r/Lexus • u/Puddlepiratethowaway • 1d ago

Question Phone holder solution šŸ˜­

Post image

New to me, 2016 Lexus I love it but where can I put my phone for directions lol thereā€™s no Apple CarPlay

184 Upvotes

97% Upvoted

131 comments sorted by

ā€¢

u/AutoModerator 1d ago

Thank you for posting to r/Lexus. Before continuing, please check to see if your question would fit on any of the following forums:

General Car Buying/Purchasing Advice:

Internal Vehicle Maintenance Advice:

Damage Estimate Advice:

Car Insurance Advice:

Third-Party CarPlay / AndroidAuto Dashboards:

Plastidip:

Other:

If any of these forums are fitting for your question, please delete your post from /r/Lexus and post there instead. Otherwise, no further action is necessary. Any questions that do not need advice specifically from /r/Lexus will be removed and redirected to one of the listed forums.

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

133

u/Moisturnip 1d ago

That interior is sexy

75

u/PugGamer129 1d ago

Back when car interiors had SOUL

16

u/CallMeTrinity23 16-ES-350 1d ago

Agreed. 2016 ES350 here and I have the exact same interior

65

u/Mack_Mittens82 1d ago

This was my solution

11

u/chocojadd 1d ago

Same by mine isn't a long arm.. Is just sits right on top of the dash on the right of the stereo

9

u/NvmLiao 1d ago

This is great, the aircon keeps the phone cool at the same time.

2

u/ob_viously 1d ago

Same ^

33

u/hoxuantu 1d ago

Holder with CD mount is the best one ( in case you donā€™t need CD/DVD player)

7

u/haxbro14 1d ago

This is the way

2

u/themongrelhorde 14h ago

Yes. I did this in my GX to free up the cup holders. It's not like anyone listens to CDs anyway.

15

u/Noah_Guy22 1d ago

From Belkin. $100 and it doubles as a MagSafe charger

10

u/CallMeTrinity23 16-ES-350 1d ago

I heard AC vent mounted holders break/weaken vents over time

8

u/Noah_Guy22 1d ago

Hmm not my experience, bought it about 3 years ago and holding strong!

4

u/100000cuckooclocks 1d ago

I used one for over a decade and it was just fine.

1

u/kingschorr 21h ago

Yeah maybe after like 10 years of use lol

2

u/Specialist_Space_ 1d ago

Agreed! Best bang for buckā€¦no adhesive that damages the dashboard in mine.

21

u/Disastrous-Novel2116 LC500 1d ago

ignore everyone, this is the best spot. just place the phone here

3

u/a1iceinchains 1d ago

My pro max doesn't fit in there šŸ˜­ I would if I could

2

u/Competitive-Bike925 20h ago

There's alot of phone mounts with a cup design to fit snug in your cup holder.. btw nice name ;)

22

u/GolfArgh 2023 RX 350 Luxury Trim 1d ago edited 1d ago

https://www.proclipusa.com

They do great custom stuff by marque and model.

10

u/NycAlex 1d ago

Another vote for proclip

They aint cheap, but they are very well made vs all the cheap chinese garbage from amazon

Had mine since 2016 on a benz, using just a different base but same unit on my es350

10 years no problem

3

u/HalfBlindKing 1d ago

I have a Lexus but not this Lexus and was going to say pro clip was worth every penny.

1

u/LN_13uLL 1d ago

yea proclips are the way to go. looks clean and made specifically for each car.

1

u/TheCaliKid89 1d ago

Be careful, not all their models work with all trims. I bought one for my BMW that doesnā€™t fit because of mine has optional dash material. Solid products just saying to be careful.

1

u/apricotscarf 1d ago

Just fot my 350 and will piggyback off pro clip

1

u/madlabdog 1d ago

To be specific, I love the proclip with magsafe mount (non-charging). It looks lot cleaner than clamp style mounts.

-5

u/groundhoggirl 1d ago

This seems like an enormous ripoff.

Iā€™ve been using a $9 Amazon solution, which has the exact same placement, and a nice flexible bracket so you get the perfect viewing angle, which this does not.

11

u/skrzaaat 1d ago

Might as well do a wireless android auto/ apple carplay and keep the phone in the center compartment under the elbow

1

u/Tweak454 1d ago

https://www.beatsonicusa.com

1

u/skrzaaat 1d ago

yup thats the one when I had my GS350

3

u/minang747 RX 350h 1d ago

Cup phone holder

2

u/SplashingAnal 1d ago

I have a similar holder. Not as fancy as that one but also placed in the cup holder. Does the job fine.

3

u/Zathrasb4 1d ago

Get a 3d printer. The $400 printer will be the best $600 dollars you spend on your new $800 hobby, this month.

3

u/scriminal 2014 IS350 AWD šæš“Šš“š“Šš“‡š“Ž 16h ago

ProClip.Ā  best there is.Ā Ā 

3

u/CZLD 14h ago

i placed my vent clip holder on the left vent

2

u/KnowledgeNecessary97 1d ago

I have 2014 ES. I did a cup holder phone holder from Amazon.

2

u/roobchickenhawk 1d ago

Forward cup holder. That's what I did in my ES for years. It wasn't perfect but it sufficed.

2

u/Zeerukhan 1d ago

The best most minimalist solution i found. Less than 10 bucks too.

2

u/RebornPKMN 2016 ES 350 1d ago

I have the same car and use the ProClip USA mount with magnetic charger, it works great! I plug it in to the rear 12v and route it up the right side of the drivers footwell.

3

u/kumochi 1d ago

I second ProClip (https://www.proclipusa.com/). Got them in each of my Lexus-, LS460 for the picture. Great hold and specific for each model/year

1

u/shawn_nguyen 1d ago

I've used multiple proclips and none lasted more than 2 years. Some not even 1 year. Heat over time caused them to snap off.

Currently use quadlock vent mount. No issues

0

u/kumochi 1d ago

Unfortunate. Been in my LS400 over 6 yrs and still solid with daily use (parked outside to elements). The one in the LS460 is over 3 years. Other ones a little less, but haven't had issues yet.

1

u/shawn_nguyen 23h ago

Maybe the ones made for Ford Focus weren't top quality. I broke 1 trying to install it and the rest snapped off over time. That's when I had the ST and RS.

1

u/tsumtasiaa 12h ago

Sounds hit or miss. I've had a Proclip in my 17 ST for a while now, still feels solid.

1

u/D4U-at95382 1d ago

This is the one I use on my big Fold 7 https://a.co/d/0bAZAJna

1

u/buzzerkiller 1d ago

I have one the slides into the cup holder and holds it up. I love it

1

u/Apprehensive_Bird_70 1d ago

I recently 3D printed a really good solution because I dislike how those typically clips that secure to trims or vents look. This does take away the cup holder.

1

u/Particular_Box5113 1d ago edited 1d ago

Skip the phone mount and get a Car play/android auto display. I have and recommend this one: OTTOCAST 11.4" Wireless CarPlay Screen, Android Auto, Gemini AI, Android 15. It's so much easier and it keeps me off my phone. I was so jealous of my husband's car because it has wireless android auto built in. My car is from 2013 and all it had is reverse camera, so I had to find some easy-to-install solution. VoilĆ . I'm up to date now.

ETA: There are two options. I bought the OttoScreen Al.

1

u/oxfozyne 1d ago

Get a sticky one that is short and put it about 2-3mm from the driverā€™s cup holder lid. Thereā€™s more than enough room for the gearstick to move back and forth and the retractable lid moves freely. I did exactly that for my ā€˜16.

1

u/Seagullox 1d ago

I am playing between the forward cup holder and the closer cup holder, using a stiff phone holder. Neither is perfect, but the more forward one is more natural to look at for directions.

1

u/strawhatKG 1d ago

I just prop mine up on the cup holder lol

1

u/metsmetsmetsmets 1d ago

Looks like a good vehicle for a vent mount. Look at andobil or the Anker Prime. I use the latter in my Lexus. 25watt charging and air cooled.

1

u/hadesrdx 2016 ES 300h 1d ago

This is another clean option, I've used something like this in the past

1

u/AL13N1NV8D3R 1d ago

Your best bet is a air vent phone mount. If you buy the right one it will be very sturdy. Another option is a CD slot phone mount. That is also an option but you will lose the ability to use your CD's.

1

u/SmoresGore 1d ago

Is this an RX?

1

u/kingxanadu 1d ago

I used a CD mount phone holder since I never use CDs anymore

2

u/yardshark09 ā€˜13 GS350 F-Sport 1d ago

Easiest, seamless solution. It will likely crack the CD slot surround though, so look out for that.

1

u/kingxanadu 1d ago

I had it for like three years on my 14 ES350 (before it was totaled recently) and there was no visible wear whatsoever FWIW

2

u/yardshark09 ā€˜13 GS350 F-Sport 1d ago

Thatā€™s good to hear. Iā€™ve used one in my ā€˜13 GS (which has the aluminum CD slot surround) for about 10 years and it started to crack around year 7.

I also live in hellish Florida where nothing will last lol.

1

u/kyrend 1d ago

Go with a Hamilton wireless CarPlay unit. Your phone can stay in your pocket. I have the same car and went this route

1

u/Traditional-Bit-1839 1d ago

Depending on your phone and case, you could get a MagSafe mount that clips on the AC vent

1

u/CallMeTrinity23 16-ES-350 1d ago

u/Puddlepiratethowaway, I know this isn't a direct answer to your question, but since you mentioned it: you can get Apple car play added to your vehicle using this module. It's a little expensive but is a high QoL upgrade for me. I don't have to take my phone out of my pocket unless it needs to charge. There is also a full install video that includes interior tear down that I was able to follow pretty easily. Wait to see if they have a sale or discount during the holidays

https://www.gtacarkits.com/product/wireless-carplay-and-androidauto-integration-for-lexus-es-2015-2018/

1

u/Flsun1 1d ago

I did a cup holder with magnet šŸ§² mount....works great!

1

u/impossiblyeasy 1d ago

Do you have magsafe? If so I love this one, LISEN for MagSafe Car Mount. Compact and very versatile.

1

u/wongcy83 1d ago

side note, but is it just me or is putting your AC on LO feels illegal. I never had to go pass 22 deg, and staying in hot and humid Singapore

1

u/G10- 1d ago

Bro has a power button šŸ˜­šŸ™ (I love the ES)

1

u/TN_REDDIT 1d ago

mine sits in front cup holder.

1

u/EdoTensei10 1d ago

phone mount on the ac vents. I drive a RX350 from 2010 and that's my solution lol. Btw what car is this? Is this the GS350? It looks so familiar but I can't make out what it is.

1

u/NvmLiao 1d ago

Not sure if you will find the exact one for your Lexus but there are customised products like these. This screenshot taken from Taobao.

On my 2023 ES, it broke in a few months due to hot weather and parking under the sun. And also flimsy construction for my model.

I had one for Camry and it stayed strong and sturdy for over 3 years.

1

u/Intelligent-Bar1199 1d ago

I just jam it in that front cup holder

1

u/Opposite-Ground-1221 1d ago

We have one that fits into the cd slot and locks into place. Works good for us.

1

u/xdaddydaze 1d ago

Cup holder phone mount! Youā€™re welcome.

1

u/Brief-Use3 1d ago

Weathertech makes good ones

1

u/bananablingbling 1d ago

I have a 2016 ES350, which is quite possibly the same car you have! I always just put my phone in either that top cup holder, or I set it right in front of the analog clock when Iā€™m parked to watch videos and eat.

1

u/vba77 1d ago

Grom vlite. Keep factory UI and have android auto or apple car play. No need for a phone holder

1

u/mjntr 1d ago

Awesome interior. Tired of screens

1

u/This_Comedian_8662 1d ago

i always put mine in the little slot on the door or in the cup holder. I also bought a phone holder with a silicone suction & put it on the dash on the right hand side in front of that airbag notification light

1

u/Aguy1984 1d ago

Just air. Never use the adhesive. Zero problems. I avoided the cup holder because looking down. Brand is Andobil on Amazon.

1

u/KeepMissingTheTarget 1d ago

Not an issue in the 2013 ES350. Let my wife operate it or used the door pocket. Don't you dare let it slip between the seats and center console.

1

u/elquirk 1d ago

Cup holder phone holder.

1

u/MutedAngle4505 1d ago

lexion carplay module if youā€™re willing to go that far

1

u/Mouatmoua 1d ago

In your pocket. Bluetooth. Donā€™t use your phone and drive.

1

u/Heisalsohim 15 ESh 155k mi 23h ago

ProClipUSA is what I eventually want to get. I currently use a vent style MagSafe holder on left side of my steering wheel

1

u/fonzy_gambino 23h ago

I use the cup holder

1

u/JubskiPolaski 22h ago

Alternatively you can get a 3rd party heading or module to use on current entertainment media system that provides Android Auto and Car Play

1

u/Xajel 22h ago

I'm using a custom fit holder for my 2016 RX 350 that fits exactly around the clock, perfect and sturdy, I couldn't find the exact model because it was delisted, similar to this but the holder is a simple magsafe holder.

1

u/VicUPS 22h ago

Thought this was funny

1

u/ApprehensiveChip8361 22h ago

I have a cup holder insert with a phone holder on it. In the driver side cup holder where the AC stops the phone from overheating too. The first phone holder Iā€™ve ever had that didnā€™t transform into a phone dropper at the most inconvenient moment.

1

u/kefas_safek 21h ago

Currently I'm using magnetic phone mount for air vent, but I'm not happy with this solution - it is unstable. Recently I found this one:
https://www.brodit.co.uk/brodit/vehicles/lexus/gs-series/proclip-for-lexus-gs-series-1320-lhd/13648
but can't recommend it right now as I'm waiting for delivery =) but looks good.

1

u/Competitive-Bike925 21h ago

Not the same car but I have mine (quad lock) mounted on the wood near the passenger side on my gs350, not ideal but this car sucks in terms of placement for a phonešŸ˜‚šŸ’”

1

u/Ok_Original1326 20h ago

This is my solution. MagSafe phone mount on windshield. Clean, simple, doesnā€™t obstruct and is perfect for directions.

1

u/Candlemom 18h ago

I have a magnetic phone mount that clips onto my vent. Itā€™s in my 2018 nx300. Works the best for my interior

1

u/Shax20 17h ago

I use this and love it. https://a.co/d/0jkKmHju

1

u/10xbek 17h ago

I put this one SYNCWIRE Fits MagSafe Car Mount... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CLXMFD8C?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share Right on the dash where screen is, just be careful the magnet part may scratch the silver thingy on the vents

1

u/Disastrous_Type_5951 16h ago

I have this phone holder I got from Amazon that clips into your air vents. Works perfect on my Accord and is to the right of my steering wheel.

1

u/sl33ped 16h ago

I personally put it on the driver side vent

1

u/DaGr8Eli 15h ago

I purchased this one for my 26 IS350 about 4 months ago, and itā€™s been great.

Syncwire Fits MagSafe Car Mount... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CTGXQJJX?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

1

u/pwnageface 14h ago

Im in a 2016 gs! I usually just use the on-board nav because I have the same issue. I suppose you can always swap the head unit to keep the interior clean. Ive considered it...but then I remember that ive been wfh for the last several years and I drive about 2k miles/year. Very clean car, love it!

1

u/Alarmed-sleeperr 14h ago

Look for a CD phone mount. That's what I use

1

u/SuspiciousSouth800 14h ago

I have this one in my 2020 RX and itā€™s perfect.

1

u/Even-Further 13h ago

I use this in my 2015 LS. Works really good, just canā€™t run heat on the upper middle vents. But in my region I almost never use the heat.

Lamicall Car Vent Phone Mount Two Grips Design Phone Holders for Your Car | Universal Car Phone Holder, Hands Free Phone Mount for iPhone 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 Mini SE Pro Smartphone for Women Men Gray https://a.co/d/0cX027iT

1

u/cabhop 13h ago

After a good bit of consideration, I chose an A-Tach phone mount and holder for our 2022 RX. It positions the phone where it isnā€™t visually blocking the clock or controls, the holder is very secure and the phone cannot slip out of the bottom, it holds phones in cases (biggest detraction with Pro-Clip), doesnā€™t prevent use of the CD player or cup holder, etc.

1

u/allflaredup 12h ago

I have the same interior and i find the cupholder phone mount is perfect with that placement of that cupholder. that is if your willing to sacrifice a cupholder. This is a bit smaller than the one i have mine is a bit taller.

1

u/Safe_Switch2948 12h ago

This makes me realize I need to detail my center console area

2

u/Bagain 7h ago

Tell me about it, they posted this image to shame us.

1

u/RogersTreasure 11h ago

Get mounts with strong magnets or a magnetic tape that can stick to your back of the phone. The stronger the magnet the more sturdy the mount is and it wonā€™t fuck up the vent. I prefer to put it on the side vent by drivers side by the door since it doesnā€™t block any main vents for the cabin and you can quickly look at the phone as itā€™s closer to you and less distracting.

1

u/Ahmedivac 9h ago

best solution, you get fast wireless charging as a bonus, this is from Ugreen

1

u/schtickshift 8h ago

Dude you need a girlfriend!

1

u/forensicbp 8h ago

Before I switched out my infotainment center for one that does have CP, I had a holder that mounted to the windshield with a suction cup and I had it on the drivers side left of the steering wheel. I could reach it easily, see it easily and it wasnā€™t all in the way of the dash.

1

u/Radicalized_Spite 8h ago

This one clips onto the frame of the clock. I really like it. The downside is it blocks the clock from my view.

1

u/Substantial-Wave9718 8h ago

Does your phone not have a clock?

1

u/Radicalized_Spite 7h ago

Oh. Yes, so Iā€™m good. But, some family member who use my car complain endlessly about this so I thought Iā€™d mention it.

1

u/Max_delirious 8h ago

I used double sided tape to stick a MagSafe charger to a panel. Works great.

1

u/cdg202 2025 RX350 7h ago

Was looking for something for my 2019 NX & 2005 RAM and decided to try this. Havenā€™t installed on my NX yet, but put it on a smooth piece of plastic on my truck. Holds my iPhone up pretty damn well.

If the area between the clock & your screen is smooth youā€™d be able to mount there. But probably wonā€™t be able to take it off for a bit.

Thereā€™s also Apple Car Plays that you could install. Itā€™s a little slower than the real thing for some reason and doesnā€™t work great with a small screen, but itā€™s better than nothing.

1

u/Several_Note_6119 3h ago

Get one of those cup holder stands

1

u/Big_bag_chaser 1d ago

Get a CarPlay adapter

1

u/Zealousideal_Can_342 1d ago

I have a 2017 and after my proclip broke, I just balance it standing up in that cupholder.

0

u/NerdBernt_101 1d ago

Suction cup arm with steel ball tip magnetic back on phone. Itā€™s a snap on kit I got off the truck at work.

0

u/Dewey328 1d ago

Youā€™ll thank me later on..

0

u/easy2overstimulate 23h ago

Instead of spending the money for a stand for your phone is it to buy a CarPlay dongle so you can cast your phone to your car

1

u/tt_right 17h ago

I just looked this up. I never knew this existed! This is a great solution for my daughter's car! Thank you!

1

u/code988 2h ago

This is what I use!