Being in the MagSafe phone case game we get some pretty interesting questions. One that we have gotten here and there is, "do MagSafe cases - and phones with MagSafe, and Qi2 phones - stick to metal?" One expressed concern that it might be annoying, because stuff might stick to the case all the time. Another thought it might be handy, because they could stick their iPhone to their refrigerator or other metal surfaces. Thus, it felt like it made sense to address it to a larger audience that might also be asking these questions. So, let’s explore what really happens when you bring a MagSafe case near metal.
Understanding MagSafe Technology
To begin, it helps to understand what MagSafe is. Introduced with the iPhone 12 lineup, MagSafe is a ring of magnets embedded in the back of the iPhone (and compatible cases) designed to align accessories perfectly (this is basically the same as the new more general standard of Qi2). The magnets themselves are not particularly strong on their own; they’re just strong enough to hold lightweight accessories like a wallet or charger.
When you use a MagSafe-compatible case, often it contains its own ring of magnets that mirrors the one in the phone. This places the case's magnet closer to the accessory, instead of making the one built into the iPhone have to work through a few millimeters of case.
So, Will It Stick to Metal?
Technically, yes — but with a big caveat. The magnets in MagSafe cases can attract some ferrous metals (like steel), but the strength of the attraction is limited. While your iPhone inside a MagSafe case might lightly cling to certain metal surfaces, it’s unlikely to firmly stick or stay put reliably. For example, it might hang on your fridge door for a quick hands-free timer, but the slighted bump or jostle could send it tumbling.
The issue isn’t the presence of magnets, but their strength. Apple designed MagSafe for charging alignment and secure attachment to purpose-built accessories — not to turn your phone into a magnetic mount. Most MagSafe cases (especially official or certified ones) don’t use industrial-strength magnets because that could interfere with other electronics or attract unwanted debris. Some accessories do use more serious magnets, like with pop-out grips and holders, but that is to allow them to adhere to the phone with more strength due to their more critical use cases.
Variability in Surfaces
Another factor is the kind of metal surface you’re working with. Not all metals are magnetic. Aluminum, for instance, is not magnetic — so your iPhone won’t stick to it at all, MagSafe or not. Stainless steel can be magnetic or non-magnetic depending on its composition. In contrast, iron and some steels will react, but again, the grip might be rather weak.
Some third-party accessories are taking advantage of this, offering magnetic phone holders or mounts that are designed to work with MagSafe’s magnetic ring. These can work very well, because the magnets are optimized for both strength and compatibility.
If you were to try to attach your iPhone to a big flat metal surface, like a refrigerator, you have to keep in mind that the phone is not perfectly flat. The camera likely sticks out, or even the protective ring on a MagSafe case, which means that the iPhone won't lie flat on the surface and will have a tendency not to stick. I found you either need to hang it slightly off the side with the camera not touching the flat surface, or add another MagSafe accessory to give it a boost and level it off.
The Final Attraction
If you’re hoping your MagSafe case will let your iPhone cling to every metal surface in your home or car, you’ll probably be disappointed. While there may be some minor sticking power on the right kind of metal, it’s not reliable enough to count on for holding your phone in place and working properly.
Instead, look for MagSafe-compatible mounts and accessories that are specifically designed for secure attachment. They harness the technology properly — and most importantly, safely!
Note: In the photo above, I added a MagSafe accessory to level-off the phone and improve the strength of the magnets.