Tesla center screen with a clip-on phone holder, buying guide cover

Best Phone Holder for Tesla Model 3 and Model Y: Which Type to Choose

The short answer: a Tesla has no built-in phone holder, so you choose between a screen clip, an air vent mount, an adhesive mount behind the display, or a headrest mount for a tablet. A screen clip keeps the phone right next to the map, but it takes up a little of your view. Whichever you pick, check that it fits your model, your screen and your phone.

The Tesla touchscreen does most of the work, but sometimes you still want your phone in sight, for a second navigation app, a call or a music app. Here is how the common mount types compare, and what to check before you buy.

A phone beside the screen, in three steps1Clip on the screen edge2Phone snaps on3Rotate to any angleEV Tech Spot · simplified illustration, not to scale

The main types of Tesla phone mount

Type Good for Watch out for
Screen clip The phone sits right beside the map and stays put It takes up a little of your view of the screen
Adhesive behind the display Almost hidden, with a swivel ball One strip of tape, and the hold can weaken over time
Air vent mount Cheap and easy to move The phone sits in the airflow, and the vent blades can limit the position
Headrest mount for a tablet Passengers in the back Does not fit the largest tablets

What to check before you buy

  1. Fit for your model and year. The Model 3 and Model Y screens, and the Highland, Juniper and Model Y L refreshes, differ. Choose a mount listed for your car.
  2. Screen edge thickness. A clip works only if it matches the thickness of your screen edge. Check the range the seller lists.
  3. How the phone attaches. A magnet is quick, but a phone without built-in magnets needs a metal ring on the back. A cradle or clamp is another option.
  4. Rotation. Turn the phone to portrait or landscape and angle it toward the driver.
  5. What it covers. Place the phone so it does not block the speed, the map or the controls you use.
  6. Local rules. Laws about phones in the car differ by country and state, so check yours.

One option: our screen-mounted magnetic phone holder

Our screen-mounted magnetic phone holder clips onto the edge of the center screen, with no adhesive and no drilling. According to the seller it rotates 360 degrees, uses a silicone pad to protect the screen, suits screens 10–15 mm thick, and is listed for all Model 3 and Model Y, including Highland, Juniper and Model Y L. There are sets with a magnetic head, a foldable head or a ring head, and a set with a magnetic wireless charger that the seller lists at 15 W. Check the fit for your exact car before you order.

If your problem is reading the screen rather than holding a phone, see the screen swivel mount, which turns the screen toward the driver or the passenger.

Frequently asked questions

Does a phone mount damage the Tesla screen?

A clip with a soft pad does not use adhesive, so it does not leave residue. Adhesive mounts rely on tape, which can weaken over time, so follow the instructions when you place them.

Where is the best place for a phone mount in a Tesla?

Beside the screen is the most popular spot, because the phone sits next to the map. The air vent is a cheaper option, and the right place is the one that does not block what you need to see.

Do I need a magnetic ring on my phone?

Only if the phone has no built-in magnets. A thin metal ring on the back lets any phone use a magnetic mount, and some sets include one.

Can I charge the phone on the mount?

Some sets include a magnetic head that charges wirelessly. Check the model and the charging power listed by the seller.

Next steps

See the magnetic phone holder or browse all Tesla phone and screen mounts.

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