Walk into almost any café or restaurant, and you’ll immediately see rows of glowing rectangles that all look nearly identical. We spend hundreds, sometimes thousands, on these devices, since cheaper ones can come with some serious privacy risks. Yet, most of us leave them looking exactly the way they did the moment we opened the box.
Just like the right pair of shoes or a great jacket can completely elevate an outfit, a few small tweaks can make your phone feel polished, personal, and a lot less like everyone else’s. Over time, I’ve experimented with both subtle and bold changes, and I’ve learned that it’s often the tiniest adjustments that most improve how my phone looks and feels.
Cases that show personality
Your phone’s outfit says more than you think.
Phone cases used to be purely functional. They were just layers of rubber or plastic meant to keep your screen from shattering the first time it hit the floor. But now, cases are like your phone’s wardrobe. The right case says as much about you as your sneakers or blazer.
If you’re into minimalism, a slim matte case in black or gray keeps things elegant. Cases with neon gradients, leather textures, or even built-in glitter are also available if you’d prefer something louder. Then, you also have the option of flip cases, if you’d like to make your phone look like a pocket-sized notebook. Some flip cases let you handle notifications without flipping your phone open, which is pretty cool. Meanwhile, clear, translucent cases allow your phone’s original design to stand out, but you can then add some personality with things like pressed flowers or geometric overlays.
I usually stick to a clean black case. It’s sleek, low-key, and gives me a neutral base on which to layer other customizations. But you don’t even have to stop with just the general design of the case. The little details—like colored camera rings or wireless charging guides — can turn a basic case into something more.
Imagine a sage green case with gold accents around the camera or an emerald green case with a golden charging circle on the back. Subtle pairings like these will make your phone look like yours, not everyone else’s.
Phone charms and straps are back
Your flip phone would be jealous.
If you owned a phone in the early 2000s, back when Nokias and flip phones ruled the streets, you probably remember the charms that dangled from it. They disappeared for a while, but now they’re back, and in many ways, they’re better than ever.
Beaded phone straps are leading the comeback. They add texture, color, and personality to your phone, and at the same time, they offer you a more secure grip. Whether you want something subtle or bold, there’s a style that can match your outfit or your overall aesthetic.
On my phone, I use a simple, slightly girlish beaded strap that hangs from my otherwise serious black case. It’s a small detail, but it creates the balance I like: playful but not overly whimsical.
Today’s charms and straps aren’t just the plastic trinkets you might remember. Many brands — and countless independent makers on Etsy — are creating straps that look more like jewelry than toys. Pearls, crystals, and mixed metals that were typically reserved for bracelets are now being used as phone accessories.
The key with charms and straps is to practice restraint. One charm that complements your look is awesome, but piling on five mismatched danglers can easily make your phone look like a throwback from 2003.
Stickers, grips, and rings
Tiny add-ons, big personality.
Stickers are still one of the easiest ways to give your phone a personal touch. You can go all-in with a theme, mix designs for a collage look, or just pick one standout sticker that feels like your signature. Most stickers are removable, which means you can swap looks as often as you like without being stuck with one design forever.
For a while, I had a small photo of myself on the back of my case, until it started feeling a little too vain. But that’s the beauty of stickers: they can carry whatever matters most to you, whether that’s Iron Man, your sibling’s face, or the logo of your favorite band.
Nowadays, I’ve traded stickers for sticky grips. One side sticks to your case, while the other has soft suction bumps that let you attach your phone to walls, tiles, or even some wooden surfaces. I use mine in the shower, all the time, to catch up on some of the best K-dramas streaming on Netflix, online courses, or YouTube, but it’s just as useful in the kitchen, at my desk, or even during workouts.
If you’re not a fan of plain flat stickers or sticky grips, phone rings are another option. They give you a secure way to hold your phone, double as a kickstand for streaming or video calls, and come in designs that can complement almost any case.
No matter which option you choose, a little color coordination with your phone or case goes a long way toward making sure everything looks well put together.
Screen protectors with personality
Yes, even glass can have a vibe.
Screen protectors used to be the most boring accessory you could buy. Now, they can actually add style as well as protection. Mine, for instance, has a tiny cutout for the fingerprint scanner, which, I think, makes my phone feel a little fancier.
Of course, style isn’t the only thing at play here. Screen protectors now come with features that improve how your phone works day to day:
It’s easy to think of screen protectors as just a practical add-on, but the right one can actually shift your phone’s whole vibe.
The beauty is in the details
The magic of personalizing your phone is in the details most people wouldn’t immediately notice, not in having really flashy cases or piles of stickers. A cohesive look almost always looks better than a chaotic one. The trick is to start with one element that speaks to you, then layer on small touches until it all comes together.
Think of your phone the way you’d think of clothes, shoes, or jewelry. It’s in your hand more than almost any other accessory, and it says just as much about your style. Give it some attention, and it’ll feel like part of your personal style.
