How To Carry Your Phone While Running? (Can't Run Without It!)

It’s a fact of modern-day life that one of the first questions a newbie runner asks is: “Where to put your phone when running?”

If you want a heated discussion with a group of runners just slip “What’s your top choice to carry your phone while running?” into the conversation and wait for the sparks to fly. Everyone has their own ideas for what’s best when running with a phone.

Need a quick answer? These are the best phone holder for running options:

In a zipped pocket of your shorts or running tights.
Using an arm band.
In your sports bra or chest pouch of a race vest.
In a secure handheld device.
Or in a running belt.

✅ Keep reading to the foot of the post to get my favorite solution to keep your phone secure as you run! 😍 Alternatively, you can steal a quick peek here…

This review is based on my own independent product knowledge and testing. If you like what I do, you can support me through my chosen links. I may earn a commission but it’s at no additional cost to you. Learn more about my product recommendations.

where to put your phone when running — What’s the best way to carry your phone when you run? Find out here…

The Best Phone Holder For Running

Finding the best cell phone holder for running is a big deal. You could just hold your phone in your hand as you run, but your arm muscles will get tired and you won’t be able to run efficiently.

Clenching something tightly in one hand for several miles can set off all sorts of muscle imbalances. It’s really not a good idea. Plus unless you protect your phone with a plastic bag, it’s going to get very sweaty!

Find a way of stashing your phone safely. Just stuffing it in the waistband of your shorts isn’t the answer. You need a solution where it won’t bounce around and stays secure.

Read on to find the perfect phone holder for running!

Where To Keep Your Phone When You Run?

I’ve tried out a lot of solutions over the years and here’s my low down on how to carry your phone while running…

In Your Shorts Pocket

First up is a phone pocket in your running shorts. This can be a great solution for how to run with your phone if you find a pair of shorts you love with a secure pocket.

Make sure you avoid garments with just a stash side pocket. It may be easy access, but there’s a lot of up and down movement when you run – you don’t want your phone falling out and hitting the pavement.

Look for shorts with secure zippered pockets or something similar.

I’m a fan of these Baleaf Shorts. There’s also a men’s range with phone pockets and a cute running skort.

shorts with secure zipped pocket for phone or keys

I like the way these shorts have a zippered pocket in the waist for your phone – it doesn’t bounce around as much. There’s also lots of leg cover if you don’t want your shorts to be too revealing!

Just make sure the built in pocket is big enough for your phone. Ever since the iPhone 7 arrived on the scene, phones have needed BIG pockets. The iPhone 13 Pro Max is a whopping 6.33″ (160.8 mm) by 3.07″ (78.1 mm). Not many short side pockets will be big enough for this monster phone! I love these CRZ YOGA shorts but the 4″ pocket won’t fit many phones

The problem with keeping your phone in your running shorts is;

It can still get sweaty,
You can’t see the screen when you run,
Your most comfy shorts may not have a phone pocket!

Now personally I’d rather have my phone stashed out of sight – otherwise, it’s too distracting. Yet Strava fans may disagree and, of course, phones are handy for navigation when you’re following a new route.

So my next option is…

Strapped To Your Arm

This option works for a lot of runners with quick access to your phone as you run. There’s a huge range available and the ones that swivel on your arm are really neat! (If not even more distracting!)

I like the way this option is sweat-resistant and sits securely on your arm with adjustable straps.

It’s not a great option in bad weather; in heavy rain, it’s best to keep your phone out of sight in a plastic bag.

If strapping your phone to your arm works for you – go with it. I find I start to really notice the weight on longer runs. Maybe I just have puny arms – but you do feel a little unbalanced!

The next option is just for women…

In Your Sports Bra

Yes really! Now I have seen someone suggest you can stash your phone in the front of a North Face Stow-N-Go Bra! Wow. I have one and I just can’t work out how it would fit!

These sports bras are great for carrying your keys as you run, but your phone?

Of course, it makes far more sense to stash your phone down the back of your bra in a phone pouch. I was so excited to find this option!

The only problem…as any female runner will tell you, it can take years to find the perfect running bra. There just isn’t a one bra suits-all solution.

I love the colors and the idea but there’s just not enough support for most runners. It’s best to find a good high-impact running bra for your shape and find some other way of stashing your phone!

Just For Men – Phone Holder For Running

Now there’s nothing to say these phone holder running vests are strictly for men but I doubt many women want a phone banging against their boobs as they run.

I’m going to take a punt here and guess the sales on these Freetrain Running Vests are 100% male. I use running vests a lot but most are designed to fit around the chest.

This Freetrain V1 Running Vest comes with an adjustable waistband and enough space to stash your keys, gels, credit card along with your phone.

It works for shorter runs, but for longer training runs a full race vest is a much better option. Get extra space to stash spare gear for emergencies and carry fluids for hydration. Scroll down to see my favorites!

Opt For The Handheld Device

Yeah, but didn’t you say this wasn’t a good idea?

It isn’t unless you have one of these…

The case includes a strap that lets you hold your phone without gripping it. It means your hand doesn’t tire so easily or your shoulder clenches up as your run.

It’s a great solution but I would only use it for shorter runs or you’re still risking shoulder problems. You can also get versions without the handheld water bottle but this Nathan one really wraps securely around your hand.

In Your Race Vest

Now, this option is getting more pricey, but a race vest or hydration pack is just the best way to carry stuff when you’re running. Especially on long runs. I love a good race vest…

You can get some really lightweight race vests, ones you barely know you’re wearing. They’re the best option when you need to take water with you for running on a hot day.

race vest - good for running with your phone

This one’s my all-time favorite. Super lightweight – you won’t know you’re wearing it! f you can get it for less than $159 snap it up!

I know it’s not a cheap option but it’s a good investment for trail running or summer marathons – and a lush way of carrying your phone!

✅ The Best Way To Carry Your Phone When Running – Around Your Waist With A Flip Belt

Carrying your phone in a running belt, out of sight, is one of the most comfortable ways to carry a phone. I find I can just get on with running with no distractions. Plus it’s a great way to carry other small items such as your house keys or a gel.

There are many options for running waist belts but the Flip Belt comes out top. It’s one of the best pieces of running gear you can buy for carrying your phone securely as you run! Watch out for inferior imitations.

running belt - use it to hold your phone when running

It’s all in the name – slide your phone, your keys, anything you want to keep secure, in the large pouch and just flip it over to secure.

The Flip Belt sits neatly around your waist with no bounce. It’s quick and easy to reach your phone but it won’t slip out.

Black may be the most popular color but there are lots of options to choose from. I rather like the Neon Punch version – it’s bright! Nathan has a similar bounce-free belt with a zip pocket if you want the extra security.

Do you have a favorite way of carrying your phone when you run? I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments below…

If you’ve found this post helpful, you may enjoy my post about women’s running clothing and my other running-related articles:

Where to put phone when running?

Top ways to carry your phone safely when you run: in your shorts pocket, strapped to your arm, in your sports bra, a secure handheld device, in your race vest, or around your waist with a flip belt.

How do you carry your phone when running?

My favorite choice is around the waist with a Flip Belt or a running belt with a secure zip pocket. Alternatively for longer runs, especially for trail runs, opt for a race vest.

Do you carry your phone when you run?

Avoid carrying your phone in your hand as you run. It can lead to muscle imbalance and often causes shoulder problems. A waist belt is a much better option.

Best phone holder for running?

It depends. Do you want to look at your phone while running or stash it securely out of sight? A phone armband lets you view the screen while running which is good for navigation. The downside is it can cause shoulder strain on longer runs. A running belt or race vest are better options for longer runs.

Bob the builder

Saturday 27th of March 2021

I'm carrying my phone in the pocket of my jogging pants. If in shorts, the phone will be in the armband. No danger to falling, as it has a good protective case and display protection as well. No danger to sweat or rain either, since it's certified IP67.

Alison

Wednesday 31st of March 2021

It's often hard to find running tights and shorts with pockets that are big enough to take a phone. Especially if you want the pockets to have zipped protection to stop your phone falling out.

Tasktarea

Wednesday 21st of October 2020

That's a pretty good article ✨.. gracias!!

Tuesday 27th of October 2020

Thank you!