Magnetic Car Phone Mount with Foldable 360° Metal Arm

A phone sliding across the passenger seat every time you brake is a good reason to look at a proper mount. This magnetic car phone mount sticks to your dashboard with a high-strength adhesive base, catches your phone with built-in magnets and folds its arm flat when you don’t need it. The body is made of zinc and aluminum alloy rather than plastic. It’s brand-new and costs $29.99.

How this magnetic car phone mount holds your phone

According to the manufacturer, the round magnetic head grips your phone instantly and keeps it steady over bumps, potholes and sudden stops. How you attach it depends on your phone:

• Phone or case with MagSafe magnets: it snaps straight onto the ring. A MagSafe-compatible case keeps the hold strong, while a thick case without magnets weakens it.
• Any other phone: stick the included metal ring or plate on the back of your phone or case, then use the mount the same way.

Note that a metal plate on the back of a phone can get in the way of wireless charging. If you charge wirelessly, put the plate on a case you can take off.

360° rotation and a fold-flat arm

The double-jointed arm and 360° head let you switch between portrait and landscape and angle the screen toward the driver. The manufacturer’s images show the arm folding through 180°. When you park, fold it down and it lies close to the dashboard instead of sticking up like a bulky cradle.

Mounting it on your dashboard, step by step

1. Pick the spot first. From the driver’s seat, choose a place that doesn’t block your view of the road and isn’t on or near an airbag cover. Your owner’s manual shows where the airbags deploy.
2. Test the fit. Before peeling the backing, hold the mount in place with your phone attached and check that the arm clears the steering wheel, vents and controls.
3. Clean the surface. Wipe the spot with an alcohol wipe and let it dry. Adhesive grips smooth, hard plastic best; textured or soft-touch dashboards may not hold as well.
4. Warm it up in winter. Adhesive bonds poorly in the cold, so install it in a heated garage or once the cabin has warmed up.
5. Press and wait. Press the base firmly and let the adhesive set, as the manual directs, before adding your phone.

A spare adhesive pad is included if you need a second try. The manufacturer says the all-metal build resists wear and temperature swings, but a dashboard bakes in July sun and freezes in January, so check the base now and then and swap in fresh adhesive if it starts to lift.

Drive safely and know your province’s rules

Set your route, playlist or hands-free calling before you pull out, and save adjustments for when you’re parked. Using a hand-held phone while driving is illegal across Canada, and the rules on mounted devices vary by province. Check your provincial rules before you install it.

Good to know before you order

Our sheet doesn’t list a maximum phone weight, magnet strength figures, dimensions or any charging function, so treat it as a mount only. If you have a large, heavy phone or a rugged case, ask us through our contact page. Test the position before you peel the adhesive, because our 30-day returns cover unused items in their original packaging. It’s covered by our 1-year limited warranty.

On long drives, pair it with one of our magnetic power banks: the 10,000 mAh slim magnetic power bank and the magnetic wireless power bank with kickstand. Add either one and your order passes $99, so shipping is free. More car and phone gear is in accessories and in our guide to phone and tablet accessories.

MagSafe is a trademark of Apple Inc. This mount is a third-party accessory and isn’t made or endorsed by Apple.