How to Take a Case Off a Phone: Safety Tips

If you're purchasing a new phone, one key accessory is an absolute must: a phone case.

Phone cases add that essential extra layer of protection, whether you've got an old device or a newer, more durable device such as the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.

A high-quality case should be somewhat tight and snug to ensure that it doesn't slip off or become stretched out, therefore compromising protection. However, this close fit can make it difficult to remove a phone case without damaging the delicate screen or internal components of your device.

To maintain its lifespan and keep your phone in pristine working condition, keep reading as we explain the best and most efficient way to take off a phone case.

When Should You Take Off a Phone Case?

Thanks to the infusion of MagSafe technology into phone cases, which creates a secure connection between your device and wireless chargers, you'll rarely need to remove your case. This keeps your phone protected from accidental drops or sudden impacts that leave scratches and cracks as you're going about your daily life.

However, there are some scenarios that require a case-free phone. For example, unfortunately, not all cases are wireless-charging compatible, meaning they must be removed to ensure proper alignment and efficient charging.

If your current case is starting to reach the end of its lifespan, ensure continued protection by removing and replacing it with a new one. Or, with so many trendy case options on the market today, you may simply fancy a change!

Regularly cleaning your phone case is essential for getting rid of any excess dirt or dust buildup that may infiltrate your device.

Even though most phones come with some form of waterproof protection, indicated by their ingress protection (IP) rating, their internal components remain vulnerable to moisture damage. You'll therefore need to remove the case when cleaning it to protect your phone from water and cleaning chemicals, such as baking soda, dish soap, white vinegar, and rubbing alcohol.

How to Remove a Phone Case Without Damaging Your Phone

All you'll need is your own hands and some gentle cleaning products to safely remove a phone case, using the following steps:

1. Wash Your Hands: Thoroughly wash and dry your hands before starting to avoid transferring any oils or leaving fingerprint smudges on the phone screen.
2. Prepare Your Work Space: Use a clean, solid surface such as a table to stop your phone from falling on the floor. Lay down a soft towel for a padded landing and turn your device off to avoid making any accidental calls.
3. Take Off Accessories: Remove any accessories that you may have added to the case, such as a wallet card holder.
4. Remove the Top Corner: Start at the top corner opposite to the volume buttons. This will prevent any damage caused by accidentally pressing them in too far. Firmly push down without using too much force until the corner pops out, then repeat on the other side.
5. Slide the Phone Case Off: Once the top corners are free, the rest of the case should simply peel off. A small amount of gentle pressure may be required on both sides if you've got a hard case, but it shouldn't need more than a little push.
6. Clean the Case: Unless you're putting on a new one, thoroughly clean the phone case to avoid transferring any grime onto your device. You should also wipe down your phone with a soft, lint-free cloth, making sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions.

If you're struggling to remove the top corners of the case, use a thin object such as a credit card to gently pry one entire side of your phone out. Try not to use too much force, as this could send the phone flying or damage the outside.

Replacing Your Phone Case

After completing the cleaning stage, try to replace the phone case as soon as possible to avoid leaving your device unprotected for long periods.

Using clean hands, carefully insert the top left corner of your device into the phone case, followed by the bottom left, sliding it into the left edge. Then, press down on the remaining right corners until the case snaps into place.

For guaranteed protection, we'd also recommend installing a tempered glass screen protector. This will prevent the delicate glass display of your device from cracking or shattering upon impact with the ground.

Finding a New Phone Case: What to Look Out For

If your phone case is starting to feel loose, has visible damage, or is beginning to yellow, it's time to find a replacement. Here are the key features to look out for when purchasing new protective cases:

High-Quality Materials

Good protective phone cases should be made from durable materials that add an extra layer of strength.

Hard plastics such as TPU and polycarbonate are championed for their quality shock-absorbent properties, while silicone is flexible and offers superior grip. Cases with an aluminium frame are also a great choice for being strong, yet lightweight and corrosion-resistant.

Impact Protection

Phone cases infused with impact-absorbing technologies offer even more protection against drops and falls. These technologies can often be found within the case's corners, which prevents the screen from shattering.

Look for cases that meet military-grade standards, indicating that they have been through a rigorous drop-testing process. For example, the Ghostek Atomic case is built to survive drops and falls of up to 12 feet, thanks to its R7x shock-absorbing technology.

Water Resistance

Whether you're regularly around water or are prone to drink spillages, look for phone cases that provide a good level of water resistance.

Those with an IP68 rating like the Ghostek Nautical can withstand depths of fresh water up to 1.5 metres for as long as 30 minutes, and are also protected from dust.

Good Functionality

Protective phone cases should not only shield your phone from drops on bathroom or kitchen tiles, but must also keep it free from damage while you're out and about.

Shop around for cases that support additional accessories such as car mounts that offer safe hands-free navigation, or belt clip holsters that keep your device close and secure when you're on the go.

Features such as MagSafe compatibility also ensure convenient, powerful charging, so you won't need to regularly remove your protective phone case.

Remove and Replace Your Phone Case Today

With gentle pressure and the right technique, removing a case without damaging your phone is entirely possible. Be sure to perform the process with clean hands and handle the delicate screen and camera lenses carefully.

Is it time to replace your phone case? At Ghostek, our shockproof cases combine sleek design with best-in-class engineering to ensure premium protection for your phone. Browse our full collection online today to find the perfect fit for your Samsung, Apple, or Google device.