“Moving Home” by SansMinds is an interesting effect wherein the home button on a cell phone moves by itself, in full view, from the bottom to the top of the screen, the kicker being that it still works once it has been moved. After the button returns to its original location, the phone can be handed out for examination.

In addition to the instructional DVD, “Moving Home” comes with most of the material needed to make the required gimmicks. What isn’t included can be found in most any Walgreens type store. However, a scanner and access to and ability to use photo editing software is also necessary, making this a bit more of a construction project than one might expect. Once completed, the gimmick is fairly practical and portable, making getting in and out of the effect simple.

The method is clever, with some smart subtleties, and is fairly practical. The fact that the home button works after it has moved, that where it once was is blank during the effect, and that the phone can immediately be handed out for examination after, makes for a very deceptive piece of magic. Without giving anything away, the method also takes advantage of a feature of most all cell phones that adds a level of deceptiveness to the routine. In fact, if you notice a spectator has the same model phone as you, you could perform the routine using their phone.

The handling is fairly straightforward and is taught well. The required movements are natural and invisible. Cleaning up after is also very organic and natural, and it has an almost immediate reset. There are two handlings taught, basic and advanced, the difference being that in the advanced handling the button moves to the top of the screen by itself, while in the basic handling the performer must move it by hand. While not as visual, the basic handling has the advantage of using a simpler gimmick that is also easier to work with. Keep in mind, lighting is a factor, and the routine needs to be performed in subdued or indirect light.

It’s important to note that, not only is the method designed specifically for the iPhone, but not all model iPhones will work using the method as taught (for example, my iPhone SE). The handling is not difficult to adapt, but remember, as with all magic using technology that changes quickly, eventually this routine may not work on the phone you have. If you don’t have an iPhone, it’s possible the routine may work using your phone, though that does depend a bit on the type of home button the phone has. A different phone type may also mean that you’ll have to use the simpler handling wherein the performer slides the home button by hand (rather than it moving by itself).

“Moving Home” is a clever, deceptive and practical method for moving the home button on a cell phone. The handling is essentially impromptu and almost immediately resets, making it a fairly practical piece of magic (so long as the lighting isn’t too direct.) If you like the effect as seen on the trailer, have the right type of cell phone and don’t mind a bit of a construction project, you’ll enjoy performing “Moving Home.”