Metal Detector reads your phone’s magnetic sensor, so it may respond to nearby ferrous metal such as steel screws and nails. Detection depends on your phone and the depth of the metal. Where that sensor sits matters more than anything else.
Use the top edge
On most phones the magnetic sensor is near the top. Slide the top edge of the phone along the wall, not the middle. If nothing changes, try the top corners: on some phones the sensor sits to one side.
Go slowly
- Hold the phone flat against the wall, away from any screw, and let the reading settle.
- Slide it slowly sideways.
- Over a screw the reading jumps. Mark the spot, then keep going: screws in a stud line up from top to bottom.
Keep other metal away
Magnetic tool belts, drill bits, rings and metal phone cases all change the reading. Put them down before you scan.
Before you drill
A magnetic reading cannot identify wiring, pipes or a safe place to drill. Verify the wall with suitable detection equipment before drilling.
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