11 Easy and Comfortable Ways to Carry a Phone While Running

Co-authored by Kai Ng and Hannah Madden

Last Updated: August 25, 2021 References

There are tons of reasons you might want to bring your phone on a run, like tracking your route, calculating your pace, and listening to music. However, running is all about being lightweight and aerodynamic, and carrying your phone in your hand doesn’t really fit in with that. Thankfully, there are a few different ways you can keep your phone on you without just holding it in your hand. Try out a few different pieces of gear to see which one you like best before heading out on your next run.

1

In your pocket.

If you’re lucky enough to find running shorts with a pocket, that is. Try to find shorts or pants with zippered pockets so your phone can’t fly out as you run.^{[1]
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- Skin-tight shorts, like Spandex, are less likely to have pockets than baggy pants or shorts.
- Some biker shorts are made specifically with a large pocket at the top to hold your phone.

2

On an armband.

You can still glance at your screen with this accessory. Strap an armband around your upper arm, then attach your phone to keep it with you as you run.^{[2]
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- Look for an armband that fits snugly around your upper bicep.
- Make sure you purchase a model that fits your phone! Some armbands can fit different models, but not all.
- Watch out for bad weather—if it’s raining, you might want to seal your phone in a plastic bag before you head out.
- Armbands are great with tank tops and T-shirts, but they can get a little bit annoying over jackets or sweatshirts.

3

Inside a wrist wallet.

Similar to an armband, this wallet uses your wrist instead. Zip your phone into this pouch and slide it onto your arm to carry your phone with you.^{[3]
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- Try to find a wrist wallet made of a lightweight material, like a cotton blend. That way, it won’t weigh down your arm as you run.
- This is a great option if you’re worried about tiring out your arms with a heavy armband.
- Wrist wallets also protect your phone from the elements, so they’re good for rainy days.

4

In a hand strap.

If you like to look at your phone while you run, this one’s for you. Slide your phone into this protective case, then use the loop on your hand as a handle while you run.^{[4]
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- While phones don’t weigh much, adding weight to one side and not the other can get a bit irritating on a long run.
- Adding a strap is much easier than holding your phone the whole time, since you can relax your hand slightly without dropping your phone.

5

Tucked into your sports bra.

If you get a sports bra with a pocket, you don’t have to worry about your phone falling out. Look for sports bras with a built-in phone holster so you can carry your technology on your back.^{[5]
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- If your sports bra doesn’t have a pocket, it’s not the best spot for your phone, since it might get sweaty or fall out.
- Usually the pockets are on the back of the sports bra, so your phone won’t dig into your skin while you run.

6

On a magnetic clip.

This clip can keep your phone from falling out of your sports bra while you run. Slide your phone into the pouch, then put it in the back of your bra. The magnetic clip will hold it in place.^{[6]
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- This is a great option if you don’t want to buy a brand new sports bra just for holding your phone.
- You can find these clips online by searching for “Koala Clips.”
- The pouch is sweat-proof, so you don’t have to worry about any water damage to your screen.

7

Inside a running belt.

These belts are a little smaller than fanny packs, so they’re super lightweight. Tuck your phone, your keys, and your wallet into the zippered pouch to keep them contained on your run.^{[7]
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Expert Source

Kai Ng
Certified Running Coach
Expert Interview. 25 May 2021.}
- Make sure your belt fits you well! Too big and it could fall off; too small and it could compress your breathing.
- Running belts are made specifically for runners, so they won’t bounce up and down or give you any chafing as you move.
- Belts can take a little bit of getting used to, but most of them are so light that you can’t feel them at all.

8

Zipped into a hydration belt.

Hydration belts are like running belts, but they’re bigger. Strap your water bottle to the outside and zip your phone into the pocket on the front.^{[9]
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- Since these belts are a bit bigger than running belts, you might get a bit more bouncing and swaying as you run.
- Look for a hydration belt that fits your waist perfectly to avoid unnecessary bouncing and movement.
- If you run in bad weather a lot, find a hydration belt made of synthetic materials to keep water out.

9

In a water-carrying backpack.

If you’re already taking one with you, it’s the perfect spot for your phone. Tuck your phone into the side pocket to keep it safe while you stay hydrated.^{[10]
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- Most water-carrying backpacks are small and lightweight, so you don’t have to worry about added weight.
- If you weren’t already planning on using a water backpack, don’t worry about it. You shouldn’t use one just to carry your phone.

10

On your water bottle.

Carry your drink and your phone in the same hand. Buy a phone case with adhesive straps, then attach it to your water bottle before you head out.^{[11]
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- This does mean that you’ll have to carry your water bottle, though, which can be annoying.
- It’s a great solution if you don’t want to wear something on your body.

11

In a race vest.

If you carry a lot of items, this vest is your best bet. When you’re going for a long run, put on a race vest to carry your water, your phone, your keys, and your wallet.^{[12]
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- You can find lightweight race vests for under $100 at most sporting goods stores.
- Race vests help to spread out the weight of all your items so you don’t get sore shoulders.

References

More References (3)

Expert Q&A

Question

How can I stop my phone from moving around so much in my pocket when I'm running?

Kai Ng
Certified Running Coach
Kai Ng is a USATF and RRCA Certified Running Coach at Run Coach Kai. Kai has competed in over 55 races and over 15 marathons, and has trained with 16x USA and World record holder Patti Catalano Dillonso. He specializes in coaching runners of all levels and showing people that everyone can be a runner. Kai is committed to helping his clients reach their goals by showing them how to run with proper form and holding them accountable to train consistently.

Kai Ng

Certified Running Coach

Expert Answer

There are actually running tights with pockets in them that are perfect for this. They have really snug pockets, so your phone doesn't move around.