What Is MagSafe, and How Do You Get It on Android or an Older iPhone? — Capes

MagSafe started as an iPhone feature, but the accessories it made popular (magnetic wallets, car mounts, stands and chargers) are now what people want on every phone. The good news is that the magnets don't have to be inside the phone. This guide explains what MagSafe is in plain words, which phones have it, and the two ways to add it to an Android phone or an older iPhone.

What is MagSafe?

MagSafe is a circle of magnets built into the back of the iPhone, around the wireless-charging coil. Apple introduced it with the iPhone 12 in October 2020, describing it as an array of magnets optimised for alignment and efficiency.

Those magnets do two jobs:

• Alignment for charging: a MagSafe charger snaps into exactly the right spot over the coil, so it charges reliably instead of slipping off-centre.
• Holding accessories: wallets, stands, grips and car mounts attach magnetically and stay on, with no clamp or adhesive on the phone.

The name also appears on MacBook chargers, where it means a magnetic charging plug. That is a different thing; on phones, MagSafe means the magnet ring.

Which phones have MagSafe?

iPhone 12 and later models have MagSafe built in, except the iPhone 16e. Older iPhones, the iPhone SE and almost all Android phones don't.

Some newer Android phones support Qi2, a wireless-charging standard whose magnetic profile is based on MagSafe. If your phone's spec sheet lists Qi2 with magnets, MagSafe accessories will attach directly. If it doesn't, use one of the options below.

Does MagSafe work on Android?

Yes, once you add magnets. MagSafe accessories need a magnet ring to grip, and an Android phone can get one in two ways.

1. A MagSafe-compatible case. The magnets are built into the case, lined up where the accessory sits. This is the neatest option and the one we recommend if a case exists for your phone.
2. A magnetic ring. A thin ring fixed to the back of the phone or of a normal case. It works on almost any phone, which makes it the answer for models without a magnetic case.

Clear Armour is also available for the Galaxy S26, S26 Plus and S25 Plus in our Clear Armour collection.

One thing a ring or case does not change: whether your phone charges wirelessly. The magnets give you the hold; charging still depends on your phone supporting wireless (Qi) charging.

MagSafe vs non-MagSafe case: what's the difference?

A MagSafe case has its own ring of magnets. A normal case puts a layer of plastic between your iPhone's magnets and the accessory, which weakens the hold.

If you have a MagSafe iPhone and plan to use a wallet, mount or MagSafe charger, choose a MagSafe-compatible case. For which case material to pick, see TPU vs TPE vs Polycarbonate.

How do I get MagSafe on an older iPhone?

On an iPhone 16e, use a MagSafe-compatible case. On an iPhone 11, an older model or an iPhone SE, use a magnetic ring.

• iPhone 16e: both Capes Clear Armour and Impact Armour are made for the 16e, with N52 magnets in the case.
• iPhone 12 to 18 series: the phone already has MagSafe. A MagSafe-compatible case keeps that hold strong through the case.
• iPhone 11 and older, iPhone SE: fix a magnetic ring to the back of the phone or your case.

What can you use once your phone is magnetic?

Capes MagLock wallets and mounts attach to MagSafe iPhones directly, and to Android phones or older iPhones once they have a magnetic case or ring.

See everything, including MagSafe cases, in MagSafe accessories.

Make your phone magnetic

Start with a MagSafe case or a magnetic ring, then add the wallet or mount you need. Browse all MagSafe and MagLock accessories. Outside India? Shop on capes.co.

Written by Capes. Last checked: 9 October 2026.