How do I open an OtterBox Defender case?

The OtterBox Defender Case has three layers: a plastic holster, a rubber slipcover, and a hard plastic shell. Each layer is removable. To remove the plastic holster, the outermost layer, unclip each of the four corners one at a time. Next, peel the rubber slipcover away from the plastic casing. If you're struggling to get underneath the cover, undo the flap covering the charging port and pull the small rubber tab away from the device. You will then be able to slide your finger underneath all edges. Finally, unclip the case's frame from the rear using the clips on the underside of the remaining plastic case. These clips sit along both sides and the top and bottom of the phone. Once you release the clips, the frame and the back cover will separate from the phone.

Do OtterBox cases work with wireless charging?

All OtterBox smartphone cases work with wireless charging, although they can vary in performance depending on the type of charger you’re using and the handset in question. There are two main wireless chargers on the market: Qi and MagSafe. While you can use both to charge any phone with wireless charging capabilities, MagSafe chargers specifically fast-charge iPhone 12 handsets and above. If you buy an OtterBox case for a MagSafe handset, but the case itself doesn’t have the proprietary MagSafe magnets built-in, you’ll still be able to charge it via MagSafe, but you won’t be able to take full advantage of the increased MagSafe speeds. To guarantee top MagSafe performance, purchase an OtterBox case labeled "with MagSafe."

Are OtterBox cases waterproof?

Most OtterBox cases with the DROP+ protection rating are water-resistant but not waterproof. Cases that don’t have the DROP+ protection rating are not water-resistant by default. Water resistance means they can withstand splashes without damage. OtterBox doesn’t guarantee the cases will protect your device when submerged, so you should avoid taking your phone in water unless it is waterproof.

The Best OtterBox Cases for Your iPhone

Our favorite OtterBox case is the OtterBox Defender, and we highly recommend it to anyone who wants robust phone protection.

Our Top Picks

Just Buy This (All Around Best):

Otterbox Defender Series XT for MagSafe (iPhone 15, iPhone 14 and iPhone 13) at Amazon $70

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Also Great:

SALE

OtterBox Symmetry Series Clear for MagSafe (iPhone 15, iPhone 14 and iPhone 13) at Amazon ~~$50~~ $34

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Easiest on the Budget:

OtterBox Commuter Series for MagSafe (iPhone 15, iPhone 14 and iPhone 13) at Amazon $40

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Just Buy This (All Around Best)

Otterbox Defender Series XT for MagSafe (iPhone 15, iPhone 14 and iPhone 13)

PHOTO: Amazon

$64 at Amazon View on Otterbox.com

TL;DR: The OtterBox Defender Series XT for MagSafe offers high-level protection with a multi-layer design that fits securely on your smartphone.

Why We Recommend This

The OtterBox Defender XT for MagSafe case makes an iPhone 15, 14, or 13 feel the most secure. The case includes a front frame that securely holds your phone in place and adds a raised ridge for extra drop protection. It's also MagSafe-compatible for easy wireless charging.

Pros

Highly protective
Easy-to-grip
Secure fit on the phone

Cons

Slightly bulky
Not compatible with third-party camera protectors

OtterBox says this phone case can survive as many drops as the military standard. It features raised edges around the screen and camera to prevent them from shattering.

Other Versions

We were pleasantly surprised at how easy the case was to put on, as multi-layer phone cases with front and back pieces can often be a pain to assemble. Even though it requires some assembly, it only took about 60 seconds to get on.

This rugged phone case also felt lighter than expected. The design and overall feel sealed the deal.

Also Great

OtterBox Symmetry Series Clear for MagSafe (iPhone 15, iPhone 14 and iPhone 13)

PHOTO: Amazon

$34 at Amazon View on Otterbox.com $38 at Target

TL;DR: The OtterBox Symmetry Series Clear for MagSafe is a sleek but protective phone case in many colors and designs, making it an excellent choice for fashion-forward shoppers.

Why We Recommend This

If you want a stylish phone case with solid drop protection, the OtterBox Symmetry has the sleekest, most elegant design. It's rugged but doesn't have the heavy look of the Defender or Commuter cases. The Symmetry is also the only case we recommend that is all one piece. There's nothing to snap together.

Pros

Lightweight design
Wide range of colors and styles
MagSafe-compatible

Cons

Not as protective as other OtterBox cases

The Defender and Commuter worked with my wireless and MagSafe chargers. The Symmetry was the only one that perfectly locked in with the MagSafe charger. Therefore, this is an excellent choice if you prefer that method.

The case features a raised edge around the camera on the back of the phone for impressive camera protection. The Defender and Commuter cases are thicker, so the camera protection ridge doesn't need to stick out as far to give the same amount of support.

Other Versions

The Symmetry case lays at an angle with the top of the phone raised due to that elongated camera ridge.

Who else recommends it? Rolling Stone recommended the OtterBox Symmetry as the best overall protective phone case for iPhones.
What do buyers say? Amazon reviewers praise this case for its protection, fit, and easy installation. 81% of the over 2,800 buyers that rated the iPhone 13 model on Amazon gave it a 5-star rating.

Easiest on the Budget

OtterBox Commuter Series for MagSafe (iPhone 15, iPhone 14 and iPhone 13)

PHOTO: Amazon

$35 at Amazon View on Otterbox.com

TL;DR: The OtterBox Commuter Series for MagSafe offers strong protection at an affordable price. The two-layer case is easy to put on and lock into place.

Why We Recommend This

The Commuter's case design is like the reverse of the Defender's. The interior layer is a synthetic rubber that locks into a plastic protective outer shell. Some synthetic rubber is still exposed on the phone's sides, so you can still get a firm grip. This case fits the iPhone 15, 14, and 13.

Pros

Provides two-layer protection
More affordable than other OtterBox cases
Easy set-up

Cons

Less drop protection than in the Defender Series

This case features 3x drop protection compared to the military standard. That's slightly less protective than the OtterBox Defender Series case, but it is still adequate to meet the needs of the vast majority of consumers.

Other Versions

It's cheaper than the Defender OtterBox case and offers excellent protection, so this is an ideal budget option.

Other OtterBox Cases We Considered

The OtterBox Strada Folio Series is a premium leather case with a more sophisticated look for the iPhone 15.
The OtterBox OtterGrip Symmetry series for the iPhone 15 Pro can be used with interchangeable PopGrips to give you a better grip or to prop up your phone on different surfaces.

What to Look For

When shopping for a phone case, consider the following:

Protection: Each OtterBox case has passed extensive drop-testing to ensure it can adequately protect your device.
Fit and design: Always ensure you buy the correct version of the OtterBox case for a proper fit. OtterBox makes phone cases for most smartphone models in an array of styles.
Warranty: OtterBox offers a Limited Lifetime Warranty on its smartphone cases. This warranty covers the "Lifetime of the product," which OtterBox determines as being seven years from the original date of purchase.
Antimicrobial Properties (Optional): An easy-to-clean or antimicrobial case will help keep your phone from getting too gross.

For more buying advice, see our phone case buying guide.

FAQ

How do I open an OtterBox Defender case?

The OtterBox Defender Case has three layers: a plastic holster, a rubber slipcover, and a hard plastic shell. Each layer is removable. To remove the plastic holster, the outermost layer, unclip each of the four corners one at a time. Next, peel the rubber slipcover away from the plastic casing. If you're struggling to get underneath the cover, undo the flap covering the charging port and pull the small rubber tab away from the device. You will then be able to slide your finger underneath all edges. Finally, unclip the case's frame from the rear using the clips on the underside of the remaining plastic case. These clips sit along both sides and the top and bottom of the phone. Once you release the clips, the frame and the back cover will separate from the phone.
Do OtterBox cases work with wireless charging?

All OtterBox smartphone cases work with wireless charging, although they can vary in performance depending on the type of charger you’re using and the handset in question. There are two main wireless chargers on the market: Qi and MagSafe. While you can use both to charge any phone with wireless charging capabilities, MagSafe chargers specifically fast-charge iPhone 12 handsets and above. If you buy an OtterBox case for a MagSafe handset, but the case itself doesn’t have the proprietary MagSafe magnets built-in, you’ll still be able to charge it via MagSafe, but you won’t be able to take full advantage of the increased MagSafe speeds. To guarantee top MagSafe performance, purchase an OtterBox case labeled "with MagSafe."
Are OtterBox cases waterproof?

Most OtterBox cases with the DROP+ protection rating are water-resistant but not waterproof. Cases that don’t have the DROP+ protection rating are not water-resistant by default. Water resistance means they can withstand splashes without damage. OtterBox doesn’t guarantee the cases will protect your device when submerged, so you should avoid taking your phone in water unless it is waterproof.

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