# Wall Stud Detector

> Mobile stud detector utilizing magnetometer to find metal fasteners in wall studs. (iPhone/iPad app by Landon Mutch.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/wall-stud-detector/id1134817906 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Landon Mutch](https://appshunter.io/developer/902820684)
- Category: Utilities, Productivity
- Price: Free
- Rating: 1.50/5 from 274 App Store ratings · 131 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 8.0 · 21 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2016-09-02
- Data updated: 2026-06-10
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/wall-stud-detector/id1134817906/reviews.md

## What is Wall Stud Detector?

Need to quickly detect wood studs hidden under drywall, plasterboard, or stucco in order to safely and securely hang a picture, shelf, TV or other wall fixture? Studfinder turns your mobile device into a stud detector tool! Studfinder uses your device's compass (magnetometer) sensor to precisely pinpoint metal studs, nails, screws, and other metal fasteners embedded in all wooden wall studs. A stud detector is essential for DIYs to securely hanging heavy wall fixtures and ensures the fasteners are well anchored in the solid wall studs hidden beneath the drywall.

This app operates in a similar manner to other hand-held stud detector tools: as you move the device along the wall, the LED lights light up in sequence as your device's magnetometer approaches the stud. However, modern mobile devices do not have a density sensor (which is used in real studfinder tools), so Studfinder uses your compass (magnetometer) sensor instead. The compass sensor detects subtle changes in the background magnetic fields caused by the conductive metal fasteners that are located in all wooden studs. Because of the lack of a density sensor in mobile devices, studfinder apps cannot detect wood studs themselves, but instead, detect the metal fasteners in the studs. Please keep this difference in mind when using Studfinder. 

Features:
- Automatic sensor check
- Active detection button
- Stability indicator (Green LED)
- 3 detection level indicators (Red LEDs)
- 10 sensitivity levels (for various drywall thicknesses)
- Toggle-able detection beeper
- Easy to follow, in-app DIY instructions

There is also a quick video tutorial that shows how the app works on my website: http://toadlybroodle.ca/portfolio/apps/stud-finder-app/

Thanks for downloading and using my app. I have constantly been updating and improving it since 2013, based on user feedback, in order to make it the most accurate, responsive, and easy to use stud finder app on the market. Please consider reviewing the app so future versions can be even further improved!

## Key features

- Detects metal fasteners in studs
- Uses device magnetometer
- LED indicators for detection
- Adjustable sensitivity levels
- Toggle-able detection beeper
- In-app DIY instructions

## What do users think of Wall Stud Detector?

Overall sentiment: negative

**Pros**

- 👍 Works as expected
- 🚀 Sensitivity adjustment is helpful
- 💡 Useful for finding studs

**Cons**

- 🐛 Inconsistent performance
- 💸 Paywall for full functionality
- 📺 Excessive ads
- 🔍 Unable to detect studs

**Commonly reported bugs**

- Crashes on launch
- No response from detect button
- Incompatible with certain devices

**Most requested features**

- Improved stud detection accuracy
- Reduced ad frequency
- More affordable pricing

## Recent user reviews (10 of 131)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/wall-stud-detector/id1134817906/reviews.md

### 1/5 — Junk!!!!!!!!

*2023-11-23, version 1.1*

Junk!!! Don’t wast your time with this app!

### 5/5 — They Must’ve updated the software! Legitimately works for me!

*2023-11-23*

Tried the old fashioned way of finding the stud but after about 6 5/32 holes in my wall I decided to turn to an app and with nothing to lose I ignored the bad reviews and gave it a shot. Turns out it worked. Just turn the sensitivity all the way up, turn on the beeper and remember to point your camera at the wall and don’t put it on the wall!

### 1/5 — Useless App

*2023-06-22, version 1.1*

Nothing happens

### 1/5 — Does not work

*2023-05-21, version 1.1*

Every time I push detect it goes str8 to an ad

### 1/5 — Not a stud in my wall

*2023-01-02, version 1.1*

Didn’t detect a 1 really bad app

### 1/5 — Don’t waste your time

*2022-04-03*

Doesn’t work as advertised. You have to buy it so you can use it.

### 1/5 — I think my house is made of ginger bread ! My home has NO STUDS 🤔

*2022-03-14, version 1.1*

Wow ! This app is completely FAKE ! No time to even put my phone towards the wall without pop up adds ! Don’t waste your time ! I’d rather spend money on a stud finder in Amazon 💁🏻‍♀️

### 1/5 — Don’t buy

*2022-03-03, version 1.1*

Terrible doesn’t work, and adds pop up in the middle f trying to find a stud

### 1/5 — Terrible

*2022-01-07, version 1.1*

App is just an app that has ads for other apps.  Its bs and a scam

### 1/5 — Does not work!!!

*2021-12-23*

Did you are going to offer an app then at least make it work! Total waste of time and aggravation!!!

## Frequently asked questions about Wall Stud Detector

### What does this app do?

This app turns your mobile device into a stud detector. It uses your phone's compass (magnetometer) sensor to find metal fasteners embedded in wall studs, allowing you to safely hang fixtures.

### How does the app detect studs?

The app detects subtle changes in magnetic fields caused by metal fasteners (nails, screws) within wooden studs. It does not detect wood directly, but rather the metal components that anchor it.

### Is this app free to use?

Yes, the app is free to download and use. There are no in-app purchases or advertisements mentioned.

### What devices is this app compatible with?

The app requires a mobile device with a compass (magnetometer) sensor. It is designed to work on drywall, plasterboard, and stucco walls.

### Can I use this app to hang heavy items?

Yes, the app is designed to help you locate studs accurately, which is essential for securely hanging heavy items like TVs, shelves, and other wall fixtures. It ensures your fasteners are anchored in solid studs.

## Version history (last 2 releases)

### 1.1 — 2016-09-02

This app has been updated by Apple to display the Apple Watch app icon.

-bug fixes
-updated links

### 1.0 — 2016-07-29

No release notes.

## Apps similar to Wall Stud Detector

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
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| [Stud Finder Wall Wood Detector](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stud-finder-wall-wood-detector/id6740814424) | 4.4 (1,790) | Free | Utilities |
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| [Metal Detector for iPhone](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/metal-detector-for-iphone/id1086511476) | 4.0 (348) | Free | Utilities |
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## More apps by Landon Mutch

- [StudFinder Tool](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/studfinder-tool/id902820681)
- [Wall Stud Finder](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/wall-stud-finder/id1134572179)

All apps by Landon Mutch: https://appshunter.io/developer/902820684

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*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 2026-06-10.*