GoldHunter Metal Detector — Overview & User Guide
Before using GoldHunter, read the Safety Warnings page. Always follow local laws and regulations regarding metal detecting in your area.
Thank you for choosing the GoldHunter metal detector and joining people around the globe who enjoy this fun and rewarding hobby.
GoldHunter was designed as the first metal detector on the market to use advanced smartphone technologies that enable users to not only find gold nuggets, coins, and treasure, but also visualize them on screen before digging.
At TreasureHunter3D we are constantly focusing on innovating in order to provide high quality, affordable and easy to use products that push metal detecting to the next level.
How the Detector Works

GoldHunter detecting buried objects and displaying the target in the 3D Ground Scan app.
Operating Modes
GoldHunter operates in three modes:
| Mode | Best for |
|---|---|
| Discrimination | Beginners — quick Target ID, depth info, and good overall performance |
| All-Metal | Experienced users — eliminates ground mineral interference for deeper detection and more accurate results |
| 3D Ground Scan | Visualizing buried objects on screen before digging |
We recommend starting with Discrimination mode to learn the basics, then moving to All-Metal mode once you are comfortable, before exploring 3D Ground Scan.
What Can GoldHunter Detect?
GoldHunter detects all types of metal including gold nuggets, coins, rings, relics, and other buried metallic objects. Using VLF (Very Low Frequency) induction balance technology at 19 kHz, it is particularly sensitive to gold and small targets.
Typical detection depth by target size:
| Target | Approximate depth |
|---|---|
| Small coin | 10–20 cm |
| Large coin / ring | 20–35 cm |
| Large metallic object | Up to 100 cm |
Detection depth is affected by soil mineralisation, target orientation, and operating mode. All-Metal mode with ground balance achieves the greatest depth. Highly mineralised soil and saltwater environments reduce effective depth.
The latest instruction manuals and software updates are always available at www.treasurehunter3d.com.
Who Is GoldHunter For?
| You are… | GoldHunter is a great fit |
|---|---|
| A hobbyist or weekend treasure hunter | ✓ Easy to learn with Discrimination mode |
| A serious gold prospector | ✓ All-Metal mode at 19 kHz tuned for gold |
| Someone who wants to see before they dig | ✓ 3D Ground Scan shows the object on screen |
| An iOS user | ✓ GoldHunter app for iPhone |
See the product comparison or which product guide to compare all TreasureHunter3D products side by side.
Related Pages
- Quick Start — get detecting in minutes
- Target ID Reference — lookup table for gold, silver, coins, and more
- Troubleshooting — common issues and fixes
- FAQ — frequently asked questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Does GoldHunter work without a smartphone?
GoldHunter has built-in audio detection (tones and target ID) that works without a smartphone. The 3D visualization and scan storage require the GoldHunter iOS app.
Is the GoldHunter app available for Android?
No. The GoldHunter app is currently iOS only and requires an iPhone 6s or later.
How deep can GoldHunter detect buried objects?
Small coin: 10–20 cm. Large coin or ring: 20–35 cm. Large metallic object: up to 100 cm. Detection depth is affected by soil mineralisation, target orientation, and operating mode. All-Metal mode with ground balance achieves the greatest depth.
Is GoldHunter waterproof?
The searchcoil is waterproof and suitable for wet soil and shallow water. The Smart Control Unit is not waterproof and must be protected from rain and submersion.
