The Cheapest and Simplest DIY Cell Phone/GPS Mount in a Car

Key Takeaways

• Windshield-mounted GPS holders are illegal in over half the US states
• Multiple zero-cost DIY mount ideas work for different car types and phone sizes
• The results may not look glamorous but are among the most practical and useful life hacks
• Magnetic holders should be used with caution as they can affect compasses and credit card strips
• These ideas provide inspiration to create your own custom solution

Why You Need an Alternative Mount

If you use your cell phone as a GPS navigator, you need it positioned where you can see the screen without taking your eyes off the road for long. The obvious solution — sticking a suction mount on the windshield — is illegal in over half of US states because it obstructs the driver’s view. This video provides the cheapest and simplest alternatives for all different types of cars.

The DIY Solutions

The video demonstrates several creative mount solutions made entirely from materials already in your home or car. These include using binder clips attached to air vents, rubber bands looped around visor or headrest posts, modified cardboard holders that sit on the dashboard, and repurposed household items that create stable phone cradles.

None of these look as polished as a commercial mount. But they all work, cost nothing, and can be assembled in minutes. The key requirements are: hold the phone securely, position it within the driver’s line of sight, and allow easy removal when not needed.

A Note About Magnetic Holders

Commercial magnetic phone holders have become popular, but there are concerns worth knowing about. Strong magnets can potentially affect your phone’s compass sensor (important for GPS accuracy) and could damage magnetic stripe credit cards stored in phone wallet cases. If you do choose a magnetic mount, verify that it does not interfere with your phone’s navigation accuracy.

Safety First

Whatever mount solution you use, the goal is always safety. The phone should be positioned so you can glance at directions with minimal eye movement. Never handle the phone while driving. Set your destination before you start driving, and use voice navigation to minimize screen interaction.

The DIY Mindset

The core principle behind all DIY projects is the willingness to try solving a problem yourself before paying someone else to do it. This mindset saves money, builds practical skills, and provides the satisfaction of self-sufficiency. Not every project will be perfect on the first attempt, but each attempt teaches something valuable for the next one.

Start with low-risk projects where a mistake will not cause serious damage or safety hazards. Kitchen repairs, simple plumbing fixes, basic electrical work (with the breaker off), and cosmetic improvements are good starting points. As your skills and confidence grow, you can take on more complex projects that save increasingly significant amounts of money.

Invest in quality tools gradually. You do not need to buy everything at once. Purchase each tool as a specific project requires it, and within a few years you will have a well-equipped workshop that was built incrementally rather than all at once. Quality tools last decades when properly maintained, making them one of the best investments a homeowner can make. For more DIY content, check out our guide on how to peel garlic easily without special tools or learn about windshield crack repair.