Magnetometer-based
Uses iPhone's built-in magnetic sensor — no calibration stickers or hardware.
iOS · Free
Find wall studs with your iPhone — no extra hardware.
Stud Finder uses your phone's built-in magnetometer to locate metal screws behind drywall so you can safely hang TVs, shelves, and artwork in seconds.
As featured in · (coming soon)
How it works
Three steps. No batteries. No extra hardware.
- 1
Scan
Hold your iPhone flat against the wall and sweep slowly.
- 2
Detect
The magnetometer spikes when it finds a screw or nail in the stud.
- 3
Find
Mark the center and you're ready to mount safely.
Why people ditch the hardware stud finder
Instant feedback
Visual and haptic cues the moment a metal fastener is detected.
Works offline
No internet required. Your data never leaves the device.
Edge detection
Helps you pinpoint both sides of a stud for accurate center marks.
iPhone-only
Tuned for iPhone hardware — simple to use, nothing to configure.
Free to use
Replace a $30 physical stud finder with an app that is free to download.
Stud Finder app vs. a physical stud finder
| Feature | Stud Finder app | Hardware stud finder |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | $20–$50 |
| Batteries required | ||
| Always with you | ||
| Haptic feedback | Some models | |
| Works on drywall | ||
| Offline / private |
Frequently asked questions
How does an iPhone find studs without extra hardware?
Every iPhone has a built-in magnetometer. Stud Finder watches for magnetic field spikes caused by the metal screws or nails that fasten drywall to studs.
Is the Stud Finder app really free?
Yes. The app is free to download and use on the App Store.
Does it work through every type of wall?
It works best on standard drywall with metal fasteners. It is not designed for solid concrete or exterior brick walls.
Does it need an internet connection?
No. Detection happens entirely on-device. Nothing is sent to any server.
Is it as accurate as a hardware stud finder?
For locating screws behind drywall, yes. Hardware detectors look for density changes; Stud Finder looks for metal — which is a very strong signal.
Does it work on iPad?
It is optimized for iPhone. iPad hardware varies and is not officially supported.
Which iPhone models are supported?
iPhone 8 and newer running recent iOS versions. Any iPhone with a standard magnetometer will work.
How do I get the most accurate reading?
Hold the phone flat against the wall and sweep slowly in a straight line. Sweep twice from each direction to confirm the peak.
Download Stud Finder — free
No signup. No hardware. Works offline.