iPhone Lifeproof wallet case "hack"

[Robb]

"Hack" is probably a little strong.

Anyhoo. Mrs. Robb and I both have the Lifeproof cases -- which we love.

But she's gotten used to having her phone in a wallet case, where she can keep a couple of credit cards and a driver's license, but be able to open it up and use the iPhone. Something like this:



Of course, when you put the phone in a Lifeproof case, none of the iPhone-specific wallet cases fit.

But... I did a lot of shopping around, picking up other brands of phones and measuring them veeeery carefully. Turns out an iPhone in a Lifeproof case has almost precisely the same dimensions as an HTC phone called the Rezound. Which has one or two wallet cases out there; I picked up this one, from a manufacturer named "Monaco," for about $25:



It's almost perfect. Camera hole on the back is even in the right spot, through blind luck. The iPhone is held in place with rubber-coated metal clips that grab the rubber edges of the Lifeproof case perfectly, so the entire face is accessible, and nothing slips around. The only modification I had to do was to cut off the bottom clip, which was extraneous and made phone sit a touch too high. Other than that, a great solution to wanting a bomb-proof phone case with a leather wallet case's style and convenience.

I'll try to remember to take a picture of our final product -- Mrs. Robb is out and, of course, has her phone.

[Auggie]

1. Thanks Robb

I was looking for a set-up like this.

[OuttaHand]

2. Confirmed!

I just wanted to say 'Thank You!'

I have been searching for a wallet-type case for my iPhone (inside a Lifeproof case) for a while. I found your post through Google and was VERY happy. For the cost of the case ($23 and free shipping at DayDeal.com) I thought I'd give it a try.

It works VERY nicely!

A couple notes:
1) For the camera lens to get a clear view through the case's opening, you do have to slide the iPhone down in the case a bit so it's not vertically centered. The bottom of the phone sticks out maybe 1/8". Not enough to worry about. In fact, it makes the Lifeproof's bottom trap door a little easier to open with the flap of the leather case still closed.

2) You CAN still get to mute switch and volume buttons on the left side of the phone even when the cover is closed. The center "hinge" of the case is just below them. The 'Down' volume is a bit tough to reach, but it can be done.

3) The bottom retention clip on the case needs to be removed (as you stated). It is spring steel so very hard to cut. I tried a hacksaw but mine was dull with no new blades around. I ended up grabbing it with pliers and bending it back and forth til it snapped.
That steel clip is covered with leather. So if you cut the leather away from the inside before you remove the clip, you can fold that remaining flap of leather over the cut-off metal to cover the sharp edge.

I'd like to thank you, Robb, for doing all the research on this one for me! I am very pleased with this setup! (and the smell of new leather is SO nice)

[Robb]

3. Welcome to DU!

Glad it worked out for you! As you can tell, I never got around to posting pics of the final product, but Mrs. Robb has been delighted, and is using he setup still.

[Treckor]

5. life proof wallet

So I know I'm 3 or 4 years behind but could you please give me more specifics on the name of the wallet company and where to purchase? thanks!

[Rhiannon12866]

6. Since Robb posted this in 2012, you may not hear back from him

But I did a search and they're available on Amazon - but it's not one size fits all. Apparently there are different ones that fit the specific iPhone model that you have. Welcome to DU!

[daniellee717]

4. YES!

I created an account just to say THANK YOU!! I haven't ordered a case yet, but I want a wallet case for my iphone 5 in a lifeproof case so bad! Great suggestions. Thanks again