Phone accessories come in all shapes and sizes, but not every gadget is as simple as it seems. While it’s easy to dismiss some accessories as gimmicks, many of these “useless” extras actually hide clever features and use cases that can make your everyday phone use more fun.
9
Keyboard Case
There is no shortage of phone cases that look a little odd, and the Clicks Keyboard case certainly turns heads. At first, it seems like a throwback gimmick—a chunky add-on that appears to be reviving a feature most people left behind with their BlackBerry. After all, we’ve been using touchscreen phones without complaint for over a decade, so why go back to physical keys?
But the answer becomes clear the moment you use it. The Clicks Keyboard Case your phone a full QWERTY keyboard. With the physical keys handling typing, the on-screen keyboard disappears, which means the app you’re using gets all the screen space.
Where the Clicks really earns its place, though, is in its customization options. The companion app lets you program shortcuts to launch favorite apps, pull up contacts instantly, or jump straight to the home screen, notification center, or quick settings. It’s all about how creative you can get with these shortcuts.
8
PopSockets
PopSockets are one of those phone accessories you either swear by or just can’t stand. For those who love them, the biggest draw is the grip. They can make even the largest, slipperiest phones feel way more secure in your hand.
PopSockets also double as a phone stand. Simply turn your phone sideways and place it on a flat surface to watch a movie or follow a recipe hands-free. You can also use the PopSockets Multi-Purpose Mount to hang your phone vertically.
And while some might not love how a PopSocket sticks out from the back of the phone, it does help keep the phone’s back from lying flat on a surface if it’s ever dropped.
7
USB OTG
USB On-The-Go (or USB OTG) is one of those underrated accessories you can get. This small adapter turns your smartphone into a powerful hub, allowing it to connect directly to other USB devices. It’s one of those things that you really have to try once to appreciate what it can do.
You can use a USB OTG to back up your entire smartphone to a flash drive or access files directly from it. If you have a foldable phone, an OTG adapter lets you connect a wired keyboard or mouse for a more computer-like experience.
You can even connect your phone directly to a wired printer or transfer photos and videos straight from a DSLR camera. All in all, USB OTG allows direct interaction with a variety of USB devices without the need for a PC.
6
Wireless Microphone
While there are plenty of tricks to improve sound quality while recording audio on your phone, the built-in microphone has its limits. For vloggers, content creators, or anyone serious about capturing crisp audio, the phone’s default mic simply won’t cut it. For one, it often struggles to reduce background noise. Additionally, it can’t clearly capture voices from a distance.
While this might be fine for indoor recordings, if you want truly crisp audio, investing in a quality wireless microphone can be a game-changer. It allows you to record from greater distances without losing sound quality while effectively filtering out unwanted background noise.
5
Clip-On LED Ring Lights
No matter how good your phone’s camera hardware is, capturing great photos and videos in low light remains a challenge. Sure, you can use the LED flash with the rear camera, but what about when you want to take selfies or vlog in dim environments?
That’s where clip-on LED ring lights come in. They might make a phone look a bit unusual—like a tiny halo of light clipped on the edge—but their benefits are clear.
These ring lights provide soft, even illumination that brightens your face without harsh shadows or washed-out colors. This makes them perfect for nighttime selfies, video calls, or content creation on the go.
4
Phone Chains and Straps
Phone chains and straps might seem like a fashion throwback from another era, and they surely aren’t useful for everyone. However, if you are a bit clumsy or travel frequently, these straps can come in handy.
Strapping your phone to your wrist, neck, or bag means one less thing to worry about dropping or losing in busy airports, crowded streets, or during daily commutes. But it’s not just about protecting your phone physically. Much like how a phone case adds personality, a stylish strap can elevate your look and serve as a fashionable accessory that helps you stand out.
3
Privacy Screen Protectors
Buying a screen protector isn’t as simple as it used to be. Today, you’ve got dozens of options like tempered glass, anti-glare, blue light filters, and more. Among them, the privacy screen protector stands out for a very specific reason.
Privacy screen protectors live up to their name by adding a layer of security to your phone’s display. When viewed straight on, the screen stays perfectly clear, but if someone tries to peek from the side, the screen looks dark or blurred. This clever effect keeps your messages, emails, and browsing activity safe from prying eyes in crowded places like public transport or coffee shops.
There are also other reasons to use a privacy screen protector. Their matte finish helps reduce smudges and scratches compared to glossy options. They also cut down on reflections and glare from bright lights or sunlight, which means your screen remains easier to see in all kinds of lighting conditions.
2
USB-C Case for Old iPhones
The latest iPhone models have featured USB-C ports for a couple of years now, but if you’re still using an older model with the Lightning port, there’s an ingenious accessory that brings modern convenience without forcing a full device upgrade.
The Obsoless case looks like any other case at first, except it includes a USB-C port that you can use to charge using USB-C cables—the same ones you might already use for your Android phone or laptop.
Beyond charging, the USB-C port opens up access to a whole ecosystem of accessories: USB-C flash drives for quick file transfers, portable monitors for expanded screens, and USB-C headphones for high-quality audio. This clever case offers a smart way to give older iPhones a fresh, modern boost.
1
MagSafe Rings for Android
Even if you’re a hardcore Android user, it’s hard not to envy the sleek and powerful MagSafe ecosystem that iPhone users enjoy. They make wireless charging and attaching accessories look effortless and undeniably cool.
While MagSafe is officially an Apple-exclusive technology, you can get the same magnetic convenience on your Android phone with a simple MagSafe ring. These slim, adhesive rings stick to the back of any Android device, letting it snap securely onto MagSafe-compatible chargers, mounts, and accessories.
With a MagSafe ring, wireless charging becomes much more reliable as the phone locks perfectly into place without slipping. Plus, it opens up access to a whole range of magnetic stands, wallets, and car mounts originally designed for iPhones.
When it comes to phone accessories, your specific needs and usage determine what is truly useful. What might seem unnecessary to one person can be a game changer for another. So it’s always best to look beyond how an accessory looks and dive into what it really offers.