# Stud Find - Metal Detector > Detects magnetic metal objects like nails in wooden beams using device magnetometer. (iPhone/iPad app by Proteverse LLC.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stud-find-metal-detector/id328575868 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [Proteverse LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/287381015) - Category: Productivity, Utilities - Price: Free with in-app purchases - Rating: 3.00/5 from 244 App Store ratings · 143 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 8.4 · 19 MB - Languages: American English, Arabic, Dutch, Canadian French, German (Germany), Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Brazilian Portuguese and 7 more - Released: 2009-09-01 - Data updated: 2026-07-04 - Monetization: free with in-app purchases - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stud-find-metal-detector/id328575868/reviews.md ## What is Stud Find? NAIL DETECTOR Use your iPhone to find nails in wooden support beams within your wall, or any sort of magnetic metal hidden from view. For this app to work, the nails in your wall should be magnetic and your device (iPad, iPhone or iPod) should have a built-in magnetometer. This app does not detect non-magnetic objects, For example, aluminum or wood studs. DISCLAIMER: The performance of the app is limited by the construction of the wall, presence of a phone cover and/or the material of the nails in the studs. INSTRUCTIONS If your device has a external case, please remove before using this app. Calibrate your device’s magnetic sensor by moving the device in a "Figure 8" pattern. Then tap the "Intensity" reading displayed on the app to set the baseline to zero. To accurately detect nails using this app, on iPhone 5s and below, sweep with the right edge of the device against the wall. For iPhone 6 and above, sweep with the top edge of the device along the wall. Sometimes it helps to first figure out the location of the magnet (compass magnet) on your phone using a magnetic material so it becomes clear where to "mark" when you find a nail in the stud. Localization Credits: Laura Klein (French), Ilgiz Khisamov (Russian), Yasu Yu (Chinese), Cem Yolcu (Turkish) ## Key features - Detects magnetic metal objects - Locates nails in wooden beams - Utilizes device magnetometer - Requires magnetic materials - Instructions for calibration - Device-specific detection methods ## Pricing and in-app purchases Base price: Free. **One-time purchases** | Purchase | Price | Type | | --- | --- | --- | | Support Stud Find | $0.99 | one-time | ## What do users think of Stud Find? Overall sentiment: mixed **Pros** - 🔍 Accurately detects metal objects - 💡 Useful for finding studs without a dedicated tool - 👍 Easy to use and calibrate - 🚀 Works surprisingly well **Cons** - 🐛 Inconsistent or inaccurate stud detection - 📢 Intrusive ads - 🤔 Unclear instructions on how to use properly - ⚠️ Doesn't work on all phone models **Commonly reported bugs** - Meter reading stays at a constant value - App crashes or redirects to other apps - Fails to detect studs even in known locations **Most requested features** - More precise stud location indicators - Ability to detect wooden studs directly - Improved calibration process ## Recent user reviews (10 of 143) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stud-find-metal-detector/id328575868/reviews.md ### 1/5 — Not impressed *2022-09-15, version 4.1* So I read the reviews all seemed good and encouraging compared to others so I paid my money and can’t for it to find anything. I did the figure of 8 thing to calibrate my iPhone XR And there is basically no other instructions to assist me. Do I need to actually DRAG my shiny new phone alone a wall for it to detect anything? I think not!!!! Where are the clear instructions on how to use this app please? Money down And still unable to finish the job now ### 5/5 — Found the Stud *2022-05-11, version 4.1* Needed to find a stud to hang a heavy picture. Was lucky to quickly find a nail to identify a stud. In few minutes I had the picture hanging securely on the wall. You may have to explore up and down to find a nail. ### 5/5 — it worked *2021-02-15, version 4.1* Can’t believe it actually worked. Been download many app and none of it work. Download this as the last try and it actually worked without asking any charge nor too much ad. So happy! Thanks to the app developers ### 5/5 — It actually worked (for me) *2021-02-06, version 4.1* Just download it and test it to see if it works for you :) I give this app a 5 star cause it does what it says on the tin. Used an iPhone 8+ and it worked well first try. Before I knew stud finders on a phone was a thing, I just bit the bullet and drilled my own holes into the wall without any luck. ### 5/5 — Excellent App *2020-10-12, version 4.1* After setting the reading to zero (not mandatory), I moved a screw along the edge of my iPhone to see exactly where the reading shot up , which it did from 0 to about 350. Then I moved this edge over my wall until I found a place where it shot up. This is the place where a screw or nail is used to help secure a wooden stud in place. Thus I was able to find a stud. To find other studs” I repeated the process. ### 1/5 — Load of crap *2020-10-05, version 4.1* Got this stud finder to see if it works and it read 120 on a piece of paper and said metal detected however held it against a steel beam and it couldn’t find any metal so think it’s safe to say doesn’t work ### 5/5 — Accurate Stud Finder *2020-07-19, version 4.1* This is a great alternative to going out and spending money on a stud finder. During my project I ended up checking it with a real stud finder and it ended up being very accurate. This app is by far better than the other ones on the App Store because the ads are less frequent and disruptive! It’s easy to use and I highly recommend. ### 1/5 — Useless. *2020-06-18, version 4.1* Don’t know if I’m just an idiot or if this app just doesn’t work. It said 0-1 through my entire wall. It didn’t detect a dingle stud and changed randomly, even when I wasn’t using it. Frustrating waste of time. ### 5/5 — Lost washing line socket *2020-04-10, version 4.1* Our washing line post fits in a socket in the lawn. I usually struggle with an old metal detector to find it each year. This year, the batteries in the metal detector had failed and covered the battery compartment with ooh-nasty! Lemon juice and a brush cleaned it up and fresh batteries put it. Half an hour over the lawn produced nothing! I gave up and had lunch. While eating my sandwich I Googled my problem. Someone said they had tried an iPhone app which had worked. I searched and found this app and installed it. Hmmm interesting I thought as it found a screw in the table I was sitting at. After lunch I went back to the lawn and in less than 5 minutes had located the missing socket! Thanks Guys! The metal detector will be “retired”! ### 1/5 — ZERO!!!!!! *2020-03-31, version 4.1* ☹️ don’t work at all ## Frequently asked questions about Stud Find ### What does the Stud Find - Metal Detector app do? This app uses your device's built-in magnetometer to detect magnetic metal objects, such as nails, hidden within wooden support beams or behind walls. It helps you locate these hidden items without needing to see them directly. ### How does the app detect metal? The app works by sensing magnetic fields. For it to function, the objects you are trying to detect must be magnetic, and your device must have a working magnetometer. It cannot detect non-magnetic materials like aluminum or wood studs. ### Is this app free to use? The application is free to download and use, but it offers in-app purchases. These purchases may unlock additional features or enhance the app's functionality beyond the basic detection capabilities. ### What devices are compatible with this app? The app requires a device with a built-in magnetometer, such as an iPad, iPhone, or iPod. Performance can be influenced by factors like external cases, the construction of the wall, and the material of the nails being detected. ### How can I get the most accurate results? To achieve the best results, remove any external cases from your device before use. Calibrate the magnetic sensor by moving your device in a "Figure 8" pattern and setting the baseline to zero. Follow the specific sweeping instructions for your iPhone model for optimal detection. ## Version history (last 5 releases) ### 4.1 — 2016-07-12 This app has been updated by Apple to display the Apple Watch app icon. + Removed multiple ads on front app page upon request from users. ### 4.0 — 2016-06-01 + Move to Firebase + Ad Network Intergration ### 3.5 — 2016-04-11 - Bugfixes to improve stability ### 3.3 — 2016-04-04 Localizations and Internationalization * Chinese (Traditional & Simplified) * Spanish (Mexico & Spain) * Portuguese (European & Brazilian) * German * French * Japanese * Korean * Russian * Turkish * Hindi ### 3.2 — 2016-03-17 + Transition from iAds to Google Admob Ads. ## Apps similar to Stud Find | App | Rating | Price | Category | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Axon Device Manager](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/axon-device-manager/id1354735210) | 2.9 (18) | Free | Productivity | | [Metal Detector & Gold Finder](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/metal-detector-and-gold-finder/id1585634140) | 4.3 (126) | Free | Productivity | | [Stud Finder゜](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stud-finder/id1524134326) | 4.5 (4,334) | Free | Productivity | | [Metal Detector: Magnetometer](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/metal-detector-magnetometer/id6749177309) | — | $1.99 | Productivity | | [BeepTest - Phone Utility](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/beeptest-phone-utility/id1671971795) | 3.7 (26) | Free | Productivity | | [Stud Finder: Magnetic Detector](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stud-finder-magnetic-detector/id6479374791) | 5.0 (1) | Free | Productivity | ## More apps by Proteverse LLC - [Skye](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/skye/id1490631399) - [Elemental Rx - Periodic Table](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/elemental-rx-periodic-table/id6450026459) - [Films Rx](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/films-rx/id6469198529) All apps by Proteverse LLC: https://appshunter.io/developer/287381015 --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-07-04.*