Borrowed Phone Routine by David Jonathan and Kevin Austin

Effect

The Borrowed Phone Routine with DEQODE allows a magician to perform mind-blowing predictions using a spectator's own phone. A spectator freely thinks of any item, celebrity, movie, or even a playing card. When they scan a seemingly ordinary QR code or barcode—either from a receipt, a custom prop, or a borrowed phone—it mysteriously directs them to the exact thing they were thinking of. The effect is clean, impossible to trace, and leaves the audience stunned.

Full Details

DEQODE is a system that secretly controls where QR codes and barcodes scan. It works on both iPhone and Android devices and doesn’t require specially printed codes—any existing QR code or barcode can be manipulated. The device comes with custom props, including receipts, cards, and other gimmicks to enhance performances.

Key features:

• Works on borrowed phones, making the magic feel completely organic.
• Can predict grocery items, celebrities, movies, or playing cards.
• No suspicious apps or setups—just a natural scanning process.
• Includes multiple routines, from mentalism to close-up magic.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This routine is ideal for:

• Close-up magicians who want a modern, tech-based effect.
• Mentalists looking for a convincing prediction tool.
• Restaurant or bar performers who can use receipts or menus in their acts.
• Magicians who like impromptu magic, as it works with everyday items.

Difficulty Level

The method is straightforward, but the performance requires strong misdirection and presentation. Beginners can learn it quickly, but experienced magicians will find more creative ways to integrate it into their acts. As reviewer AlakazamMagicUK notes, "The creators emphasize the importance of performance and misdirection," meaning the real challenge is in selling the effect naturally.

What Magicians Say

The creators, David Jonathan and Kevin Austin, demonstrate the power of DEQODE in their promotional video. One standout moment shows a spectator choosing "Smarties" from a barcode scan, with the magician revealing it effortlessly. Another routine involves a spectator selecting "Friday" from a list of top comedy movies—when scanned, the QR code takes them directly to that film.

Key takeaways from reviewers:

• "The possibilities with DEQODE are endless."
• "It’s the perfect everyday carry that’s packed with tons of routines."
• "Works with any QR code or barcode, which lends itself to some incredible magic."

The system is praised for its versatility, making it a strong addition to any magician’s toolkit.