9 phone accessories that seem useless but are actually great

Phone accessories come in all shapes and sizes, but not all devices are as simple as they seem. While it's easy to dismiss some accessories as gimmicks, many of these "useless" gadgets actually contain clever features and apps that can make your everyday phone use more enjoyable.

 

1. Series of super unique and useful accessories for iPhone, iPad

9. Keyboard Case

There's no shortage of odd-looking phone cases, and the Clicks Keyboard case is sure to turn heads. At first glance, it looks like an old toy—a bulky accessory that seems to revive a feature that most people have forgotten about on their BlackBerrys. After all, we've been using touchscreen phones without complaint for over a decade, so why go back to a physical keyboard?

 

But the answer becomes clear as soon as you use it. The Clicks Keyboard case turns your phone into a full QWERTY keyboard. With physical keys taking care of typing, the virtual keyboard disappears, meaning the app you're using takes up the entire screen space.

 

8. PopSockets

PopSockets are one of those phone accessories that you either love or you just can't stand. For those who love them, the biggest draw is the grip. They can make even the biggest, most slippery phones feel a lot more secure in your hand.

 

7. USB OTG

USB On-The-Go (or USB OTG) is one of those seemingly useless but awesome accessories you can own. This little adapter turns your smartphone into a powerful hub, allowing it to connect directly to other USB devices. It's one of those things you really have to try at least once to appreciate what it can do.

 

6. Wireless microphone

While there are plenty of tips for improving audio quality when recording on your phone, the built-in microphone still has its limitations. For vloggers, content creators, or anyone serious about recording clear audio, the default phone microphone just won't cut it. For one thing, it often struggles to reduce ambient noise. Additionally, it can't pick up voices clearly from a distance.

 

5. LED clamp light

No matter how good your phone camera is, taking great photos and videos in low light is always a challenge. Sure, you can use the LED flash on your rear camera, but what about when you want to take a selfie or vlog in a low-light environment?

That's where clip-on LEDs come in. They may look a little unusual—like a little halo of light clipped to the edge—but the benefits are clear.

4. Phone strap

Phone straps may seem like an outdated fashion item, and they certainly aren't useful for everyone. However, if you're a little clumsy or constantly on the go, they can be very useful.

Wearing your phone around your neck, wrist, or bag means you don't have to worry about dropping it in crowded airports, crowded streets, or during your daily commute.

3. Privacy screen protector

Buying a screen protector is no longer as simple as it used to be. Today, you have dozens of options like tempered glass, anti-glare, blue light filter, etc. Among them, privacy screen protectors stand out for a very specific reason.

 

Privacy screen protectors live up to their name by adding an extra layer of protection to your phone's screen. When viewed head-on, the screen remains perfectly clear, but if someone tries to peek from the side, the screen becomes dark or translucent. This clever effect keeps your messages, emails, and browsing activity safe from prying eyes in crowded places like public transport or coffee shops.

2. USB-C case for old iPhone

The latest iPhone models have been equipped with USB-C ports for the past few years, but if you're still using an older iPhone with a Lightning port, there's a clever accessory that offers modern convenience without having to upgrade the entire device.

At first glance, the Obsoless case looks like any other case, except it has a USB-C port so you can charge it with a USB-C cable — the same kind you might already use for your Android phone or laptop.

1. MagSafe Ring for Android

Even if you're a diehard Android user, it's hard not to envy the sleek and robust MagSafe ecosystem that iPhone users love. It makes wireless charging and accessory attachments easy and incredibly impressive.

While MagSafe is officially an Apple proprietary technology, you can enjoy the same convenience on your Android phone with a simple MagSafe ring. These thin, adhesive MagSafe rings snap onto the back of any Android device, allowing it to securely attach to MagSafe-compatible chargers, stands, and accessories.