How to Remove a Case From Your iPhone the Easy Way

The iPhone 16 is 50x tougher than the previous generation. This is thanks to its new Ceramic Shield front and strong aluminum frame, plus a stunning color-infused glass back.

Apple’s latest smartphone may be 2x more durable than any other, including Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel devices. However, a shockproof phone case remains essential for preventing expensive internal damage, plus scratches and cracks.

If your current case is visibly broken or starting to feel a little loose (or you just fancy a new design!), you’ll need to know how to properly remove it. While switching your old cover out for a new one may seem straightfoward, rough handling can result in disaster.

In this guide, we’ll take you through the best method for safely removing an iPhone case and keeping your device in tip-top condition.

How to Remove Your iPhone Case: Step-By-Step

Every phone case is unique, so the best removal method may vary. However, the following seven steps offer a safe way to take any iPhone case off. 

Here’s our foolproof method:

1. Wash Your Hands: Want to avoid oily fingerprint marks on the screen protector? Thoroughly wash and dry your hands before touching the case.

2. Turn Your iPhone Off: Switching your phone off at the start prevents any accidental touches (or unwanted phone calls!) during the process.

3. Remove Any Accessories: Take off any external accessories, such as wallet cardholders or vehicle mounts.

4. Find a Workspace: Place a soft towel down onto a table or other flat, clean surface. This will prevent scratches if you accidentally drop the device.

5. Start From the Corner: Choose the first corner to start from, which should ideally be near no buttons or openings. Holding this corner, gently push the case away from the phone on one side, without using too much force. Never use a sharp tool, either.

6. Slowly Work Around the Edges: Keep working around the phone’s edges until you’ve removed an entire side, followed by the whole case. Hold the phone securely so that it doesn’t slide out of your hands.

7. Gently Clean: Double check for any dirt or debris trapped in the case or on your iPhone. If necessary, carefully clean the case, avoiding harsh chemicals and drying with a soft cloth. 
   

When Should You Remove Your iPhone Case?

Keep your case on as much as possible to protect the iPhone’s frame, screen, camera lenses, and internal components. However, there are a few scenarios that make case removal an essential step. This includes:

Cleaning 

The iPhone 16 has an IP68 dust and water resistance rating. However, dirt can quickly build up between your phone and its case, especially if you’re often on the go. 

Regular cleaning prevents this debris from scratching the device and maintains its lifespan. It also keeps the case looking pristine for longer, which can be particularly difficult if yours is clear!

Protect the phone case from moisture and chemical damage by always removing it before cleaning. This may also be a necessary step for cleaning your iPhone’s charging ports, unless you have a case with precise cutouts.

Overheating

Enjoying those new Apple Intelligence features? iPhones can quickly overheat during high-use activities, like intense gaming or GPS navigation

While the iPhone 17 Pro series features a vapor chamber cooling system to dissipate heat effectively, older generations are more susceptible to overheating. The effects can be even worse for iPhones in tight-fitting cases, which quickly trap heat.

Wireless Charging

Are you fed up with cables quickly becoming tangled at the bottom of your bag? Try powering up your phone wirelessly while on the go instead!

However, some wireless accessories struggle to align precisely with the magnets in your iPhone and, unfortunately, won’t form a strong enough charging connection. This means you’ll need to remove your case.

To avoid this, invest in a wireless charging-compatible case with MagSafe functionality. These cases feature strong built-in magnets that form a secure connection with your phone.

Upgrading

The rumored iPhone 17 release date is just weeks away, with an Apple event predicted for Tuesday September 9

If you do decide to invest, be sure to replace your current cover with a shockproof phone case designed specifically for your chosen iPhone 17 model. A case with the right dimensions guarantees protection and gives you proper access to all charging ports and buttons.

Which iPhone Case Should You Buy After Removing Your Old One?

If your iPhone case is starting to yellow and become loose, or is visibly damaged in any way, it’s time to buy a new one that delivers high-quality protection. But with protective cases also working as a great fashion accessory to complement your outfits, the case doesn’t have to be completely broken for you to upgrade!

Look out for these four key features when investing in a new iPhone case:

1. Protective Materials

A good case should combine multiple layers of durable materials to enhance your iPhone’s strength. Polycarbonate and TPU are tough plastics with strong impact-absorbing capabilities. They work well with softer, flexible silicone and lightweight aluminum frames.

2. Shock-Absorbtion 

Cases like the Ghostek Atomic that meet strict military-grade standards for drop testing are a great choice. They are designed to withstand drops and falls from up to 12 feet, with R7x corners that absorb any impact from hard surfaces.

Shockproof cases also offer built-in screen and camera lens protection, featuring raised edges and lifted bumpers that prevent scratches and cracks.

3. Water Resistance

If you frequently commute in the rain or enjoy water sports, choose IP68-rated cases. 

Ghostek’s Nautical iPhone case offers extreme waterproof protection, with a fully body watertight seal that helps your phone survive in up to 20 feet of water for one hour.

4. Multi-Functional

Want to protect your iPhone while on the go? Look for cases that support smartphone accessories like car and bike mounts, which provide safe GPS navigation while securely holding your device on bumpy roads. 

MagSafe compatibility is a must for wireless charging. Cases with powerful MagSafe magnets keep your phone properly aligned with wireless pads for faster, more efficient charging speeds.

Ready to Remove and Replace Your iPhone Case?

When handled with care, removing an iPhone case is simple. Whether you have a soft silicone cover or a tougher metal one, keeping your hands clean and using minimal force ensures the case can continue delivering shockproof protection for years to come.

At Ghostek, our iPhone cases combine top-quality materials with impact-absorbing technology. From the iPhone 12 to this year’s latest model, discover a variety of cases designed to perfectly fit your device today.