How to Install an OtterBox Defender Series Case on Your iPad

Protect your iPad without sacrificing usability with a sturdy OtterBox case

Written by Megaera Lorenz, PhD

Last Updated: August 31, 2024 Fact Checked

The OtterBox is one of those devices that are made to keep your iPad protected and still functional. If you’re not sure how to put your new case on your iPad, don’t worry—in this wikiHow, we’ll guide you through the process in a few easy steps.

Quick Steps

Pop the shield stand off your case at each corner.
Peel off the outer slipcover.
Release the snaps at the arrows along each edge on the back of the case.
Place your iPad in the back half of the case.
Snap on the front of the case, working from bottom to top.
Put the slipcover back on.
Fasten on the shield stand (optional).

Steps

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The OtterBox Defender series includes a stand so you can prop your iPad up while using it. To get started with the installation process, remove the stand from the rest of the case by pulling it off at each corner.^{[1]
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The case has a soft outer cover that you’ll need to remove. Some models have a tab at the bottom that you may need to release to peel off the cover.^{[2]
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This is a little more difficult. You’ll see several tabs along all four sides of the case that you’ll need to unsnap. They’re marked by arrows on the back of the case.
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Clean your iPad screen and OtterBox screen cover. If you have any dust or smudges on your screen or the clear screen protector that comes with your OtterBox, now is a good time to clean them.
- Apple recommends cleaning an iPad screen with a soft, slightly damp (not wet!) lint-free cloth.^{[3]
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- Wipe the OtterBox screen protector down with a soft, slightly damp microfiber cloth. If there’s any stubborn grime, you can use water mixed with a few drops of dish soap. Rinse the cover, pat it dry with a lint-free cloth, and let it air dry before installing it.
It can only go in one way. Make sure to line up the ports, buttons, and camera lens(es) with the correct holes on the case.
Take care not to smudge the screen cover or trap any hair or lint on the inside surface of the screen protector. Start at the bottom of the screen and work your way around the sides and up to the top.^{[4]
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Put on the outer silicone slipcover. This will basically be the reverse of when you peeled it off. Make sure all the ports and holes line up correctly. Press around all the edges to make sure the cover is firmly in place.^{[5]
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- Now your iPad is fully protected!
- If you like, you can also use the shield stand to prop your iPad up. Snap your case into the stand base and adjust the angle by pulling the stand out and towards you.