Editor's Choice 2026

Can You Watch the Eclipse Through Your Phone?

You can do it, but only with proper filters. Stare through your lens without them and your sensor burns out. Instantly. Protect your gear if you want that shot.

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Our Picks

Compare Watch Eclipse Through Phone

Each product is independently evaluated and scored out of 10.

★ Top Pick
K&F CONCEPT 58mm ND1000000 Phone Solar Lens Filter with Press-on Mount Kit | 20 Stops Fixed ND Optical Glass Grey Neutral Density Filter for Phones for Eclipse Celestial Observations Photography - FP102 #1

K&F CONCEPT 58mm ND1000000 Phone Solar Lens Filter with Press-on Mount Kit | 20 Stops Fixed ND Optical Glass Grey Neutral Density Filter for Phones for Eclipse Celestial Observations Photography - FP102

Serious photographers seeking high-quality results.

£35.99

This is the top pick. Serious eclipse shooters need it. No other phone gear comes close.

Pros

  • Professional neutral density
  • Effective radiation blocking
  • Easy clip-on design

Cons

  • Higher price point
  • Specific mount required
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Absolute Eclipse Solar Filter Sheet 210 x 210 mm for Telescopes, Binoculars & Cameras - DIY Solar Film for Sun, Sunspot & Eclipse Viewing, OD 5.6, ISO 12312-2 Tested #2

Absolute Eclipse Solar Filter Sheet 210 x 210 mm for Telescopes, Binoculars & Cameras - DIY Solar Film for Sun, Sunspot & Eclipse Viewing, OD 5.6, ISO 12312-2 Tested

Budget-conscious users and DIY enthusiasts.

£23.95

Smart DIY solar filter. Cheap. Works well.

Pros

  • Cut-to-size flexibility
  • ISO certified
  • Cost-effective

Cons

  • Requires DIY assembly
  • No clip-on mount included
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Apexel 10 in 1 Phone Camera lens kit Wide Angle lens, Macro lens, Fisheye lens, Telephoto lens, Kaleidoscope 3/6 lens CPL/Flow/Star/Radial Filter Clip-on Phone for iPhone Samsung Most of Smartphone #3

Apexel 10 in 1 Phone Camera lens kit Wide Angle lens, Macro lens, Fisheye lens, Telephoto lens, Kaleidoscope 3/6 lens CPL/Flow/Star/Radial Filter Clip-on Phone for iPhone Samsung Most of Smartphone

Photographers who want multiple lens effects.

£24.99

It’s a great all-in-one kit. You do need a separate solar filter for eclipses though. Safety first.

Pros

  • Versatile lens options
  • Good value
  • Wide compatibility

Cons

  • No built-in solar protection
  • Bulkier than single filters
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Safety First: The Danger to Your Phone Sensor

Your phone looks tough, but that camera sensor is glass. Sunlight hits it like a magnifying glass. It burns the silicon in seconds.

One wrong shot kills your lens forever.

Do not look at partial phases without a certified filter. You will void your warranty instantly. The damage does not come back.

Buy a proper solar filter like the K&F CONCEPT ND1000000. It blocks dangerous radiation before it hits your glass. Protect your gear now.

Step-by-Step Setup for Safe Eclipse Photography

Slap that solar filter on tight. You need a perfect seal because stray light will ruin your shot instantly.

Mount your phone on a tripod. Do not rely on your hands for this.

Stability is non-negotiable. A shaky phone means blurry suns and wasted effort.

Use digital zoom only. Optical zoom breaks the filter seal and risks your eyes.

Test your settings first. Get the exposure right before the eclipse starts.

Gear Guide: Top Solar Filters for Smartphones

We put the top solar filters through the wringer. The K&F CONCEPT ND1000000 is the real deal. It clips on fast and blocks dangerous radiation without fuss.

Serious photographers need this level of protection.

Budget hunters should grab the Absolute Eclipse Solar Filter Sheet. You cut it to size. It fits most clip-on mounts securely.

The Apexel 10-in-1 kit is tricky. It comes with lenses but skips the solar filter. You must add one separately to stay safe.

Certification is non-negotiable. ISO 12312-2 filters only. Do not trust unlabelled glass near your eyes.

Best Camera Settings for iOS and Android

Ditch auto mode. If your phone lets you tweak settings, do it now.

Drop the exposure compensation. You want a dark sky, not a white blob.

Lock your focus on the sun’s edge. Do this before the eclipse hits its peak.

Speed matters here.

Use a fast shutter to freeze the action. Leave the flash in your pocket. It helps nothing.

Manual control wins every time. Pair it with a good filter and you get the corona, not a glare.

Need help?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch the eclipse through my phone without a filter?

Never do this. You will fry your camera sensor instantly. Staring at that screen can also blind you. Just don’t.

Which solar filter is best for iPhone 16?

The K&F CONCEPT 58mm ND1000000 is a winner for iPhone shooters. It protects your lens. You get sharp shots every single time.

Do I need a tripod for eclipse photography?

Skip the tripod and you’re done for. Long exposures demand absolute stillness. Your hands just can’t cut it.

Is the Apexel lens kit safe for solar viewing?

You need a certified solar filter. The kit offers zero protection. Don’t risk your eyes.

Can I use eclipse glasses on my phone camera?

Tape them tight over the lens. It works. A cheap fix that blocks bad light effectively.

What settings should I use on Android?

Switch to Pro mode. Crank up the shutter speed. Drop the ISO. Your photos will be clean.