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Phone Tethers

I've only started looking for ways to keep my phone from getting lost, stolen or simply dropped while taking pics, using maps, etc.

I saw the products on Amazon where you insert the tabs to the lanyard part - but you need a double-sided case for this to work. I've never owned a double-sided case and never planned on using one. Is it worth it to buy just to use the tether or is there another kind of product or something you concoct yourself at home?

Thanks!

Posted by
9221 posts

Not sure if this what you mean but it's what I've been using for a year or so. I have an Otterbox case it works with: phone lanyard
The Otterbox I have is not two sided: amazon Otterbox The thin plastic tab fits through the opening that the charging cord goes through.

If I have a shirt or jacket pocket, I will put the phone in there rather than let it dangle, or it gets caught on things.

Posted by
13 posts

Yes - that's the lanyard type of product I saw on Amazon but it requires a 2-sided phone case (which I don't own). Do you think it's worth it to buy a 2-sided case just for traveling? I'm assuming that's a personal preference and also wondering if others have devised something of their own besides putting it in a pocket or bag (which I will when not in use but don't want it snatched while using the phone). Thanks!

Posted by
9221 posts

I guess I dont understand what you mean by a two-sided case.

If I'm out and about with no pocket, I'll just slip the dangling phone under my shirt or sweater.

Posted by
13 posts

Oh - it has sides on both the front and the back of the phone. I've only ever used a phone case that covers the back only (therefore can't insert the clip part of the lanyard).

Posted by
6780 posts

I have a similar case and lanyard. I do not have a cover on my phone top. The lanyard tab goes between the phone and the case that covers the back. The lanyard comes out of the hole for the charging connection.

Posted by
9221 posts

The link in first post (to the Otterbox I have) is one-sided.

What do you have your phone in now? Just bare?

Posted by
538 posts

I have two different ones. I change them out depending on what I need. Neither one has a cover on the front of the phone.

This smaller one if I am keeping the phone in a bag or daypack:

https://a.co/d/cELpFBz is the "tether" (you can use it with any kind of case that has the opening for the charger at the bottom) and this is the case I use with that (a soft silicon) https://a.co/d/diJ9gc9

The bigger one if I am out without any other bag (it has a snap pocket that hold DL and card):

https://www.bandolierstyle.com/collections/bandolier-crossbody/products/hailey-side-slot-leather-crossbody-bandolier-black-silver

Posted by
2833 posts

Take your phone out of the silicone case.
Place the tab in the case with the loop sticking out of the hole at the bottom.
Replace the phone in the case.
Attach the tether.

Posted by
1209 posts

There are no phone cases that cover ONLY the back. They always wrap around the sides. So phone tethers will work and the tab will fit.

Posted by
821 posts
Posted by
1179 posts
Posted by
21 posts

I picked up a cover from REI that has a wrist lanyard. It is from Lander.com . You can see examples on their web page.

Posted by
947 posts

How does your phone case stay on the phone if it covers the back only. Generally they cover the back and the sides and that’s how they stay on the phone. I’m just curious how this would work.

Posted by
13 posts

Yes, I posted earlier that it covers the back and the sides. These are all great ideas and links that have been posted and I will pick one soon! Thanks for all the quick help - love it!

Posted by
8156 posts

The “phone lanyard” link from stan’s first response is exactly what I got for our Africa safari tour, so that I wouldn’t fumble the phone while taking pictures of lions. elephants, etc. It worked - I didn't drop it out of (or inside) the Land Cruiser!

I also have a silicone case that covers the back and sides of the iPhone, with an open slot at the bottom that the tab with the ring for the lanyard clip fits thru. Without the lanyard now, the ring flips up and gets in the way of the charging cord slot, so I’m always having to dig the ring out of the slot space to pivot it out of the way so I can insert a charger cord, but that’s the only drawback for having a good way to keep the phone attached to me. The trapezoidal adhesive pad that sticks to the phone doesn’t absolutely need any cover or case of any kind to keep it stuck to the phone, but my case has saved the phone from breaking when it’s gotten dropped or knocked off a table or shelf, so it’s always on the phone, along with the lanyard ring stuck onto it.

Posted by
13 posts

If I just buy the sticky tabs, could I realistically use any lanyard (like for my work ID)? This is given that it has a clasp to hook onto the metal loop of the sticky tabs. I have a lot of nice lanyards from work so I'd rather use those than put more stuff out there in the world.

Posted by
2980 posts

You can buy the tabs without lanyard, dozens of choices, here is one: https://a.co/d/5vFxQgn

Just make sure whatever work lanyard you choose has a sturdy clasp and the lanyard itself is not one of the "break away" types - defeats the purpose if it has a quick release feature.

EDITED to add: also try it out before you travel - I personally ended up with a wrist lanyard because the neck one was much too long and my phone was swinging around all over the place.

Posted by
242 posts

I’ve been using this https://a.co/d/iZTeT9X for a few years and it works well for me. I like that there is the option to use it as a hand held or a neck lanyard.