How to Remove an Otterbox Case

Remove the detachable belt clip. If your device includes a belt clip or additional accessories, release the large plastic tab on the side of the case to detach it.

• The process of removing an Otterbox Defender case is fairly consistent across most devices. Differences may arise in the number and type of protective clips used.

Locate the gaps in the silicone cover. The most challenging part of removing the Defender case is prying off the flexible silicone layer. It’s best to start near the camera hole, charging port, or screen corners.

Insert a flat tool under the back cover. If you can’t fit your finger into any of the gaps, use an old ATM card or another sturdy, flexible plastic tool. Slide it under the back cover and wiggle it until you can insert your finger into the opening.

Carefully remove the silicone cover. Once you’ve lifted a corner, slide your finger around the phone to detach the silicone cover. Be cautious near port openings to avoid tearing the port covers.

Identify the protective clips along the case edges. New Defender cases feature clips along the sides that can be released with your fingers. Larger devices have more clips, typically one at each corner and additional ones in the middle for bigger devices.

• Check online resources if you’re using an iPad and can’t find any plastic tabs or openings to release.

Release one of the protective clips. Use your finger to pop open one of the side clips on the Defender case. If you can’t get your nail under the clip, use a flathead screwdriver or a rigid ATM card to pry it open. The clip will release from the bottom.

• If using a tool, after prying the clip, flip it toward the front of the case. Avoid pulling it backward, as this may damage the plastic case.
• Some clips are easier to release than others, especially when all clips are locked. If one clip is stubborn, try releasing a different one first.

Continue releasing the protective clips until the two case sections separate. The front and back of the case will split into two distinct parts. Avoid forcing the case apart before all clips are released, as this could damage the protective mechanisms.

• In some instances, you may not be able to remove all clips if the device is still inside. Instead, work along the top, bottom, and side edges, then hinge the cover open.

Remove the outer cover. You can detach the cover by pulling one of the four tabs located at the corners.

Detach the rubber casing. Lift one of the corners and work your way around the device until the rubber casing is fully removed. Be cautious near the iPad’s ports, as the rubber covers are prone to tearing.

Flip the iPad so the back faces you. The case will be removed from the rear side.

Slide the bottom piece downward. This piece will move approximately 2.5 cm below the Apple logo.

Pry the circular tab above the Apple logo upward. This circle acts as the locking mechanism holding the two case pieces together.

While lifting the circular tab, pull the top section of the case away from the iPad. The case is divided into two parts, and once the tab is lifted, the upper half will detach and can be removed.

Remove the iPad from the lower half of the case. You can now push the iPad out of the bottom section. Reattach the two halves if you wish to store the case.

Start from the top edge of the device. Removing the plastic section from the case is easier if you begin from the top.

Lift and pull the plastic section away. You may need to gently lift it to avoid catching on the buttons along the phone’s edge. Once the top plastic cover is removed, the rest of the case will be easier to handle.

Push the rubber casing away from the corners using your thumb. Starting at a corner is the simplest way to remove the rubber casing. The rubber is quite snug, so you’ll need to apply some pressure.

Continue pushing around the edges to detach the rubber casing from the device. Be cautious near the ports, as the rubber covers are prone to tearing.

Push one of the case corners outward using your thumb. The Symmetry series is one of Otterbox’s simplest designs, featuring a single flexible silicone cover that wraps around the phone’s back. The rubber cover is quite tight, so it’s best to start at a corner. Otterbox recommends beginning from the top edge.

Use a rigid plastic card if necessary. Slide the card (such as an ATM card) under the edge of the flexible case and wiggle it to loosen the cover. Then, grip the rubber cover and pull it away from the device.

Continue prying around the case. Once you’ve lifted one corner, work your way around the edges to fully remove the cover. Be careful to avoid tearing the port covers.

Apply even pressure for waterproof case models. Waterproof cases form a tight seal around the device. Changes in altitude or temperature can create pressure differences, making the case harder to remove. In such cases, insert a coin into the slot near the latch on the front and twist it to balance the pressure. Larger cases may have a "purge valve" on the front, which can be rotated to open and equalize pressure.

• Tighten the purge valve before reusing the case. The phone case won’t be waterproof if the valve is left open.

Open the hinged Armor case. Some Otterbox cases, like the Armor series for iPod touch, don’t split into two parts. Instead, these cases open when you rotate the latch on the back. The case will pop open just enough to remove the phone, but the two sections remain connected.