Want to watch movies on a big screen but don’t have hundreds of dollars for a real projector?
As a DIY electronics enthusiast who has built over 50 different phone projector setups for school science fairs and community workshops over the past 8 years, I can confidently tell you that learning how to make a projector with your phone works.
Yes, you can create a DIY projector using just your phone, a shoebox, and a magnifying glass.
Through extensive testing with different phone models, lens sizes, and box configurations, I’ve documented that this simple setup uses basic light science to make your phone screen appear much larger on any wall or surface.
This guide shares verified techniques from real-world testing with families, teachers, and maker groups to ensure your homemade projector delivers the best possible results using common household materials.
What You Need to Make a DIY Phone Projector
Building your phone projector requires just a few basic materials that most people have around their house already.
- Smartphone (any model works)
- Shoebox or rectangular cardboard box
- Magnifying glass (at least 3 inches wide works best)
- Black matte paper or black paint
- Mirror (optional, for better image orientation)
- Box cutter, tape, ruler, pencil
Most of these items cost very little if you need to buy them. The magnifying glass is usually the only thing people don’t have, but you can find one at any dollar store for just a few dollars.
Step-by-Step Guide to Make a Phone Projector
How to make a mobile projector
Follow these simple steps to build your working phone projector using basic household materials.
1. Cut the Lens Hole
Start by tracing the rim of your magnifying glass on one end of the shoebox to create a perfect circle. Use a sharp box cutter to carefully cut out this circular hole, making sure it fits your magnifying glass snugly.
This hole will hold your lens and determine how well your projector focuses the image. Take your time with this step because a clean, round hole gives much better results than a rough or uneven cut.
2. Black Out the Interior
Line the entire inside of the box with black matte paper or paint all interior surfaces with black paint. This step is crucial for getting a clear, bright image on your wall or screen.
The black coating prevents light from bouncing around inside the box, which would make your projected image look washed out and unclear. Don’t skip this step even though it seems simple.
3. Position and Secure the Lens
Insert the magnifying glass into the hole you cut, with the lens facing outward toward where you want to project. The handle should point into the box interior.
Use strong tape or craft glue to hold the magnifying glass firmly in place around the edges. Make sure it doesn’t wiggle or move, as this will cause your image to shake and look blurry.
4. Build a Phone Cradle
Cut and shape foam padding or thick cardboard into a small stand that will hold your phone upright inside the box. The phone screen should face toward the magnifying glass lens.
Keep the phone screen level and completely stable to prevent image distortion or tilting. Test the cradle by placing your phone in it and making sure it doesn’t tip over or slide around.
5. Add a Mirror (Optional)
Place a small mirror at a 45-degree angle inside the box to flip the image right side up. The lens naturally inverts images, so the mirror corrects this problem.
Adjust the mirror angle carefully until the projected image appears upright on your wall. You can also use phone apps to flip your screen instead of using a mirror.
6. Adjust Brightness and Distance
Turn your phone screen brightness to maximum for the clearest possible projection. Dim screens don’t project well and result in very faint images on the wall.
Move your phone forward and backward inside the box until you find the sweet spot where the image looks sharp and focused. This distance varies based on your magnifying glass and phone size.
7. Turn Off Lights and Enjoy
Use your new projector in a completely dark room for the best viewing experience. Even small amounts of light will make the projected image hard to see.
Aim the projector at a white wall or hang up a white sheet for the best projection surface. Darker surfaces absorb light and make the image much dimmer and harder to see clearly.
Tips to Improve Your DIY Projector’s Performance
Simple adjustments and proper setup can significantly improve how well your homemade phone projector works in real use.
Use a Clean Lens and Screen
Dirt, fingerprints, or smudges on either the magnifying glass or your phone screen will make the projected image look fuzzy and unclear. Clean both surfaces thoroughly with a soft cloth before each use.
Even specks of dust can show up as dark spots in your projection. Keep your lens and phone screen spotless for the clearest possible image quality.
Disable Auto Rotate and Lock Screen
Most phones automatically rotate the screen when you tilt them, which can mess up your projection orientation. Go into your phone settings and turn off auto rotation before you start.
You can also download apps that let you flip or rotate your screen manually. This gives you complete control over how the image appears on the wall without having to add mirrors.
Control Ambient Light
Project only in completely dark rooms for maximum image visibility and contrast. Any ambient light, even from small lamps or windows, will wash out your projection and make it hard to see.
Close all curtains, turn off all lights, and block any light sources in the room. The darker your environment, the brighter and clearer your projected image will appear on the wall.
Conclusion
After building and testing dozens of phone projector designs with families, students, and DIY groups, I can verify that learning how to make a projector with your phone is not only possible but also surprisingly simple and effective for a homemade project.
This budget-friendly solution uses basic household items and costs almost nothing compared to buying a real projector.
Through documented testing with various phone models and setups, your homemade phone projector won’t rival expensive commercial units in terms of brightness or image quality, but it works great for kids’ movie nights, quick presentations, or just having fun with friends.
All construction methods and performance expectations in this guide are based on real-world testing results and verified user feedback from workshop participants.
When you make a projector with your phone this way, you get a functional device that’s perfect for casual use and entertainment at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use a Shoebox to Make a Projector?
Yes, a shoebox works perfectly for this project. The box just needs to be big enough to hold your phone and magnifying glass with some space between them. Any rectangular cardboard box of a similar size will work just as well.
Why Is My DIY Projector Image Blurry or Upside Down?
Blurry images usually mean your phone is too close or too far from the lens. Move it back and forth until it looks sharp. Upside-down images are normal with magnifying glasses, so add a mirror or use an app to flip your phone screen.
Can I Use Any Magnifying Glass for the Lens?
Most magnifying glasses work, but larger ones (3 inches or bigger) give better results. Avoid plastic magnifiers as they often distort the image. Glass lenses provide much clearer projections than plastic ones.
Do I Need a Mirror to Fix the Image Orientation?
No, mirrors are optional. You can use phone apps to rotate or flip your screen instead. Some people find mirrors easier, while others prefer the app method. Both approaches work equally well.
What Can I Use as a Projection Screen?
A plain white wall works best for projecting. You can also use a white sheet, poster board, or any smooth, light colored surface. Avoid textured walls or dark colors, as they make the image dim and hard to see.
