7 Cheapest Ways to Attach Your Cell Phone to a Tripod and Set Up Anywhere

With over 5 billion mobile phone users worldwide, the need to place or attach a cell phone to a stable surface arises constantly. Whether you are recording a video, joining a video call, using your phone as a security camera, or setting up a time-lapse, having a steady mount makes all the difference. In this comprehensive video, Dr. David Zhang covers seven different methods for attaching a phone to a tripod and numerous additional ways to set it up in other locations, all using items you already have at home.

The Seven Tripod Methods

Method 1: Phone Case Leverage (0:37). If your phone has a case, the case itself can serve as a mounting mechanism by positioning the case edge on the tripod mount plate.

Method 2: Cardboard Box (1:26). A small cardboard box with a slit cut into it grips your phone securely and can be attached to the tripod with tape or a rubber band.

Method 3: Milk Jug (1:57). A section cut from a plastic milk jug creates a surprisingly effective phone holder that can be mounted on a standard tripod screw.

Method 4: Flat Design (2:19). Using flat materials like cardboard or foam board, you can create a custom holder tailored to your phone’s exact dimensions.

Method 5: Coat Hanger with Paper Clamp (3:59). A wire coat hanger bent into shape combined with a paper clamp creates an adjustable phone mount.

Method 6: Credit Card (5:54). A credit card or gift card can serve as a shim or bracket to hold a phone in position on a tripod head.

Method 7: Work Lights (6:33). Clip-on work lights often have clamps that are perfectly sized for holding a cell phone.

Beyond the Tripod

The video also covers mounting solutions for cars using existing vents and dashboard features, window mounting using suction-based approaches, Lego bricks as modular phone stands, dental floss as a hanging mechanism for overhead shots, and even concealed camera setups for home security purposes. Dr. Zhang also demonstrates how to tie specific knots for suspending a phone from various objects.

The key philosophy is to always use what you have on hand rather than buying specialized equipment. This approach is not only cheaper but often leads to more creative and flexible solutions than off-the-shelf products.

Some of these ideas cannot be found anywhere else. To make a DIY device, other people may say buy this and buy that, but Dr. Zhang always uses what he has on hand. The variety of methods means you can adapt to suit your own situation and create something new.

For related projects, check out our guides on internet access tips when traveling to Europe and preparing for Europe travel. Having a reliable phone mount is particularly useful when traveling and documenting your adventures.

No matter your situation, one of these methods will work for you. This is the only phone mounting guide you will ever need.