Finding gold has always been an exciting activity, whether as a hobby or a profession. That's why many mobile apps use the word "gold" in their name. However, they don't actually detect gold: they all use a magnetometer, the compass sensor, which only reacts to magnetic materials like iron and steel within a few centimeters of the device. Gold, silver, copper, and aluminum are not magnetic and do not alter the reading. Below, we show what the best-known apps in this category actually do.
Metal Detector
Metal Detector is one of the most popular apps for detecting metals on mobile phones. It uses the device's magnetic sensor to measure variations in the magnetic field, helping to detect iron or steel objects very close to the device. The app is easy to use and has an intuitive interface, making it accessible to all users.
When you open the app, simply move your phone over the desired area. When the Metal Detector detects a change in the magnetic field, it emits a sound or vibration, indicating the presence of something magnetic, such as a nail or a magnet. The Metal Detector is available for free download on the Google Play Store.
Metal Detector PRO
For those looking for a more advanced version of a metal detector, the Metal Detector PRO is an excellent choice. This app offers additional functionality compared to the free version, such as increased sensitivity and the ability to calibrate the device's magnetic sensor.
Metal Detector PRO also features a user-friendly and easy-to-use interface. You can adjust the sensitivity to reduce false alarms, but the range and type of material detected remain the same as the free version. This app is available for paid download on the Google Play Store.
Gold Detector – Metal Scanner
Despite its name, Gold Detector – Metal Scanner does not detect gold. It uses the same magnetic sensor as other apps and reacts to iron objects and magnets near the phone.
The phone's magnetometer cannot differentiate between types of metal, so any indication of "gold" or "silver" on the screen has no technical basis. Gold Detector – Metal Scanner is free to download and can be found on the Google Play Store.
EMF Metal Detector
Metal Detector EMF is another app in this category. Despite the acronym EMF in the name, it also uses the phone's magnetometer to measure variations in the magnetic field, indicating very nearby magnetic objects.
With a simple and straightforward interface, the EMF Metal Detector is easy to use and can be adjusted to different sensitivity levels. This app is available for free download from the Google Play Store and is ideal for those just starting to explore metal detecting.
Smart Metal Detector
The Smart Metal Detector organizes the readings from the cell phone's magnetic sensor into graphs and alerts. Like others, it reacts to iron, steel, and magnets, but not to precious metals like gold.
It allows you to adjust the sensitivity to reduce environmental interference. The app also offers a history function, allowing you to save and review your previous detections. Smart Metal Detector is available for free download on the Google Play Store.
metal sniffer
Metal Sniffer is a metal detector app that displays magnetic sensor readings in real time. It measures variations in the magnetic field and indicates iron or steel objects very close to the phone.
With an intuitive and easy-to-use interface, Metal Sniffer allows you to adjust the detector's sensitivity for more accurate detection. The app also offers an automatic calibration function, which helps stabilize the reading in your environment. Metal Sniffer is available for free download on the Google Play Store.
The apps mentioned can help locate a lost screw or serve as a curiosity, but none of them find gold or buried objects. For those who want to practice metal detecting as a hobby, the way to go is to use a real detector and respect local regulations; in Brazil, mining requires authorization from the National Mining Agency.
