How To Get Clear Otterbox Off Iphone Xr

iphone xr case hub

IDG / Rob Schultz

More than six months into its lifespan, the best iPhone to buy is still the most affordable of the bunch: the iPhone XR, starting at $749. The 6.1-inch phone has many of the premium features found in the more expensive iPhone XS and XS Max, and comes in six different colors. (See why we think the iPhone XR is a worthy upgrade to the iPhone X.) It might be the more affordable option, but it's still a significant expense, so you're going to want a case to protect it. Fortunately, there are some very nice case options to choose from. We rounded up our top picks to help you decide. We'll add more to the list as new cases become available, so watch this space.

Best clear iPhone XR cases

The iPhone XR's six different colors distinguish this smartphone from its siblings. The best way to show them off is a clear iPhone case.

Ghostek Covert 2

Price: $15
Colors: Black, white, red, pink
Highlights: The Ghostek Covert 2 case doesn't hide your iPhone XR, it complements it. All of the cases have a clear back so the iPhone XR's colorful glass back shines through. So why is it available in four colors, you ask? That's the color of the four silicone gel corner bumpers that protect your phone against drops and add a nice accent to whatever color you've chosen for the XR. The clear back also lets the Apple logo show and adds a Google Pixel-esque textured window around the camera, which we'll admit looks pretty good. And of course, you'll also get military-grade protection against drops from two meters.

Casetify Grip Clear

Price: $40

Colors: Baby pink, black, frost white

Wireless charging: Yes

Highlights: Casetify is known for its transparent cases with beautiful and unique graphics. But Casetify's less expensive Grip Case also comes in a completely clear version to show off your chosen iPhone XR color. Despite not being the company's military-grade Impact Case, the Grip Case is still very sturdy and can handle drops from up to 4 feet. The Grip Case comes with three different border colors as well, to accent your phone.

Casetify only provides a 6-month warranty, but shipping is included on orders more than $35.

OtterBox Symmetry Clear

Price: $49.95

Colors: Black, clear, sunflower yellow, maroon/grey, green/grey, glittery clear, lavender/maroon

Wireless charging: Yes

Highlights: OtterBox was one of the first to popularize rugged, protective cases for iPhones, and it's still in the biz 20 years later. The company's classic Symmetry Series comes in many colors, including clear and even a glittery clear version. What makes this OtterBox great is how snugly it fits and how its thick armor makes you feel your iPhone XR is safe.

Amazon includes shipping on this order since it comes to over $25, and OtterBox will still provide its famous Drop Protection Guarantee.

Speck Presidio Stay Clear

Price: $39.95

Colors: Clear

Wireless charging: Yes

Highlights: Speck's Presidio Stay Clear case is perfect for showing off the six different colors the iPhone XR comes in. The case has two layers of protection and a raised bezel, which is meant to protect your phone from drops up to 8 feet. It also claims to absorb UV rays and oil to prevent smudging. To the touch, the case is unflexing and incredibly tough.

Speck provides free shipping and returns in the U.S. And if you're so inclined, you can pay an extra $5 for two-day shipping.

Gear4 Picadilly

Price: $40
Colors: Black, white, pink
Highlights: From a distance, the Gear4 Picadilly case looks like any other clear case, but when you pop your iPhone XR into it, you can see what sets it apart. A subtle splash of color on the sides gives your phone a little extra personality, while deep cutouts for the power button and camera, add sharp angles. But what we like most is how sturdy it is. Made of the same material that you'll find in high-end motorcycle helmets, the Picadilly case will keep your iPhone looking like new without adding too much bulk or weight.

Best protective iPhone XR cases

The iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max all sport ultra-durable Corning Gorilla Glass 6, but you can never be too careful. These protective iPhone cases will provide the shielding you need.

Tech21 Evo Check

Price: $39.95

Colors: Black, orchid, red, violet, aqua, neon yellow

Wireless charging: Yes

Highlights: The semi-transparent Evo Check is surprisingly durable while being very flexible and even soft to the touch. Tech21 promises "scientifically proven" 12-foot drop protection in part thanks to the air pockets lining the case. Bezels at the bottom of the are also raised a little higher than most cases to protect the speakers and Lightning port. Buttons are also very firm and responsive. The brand name's imprint on the interior back of the case feels a bit like sandpaper, but not enough so to harm the iPhone XR's body.

Tech21 provides a limited lifetime warranty and includes 2 to 5 day shipping in the U.S. and Canada.

Proporta Flex Switch Carbon Fibre

Price: $54.95

Colors: Black

Wireless charging: Yes

Highlights: Unlike its textured grey marl cousin, the Flex Switch Carbon Fibre offers even more protection due to its sturdier materials. This uniquely styled case from Proporta has a shiny black back and a tough, unflexing body. The hardshell case is made from TPU gel and has an air shock wall with a charcoal TPE gel lining. It even has a subtle kickstand that swings out from the top of the case.

The Flex Switch is sturdy in all the right areas, but flexible where buttons and ports are located. The air pockets lining its interior also provide extra shielding from drops. Proporta offers a lifetime warranty and ships to the U.S. for free within 5 to 7 working days.

Ringke Onyx

Price: $7.99 – $9.99

Colors: Black, purple

Wireless charging: Yes

Highlights: Shiny, black, and snug. Ringke's Onyx case is a great deal while offering impressive protection for a case that's pretty slim. Its plastic, flexible, and has a pleasantly smooth, comfortable grip. The case boasts "advanced shock absorption" via Military Grade MIL-STD 810G – 516.6 drop protection, which protects the phone from drops of 4 to 6 feet depending on the surface. There are even a few notches in the bottom-left through where you can string a lanyard.

The Ringke Onyx is available from Amazon and qualifies for free shipping.

Casetify Impact Case for iPhone XR

Price: $45

Colors: Huge number of designs and even custom cases

Wireless charging: Yes

Highlights: Casetify is one of the most unique and colorful case makers around. The company has a range of artsy cases with different prints and designs for the iPhone XS Max, XS, and XR models. You can even decorate your own case. (A plain, clear option is also available for $10 less.) These cases are sturdy too, earning Casetify its slogan of "Real Cute. Real Tough." The Impact Case is "military grade" and can survive drops of 6.6 feet.

One downside is that Casetify appears to only offer a 6-month warranty. But shipping on orders of $35 and up are free worldwide.

Ghostek Cloak 4

Price: $20
Colors: Black, pink, red, gold
Highlights: The Ghostek Cloak 4 will definitely add a different style to your iPhone XR, but we like it. Available in four colors, it features large bumpers, aggressive angles, and a tinted back window that will give your iPhone XR a very distinct personality. Our favorite is the gold model, which is paired with a blue bumper for a cool color combination. But even if you opt for the less-flashy black model, your iPhone XR will be well guarded against slips and falls, including a raised bevel around the camera for extra scrape protection.

Gear4 Picadilly

Griffin Survivor Endurance

Incipio NGP

Speck Presidio Inked

Best wallet iPhone XR cases

While not as big as the 6.5-inch iPhone XS Max, the iPhone XR is fairly large at 6.1 inches. Wallet cases for this phone can definitely hold a good amount bills, cards, and papers.

Gear4 Oxford

Price: $50
Colors: Black
Highlights: Sometimes we want to leave our wallet at home, and the Gear4 Oxford case lets us do just that. It has a portfolio-style flip cover and space for two cards and some cash, but out favorite feature of the Oxford is the vertical window on the back that still shows off you iPhone XR's personality. It's also got a cutout for the speaker so you can talk on the phone without opening the cover as well as a strong latch to prevent inadvertent openings. And it even has markings on the spine for the volume controls—just one more nice detail.

Skech Polo Book

Price: $39.99 – $49.99

Colors: Black, brown, champagne white

Wireless charging: Yes

Highlights: The Polo Book isn't your typical folio case. For one, its interior shell case magnetically detaches to create a 2-in-1 case—and the utility doesn't stop there. Thanks to its magnets, you can adjust the hard shell case into a viewing stand. It also has a transparent card slot for your ID, three other slots for cards, and a pocket for storing bills and other papers. Though, we wish the corners of its hard shell case were a bit smoother and had less puckering.

The Polo Book is available from Amazon for $39.99 in black and $49.99 for the other two colors, including shipping. It comes with a 1-year warranty.

Strada Series Folio

Price: $59.95

Colors: Black, brown, purple

Wireless charging: Not listed

Highlights: With a phone as big as the iPhone XR, you might as well use it to store your bills. And with OtterBox's reputation for sturdy cases, you'll get some good protection as well. This Strada Folio Case is made from leather, claims to age well, has a horizontal inside slot for cash or cards, and a magnetic strap and metal latch for the front cover.

Along with OtterBox's Drop Protection Guarantee, you'll also get free shipping on this order since it comes to over $25.

Snakehive Vintage Leather Wallet

Price: $29.99

Colors: Black, green, yellow, brown, blue, purple

Wireless charging: Not listed

Highlights: For 30 bucks, this case from Snakehive is a great deal for a product that looks and feels much more expensive. The treatment on the leather has a suede-like feel that makes it difficult to keep your hands away. The interior pockets are also very roomy and capable of holding plenty of papers, bills, and cards. You can even fold the case so it works as a kickstand for your iPhone XR's large screen.

All Snakehive products offer a 1-year warranty and the company provides free shipping on orders over $25.

Bella Fino

Price: $79.95

Colors: Chocolate, whiskey, black

Wireless charging: Yes

Highlights: If you prefer wallet cases, there's so much to love about Pad & Quill's Bella Fino. The leather case feels incredibly lux and thicker and heavier than other wallet cases we've tried. It also closes with a satisfying magnetic snap and seems durable enough to last for years to come. You can even customize the case with your initials.

Pad & Quill offers an impressive 25-year leather warranty, which is something we haven't seen from any other case maker. Shipping is included for all orders in the United States.

Speck Presidio Wallet

Price: $45
Colors: Black
Highlights: Speck's Presidio Wallet case takes a different approach to storing your cards and cash. It has the company's same approach to a high-quality case and form-fitting design, but instead of a portfolio-style cover, it has a little bulge on the back with enough space to hold up to three credit cards or your ID. Curiously, the look of this case isn't unlike Apple's Smart Battery Case, with a plastic outer shell that feels a little like leather and a very ergonomic design that's comfortable to hold.

Best wood iPhone XR cases

Wooden cases provide a lush feel and a unique look for the iPhone. There are many wooden iPhone cases out there, but we chose some of the most premium offerings out there.

Kerf Wood Case

Price: Starting at $69

Colors: Walnut, cherry, maple, spalted maple, ambrosia maple, rosewood, bulletwood, figured walnut, bocote, sycamore, spalted beech, spalted walnut, padauk, purpleheart, mahogany, african mahogany, canarywood, eucalyptus burl, amboyna burl

Wireless charging: Yes

When it comes to wood cases, the folks at KerfCase know their stuff. This one-piece case is almost entirely made of wood, down even to the buttons. What's more, it has the added touch of a luxurious suede lining. But possibly its most impressive feature is how the case comes in 19 different kinds of wood, ranging from walnut to amboyna burl. The price varies depending on the rarity of the wood you select. Walnut is the cheapest at $69 while eucalyptus burl is the most expensive at $409. Yikes!

All of the cases from Kerf Case are handmade in the U.S. and come with a lifetime warranty covering repairs. Shipping in the U.S. is included and should arrive within 2-4 business days via USPS. If you so desire, you can include your own engraving or image for an additional fee.

Mous Limitless 2.0 Wood Case

Price: $49.99 (regularly $59.99)

Colors: Bamboo, walnut wood

Wireless charging: Yes

Highlights: Mous's Limitless cases come in the same style but in a variety of prices depending on the material, including bamboo, leather, carbon fiber, walnut wood, and even shell. This particular case comes in either bamboo or walnut wood. What distinguishes Mous is not only how well made and sturdy the cases feel in your hand, but the rigorous testing methods the company uses: Slamming its cases with hammers, for exampl.

Starting at $49.99, they are pretty affordable considering the eclectic materials. And the company's AirShock technology promises the cases will deliver maximum protection. Mous offers free shipping on orders over $75 and a limited lifetime warranty.

Best leather iPhone XR cases

Leather cases add luxury and class to your iPhone. The material is also durable and shock absorbent. So if you aren't vegan, here are some great cases to consider.

Mujjo Full Leather Case

Price: $44.95

Colors: Black, tan, olive

Wireless charging: Yes

Highlights: If you're looking for something cheaper but just as classy as Apple's leather iPhone case, look no further than Dutch designer Mujjo. The company's Full Leather Class exudes simple elegance with a textured grip that's hard to keep your hands off. The case snaps incredibly snugly around the iPhone XR while covering the buttons subtly. Adding to its elegance, the case is lined with satin-like Japanese microfiber.

Mujjo's Full Leather Case is available from Amazon and includes shipping in the United States.

Nodus Shell Case II

Price: $63.58

Colors: Brown, black, grey, teal

Wireless charging: Yes

Highlights: The Shell Case II from Nodus both looks and feels great. It's made from full grain vegetable tanned Italian leather, delivering a perfect grip and nicely wrapping around the iPhone's buttons. For added protection, its interior is a shock absorbent polycarbonate, though you'd never know it from the outside. One of its nifty features is a magnetic micro-dock that comes with the case. Use this to hang your iPhone from anywhere—even a wall.

The Shell Case II is available from Nodus and includes shipping.

Nomad Rugged Case

Price: $44.95

Colors: Black, brown

Wireless charging: Yes

Highlights: Nomad knows leather. The company's Rugged Case takes a unique approach by using a material that develops a rustic "patina" over time. It's also durable while being thin, with six-foot drop protection. This is thanks to the case being made from a combination of Horween leather and polycarbonate. Overall, it feels incredibly well-made while having a handsome and sturdy look.

Nomad provides a limited 2-year warranty covering workmanship defects and charges $4.95 for standard 3 to 7 day shipping in the United States.

Best thin iPhone XR cases

Apple says the iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max are the most durable iPhones yet, and drop tests appear to prove this. If you aren't so worried about protection, you can just slip one of these ultra-thin cases on.

Totallee Leather

Price: $39
Colors: Black
Highlights: If you're looking for a case that offers scratch protection without adding any bulk to your iPhone, Totally is the way to go. And the leather version of its ultra-thin case adds a touch of class too. A snug fir makes sure your iPhone XR will stay protected again accidental bumps and bruises, while the soft and smooth leather back adds grip and texture. Keep in mind that the sides of the case are made of the same polypropylene as its matte cases, but if you're looking for a leather case that doesn't add any bulk, this is a great option.

Moshi SuperSkin

Price: $24.95

Colors: Clear, black

Wireless charging: Yes

Highlights: The 0.35-millimeter thin SuperSkin case from Moshi is nothing short of a miracle. You can barely tell the iPhone XR is wearing a case when it's on. But we can't guarantee this "naked" case will provide much protection outside of preventing scratches. It's still unbelievable, though.

All Moshi products have a 1-year warranty. The company also offers free 5 to 7 day shipping to the United States.

Totallee Thin iPhone XR Case

Price: $29

Colors: Matte frosted clear, matte frosted black, matte solid black, matte grey, matte navy blue, glossy clear, glossy jet white, glossy jet black

Wireless charging support: Yes

Highlights: At 0.02 inches thin and 0.1 ounces light, this case from Totallee is among the thinnest and lightest you can buy right now. It may be simple in design, but it comes in a wide range of neutral colors in both matte and glossy finishes. The aesthetic is subdued but elegant and reasonably priced at $29.

It also comes with a 2-year warranty and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Orders over $35 ship worldwide for free within one business day, so it might be worth buying two cases. If not, you can pay $4.99 for 2-5 business day shipping or $8.99 for 1-3 day express shipping.

Peel Super Thin Case

Price: $25

Colors: Clear, jet black, jet white, frosted black, black, transparent silver, transparent rose

Wireless charging: Yes

Highlights: Peel. Its very name describes how unimaginably thin this iPhone case is. Equally impressive is how tightly the case snaps to the iPhone's form. You'll find it hard to pry off once it's on—the case is really like a second skin. Of course, this 0.35mm case only offers minor protection from light drops and scratches. Though, it does have a lip around the iPhone's camera which should make you feel safer.

Peel charges $5 for standard 4 to 8 day shipping in the U.S. and doesn't offer an official warranty on its product, but says the "support team is always happy to find a resolution that best suits your situation."

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Dieter is a staff writer covering consumer tech, apps, and services.