PrivateHireKit
Phone mount and charger for driver apps
Running a driver app, navigation and sometimes a second app at once drains a phone fast. Pair that with a weak charger and your battery can fall during a shift even while plugged in. This is how to fix it.
The legal bit first
In the UK it is illegal to hold and use a phone while driving. You can use it hands-free if it's in a cradle and you aren't holding it. The Highway Code also says you must have a full view of the road, so place the mount where it doesn't block your line of sight. Set your route before you move off, and keep taps to a minimum.
Choosing a mount
| Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Air-vent clamp | Low, out of the windscreen, cheap | Can sag with heavy phones; heat from vents in winter |
| Dashboard (adhesive or suction pad) | Very stable, good viewing angle | Adhesive can mark some dashboards |
| Magnetic (MagSafe or metal plate) | One-handed, fast | Needs a strong magnet for bumpy roads |
| Windscreen suction | Easy to fit | Can block your view; check your licensing rules |
For a full shift, a dashboard or strong vent mount with a wireless charging pad is the most comfortable. If you choose wireless charging, make sure it's at least 15W, because slower pads can't keep up with navigation.
See wireless charging mounts See magnetic mounts
Choosing a charger
- USB-C Power Delivery (PD), 30W or more, on your port. Most modern phones charge fast on PD.
- Two ports so passengers can charge too. It's a small thing that earns good ratings.
- A metal body to handle heat better than cheap plastic chargers.
- A UKCA or CE mark and a known brand (Anker, Belkin, UGREEN and similar).
Cables and backup power
- Use a short 1 m cable for your phone so it doesn't tangle with the gearstick, and a 2 m cable that reaches the back seat.
- Keep a 10,000mAh power bank in the glovebox for the day a socket fails.
Battery-saving habits
- Turn screen brightness to automatic and use dark mode.
- Close apps you aren't using; keep only one navigation app running.
- Keep the phone out of direct sun on the dashboard in summer, because heat slows charging.
Last updated / হালনাগাদ: 2026-11-11