Whether a phone charm will attach depends on your case, not your phone. Find your case type below and follow the steps. It takes about two minutes. These steps are written for Shinora phone chains, which come with a nylon attachment strap, but they work for most strap-style charms.
First, identify your case
| Your case has | Method | What you need |
|---|---|---|
| A small lanyard hole, usually in a bottom corner | Method 1: thread the strap | The nylon strap that comes with the chain |
| No hole, but an opening around the charging port | Method 2: strap under the case | The nylon strap, or a phone strap card |
| Built-in strap attachment points on the bottom edge | Method 3: use the attachment point | A strap or loop thin enough to pass through |
If your case has no hole and wraps fully around the charging port, use a strap card or switch to a case with a lanyard hole.
Method 1: case with a lanyard hole
- Take the case off the phone so you can see both sides of the hole.
- Push the loop end of the nylon strap through the hole from the outside in.
- Pull the loop back out over the edge, pass the tail end of the strap through the loop and pull it tight. This is a lark's head knot; it won't slip.
- Put the case back on, then attach the phone chain's loop or clasp to the strap.
Method 2: case without a hole
Most cases have an opening around the charging port. You can sit the strap inside the case so only its loop comes out through that opening.
- Take the case off.
- Lay the strap inside the case so the loop end pokes out through the opening at the bottom edge and the flat end rests against the back of the case.
- Press the phone back into the case. The phone holds the strap in place.
- Check that the strap doesn't cover the charging port or speaker, then attach your chain to the loop.
A phone strap card works the same way: it's a thin card with a loop that sits between the phone and the case. Keep the card at the bottom edge. If wireless or MagSafe charging becomes unreliable, reposition the card or use a thinner one.
Method 3: case with built-in strap points
Some newer cases have small attachment points on the bottom edge for a crossbody strap. If a thin nylon loop passes through the opening, thread it the same way as Method 1. If it doesn't, use Method 2 instead; don't force a strap through, which can damage the case.
Where to put a phone charm on an iPhone 17 (or Samsung)
- Bottom corner: the most common spot. The chain hangs naturally and stays away from the cameras.
- Next to the charging port: best for Method 2, since that's where the case has an opening. Keep the port itself clear so you can still plug in.
- Avoid the side buttons: a strap near the buttons gets pressed by accident.
- Samsung and other Android phones: the same rules apply; check where your case has a hole or opening.
Adding charms and straight sections
Shinora phone charms are add-ons with a split ring, so they clip onto a phone chain rather than attaching to the case directly. A straight crystal section has its own phone tab and split ring, so you can wear it alone or add it to a base chain for extra length.
Swarovski Pearl Crystal Phone Chain — $55
Our most versatile base, about 18 cm including the loop, with a nylon attachment strap included. Add a charm or a straight section whenever you like.
Swarovski Crystal Straight Phone Chain — $32
A straight line of Swarovski crystals, about 10 cm with a phone tab and split ring, in eight colors.
Not sure which chain to choose? Read our crystal phone chain guide or browse the phone chain collection.
Troubleshooting
- The case won't close over the strap: move the strap to the thinnest part of the edge, or use a thinner strap card.
- The strap slips out: make sure the flat end sits flat against the back of the case, not folded.
- The charm taps the screen: use a shorter combination, or attach the charm lower on the chain.
- Charging is blocked: move the strap a few millimeters to one side of the port.
FAQ
How do you attach a phone charm to a case without a hole?
Place the nylon strap or a strap card between the phone and the case so the loop comes out through the opening at the bottom edge, then press the phone back in.
Where should a phone charm go on an iPhone 17?
A bottom corner or next to the charging port opening, keeping the port itself clear.
Will a phone strap damage my phone?
The strap sits between the case and the back of the phone. Check that the case still closes snugly and that the port and speaker aren't covered.
Do Shinora phone charms attach to the case directly?
No. They're add-ons with a split ring that clip onto a Shinora phone chain. The chain attaches to the case with the included nylon strap.
Shop the edit: Bag & Purse Charms · Y2K Jewelry
Disclaimer
Shinora Studio is an independent studio. Our phone chains are not Swarovski-branded products, and we're not affiliated with Apple, Samsung or any phone or case maker.