Metal detecting has long been associated with bulky gear and technical know-how. However, in recent years, smartphones have begun to revolutionize the industry. Thanks to powerful built-in sensors and smart attachments, your everyday device can help you uncover hidden treasures without the need for a traditional metal detector. Whether you’re a beginner or a curious explorer, smartphone-based solutions are making treasure hunting more accessible than ever.
How Smartphone Metal Detectors Work: Turning Your Device Into a Treasure Hunter’s Tool
At first glance, using a smartphone to detect metal might sound far-fetched, but it’s actually based on real technology built right into most modern phones. Smartphones come equipped with a magnetometer—a small sensor primarily used to support the phone’s compass functionality. This sensor gauges the environment’s magnetic field intensity and direction.
Metal detector apps tap into this sensor to detect disturbances caused by nearby metallic objects. While not as powerful as dedicated devices, they work surprisingly well for casual detecting.
How It Works:
- Built-in Magnetometer: Detects magnetic field strength and direction, usually in microteslas (μT).
- Detection of Ferromagnetic Metals: Picks up objects like iron, steel, and some alloys—items that distort the magnetic field.
- Visual and Audio Feedback: Apps often include meters, graphs, beeping sounds, or vibrations when metal is nearby.
- Real-Time Scanning: As you move your phone over an area, readings update instantly to help pinpoint small objects.
- Surface-Level Detection: This method is best suited for objects close to the surface, typically within 1–3 inches, depending on size and material.
Limitations:
- Non-magnetic metals like gold, silver, or copper cannot be detected unless alloyed with magnetic materials.
- Accuracy and depth are lower than with professional-grade metal detectors.
- Interference from other electronics, concrete with rebar, or underground wiring can cause false readings.
Key Takeaway: Smartphone metal detectors utilize your phone’s magnetometer to detect magnetic disturbances from nearby metal objects. While not a replacement for professional tools, they’re surprisingly useful for shallow, surface-level treasure hunts.
Top 5 Smartphone Metal Detector Apps That Actually Work
With dozens of apps available in app stores, it’s hard to know which ones are worth your time. While many claim to turn your smartphone into a full-fledged metal detector, only a handful actually deliver results using the phone’s built-in magnetometer. Below are five of the most reliable and user-approved options, tested for accuracy, usability, and overall performance.
- Metal Detector – Smart Tools Co. (Android): One of the most downloaded apps in this category, it offers a simple interface with a real-time magnetic field meter. Users appreciate its stability, low battery use, and consistent performance in detecting small ferromagnetic items.
- Metal Detector EMF – Gamma Play (Android): Popular among hobbyists, this app provides live EMF readings and includes an audio alert when metal is nearby. It’s great for quick scans and simple DIY searches.
- Metal Detector Pro – Netigen Tools (iOS): Designed for iPhone users, this app adds customizable sensitivity settings and a minimalistic user interface. It also offers calibration support, which can improve accuracy across different iPhone models.
- Magnetic Field Detector – Erda Team (Android): A multifunctional app that not only detects metals but also displays vector field data and compass information. Its high-sensitivity mode is useful for identifying smaller metallic items.
- Tesla Magnetic Field Recorder – Exelerus (iOS): Originally designed for magnetic field experiments, this app is favored by those seeking highly accurate readings. It can record data over time, which is useful for mapping areas with consistent metal interference.
Comparison Table: Top Smartphone Metal Detector Apps
| App Name | Platform | Key Features | User Rating* | Ads/Free Version |
| Metal Detector (Smart Tools) | Android | Real-time readings, beeping alert | ★★★★☆ | Yes/Free |
| Metal Detector EMF | Android | Audio signals, high accuracy | ★★★★☆ | Yes/Free |
| Metal Detector Pro | iOS | Adjustable sensitivity, clean UI | ★★★★☆ | No/One-time fee |
| Magnetic Field Detector | Android | Compass mode, data charting | ★★★★☆ | Yes/Free |
| Tesla Magnetic Field Recorder | iOS | Scientific-grade readings, logging capability | ★★★★☆ | Yes/Free |
*Ratings may vary by region and app version.
These apps won’t replace a professional metal detector, but they’re impressive tools for casual hunting, DIY exploration, and even science experiments.
Tip: For best results, calibrate your phone’s compass before using these apps and avoid placing it near other electronic devices during scans.
Best External Metal Detector Attachments for Your Smartphone
While smartphone metal detector apps are great for casual detecting, they’re limited by the phone’s built-in magnetometer. If you’re looking for greater precision, deeper analysis, or the ability to detect a wider range of metals, external attachments are the next step up. These devices either plug into your phone or connect via Bluetooth, effectively turning your smartphone into a hybrid detection system that rivals entry-level standalone metal detectors.
Here are some of the best options currently available for hobbyists and tech-savvy treasure hunters:
- PRISMX Pro Metal Detector Attachment (Bluetooth): A compact, wireless sensor that pairs with both Android and iOS devices via Bluetooth. It offers adjustable sensitivity, object filtering (for ferrous and non-ferrous materials), and real-time visual feedback through its companion app. Ideal for users who want portability without sacrificing power.
- Nokta AccuPOINT Wireless Pinpointer: Although not a traditional detector, this professional-grade pinpointer offers Bluetooth syncing with mobile devices and excels at close-range scanning and target confirmation. It’s waterproof and rugged, especially useful for treasure hunters working in muddy or wet environments.
- X-TERRA Smart Sensor Module: This lightweight, clip-on sensor enhances the range and accuracy of your phone’s metal-detecting capabilities. It connects through an app and offers features like object size estimation, depth approximation, and terrain-based adjustments.
- GoDetect M1 Adapter with Coil (Wired): This adapter is designed for users who want traditional detector sensitivity in a smartphone-compatible form. It includes a mini coil, connects via USB-C or Lightning, and provides detection depth up to 10 inches. It is best for coin and relic hunting in parks or fields.
- TreasureFind Mini Antenna (Bluetooth): A minimalist, pocket-sized detector ideal for travel or urban scanning. Though less powerful than larger attachments, it’s user-friendly, quick to set up, and works well for locating metallic objects behind walls or under floors.
Key Considerations When Choosing an Attachment:
- Compatibility – Ensure the device is compatible with your phone model and OS version.
- Power Source – Some plug into your phone; others are battery-powered or rechargeable.
- Durability – Waterproof or shock-resistant models are ideal for outdoor use.
- App Integration – Look for attachments that utilize dedicated apps with support for mapping, tracking, and sensitivity controls.
Key Takeaway: If you’re ready to move beyond basic app-based detection, smartphone metal detector attachments offer a powerful, portable, and user-friendly upgrade. They are perfect for serious enthusiasts and regular explorers because they combine the accuracy of classic detectors with the portability of mobile technology.
Smartphone vs Traditional Metal Detectors: What You Need to Know
If you’re new to metal detecting or exploring smartphone-based tools, it’s important to understand the real differences between mobile solutions and traditional, standalone detectors. Depending on your objectives, financial situation, and degree of experience, each choice offers particular benefits and drawbacks.
Smartphone detectors have become increasingly popular because of their price, ease of use, and convenience, especially those augmented with external accessories. However, traditional metal detectors remain the gold standard for professional treasure hunters, relic seekers, and those who require higher accuracy and depth of detection.
Let’s break down the differences between the two:
Comparison Table: Smartphone vs Traditional Metal Detectors
| Feature | Smartphone-Based Detector | Traditional Metal Detector |
| Portability | Extremely portable and lightweight | Less portable due to size and weight |
| Cost | Mostly free or low-cost apps; add-ons are affordable | More expensive, especially for advanced models |
| Ease of Use | Very easy; app-based interfaces | Requires more setup and a learning curve |
| Detection Depth | Shallow (1–3 inches without attachments) | Moderate to deep (up to 12+ inches) |
| Metal Type Range | Limited to ferromagnetic metals unless using a specialized sensor | Can detect a broader range of metals, including gold and silver |
| Power Source | Uses a phone battery or small sensors | Uses internal batteries (often AA or rechargeable packs) |
| Best For | Hobbyists, students, and quick surface finds | Serious hobbyists, relic hunters, beach combers |
Key Factors to Consider
- Purpose: If you want to search for coins, nails, or small objects close to the surface, a smartphone app may be enough. For deeper finds, such as relics or larger targets, a traditional unit is better suited.
- Budget: Smartphones give you a low-cost entry point. Traditional models vary in price from beginner-friendly to high-end units used in archaeological surveys.
- Accuracy: Professional detectors offer better object differentiation and depth control. They can often distinguish between types of metal, saving time and digging effort.
- Convenience: Mobile detectors shine in portability. They’re easy to carry, discreet in public spaces, and perfect for casual use on the go.
Key Takeaway: Smartphone metal detectors are great for beginners and quick surface searches, but traditional detectors remain the superior option for serious, in-depth exploration. Choose based on your goals—whether convenience and affordability or performance and precision.
Tips for Successful Treasure Hunting With Your Phone
- Start with Clean Terrain: Parks, yards, and driveways are good practice spots.
- Avoid Metal-Rich Areas: Rebar in concrete or underground pipes can cause false signals.
- Use Headphones: If your app provides sound alerts, use headphones for better focus.
- Move Slowly: Sweep your phone steadily across the ground for more accurate readings.
- Document Finds: Use a GPS-tagged app or notes to track interesting locations.
FAQs
Can smartphones detect gold or silver?
Not directly—smartphones detect magnetic fields, and gold and silver are non-magnetic. However, they may pick up on alloys or nearby metals.
Are metal detector apps safe to use?
Yes, most apps use your phone’s magnetometer. Stick to trusted app stores and avoid apps with excessive permissions.
Do I need internet access to use these apps?
No, most apps work offline as they rely on internal sensors.
Can I use my smartphone to detect underwater metal?
Phones are not ideal for underwater use, but some external attachments are waterproof and may sync with your device above ground.
How accurate are smartphone metal detectors?
They are accurate within a few inches, especially for ferrous metals. However, an external sensor or dedicated device is better for serious hunting.