A cell phone lanyard is a cord or string attached to a cell phone to make the cell phone easier to wear or hold without dropping. A cell phone lanyard can be made out of most cloth materials, and can be any length. Generally, lanyards are more intended for protection of the phone against theft and dropping than for style purposes, however, one can also add style and personality by customizing a cell phone lanyard with colors, screen-printed phrases, and even beads or designs.
Most commonly, a cell phone lanyard is just long enough to be used as a wrist strap to help avoid accidental dropping of the phone, especially when holding other things and performing tasks. People who work around water or heights may benefit from using a lanyard because if the phone is dropped, it will likely either be unrecoverable or broken. Some people tie the lanyard around a belt loop to keep the phone secure while it is stored in a pocket. This same technique can be used around purse straps while the phone is in the purse. In addition to preventing accidental dropping of the phone, tying lanyards onto a secure location can also help keep the phone from getting stolen in crowded places.
Tying the cell phone lanyard onto a belt loop or purse strap may make the cell phone more secure, but it also makes it more difficult to untie the knot and answer a phone call on time. Detachable lanyards that use a clip or clasp may help with this problem. Other people might choose to buy a longer cell phone lanyard that can be worn around the neck, so the phone can be used without worrying about untying a difficult knot.
A cell phone lanyard can typically be purchased at any cell phone accessory store. Some lanyards are sold with cell phone holders or cases, and are meant to be attached to the holder or case instead of the actual cell phone. This will allow the user to securely tie the lanyard onto his or her clothing to prevent dropping the phone, but also be able to answer a phone call quickly by simply sliding the phone out of the holder. Putting the lanyard on the case or holder may also be necessary if one wishes to use a lanyard with a phone that does not have a built-in place on which to attach a lanyard.