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Dialed in: Essential accessories for your cell phone

Find your accessory add-ons, from phone stands and holders to waterproof pouches and tracking devices

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Here’s a fun fact: For decades, the primary use of telephones was to communicate via talking. These days, if someone calls your cell unexpectedly, the immediate reaction is to question why they aren’t texting you. The audacity! Times certainly have changed in this industry, including the sea of available cell phone accessories. Below are several items you can use in conjunction to level up your favorite cellular sidekick.

Dual folding cell phone stand: Do you have your trusty cell phone next to your computer at work all day? Rest it in this budget stand so you can easily see incoming calls and texts and even watch videos and FaceTime when necessary. The stand works with all 4–8-inch cell phones and is made of high-quality aluminum. The rubber pads on the bottom also prevent your phone from scratching and sliding on the surface underneath it.

Face-tracking cell phone stand: Here’s a clever invention – a wireless charging stand that also tracks your face, body and movements. Say you are in the kitchen making dinner, and you are on FaceTime with a friend. The stand will automatically turn the phone to follow you as prepare the meal. It’s akin to having your own private videographer in a tabletop device. The stand can turn 360 degrees and features an auto-tilt function that allows you to auto-adjust your viewing angle up to 90 degrees. As an added bonus, no app is required to run the device.

Foldable phone charger: If you have an iPhone that features wireless charging, you can take advantage of this magnetic charger with a foldable kickstand that enables you to keep your phone upright so you can enjoy a comfortable viewing angle. The charger is slim and compact, and the half-inch depth allows the user to easily take calls, texts and more while the device is in use. Note: The charger is not compatible with non-magnetic phone cases.

Gooseneck phone holder: Is one of your hands turning into a claw from holding your phone for hours on end? Give your digits a break by using this gooseneck phone holder that does the work for you. It’s perfect to set up next to your bed so you can enjoy your final viral videos of the day hands-free as you drift off to sleep. The holder can rotate 360 degrees, and the gooseneck arm is 80 cm long. The end clamp can hold phones with screen sizes ranging from 3.5 to 6.5 inches.

Magnetic phone holder for car: If your cell phone has had issues with popping out of holders in your car you may want to opt for a magnetic dash mount. The powerful magnet keeps your phone in place while the 3M adhesive strength that keeps the mount attached to your dashboard is over 66 lbs. The extension arm and angle adjustment options give you plenty of different ways to view your screen as well.

Backpack strap mount: Do you document your life via cell phone? Even if you aren’t an influencer, recording video while you are out and about can be a blast, making this backpack strap cell phone mount a no-brainer. The anti-skid gear design inside the backpack strap clamp mount, plus the powerful spring device, gives the backpack phone holder a strong clamping force.

Clip mount for backpack strap

Videographer’s combo pack: If you’re in the market for both a tripod and a selfie stick for shooting videos on your phone, you can kill two birds with one stone with this tripod that features a removable selfie stick. The tripod features 360 rotation and the universal phone holder is compatible with cellphones between 2.8 and 5.7 inches. As a bonus, the product even comes with an adapter for GoPro cameras.

3D screen magnifier: If you have reached the reading glasses stage of life, this screen magnifier may rescue you from constantly enlarging text and images on your phone. Simply insert your phone into the magnifier and your screen size image will instantly be twice its size. No batteries, knobs, switches or plugs required. This is just straight magnification. While your phone is in the device you can also scroll and push buttons on it from openings on the side. When you’re not using a phone with the device, it can double as a handy magnifying glass to read small text on items such as newspapers, prescription medications and food packaging.

Waterproof phone pouch: Plenty of cell phone makers claim their products are waterproof, but do you really want to test their limits while you are in the ocean or a pool? Pickup a waterproof phone pouch to ensure that your pricey mobile device doesn’t find a way to bite the dust via H2O. Target a pouch that provides protection for up to 100 feet and that is suitable for water activities such as swimming, kayaking, snorkeling and water park activities. A clear, touch screen-friendly face is great if you are planning on shooting pics or video underwater and need to be able control the phone while submerged.

Floating pouch: If you plan on having your phone on you while wading in the ocean or fly-fishing in a pond or stream, you may want to invest in a pouch specifically designed to float. Find one that has an air cushion design on the bag that allows your phone to float easily. That way if your phone or valuables do take the plunge, they will remain easy for you to spot on the surface of the water. Invest in a pouch that has a secure locking mechanism that will keep the bag completely sealed underwater and that has a transparent window so you can touch and swipe the phone’s screen.

AirTag bike mount: One big plus of being a member of the Apple ecosystem is that you are able to use AirTags to easily keep tabs on devices (or in this case, bikes) using your iPhone. This device hides an AirTag behind what appears to be a reflector that is latched onto the seat post. If your bike is stolen in an area where other iPhones and Apple devices are present, you can track its location via the AirTag. Just make sure to get a model that is waterproof and that is constructed of a durable material, such as aluminum.

AirTag dog collar: Continuing with the AirTag tracking accessories, here’s a version to keep track of man’s best friend. While losing a bike isn’t a walk in the park, losing your dog is traumatic. Thankfully, there are dog collars specifically designed to hold AirTags that can help locate your furry friend. With the collars, make sure to find one that is both water- and dust-proof, and that is not only durable but soft to keep your little buddy feeling good.

Dryw Keltz is a freelance writer living in San Diego County. He has written hundreds of news features, human interest profiles, and film and music reviews over the course of his 20-plus-year career. Keltz has a bachelor’s degree in English writing with an emphasis on creative non-fiction from the University of Pittsburgh.