4 Ways To Open An Otterbox Case - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow 5 Easy Ways to Open Any Otterbox Case PDF download Download Article A user-friendly guide to taking an Otterbox off your phone or tablet Written by Darlene Antonelli, MA

Last Updated: June 24, 2025 Fact Checked

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  • Defender for Phones
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  • Commuter for Phones
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  • Symmetry for Phones
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  • Defender for iPad
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  • Symmetry for iPad
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  • Video
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This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Darlene Antonelli, MA. Darlene has been writing and editing tech content at wikiHow since 2019. She previously worked for AppleCare, served as a writing tutor, volunteered in IT at an animal rescue, and taught as an adjunct professor for EN101 and EN102. Darlene has completed Coursera courses on technology, writing, and language. She holds both a BA (2011) and an MA (2012) from Rowan University in Writing, with a focus on workplace communication. With her extensive experience, academic background, and ongoing learning, Darlene has become the go-to grammar expert for her friends and family, as well as a skilled wordsmith for anyone in need. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 938,831 times. Learn more...

Otterboxes are some of the most durable smartphone and tablet cases you can buy, but that same durability can make it difficult to remove them from your device. If you know which type of case you have, you can use different tips and tricks to pry them off carefully without damaging your phone or tablet. With a little bit of patience and some elbow grease, you can get your Defender, Symmetry, or Commuter series case off quickly without a ton of frustration. This wikiHow will show you how to open and remove an Otterbox case from your iPhone, iPad, Android, or tablet.

Removing an Otterbox Case from Android, iPhone & iPad

  • Otterbox Defender series: Remove the snap-on holster to reach the soft silicone. Use your finger or credit card to carefully peel off the silicone.
  • Otterbox Commuter series: Starting from the top, pull the plastic up and off the rubber, then remove the rubber casing.
  • Otterbox for iPad: Unlatch the silicone segments and remove. Remove the backing's latch, then separate the backing from the front.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 5:

Otterbox Defender Series for Android & iPhone

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  1. Step 1 Remove the snap-on holster. 1 Remove the snap-on holster. If the device is in a belt clip or other snap-on attachment, pop it off using the large tab on the side. This will make it much easier to take the rest of the case off, so it’s best to do it right away.[1]
    • The process for removing a Defender Otterbox case will be the same for virtually all devices (iPhone, Android, etc.). The only differences will be the number and the style of tension clips.
    • Use this method to remove an Otterbox case for cleaning or to replace it.
    • If you have an Otterbox Defender case for your iPad, jump down to Otterbox Defender for iPad.
  2. Step 2 Find an opening in the silicone slipcover. 2 Find an opening in the silicone slipcover. The most difficult part of removing the Defender case is peeling off the flexible silicone layer. Your best bet is to start at the camera opening, the charging port, or a corner of the screen.[2]
    • The silicone cover is the flexible outer layer of the case, not the hard plastic inside.
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  3. Step 3 Wedge a thin tool or your finger under the cover. 3 Wedge a thin tool or your finger under the cover. Use the tip of your finger to pry the silicone cover away from your phone. If you can't fit your finger into one of these openings, use an old credit card or a coin to help you out. Stick it underneath the slipcover, and wiggle it back and forth until you can insert your finger into the gap.[3]
    • Make sure you’re not using a credit card you still use! If you wiggle too hard or too fast, your card could accidentally snap.
  4. Step 4 Peel the silicone off carefully. 4 Peel the silicone off carefully. Once you've wedged a corner open, you should be able to go around the phone pulling off the silicone. Be careful when removing the silicone from your open ports to avoid tearing any port covers.[4]
  5. Step 5 Release the tension clips along the edge of the case. 5 Release the tension clips along the edge of the case. Feel along the edge of the case and find the small clips along your phone. Use your fingers to pop the clips up one by one until the two sides separate and fall off your device.[5]
    • If you can't get your finger under the clip, you may need to use a small flat-head screwdriver or a stiff credit card to get some leverage.
    • If you’re using a tool to pry the clips open, lift towards the front of the case. Don't try to pull down, or you may break the plastic.
    • Some clips may be easier to remove than others, especially when all clips are closed. If you're having trouble with one, move on to a different clip.
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Method 2 Method 2 of 5:

Otterbox Commuter Series

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  1. Step 1 Start at the top of the device. 1 Start at the top of the device. You'll have the easiest time removing the plastic part of the case if you work from the top of the device. Grab one of the corners on the top edges above the front camera with the phone facing toward you.[6]
  2. Step 2 Pull the top plastic up and off the rubber. 2 Pull the top plastic up and off the rubber. You may have to lift a bit to get the plastic over any Power buttons. When you lift the plastic top off, the rest of the case should come off easily.[7]
    • If you have any trouble, try pushing a coin or a credit card underneath the rubber case.
  3. Step 3 Push the rubber casing off one of the corners with your thumb. 3 Push the rubber casing off one of the corners with your thumb. Starting from the corner is the easiest way to begin removing the rubber. The seal will be tight, so you'll need to push with some force.[8]
  4. Step 4 Work the rubber casing off of the device. 4 Work the rubber casing off of the device. Be careful with the ports, as the rubber port covers can tear easily. Once the rubber is off your device, you’re in the clear.[9]
    • Try storing your case somewhere it won’t collect dust. Dirt can collect in the case, and you may need to clean your phone's speaker if it builds up enough. Make sure to keep your phone case clean.
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Method 3 Method 3 of 5:

Otterbox Symmetry Series for Android & iPhone

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  1. Step 1 Push the case off one of the corners with your thumb. 1 Push the case off one of the corners with your thumb. The Symmetry series is one of Otterbox's simplest cases: a flexible silicone enclosure for your phone. The seal is tight, so you'll have the best luck starting from a corner and pushing the case off the edge.[10]
    • Otterbox recommends starting at the top edge to remove Symmetry cases.
    • If you have an Otterbox Symmetry case on your iPad, jump down to Otterbox Symmetry for iPad.
  2. Step 2 Use a hard plastic card if necessary. 2 Use a hard plastic card if necessary. Wedge the card under the edge of the flexible case. Lever it back and forth to pry the case away from the device enough to grasp it with your finger.[11]
    • You can try this if using your hands doesn’t work.
  3. Step 3 Work your way around the case. 3 Work your way around the case. Once you have a corner off, you can work your way around the edge of the case to remove it. Be careful with the port covers so that they don't get torn.[12]
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Method 4 Method 4 of 5:

Otterbox Defender for iPad

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  1. Step 1 Open up the iPad case. 1 Open up the iPad case. Do this by flipping open the cover. Spread the case out flat.[13]
    • Similar to putting the Defender case on, you'll need to separate the silicone casing first.
  2. Step 2 Press down on the top-right corner. 2 Press down on the top-right corner. When looking at the iPad, the camera should be at the top. Push down on the silicone segment on the top-right corner.
    • The silicone should unclip from the hard plastic.
  3. Step 3 Press down on the right side. 3 Press down on the right side. You'll see another long segment along the right side of the case. Push down on the silicone segment until it pops free from the hard plastic.
  4. Step 4 Press down on the top. 4 Press down on the top. The last segment will be above the camera. Push down at the silicone segment at the top until it pops free from the hard plastic.
  5. Step 5 Peel the silicone away from the hard plastic. 5 Peel the silicone away from the hard plastic. Now that the top and right sides are peeled away from the plastic, you should be able to easily detach the silicone from the rest of the case.
    • After you remove the silicone, you'll be left with the hard plastic around your iPad.
  6. Step 6 Detach the plastic backing. 6 Detach the plastic backing. This is the back half of the case that lies against the back of your iPad. Press down on the plastic spine located on the right of the case, then peel the top frame away.
  7. Step 7 Pull your iPad up and out of the case. 7 Pull your iPad up and out of the case. Once the frame has been removed, you should be able to move your iPad from the case easily.
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Method 5 Method 5 of 5:

Otterbox Symmetry for iPad

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  1. Step 1 Open up the iPad case. 1 Open up the iPad case. You can do this by flipping it open like you would when using your iPad. Spread the case out flat so that it’s easier to work with.
    • If you have a keyboard connected to your iPad, pop that off first before you start.
  2. Step 2 Pull the corner away from your iPad. 2 Pull the corner away from your iPad. Press down on a corner away from buttons, and, at the same time, push your iPad up and away from the case.[14]
    • If you’re having trouble, try sticking a coin (or any other flat tool) between the case and the iPad.
  3. Step 3 Pull your iPad up and out of the case. 3 Pull your iPad up and out of the case. Once you have one corner free, pull your iPad up and away from the case. If any of the corners get stuck, carefully wiggle them out before you keep lifting.
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Community Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question Do you need to remove the plastic cover from the front of the otterbox case? Community Answer Community Answer Some models have a screen cover built into the case, while others have a plastic sheet that attaches directly to the screen before the case is installed. Either way, you do not need to remove the cover to open the otterbox case. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 4 Helpful 14
  • Question How do I remove an Otterbox from my iPhone 6? Community Answer Community Answer On the side, there should be a clasp or something to detach the two part of the phone case. Next, you can use your nails or anything strong and thin (like a credit card) to take them apart. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 20 Helpful 8
  • Question How do I open the Otter Box for an HTC Desire Eye? Community Answer Community Answer This is one of the Defender cases described above. It helps to have a hard plastic card to wedge under the flexible cover. If the snaps on the hard inner shell won't open, you can carefully pry them apart with a butter knife or flat head screwdriver. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 9 Helpful 5
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Video

Tips

  • Some Otterbox cases come with a hard plastic tool to help you wedge open the two halves of the case. This tool is designed to slip onto the lanyard on your case. If you don't have this tool, a hard plastic library card or a similar tool should work. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

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References

  1. ↑ https://manuals.plus/otterbox/defender-series-pro-case-for-iphone-12-12-pro-manual
  2. ↑ https://manuals.plus/otterbox/defender-series-pro-case-for-iphone-12-12-pro-manual
  3. ↑ https://manuals.plus/otterbox/defender-series-pro-case-for-iphone-12-12-pro-manual
  4. ↑ https://manuals.plus/otterbox/defender-series-pro-case-for-iphone-12-12-pro-manual
  5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-8j1gIxAfM&feature=youtu.be&t=146
  6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cy1VMRIBWFI&feature=youtu.be&t=46
  7. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cy1VMRIBWFI&feature=youtu.be&t=46
  8. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cy1VMRIBWFI&feature=youtu.be&t=50
  9. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cy1VMRIBWFI&feature=youtu.be&t=52
More References (5)
  1. ↑ https://www.otterbox.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-ob_us-Library/default/dw5b93e2e1/pdfs/installation-instructions/symmetry-series-flex-case-instructions.pdf
  2. ↑ https://www.otterbox.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-ob_us-Library/default/dw5b93e2e1/pdfs/installation-instructions/symmetry-series-flex-case-instructions.pdf
  3. ↑ https://www.otterbox.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-ob_us-Library/default/dw5b93e2e1/pdfs/installation-instructions/symmetry-series-flex-case-instructions.pdf
  4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TsOZXhr2iK8
  5. ↑ https://youtu.be/ONItRkWSk9I?si=H3P3zDmToNnIYa5L&t=9

About This Article

Darlene Antonelli, MA Written by: Darlene Antonelli, MA wikiHow Technology Writer This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Darlene Antonelli, MA. Darlene has been writing and editing tech content at wikiHow since 2019. She previously worked for AppleCare, served as a writing tutor, volunteered in IT at an animal rescue, and taught as an adjunct professor for EN101 and EN102. Darlene has completed Coursera courses on technology, writing, and language. She holds both a BA (2011) and an MA (2012) from Rowan University in Writing, with a focus on workplace communication. With her extensive experience, academic background, and ongoing learning, Darlene has become the go-to grammar expert for her friends and family, as well as a skilled wordsmith for anyone in need. This article has been viewed 938,831 times. How helpful is this? Co-authors: 8 Updated: June 24, 2025 Views: 938,831 Article SummaryX

To open an Otterbox Case for the Defender Series, start by popping the snap-on holster off using the large tab on the side. Once the holster is off, find an opening in the silicone slipcover near the camera opening, charging port, or a corner of the screen. If you can’t fit your fingers into any of the openings, use an old credit card or other hard, flexible piece of plastic to slip under the cover. Wiggle your credit card under the plastic until you can fit a finger into the gap. After you wedge a corner open, start prying off the silicone. When the silicone is off, find the tension clips along the edge of the case, and pop them open with your fingers. Continue to release the tension clips until the 2 halves separate. To learn how to remove an Otterbox Case from an iPad, keep reading! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Darlene Antonelli, MA Written by: Darlene Antonelli, MA wikiHow Technology Writer Click a star to vote Co-authors: 8 Updated: June 24, 2025 Views: 938,831

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