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Discover an easy-to-follow tutorial for fixing your PopSocket or PopGrip and reattaching it to your smartphone case.
Has your PopSocket become detached? With Swappable variants, simply realign the cap with the base and rotate it 90 degrees. For Classic models, reattach the cap by aligning the tabs with the slots on the stem. This facilitates easy replacement of damaged caps or changing designs. If it fails to adhere to your device, consider washing the adhesive base to eliminate any dust or debris. This walkthrough will guide you through the process of fixing and reattaching your PopSocket to your phone or device.
Essential Information
- For Swappable models with a damaged base, use pliers to widen the stem aperture. Insert the connector piece. Attach the fixed cap to the base and rotate 90 degrees to secure it.
- To detach a Classic cap, push the tabs out of the four slots. When replacing the cap, ensure the tabs align with the slots.
- To repair a detached Classic stem, expand it. Align the stem groove with the base and firmly press with your thumb until it clicks into place.
Procedures
Fixing a Removable PopSocket Base
Detach the PopSocket components. For newer, Removable PopSockets, there's a base and a top part. The top includes the cap and funnel, securely connected. Ensure to remove the PopSocket from any device or case. Collapse the PopSocket completely and twist the top 90 degrees in any direction. You'll notice a click indicating its release from the base.
- Utilize this method if the Removable PopSocket top has a loose connecting piece. This piece is located at the base of the funnel and inserts into the base.
- If the connecting piece is stuck, utilize pliers to grip and twist it 90 degrees until it detaches.
Expand the funnel opening using pliers. Needle nose pliers work well due to their ability to fit into the small opening. Alternatively, two pieces of hooked wire may also be used to widen the hole. The material is quite flexible, requiring minimal force.
Reinsert the connecting piece into the hole. Ensure the side connecting to the base faces outward. It might require some adjustment to properly position the piece. If it becomes stuck, employ another small tool like an Allen wrench or hex key to stretch the rubber over the exposed edges of the connecting piece.
Reconnect the cap to the base. With the funnel collapsed, align the connecting piece with the grooves in the base. Rotate it 90 degrees in any direction to lock it in place.
- The PopSocket is now ready to be reattached to your case and used as usual.
Renewing a Traditional PopSocket Cover
Identify the notches along the upper edge of the PopSocket funnel. The central element of a PopSocket is a cone-shaped part that sits atop the adhesive base on your device. It features 4 small notches evenly distributed around its circumference. The cover has 4 corresponding tabs designed to fit snugly into these notches, ensuring its attachment to the funnel.
- This approach is suitable for the standard model of PopSockets.
- The cover of the PopSocket is the component that slides over the wider opening of the funnel. Unless you possess a plain PopSocket, it typically displays an image.
- If the funnel has become detached, reinstall it before replacing the cover.
Secure the tabs of the cover into the available notches on the funnel. Position the cover above the funnel and proceed to insert the tabs individually. Angle the cover slightly to guide its tab through the respective notch. Once the first tab is secured, move on to an adjacent one and repeat the process. Continue until all tabs are securely fastened at the opposite end of the cover.
- Exercise caution when attaching the cover. Although the risk of damaging a tab or the funnel is minimal, take your time to avoid the need for a full replacement.
Apply pressure to the cover until you hear a distinct click, indicating its secure attachment. Maintain a steady hold on your device, ensuring your grip is on the case edges rather than the screen. Use your thumb or palm to exert firm pressure onto the cover. Listen for a noticeable click sound, signaling that your PopSocket is fully assembled and ready for use.
- Popsocket covers are interchangeable, allowing any cover to fit onto the funnel. Should you desire a change in style, simply detach the existing cover at any time.
Rebuilding a Classic PopSocket Funnel
Depress the tabs to detach the cap from the PopSocket if it's still attached. While holding the funnel with one hand, press down on one of the tabs. Ensure it disengages from the funnel's hole. Then, pull it away from the funnel to prevent reattachment. Repeat this process for the remaining tabs to remove the cap.
- This method applies to the classic variant of PopSockets.
- A PopSocket cap has 4 tabs, so you'll need to repeat this action 4 times for removal. PopSockets are designed to be disassembled, so removing the cap won't cause damage.
- The cap must be completely removed to reattach the funnel. If it's already off, fit the funnel piece back onto the base before reinstalling the cap.
Position the funnel over the adhesive pad on your device. The pad serves as the foundation for the PopSocket and features a central hole. Rotate the funnel so its narrower end faces downwards. Then, insert it into the hole. It won't immediately lock into place, so hold it in position for now.
- The pad secures the PopSocket to your device, so it must be installed first. If it becomes detached, clean it before reattaching.
Twist the PopSocket funnel clockwise until it securely locks. Hold the funnel vertically to maintain alignment over the base. Apply pressure with your thumb at the center to keep it in position. Then, using your other hand, begin rotating it. After approximately a quarter-turn, it will snap into place.
- With certain PopSockets, you may need to push the funnel instead of twisting it. Align the funnel tip with the grooves on the pad. Place your thumb inside the funnel and push firmly until you hear a click. This may require some force, so it's advisable to remove your phone case to prevent device damage.
- To test the PopSocket, gently tug the funnel away from the base. If it's securely attached, you won't be able to move it without detaching it from your phone.
Attach the cap by inserting its tabs into the holes on the funnel. The funnel features 4 small holes around its upper edge, visible when viewed directly from above. To reinstall the cap, insert the tabs individually into the corresponding holes. Once the first tab is inserted, securing the others becomes easier.
- After attaching the cap, attempt to lift it off the funnel. If all tabs are in their respective holes, it will be immovable. If any part of the cap lifts, locate the loose tab and secure it to prevent the cap from falling off.
- All Classic PopSocket caps follow the same setup, allowing for easy customization. Simply replace the cap with a new one to customize. Detaching the cap and snapping a new one in place is a straightforward process.
Stabilizing a Loose PopSocket Base
Flush warm water from a sink tap to refresh the PopSocket. Let the water flow briefly, then check its temperature. Ensure it's mildly warm but not hot. PopSockets are easily cleanable, but cold water isn't as effective, and hot water might potentially damage the material.
- If you haven't already detached the PopSocket, gently peel it off from the rear of your case.
Submerge the PopSocket base in water to moisten it. Place it with the adhesive side down in the water. If your PopSocket is intact, you can immerse the entire unit in water and let it soak briefly. It won't harm the material. Otherwise, ensure that the adhesive base is dampened for easy cleaning.
- Popsockets can safely soak, but it's unnecessary. Light cleaning will suffice and hasten the drying process.
Massage the PopSocket with your fingers to remove debris from the adhesive base. Wet your thumb in water and rub it in a circular motion around the base. Continue for 30 to 60 seconds to dislodge most of the debris. Check the bottom half of the base for any remaining debris. Keep massaging, dampening both the PopSocket and your finger until the base is clean.
- If you remove a PopSocket from your phone, it's likely to accumulate dirt. Fortunately, it should adhere once you remove the obstructing debris.
- While cleaning the base, also clean the rest of the PopSocket. Remove the cap and rinse the inner part of the funnel.
Place the PopSocket on a towel to air-dry for 10 minutes. Select a spot in your room away from direct sunlight. Lay out a clean towel, then shake the PopSocket to remove excess water. Set it on the towel and wait.
- The manufacturer suggests reattaching the base within 15 minutes to prevent drying out. Although some people allow longer drying times without issues, prolonged drying might hinder the PopSocket's adhesion to your phone.
- Be cautious not to place the adhesive side on the towel, as it may adhere and become difficult to remove!
Reattach the PopSocket. Flip your phone so the back is facing up. Firmly press the adhesive side of the base onto it. Insert the funnel into the small hole on the base, twisting it a quarter-turn clockwise to secure it. For some PopSockets, you may need to press the center of the funnel to click it into place. Finally, place the cap on top by sliding its tabs into the small holes on the funnel.
- PopSockets adhere best to smooth, flat surfaces. They might struggle with adhesion to silicone or textured cases. If your PopSocket frequently detaches, consider getting a new phone case. Alternatively, you can also clean your phone case.
- While it's possible to glue a PopSocket to your phone, it's not recommended as it prevents removal. Certain types of glue, such as hot glue, can also damage your phone case.
- After an hour of drying, test the PopSocket thoroughly by picking it up. It should remain attached to your phone. If cleaning doesn't resolve the issue, you may need to purchase a new one.
Useful Tips
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Before installing a new PopSocket base, wipe your phone case with a cloth dampened in rubbing alcohol. A clean surface ensures better adhesion of the base.
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To remove an old PopSocket base, lift one side by hand. Once a portion is detached from your phone case, the rest comes off effortlessly.
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If residue remains after removing a PopSocket, you can easily eliminate it with some rubbing alcohol. Apply a small amount to the area, allow it to sit for at least a minute, then wipe it clean with a cloth.
Important Warnings
- Exercise caution when using a PopSocket to avoid potential damage to your phone. Ensure it is securely attached when handling your phone, and always remove it before cleaning.
Necessary Supplies
Fixing a Swappable PopSocket Base
- Needle-nose pliers
- Allen wrench or hex key
Reattaching a Popsocket Base
- Sink
- Towel
- Bowl or glass (optional)
