Why should iPhone users get all the cool accessories?
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Apple has experimented with a few hardware features on its products that haven’t always worked as expected, like 3D Touch on the iPhone or the Touch Bar on MacBooks. That’s why when Apple took the stage in 2020 to introduce MagSafe for the iPhone 12 line, I wasn’t immediately sold on the idea of having accessories that magnetically snap onto the back of my phone. After all, we’d already seen a few smartphone makers experiment with similar ideas, like Motorola with Moto Mods and Essential with its Magnetic Accessory Connector, only to have both systems eventually disappear.
Well, it’s been a few years since MagSafe was unveiled, and it’s safe to say Apple has nailed it. MagSafe has become part of the iPhone’s DNA, so much so that when the iPhone 16e launched without the feature, its omission was brought up in almost every review. A few Android manufacturers have also started to adopt similar magnetic charging systems thanks to the Qi2 standard. Google’s phones feature Pixelsnap, and the 2024 HMD Skyline was one of the first Android smartphones to feature built-in magnets.
As popular and useful as it is, this feature is still not widely available on Android phones. But don’t let that stop you from taking a look at MagSafe accessories. All you need is a suitable phone case with built-in magnets or a magnetic ring to make just about any Android phone compatible with MagSafe accessories. Obviously, this assumes your phone supports wireless charging. Even if it doesn’t, some accessories like magnetic wallets and PopSockets will still work just fine.
Use MagSafe accessories with Android
Adnan Ahmed for Woozad
A few smartphone manufacturers, like Samsung and OnePlus, sell official phone cases with built-in magnets. You can also find cases from third-party manufacturers, which can sometimes be significantly cheaper. Cases with this feature often advertise it quite clearly, but you should also be able to spot the distinctive magnetic ring on the back or inside of the case. Simply slide your phone in and you’re ready to start using MagSafe accessories.
The obvious downside to this solution is that you can’t be very picky about the look and feel of your phone case. Some phone models that are not very popular may not have a magnetic phone case on the market. This is where magnetic ring conversion kits come in handy. They stick to the back of your existing phone case, usually using 3M adhesive, and allow you to attach magnetic accessories. The ESR MagSafe Sticker is a popular choice on Amazon with over 12,500 reviews. It’s not designed to stick directly to your phone, though, so you’ll still need a phone case on hand.
While it’s not as clean or convenient as the built-in mechanism offered by the iPhone, using a magnetic case or ring attachment is a quick and easy way to unlock compatibility with MagSafe accessories. Before handing over a MagSafe car mount or wallet, make sure the magnetic mount is strong enough to keep the accessory securely attached. Fortunately, many third-party cases actually offer a stronger magnetic hold than you’d get with an iPhone without a case.
