need to install a special ring on your phone (tablet), and place the magnetic holder itself (made of metal) in the car. After this, as soon as the smartphone is near the mount, the magnet previously installed on its cover will be attracted to the holder and ensure tight contact with it. The rubber core promotes maximum contact between the two surfaces, guaranteeing comfortable rotation of the device by 360%.
Most often, this car phone holder is installed on the control panel, and its main advantage is the ease of mounting and further placement of the device. As for the disadvantages, the main one is the inability to move the stand multiple times across the dashboard (the material from which the mount is made is intended for one-time use).
Flexible phone panel
If you know well what a standard smartphone holder is, then when you see a flexible panel (mat), you will immediately understand that it is somewhat different from the usual devices. It does not need to be glued or secured to the instrument panel in any other way, because the material of manufacture (silicone) already allows it to stick to the interior trim. The stand comes with two cables: a base (with a USB connector) and a magnetic cable with micro USB and Lightning connectors.
The phone holders are installed on the mat, and a micro USB or Lightning connector coming from a magnetic cable is inserted into the smartphone itself. After this, you need to install the cable base in place.
The USB connector is connected to the charger, after which the mat is ready for use. There is an LED indicator on the base that will let you know when charging is starting. The smartphone is placed between the clamps, like on a stand. It is important that all buttons and connectors of the device remain open, and nothing interferes with its full use.
The position of the latches can be easily changed: the smartphone can be installed both horizontally (for example, for navigation) and vertically (for communicating with family and friends). You can also choose the most convenient viewing angle. This holder is a universal device, which means it is suitable for any smartphone, regardless of screen size.
Standard holders for a cell phone in a car do not always justify trust, which is why a more practical option is often universal mounts that can be converted to use another gadget within a few seconds. In this case, the phone is fixed in one of three ways:
Using magnets, which is not the best option for fixing, since the smartphone may periodically fall.
Using a cone clamp (a more reliable fastening option, just check how easy it is to get the phone out).
Using polyurethane legs that can be expanded to suit the size of a particular device. As in the previous option, problems may arise with removing the gadget. Of course, this method of attaching a smartphone is also not without its drawbacks, but at the same time it is a good alternative to non-universal holders.
A car phone mount can have a wide variety of shapes and designs, and often turns out to be a fairly simple device. This includes a mesh pocket in which the phone fits, just like in a regular trouser pocket. Such a device is often used not only to place a smartphone, but also for temporary storage of other small items (cigarettes, keys, etc.). The mesh pocket can be easily mounted on any flat surface by gluing it to it using double-sided tape.
How to secure your phone if there is no holder
If you decide not to buy a special device for fixing your phone in the car, or you still couldn’t figure out how to choose the right holder for your phone in your car, then we suggest you consider some options for fixing your phone using improvised means.
1. We use a rubber band. All that is required of you when using this method is to insert the elastic band between the “ribs” of the interior stove grille so that the phone can be placed in the two loops formed. Of course, part of the screen will be closed, but the smartphone will be securely fastened.
2. Buy a stationery clip (binder clip). Having bought a regular paper clip, you need to remove the staples from it, bend it and wrap it with thick thread. One part (clothespin) needs to be hooked onto the air duct and secured with an elastic band, and the second will be used as a fastener for the phone. The advantages of this method include the low cost of the product and ease of execution, but the disadvantage is the complexity of subsequent removal of the phone and the possibility of rough impact on the device body, since the thread does not always soften the load. You also won't be able to change the angle of the phone, and any attempts to do so may damage the air duct grille.
3. Use wire for fixation. For those who are ready to sacrifice the integrity of the panel for the sake of a good mount for their phone in the car, there is a method based on creating a wire holder. To do this you will need strong stainless steel wire and a drill. Using the prepared tool, you need to drill holes of a suitable diameter in the dashboard, after which you should bend the wire and insert it into these holes. Now all that remains is to hang the phone or tablet by the case.
Important!This mount is only suitable for tablets in a book case, but in this case the device is not always securely fastened. Moreover, it can easily block access to the radio.
Modern smartphones and tablets are not only about calls and SMS. The enormous functionality of these devices makes us almost inseparable from them. And it’s not just about entertainment, such as social networks, Internet surfing, watching video content, photos/videos or games. Most users use gadgets to one degree or another to help with daily activities. The most popular functions are email, text editors, and information search. But we live in an era of multitasking, and we often do several things at the same time, and the gadget needs to be held in our hands, which is very inconvenient. To solve this problem, there are special holders for smartphones and tablets that are installed on the table. The device is located in front of the user’s eyes, and it costs him nothing to watch the video and at the same time do something with his hands (for example, write, make something, eat, etc.)
Separate mention should be made of maps and navigator. It is difficult for a modern person to imagine traveling anywhere without a navigator. Of course, there are fans of “old school” paper maps, and sometimes they help out. But, you see, it is much more convenient to simply enter the address of your destination in the navigator and calmly move according to the instructions of the device. However, for this you need to hold the gadget in your hands. What if you are driving or riding a bicycle?
Car and motorcycle enthusiasts, as well as professional cyclists, have long been using special holders for smartphones and tablets. They are convenient because they free your hands, and the device screen is always in front of your eyes. There are many models that differ in the installation of the holder and the attachment of the gadget to it, ease of use and design. To understand which one you need, you need to understand how holders for smartphones and tablets differ.
How do holders for smartphones and tablets differ?
Mounting location
What do you want to use the holder for? Where do you want to attach it? This is the first question to ask when choosing a holder.
If you spend a lot of time at the table, where you simultaneously work, view various content, and eat food, then you should choose among table holders. They will conveniently place your smartphone or tablet in a standing position so that the device screen is in front of your eyes. These are like textbook holders at school (remember those?), only modern and stylish.
For motorcyclists and cyclists, there are holders that attach to the handlebars. Considering the peculiarities of riding a motorcycle or bicycle, it is better that the gadget is fixed as tightly as possible. Therefore, such holders do not allow you to lift the device high so that it is in front of your eyes - it fits tightly to the steering wheel. But it won’t jump out!
For motorists, there are a number of variations for mounting the holder in the car. Using various mechanics, manufacturers make holders that are mounted on the windshield, on the dashboard, on the dashboard, on the ventilation grill, in the CD slot, in the cup holder, on the headrest, etc. All that remains is to choose a convenient place where the gadget will always be in front of your eyes. It is also important that the charging cable reaches the cigarette lighter.
Device settings
Unfortunately or fortunately, not all holders are universal. Some are made for specific device models (this is especially true for iPhones), and some are made for specific device types (for example, smartphone, tablet, GPS navigator). In the first option there are no problems, but in the second you still need to take into account the parameters of the holder. They may have restrictions on the weight of the gadget (magnetic mounts), as well as characteristics of the minimum and maximum screen diagonal (for crab mounts and with an adjustable clamp).
Device mounting methods
There are two main ways to attach a gadget to a holder: mechanical and magnetic. Each of them has several subspecies.
Mechanical method– this is the securing of the device to the holder using clamps. There are several subtypes of such fastening.
“Crab” is a fastener that clamps the device as if in a vice. There are “crabs” with upper and lower clamping, as well as clamping on the sides. The first option is more universal, but the second is more reliable. Most often, such clamps are adjustable, that is, you can insert any device into the holder that is suitable for the weight and diagonal of the screen.
Sometimes there are universal holders made of flexible material that can be used to “encircle” the device. Typically, such options are stylish and beautiful, but are not suitable for use in places where the smartphone can fly out from shaking (for example, in a car).
The handlebar mount for motorcycles and bicycles is usually a transparent cover with a zipper all around. This is the safest and most reliable method of attachment, since the gadget will not fall out of such a case on any bump. However, the transparent film of the case can cause inconvenience: it may be unpleasant to the touch or reflect in the sun.
Magnetic method– when the device is “magnetized” to the holder. The main advantage of such fasteners is the ability to easily remove the gadget and put it back in place.
There are three subtypes of such fastening.
Magnet clips are holders specially designed for certain devices, fastening to which is carried out by “magnetizing” a special back panel pre-attached to the device. This is a reliable mount, but its main disadvantage is that your gadget will always have this back panel. This option is best suited for professional drivers.
A metal plate on a smartphone that “magnetizes” to the holder. Not only is this option much less reliable than the previous one, but there will always be an overlay glued to the gadget.
“Magnetization” of the gadget itself. Not the safest method, but you don’t need any overlays on your smartphone.
Mounting methods for the holder
The holders are attached using a number of mechanics.
To begin with, it’s worth saying that tabletop holders may not be attached at all: they simply stand on the surface. But there are rubberized and silicone options that will ensure the stability of the stand - this option can already be used in a car on the dashboard.
Motorcycle and bicycle handlebar mounts are a mechanical clamp that can be screwed to handlebars of any diameter. However, if it is not secured tightly enough, it may start to wobble.
The attachment to the windshield, dashboard and dashboard is a suction cup. It holds tightly to a flat surface and is unlikely to ever fall off. For greater reliability, there are suction cups with a silicone-helium base.
The attachment to the ventilation grille is a clothespin that is securely attached to the ventilation. The downside is that you will not have to use this grille for its main purpose.
Mounting in the CD slot is a stable and reliable mount. However, you will have to pull it out every time you want to change the disk.
Headrest mount – a mechanical clamp that installs the gadget on the headrest from behind. An ideal find for passenger convenience.
360 degree rotation
This parameter is important in order to position the device screen as conveniently as possible. There are simply rotating stands, as well as holders with a long flexible support.
Cable holder
This is no longer a mount, but an additional bonus. If you have a long cable and want to carefully optimize it, you should pay attention to these holders.
Criterias of choice
For indoor use on a flat surface Holders with a suction cup are suitable for tables and dashboards.
For motorcycle or bicycle handlebars It is worth choosing among special holders.
For motorists to mount on the windshield or dashboard Magnetic or mechanical holders with a suction cup are suitable.
For motorists who are bothered by the holder on the windshield or dashboard, you should pay attention to magnetic or mechanical holders attached to the ventilation grille or CD slot.
For passenger comfort You can purchase a headrest mount.
If a long cable bothers you, pay attention to the cable holders.
We are so accustomed to a cell phone that we cannot live without it, let alone a day or an hour. He is with us everywhere: at home, on a walk, in the office, and, of course, in the car. The development of technology has allowed the once ordinary means of communication to become a navigator, an additional instrument panel, and even a diagnostic center. There are a lot of programs tailored exclusively to the needs of car enthusiasts. As well as a lot of options for mounting smartphones in the cabin. Let's look at the most common of them and find out what the pros and cons of such structures are, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of fastening methods
WINDSHIELD MOUNTING
This method of car mounting a smartphone is perhaps the most common. Holders with a suction cup and claws, between which the device is attached, were among the first to appear. The simple design made it possible to mount the communication device on the windshield. It must be admitted that even today such holders are popular among car enthusiasts. And to show off, as they say, is relatively cheap and quite convenient. As for the cost, of course, such holders, if they are not from famous manufacturers, part of the cost of which is the price for the brand, are quite affordable. But as for convenience, it’s worth thinking about when choosing this or that holder. First, you need to pay attention to the length of the bracket between the suction cup and the jaws of the holder. If it is insufficient, the phone will be mounted too far from the driver due to the slope of the windshield if it is mounted at the bottom. If you fix it in a place where it is easily accessible, then, most likely, it will hang almost in the middle of the windshield, which is also inconvenient, because it will block part of the view. This is especially true if the screen diagonal is quite large. A bracket that is too long is also not very good, because while moving the smartphone will vibrate, creating some inconvenience.
However, if this type of smartphone mounting in a car seems most preferable to you, then you should choose brackets with a telescopic leg. In this case, you will be able to find the optimal position.
MOUNTING TO VENTILATION GRILLE
This method of fastening appeared relatively recently, but it already has many fans. The relatively small design is attached to the grille slats with a universal clothespin, thereby allowing the smartphone to be placed in close proximity to the driver. Everything is simple and relatively convenient, but you need to understand that, firstly, such a mount cannot catch on every ventilation grill.
Secondly, even if the design of the air duct allows you to attach it to it, then by attaching a telephone there, you are blocking one of the channels of the ventilation system.
Thirdly, such a mount can be directly harmful to the smartphone. Alas, it is not possible to block the air flow with the lamellas open on every car, therefore, the smartphone will be exposed to it. Now imagine that you turned on the stove to maximum. How will a smartphone feel in such a sauna? So, when choosing this method of fastening, first make sure whether it is possible to block the air duct without closing the slats, and also see if the clamp can be secured to them. There are, of course, more advanced designs, but these are really designs, and sometimes quite cumbersome.
INSTRUMENT PANEL MOUNTING
It must be said that there are quite a lot of designs that allow you to mount a smartphone directly on the instrument panel. The first thing that comes to mind is attaching the holder to the instrument panel using a suction cup. In fact, this is the same holder that was intended for mounting on the windshield, only now it can be attached to a rough panel.
This became possible after the suction cup began to be made from the same material as Velcro mats. This suction cup securely attaches to both the glass and the instrument panel. The main condition is that the part of the panel to which the suction cup is attached is thoroughly degreased. The advantage of this mount is that the holder can be placed in any convenient place. The downside is that not every Velcro sticks well to a shagreen surface.
Crocodile holders also found their followers. This is actually a large clothespin that is also attached with Velcro to the dashboard, and the phone is held in the open mouth of the “reptile”. When there is no phone, such a holder does not dominate the dashboard. The only inconvenience of this design is that you won’t be able to quickly tuck the phone in one direction or another; you’ll have to re-glue the entire holder.
There are designs that are attached directly to the visor of the instrument panel. In this case, the phone is located above the visor.
The undoubted advantage of this design is that the smartphone is constantly in the peripheral zone of vision, and it does not take much time to turn your gaze to it, if necessary, and back to the road. In addition, this design provides a fairly high-quality standard speakerphone, because the smartphone is located not far from the driver’s head.
It is also worth mentioning the holders, which evolved from Velcro mats.
In fact, this is still the same Velcro, only now it has a certain shape that allows you not only to place the phone on the dashboard, but also to secure it at a certain angle for ease of reading information. There are also designs that allow you to charge your phone through an adapter. Moreover, the adapter itself is equipped with two connectors at once: micro-USB and iPhone.
Not long ago, car holders for smartphones with neodymium magnets appeared. Their dimensions are so small that they practically do not affect the interior design of the car.
Such a holder is attached in any convenient place to the instrument panel with the included Velcro, and the phone itself is then simply magnetized to this holder with the back cover.
A prerequisite for the operation of such a holder is the need to glue a small metal plate, which is included in the kit, to the back cover of the phone, or put it between the phone and the case, if there is one. It must be said that such a mount is very convenient because it does not require clear positioning of the phone in the holder, and therefore there is no need to be distracted from the road. I stuck it on without looking and off I went.
STEERING WHEEL MOUNTING
Such holders also provide fairly high-quality hands-free communication, and the smartphone is always in front of your eyes. However, these are perhaps the only advantages of such a mount. It has many more disadvantages. Let's start with the fact that, for obvious reasons, it will be impossible to supply power to a phone mounted in this way and you will have to rely only on the power of the battery. At the same time, the phone also covers part of the instrument panel, and if, for example, the speedometer or tachometer is still somehow visible, then you can easily not notice the illuminated emergency oil pressure or temperature icon. And the last thing is that such a mount will definitely interfere in an emergency situation, when the steering wheel needs to be rotated intensively, changing the grip.
REAR VIEW MIRROR MOUNTING
This type of mount allows you to mount your smartphone just below the rear view mirror. On the one hand, such a mount seems quite convenient, because the phone is in close proximity to the eyes, but it is also worth thinking about the fact that a smartphone mounted in this way can significantly block the driver’s view.
In addition, if the mirror hinge does not have sufficient rigidity, a suspended smartphone may disrupt its settings.
SUN VISOR MOUNTING
Such a fastening can only be considered relatively successful. Firstly, what should you do with your smartphone if you have to use the visor? Secondly, not every visor is able to withstand the weight of a smartphone and, most likely, it will have to be pushed up all the time, especially on a bad road. Thirdly, looking up all the time to check the route is not very convenient. In addition, for many drivers, such an “exercise” can cause discomfort.
CAR MOUNT FOR CD PLAYER
Most cars are standardly equipped with a CD player, but there are not so many people left who listen to CDs. Flash drives and SD cards now fill the salon with your favorite tracks. Why not use the vacant slot in the instrument panel, the inventors thought and made a mount that is held on the instrument panel, inserted into this slot. The decision, it must be said, is quite prudent, because in this case the smartphone is in front of your eyes, it’s convenient to reach with your hand, and it doesn’t interfere with your view. The only disadvantage is that if you suddenly want to change a boring disk, you will have to remove the mount. However, this is not so difficult to do.
CAR MOUNTING IN CIGARET LIGHTER
Yes, there are such options. It must be said that by attaching the holder to the cigarette lighter socket, you are nevertheless left with both a 12-volt socket and a couple of USB connectors.
The claws themselves or the magnet that holds the smartphone are on a flexible leg, which allows you to use this mount in cars with both vertical and horizontal cigarette lighter placement, simply by bending the leg to the desired location. But, as practice shows, when the cigarette lighter is positioned horizontally, such a holder may begin to rotate in the socket under the weight of the smartphone. So it is preferable for this mount to have a vertical socket.
SMARTPHONE HOLDER IN CUP HOLDER
It would be strange if such a mount for a phone did not exist. It is a tube with a leg on which there are sponges or, as in other cases, a clamp or magnet. And so that this tube fits any glass holder, its volume can be increased by extending three spacer legs.
Is it convenient? Probably, someone will be interested in this method of attaching a smartphone, only in this case you deprive yourself of the opportunity to use the cup holder. However, there are models that not only do not deprive you of this opportunity, but also significantly increase the number of cup holders.
It is worth noting that such mounts can be considered convenient only if the cup holder is located quite high, say, on a high extension of the center console dividing the interior into two parts, otherwise you will have to reach down to the phone.
MAGNETIC ADAPTER FOR USB CONNECTOR
Speaking about smartphone holders, I would like to mention one more very convenient device. Remember how many times you had to aim the micro connector from the charger into the small socket of your smartphone. In ordinary life, this is not easy to do, since you need to find the appropriate position, and even more so while driving. You can simplify this procedure extremely by purchasing a magnetic adapter or cord with such a connector. One part of the adapter is inserted into the smartphone and remains there permanently, and the second part is located at the end of the wire.
To connect your smartphone to the cord, you just need to bring the cord to the connector, and the magnet will do the rest for you. Moreover, it is not at all necessary to catch the front or back side: charging, as well as data exchange, takes place in any position. By the way, this device is convenient not only in the car, but also at home.
Problems
