Otterbox defender take screen protector off or not

**Arbor12** · 09-30-2012, 04:19 PM

I have the Otterbox Defender for the iPhone 5 and love it, but not sure if I like the built in screen protector. Has anyone used the case but taken out the built in screen protector and used a different one. Just curious been thinking about taking it off. Thanks.

**Wallace** · 09-30-2012, 04:27 PM

Yep. I had a Defender on my 4s and now my 5. Removed the built in screen protector pretty much straight away.

However, I always put another one on, just in case. Now using an SGP Clear on my 5.

Sent from my iPhone 5 using Tapatalk

**kilcher** · 09-30-2012, 04:32 PM

I like that it's "sealed." Keeps dust, dirt, moisture out. Yeah, the screen would be a little more responsive without it but not enough to be worth it IMO.

Is that why you're thinking of removing it?

**Rellskie** · 09-30-2012, 04:38 PM

I had both the otterbox screen protector and a screen protector on my 4s and had no response issues. The one on the otterbox wasn't bad but sometimes had to take it off to clean the dust from inside it though.

**Arbor12** · 09-30-2012, 05:06 PM

Originally Posted by kilcher

I like that it's "sealed." Keeps dust, dirt, moisture out. Yeah, the screen would be a little more responsive without it but not enough to be worth it IMO.

Is that why you're thinking of removing it?

Yea it seems less responsive, mostly when I'm typing an email or text.

**precon22** · 10-03-2012, 09:53 PM

Offfff!!!!!! Lol it was terrible I have sgp ultra clear and it's perfect combo

**Matt.Musiol** · 10-04-2012, 07:05 AM

When you took off the built in protector, does it leave a gap around the edges of the screen or is it pretty flush? My only concern would be a bunch of dust getting in around there.

Thanks!

**zerog46** · 10-04-2012, 08:26 AM

Pretty flush around the edges. If you're careful you can put it back on after you take it off as long as you don't take all the glue off. Which you're going to have to do if you leave it off.

**precon22** · 10-04-2012, 09:47 AM

One problem I have is, the plastic fram looks like it digs a little into the protector near the earpiece and ffc opening so now the my screen protector has indents from the case it doesn't bother me to much as long as its not my glass. But I would suggest putting one on it. If you remove the screen protector.

**Matt.Musiol** · 10-04-2012, 11:19 AM

Yea I have ghost armor on the front now. I think I'm going to try it as long as it won't damage the phone or have annoying gaps around the screen for dust to flood the case haha.

**Wallace** · 10-04-2012, 02:03 PM

Been using the Defender on my iPhone 4s with the Defenders screen removed for months. I applied SGP protector. Did't have problems with dust ingress at all.

Done the same with my iPhone 5. I just couldn't get used to the built in screen protector. The Defender is not completely sealed anyway. The front camera et al is unprotected. Adding your own full screen protection is a bonus for me.

Really loving the new design of the iPhone 5 Defender. Just feels quality.

**mumfoau** · 10-09-2012, 01:19 PM

Originally Posted by Rellskie

I had both the otterbox screen protector and a screen protector on my 4s and had no response issues. The one on the otterbox wasn't bad but sometimes had to take it off to clean the dust from inside it though.

This was my main reason for removing the built in protector. I'd ALWAYS have to remove it to clean dust that had gotten inside and cause me to stretch out the silicone which I didn't want to do. I now LOVE the defender even more with the protector removed.

**CandyBean** · 10-09-2012, 06:46 PM

I took the screen protector off and put my own one because i couldn't stand the built in protector. Felt thick and diluted the screen resolution like crazy. Plus I noticed screen sensitivity went way down.

**John Yester** · 10-09-2012, 06:52 PM

Yup pop it out and use your own. Rocking a SGP Ultra fine on my 4s in the defender. Nice combo IMO. But glad to don't have to wipe it off all the time now.

**MRSBROWN2006** · 10-09-2012, 07:02 PM

Popped it out and installed a zagg shield. Went surprisingly well considering that it was my first wet screen protector installation.

Sent from my iPhone 5 using Tapatalk

**chippy19977** · 10-12-2012, 12:55 PM

I removed the Defender's built in screen protector and put an SGP Ultra Crystal on the phone itself. Bad news is now my iPhone 5 moves around slightly in the Defender case whereas before it didn't move at all. Bummer to ruin a $50 case. I don't recommend it.

EDIT: Once I put the silicon cover on the slight movement I mentioned in my original post went away. I guess the cover helps to "clamp" down on the plastic skeleton of the case and prevents the phone from moving inside. Now it's flawless! Loving it. Thanks!

**Wallace** · 10-12-2012, 01:59 PM

Don't know why it did that. I have taken my built in protector out. Before I fitted the SGP glas.t, there was no problem with the i5 sliding about within the OBD.

Sent from my iPhone 5 using Tapatalk

**epphllps** · 10-21-2012, 07:57 PM

I found my phone to be unusable with the protector left on the case. It was just comical trying to type. Felt like I was using a blackberry storm! Anyone else have issues that bad?!

**notoriousbeast** · 10-23-2012, 06:37 AM

The only annoying thing I find with the defenders screen protector is the rainbow marks

**StevenJ_AK** · 10-24-2012, 07:23 PM

So after reading this thread i took it off, but now my phone is loose inside.

It moves probably 1/16-1/8 of an inch around inside the case, if you were to shake the case you can hear it slide around inside.

Worst move yet to screw up a 50 dollar case.

**mumfoau** · 10-24-2012, 08:23 PM

Sorry that happened man. Pretty strange as I've had no issues with my 4S sliding around inside mine.

Sent from my iPhone 4S using Tapatalk

**gonzo143** · 10-25-2012, 08:52 PM

Take it off !
It drove me crazy for days thinking should or shouldn't I. Mine screen popped out nice and easy, with very little glue residue.
Brand new the cover had 2 tiny scratches that would drive me bonkers. But the main reason was that I like to switch cases every once in a while and this way my screen stays protected in any case.
And when it will scratch...I can easily change to a new screen protector.

**kilcher** · 10-26-2012, 02:35 PM

Originally Posted by notoriousbeast

The only annoying thing I find with the defenders screen protector is the rainbow marks

Take it apart and clean it. I used Windex. I did it twice in the first few weeks and nothing since.

Follow me on the Twitter! @_jorts

**mixercub** · 11-15-2012, 01:20 PM

Just make sure to get the extra sticky off if you do remove it.

**jerome g** · 11-16-2012, 06:48 PM

I have the defender for the iPhone 5, I have no problems with sensitivity regarding the built in protector. This is my first defender and I am a guy who usually doesn't even use a case.
I think I'm changing my ways as it is much less stressful without worrying about the phone. I just throw it around all the time without a thought.