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Phone Vanish by Michael Shaw (The Hobbyist)

Created by: Michael Shaw (The Hobbyist)

The Phone Vanish is a modern close-up magic trick that utilizes a custom phone case with a MagSafe ring and a piece of black construction paper to make a coin seemingly vanish and reappear. The trick leverages everyday technology, making it accessible and engaging for contemporary audiences. It's best used as an escalation within a coin routine, following simpler effects to build anticipation and prestige.

Key features

  • Uses a custom phone case with a MagSafe ring and black construction paper

  • Best performed as part of a routine, not as an opener or closer

  • Angle management is crucial for the illusion

  • Can be performed anywhere using the phone's screen as a black surface

  • References Darwin Ortiz's 'Strong Magic' for building prestige with the audience

Pros

  • Creative use of everyday technology

  • Accessible and reproducible with common materials

  • Engages modern audiences with a familiar object

  • Includes practical tips for angle management and routine integration

Cons

  • Requires careful angle management to prevent accidental reveals

  • Phone settings need to be adjusted to prevent the screen from turning on unexpectedly

  • May leave heat on the phone case, requiring clever routining to move audience focus

Effect

The Phone Vanish trick makes a coin disappear and reappear under seemingly impossible conditions. The magician places a coin under a custom phone case, shows it clearly, then covers it briefly. When the magician lifts the case, the coin has vanished. With another motion, the coin reappears exactly where it was before. The trick uses everyday objects—a phone and its case—making the effect feel organic and unexpected.

Full Details

The trick relies on a black translucent phone case with a MagSafe ring. A small piece of black construction paper is attached to the case, concealing the coin when positioned correctly. The magician controls angles carefully to prevent exposure of the gimmick. The vanish works best when performed on a dark surface, but the phone screen itself can serve as a substitute if needed.

The trick is designed to fit naturally into a routine, acting as an escalation after simpler coin effects. The magician frames the phone case as a challenge, making the vanish seem more difficult. Proper handling ensures the gimmick remains hidden, and performance tips include delaying the magical moment for stronger impact.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick suits magicians who:

  • Perform with coins and want a modern twist.
  • Prefer impromptu-style magic using everyday objects.
  • Enjoy routining effects to build stronger performances.
  • Are comfortable with angle-sensitive techniques.

Difficulty

The Phone Vanish is moderately easy to perform but requires practice for smooth execution. Key challenges include:

  • Managing angles to prevent exposure of the gimmick.
  • Timing the vanish and reappearance for maximum effect.
  • Adjusting phone settings to avoid accidental screen activation.

Magicians familiar with basic sleight of hand will adapt quickly, but beginners should rehearse thoroughly to ensure clean handling.

What Magicians Say

Michael Shaw (The Hobbyist) emphasizes the importance of angle control and routine placement: "This illusion goes best not as an opener or closer, but as an escalation from something you've already done." He suggests presenting the phone case as a challenge to enhance the effect.

The trick is praised for its practicality—using a phone case makes it easy to carry and perform spontaneously. Reviewers highlight the clever use of the phone screen as a backup surface when a dark table isn’t available.

One key takeaway from the tutorial is the reference to Darwin Ortiz’s Strong Magic, reinforcing the idea that framing the trick as a test of skill increases audience engagement.

Overall, the Phone Vanish is a creative, modern take on coin magic that blends well into routines while maintaining a high level of deception.

What people are saying about Phone Vanish

Beau Shelley (Saturday Sorcery) says...

Michael Shaw's demonstration is a testament to creative problem-solving in magic. He presents a readily reproducible effect that leverages everyday technology in an unexpected way.

Michael Shaw (The Hobbyist) says...

This illusion goes best not as an opener not as a closer even within a routine this is somewhere in the middle [...] it needs to be an escalation from something you've already done.

Tutorial videos