Do not buy or trust a lifeproof case!!!!!!

[1911fan]

I've had a LifeProof case for my Iphone 5S for about a year. It's advertised as waterproof to two meters, and today it was put to the test when we took the canoe out. I waded into the water to get to the stern of the canoe. I had the phone with me to take pictures of our outing.
THE CASE IS A PIECE OF SHIT. My phone got wet and does not work properly. So I logged on to LP's site, since I registered the case, and found that A) the warranty is for one year, which expired 15 days ago, and B)

"LifeProof does not warrant, and is not responsible for, any smart phone or other device made by anyone other than LifeProof."

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So if their case leaks and destroys your phone, they'll send you a new case (for $50 + shipping, on an $85 case) but you're screwed on the phone or whatever was in the case that failed. Even if it's within the one-year warranty period.

So I'm out a $600 phone because I believed the statements on the packaging, which I still have.



1911fan

 

[Shanerbanner10]

Interesting. I've had mine in the pool many many times and have never had an issue assuming everything is right and closed correctly.

I definitely didn't realize that the warranty didn't cover the phone, that sucks.

 

[M40_A1]

I have a 5S right here in front of me that was in a Lifeproof case. I found it this summer while diving the southern California coast. Found at 15', it had sea water in it. Bummer. Nice paper weight though.

 

[Papa Zero Three]

Place the phone in a jar full of white rice for a few days, it might bring your phone back.

 

[Black max]

Place the phone in a jar full of white rice for a few days, it might bring your phone back.

And then get an otterbox armor case for it.

 

[Mike_Honcho]

A ziplock bag is for water, the case is for shock.

 

[Greenmachine]

For the OP. I stand up for lifeproof and there products! Do you know how much wear you put on something you use everyday for a year?? I have a lifeproof right now and it has lost most of its waterproof capability but I can tell from looking at it that it's not waterproof anymore. A person with good common sense wouldn't have your problem

 

[AEROMechanic]

I've had a LifeProof case for my Iphone 5S for about a year. It's advertised as waterproof to two meters, and today it was put to the test when we took the canoe out. I waded into the water to get to the stern of the canoe. I had the phone with me to take pictures of our outing.
THE CASE IS A PIECE OF SHIT. My phone got wet and does not work properly. So I logged on to LP's site, since I registered the case, and found that A) the warranty is for one year, which expired 15 days ago, and B)

"LifeProof does not warrant, and is not responsible for, any smart phone or other device made by anyone other than LifeProof."

<tbody>
</tbody>

So if their case leaks and destroys your phone, they'll send you a new case (for $50 + shipping, on an $85 case) but you're screwed on the phone or whatever was in the case that failed. Even if it's within the one-year warranty period.

So I'm out a $600 phone because I believed the statements on the packaging, which I still have.



1911fan

First and foremost, when you bought the case did you bother to follow the directions? You know, the directions that very clearly state "Before putting your phone in the case and submerging it, you must do a leak check first. Take your EMPTY case and make sure it's been snapped shut all the way around, and have the earphone jack screw installed. Put the case in a container of water, submerge it, and place a small weight on it so it stays submerged for 1 (one) hour. Remove your case, open it up and check for leaks. If there are none, your good to go (but even then they spell out a caveat that, you must re-check your case every few months or so). If id does leak, either return your case or they'll send you a new o-ring.

If you didn't follow their directions then it's your fault.

 

[superde]

Their cases seem to work well, but rarely make it a year before the face starts to peel back. The 2 that I had lasted about 6-8 months each before they started to come apart.

 

[AEROMechanic]

Their cases seem to work well, but rarely make it a year before the face starts to peel back. The 2 that I had lasted about 6-8 months each before they started to come apart.

Ive noticed this too, my OtterBox Defender, however keeps going strong at close to two years.

 

[rgrmike]

Their cases seem to work well, but rarely make it a year before the face starts to peel back. The 2 that I had lasted about 6-8 months each before they started to come apart.

This happened to mine too. I emailed them, sent them my case and they replaced it. It kinda sucked because my phone was without a case for a couple of weeks. I just don't see anything else on the market that compares. I want to put my phone in my pocket and those Otterbox cases are ridiculously big and look like crap.

 

[BDA2]

Or you could just buy a Galaxy S5 and not worry about water at all....

EDIT and Disclaimer: I have NOT tested the validity of the waterproof claims.... Just sayin...

 

[1911fan]

First and foremost, when you bought the case did you bother to follow the directions? ...
If you didn't follow their directions then it's your fault.

I see the attorney for LifeProof has entered the room.


Yes, I did test it when I bought it. I had problems with wrinkles in the front half, which they replaced, and tested it too. Both were waterproof. Since the phone had not been out of the case since then, I see no reason for the failure. The case looked the same as it has since installed, no peeling or delaminations.
No, i didn't test it every three months, so some of the blame is mine. My purpose in posting is to alert other LP owners that their cases may fail at any time, without visible issues, and not to trust them.

I still think a product advertised as waterproof should be, well... waterproof.


1911fan

 

[1911fan]

For the OP. I stand up for lifeproof and there products! Do you know how much wear you put on something you use everyday for a year?? I have a lifeproof right now and it has lost most of its waterproof capability but I can tell from looking at it that it's not waterproof anymore. A person with good common sense wouldn't have your problem

Ironic, your unwavering support of a product that has failed you. As stated above, my case looked normal in every way. Thanks for the 'common sense' crack, I'm not sure why you went on a personal offensive but it made me laugh.


1911fan

 

[FlashGordon]

Or you could just buy a Galaxy S5 and not worry about water at all....

That would mean the OP would have to live with Android... I'd not wish that upon my worst enemy.

 

[charvey9]

good to know. thanks

 

[BDA2]

That would mean the OP would have to live with Android... I'd not wish that upon my worst enemy.

Funny. I feel the same way about iPhone. Not necessarily the OS. But more the form factor. I love my big screen.

Posted Via Glade Plug In.

 

[FlashGordon]

Funny. I feel the same way about iPhone. Not necessarily the OS. But more the form factor. I love my big screen.

Posted Via Glade Plug In.

Buy a 5.5" iPhone later this fall

 

[1911fan]

Yeah, phones were getting a lot smaller until we discovered we could watch porn on them. I'll probably stay with the Apple platform, got about 8G of music on the phone and a bunch of apps.
As for waiting til fall, not gonna happen. Phone is used at work a lot, I have no landline, so it's a daily tool. Headed for the Verizon store today to take my lickin's.

1911fan

 

[BDA2]

Buy a 5.5" iPhone later this fall

That would mean giving up amazon prime music. Not gonna happen. Lol

Yeah, phones were getting a lot smaller until we discovered we could watch porn on them. I'll probably stay with the Apple platform, got about 8G of music on the phone and a bunch of apps.


1911fan

That's what iPads are for...... [emoji3]

Posted Via Glade Plug In.

 

[FlashGordon]

That would mean giving up amazon prime music. Not gonna happen. Lol

That's what iPads are for...... [emoji3]

Posted Via Glade Plug In.

It absolutely would not mean giving up Amazon Prime Music. Just download the app from the App Store.

 

[bobtodrick]

Sorry to say you're being too tough on Lifeproof (I'm being somewhat sarcastic here) .
They're response is sort of the standard of many industries it appears.
I deal with photographic equipment.
As many of you are probably aware most of the camera companies now make underwater cameras...everything from point and shoot cameras to expensive cases aimed at high end DSLR cameras.
Sometimes they leak.
When sent in for repair (under warranty) the most common response from the manufacturers is either:
-'Because of minute dirt on the O-ring which didn't allow a proper seal this is not covered under warranty'
-'It appears that the O-ring had minute cracks from age/under lube and this repair is not covered under warranty'
Maddening!!
Hate to say it, but whenever you buy a product that says 'waterproof' I think you are on your own.
Look up watches for example.
A watch that say WR100m...in actuality is meant to be worn in the shower or a shallow swimming pool. Go below 15 feet or so and you are on your own.
As well the rice trick is pretty hit or miss.
For it to work you are depending on the battery not having shorted out and fried the electronics...unfortunately about 90% of the time the battery does short out before you retrieve it from the water.

 

[1911fan]

So if I switch to Android, I can keep my Itunes music and apps?


1911fan

 

[BDA2]

It absolutely would not mean giving up Amazon Prime Music. Just download the app from the App Store.

View attachment 46667

But can I download the music from my amazon account to the phone so I can listen without Internet access?

Posted Via Glade Plug In.

 

[FlashGordon]

But can I download the music from my amazon account to the phone so I can listen without Internet access?

Posted Via Glade Plug In.

http://bit.ly/1mXODl3

 

[BDA2]

http://bit.ly/1mXODl3

Since I have no intention of buying an iPhone, ever, I wasn't going to look it up.

Thank you though.

Posted Via Glade Plug In.

 

[1911fan]

No rice handy at the beach, though I took the phone out of the case and laid it in the sun for a while. It sat in rice overnight, but this morning it's still gakked. Takes multiple tries to unlock the screen and then it starts randomly dialing people and deleting stuff, so it's off for good.


1911fan

 

[truth]

Been swimming, surfing and SUP'ing with Lifeproof cases for the past 2 years and never had one leak. That said, it's the risk you take. You really think a company should warranty your phone against being ruined by your own ineptitude at putting it in their case? LOL. Fucking Americans.

 

[Punisher29073]

I go canoeing and kayaking to get away from my phone. They are wretched appliances and deserve to drown.

I say this as i type on my iphone, but still hate it.

Ryan

 

[1911fan]

Been swimming, surfing and SUP'ing with Lifeproof cases for the past 2 years and never had one leak. That said, it's the risk you take. You really think a company should warranty your phone against being ruined by your own ineptitude at putting it in their case? LOL. Fucking Americans.

Wow. When your case leaks and ruins your phone, I hope you remember those words and eat 'em with a big helping of crow. If it's sold as waterproof, it should BE waterproof.

Fucking people who live anywhere else.



1911fan

 

[AEROMechanic]

Wow. When your case leaks and ruins your phone, I hope you remember those words and eat 'em with a big helping of crow. If it's sold as waterproof, it should BE waterproof.

Fucking people who live anywhere else.



1911fan

Regardless, this is your fault OP. Just buy a new lifeproof case and be done with it. ;-)

 

[bogeybrown]

I loved the size and weight of the Lifeproof and it passed the empty leak-test when I tried it, but then within a few months the case came apart and the whole front panel came off. I also noticed that sound quality was shit with the case on.

When my case came apart within the warranty period I emailed them with all the information and got no response, so I went to the Otterbox Armored with the metal back plate and hinges and that thing is a tank but makes a small sleek phone into a brick.

Now that I'm in the U.S. again and don't have to worry as much about poo dust destroying it, I switched to one of the smaller Otterboxes and I think I'm going to really really like it.

 

[AED146]

By the way I have a brand new life proof case for a iPhone 5 or 5s for sale if anyone wants it $75 shipped to you send me a pm I will post same item in accessories in a bit


AMF

 

[akmike47]

Nothing is waterproof it's water resistant. Anything can and will get water in it, and you should keep this in mind. It's a gamble every time you use it.

Most water proof things need maintenance and testing regularly. Replace the seals/lube,test.

 

[SuckitTrebek]

Lifeproof cases are not dumbass proof

 

[HillbillyfromAL]

The lifeproof nuud seems better than the fré which failed on my phone after sitting in the sun for about 30mins then my little boy knocking it into the ocean. 180$ later new 5S and the nüüd case which means my porn isn't distorted


One should not sacrifice liberty, for a false sense of security.

 

[1911fan]

You guys can all go fuck yourselves.

My point in posting was to spare other hiders the annoyance of device replacement due to the failure of a device marketed as "Waterproof to 6.6 feet!" when it is not waterproof.
I'm amazed at the finger pointing and name calling generated by my post. I've replaced the phone, no biggie, but why in the hell would I want to buy another lifeproof case? I have one that looks great- it's just not waterproof, which you can't tell from appearance. From reading above posts, it seems that visible failures are common- had my case looked FUBAR I wouldn't have trusted it. I take some of the blame, as admitted above, for not testing it quarterly. After reading some of your posts, I went back and read the instructions, and sumbitch.... I missed the part about testing it every three months. My bad. However, if you DO follow the instructions, you are testing the device every three months, plus any time the phone may be exposed to water. Every weekend, you'd have to test it, Saturday and Sunday mornings,if you plan on being near water on your days off. So if you went to the beach two weekends a month, that's four tests a month, times 12 is 48 tests a year. Seems like it would be hard on the case, no? You could lose the waterproof capability just through over testing. Kinda like wearing out a barrel finding the perfect load. And even if you test it according to the instructions, it can, apparently, fail at any time. maybe that's why they changed their policy.
I found out today that OtterBox now owns lifeproof, and are selling the same case, in different colors, as an OtterBox product. With the same "If it leaks, you're fucked" policy, so beware.

So anyway, I'm out of this thread. You guys can flip me shit all you want, go on trusting your lifeproof cases. My new phone is in an OtterBox Defender, which they claim to be waterproof to three feet for 30 seconds- not that I'm going to trust it.
If anybody wants the failed lifeproof case, it's theirs for $50 shipped CONUS. Of course, it's not waterproof, and if your phone is destroyed, I won't replace it, or refund your money, or give a shit. Just like lifeproof.


1911fan

 

[AEROMechanic]

My point in posting was to spare other hiders the annoyance of device replacement due to the failure of a device marketed as "Waterproof to 6.6 feet!" when it is not waterproof.
I'm amazed at the finger pointing and name calling generated by my post. I've replaced the phone, no biggie, but why in the hell would I want to buy another lifeproof case? I have one that looks great- it's just not waterproof, which you can't tell from appearance. From reading above posts, it seems that visible failures are common- had my case looked FUBAR I wouldn't have trusted it. I take some of the blame, as admitted above, for not testing it quarterly. After reading some of your posts, I went back and read the instructions, and sumbitch.... I missed the part about testing it every three months. My bad. However, if you DO follow the instructions, you are testing the device every three months, plus any time the phone may be exposed to water. Every weekend, you'd have to test it, Saturday and Sunday mornings,if you plan on being near water on your days off. So if you went to the beach two weekends a month, that's four tests a month, times 12 is 48 tests a year. Seems like it would be hard on the case, no? You could lose the waterproof capability just through over testing. Kinda like wearing out a barrel finding the perfect load. And even if you test it according to the instructions, it can, apparently, fail at any time. maybe that's why they changed their policy.
I found out today that OtterBox now owns lifeproof, and are selling the same case, in different colors, as an OtterBox product. With the same "If it leaks, you're fucked" policy, so beware.

So anyway, I'm out of this thread. You guys can flip me shit all you want, go on trusting your lifeproof cases. My new phone is in an OtterBox Defender, which they claim to be waterproof to three feet for 30 seconds- not that I'm going to trust it.
If anybody wants the failed lifeproof case, it's theirs for $50 shipped CONUS. Of course, it's not waterproof, and if your phone is destroyed, I won't replace it, or refund your money, or give a shit. Just like lifeproof.


1911fan

Would you like some cheese to go with that whine?

 

[AEROMechanic]

My point in posting was to spare other hiders the annoyance of device replacement due to the failure of a device marketed as "Waterproof to 6.6 feet!" when it is not waterproof.
I'm amazed at the finger pointing and name calling generated by my post. I've replaced the phone, no biggie, but why in the hell would I want to buy another lifeproof case? I have one that looks great- it's just not waterproof, which you can't tell from appearance. From reading above posts, it seems that visible failures are common- had my case looked FUBAR I wouldn't have trusted it. I take some of the blame, as admitted above, for not testing it quarterly. After reading some of your posts, I went back and read the instructions, and sumbitch.... I missed the part about testing it every three months. My bad. However, if you DO follow the instructions, you are testing the device every three months, plus any time the phone may be exposed to water. Every weekend, you'd have to test it, Saturday and Sunday mornings,if you plan on being near water on your days off. So if you went to the beach two weekends a month, that's four tests a month, times 12 is 48 tests a year. Seems like it would be hard on the case, no? You could lose the waterproof capability just through over testing. Kinda like wearing out a barrel finding the perfect load. And even if you test it according to the instructions, it can, apparently, fail at any time. maybe that's why they changed their policy.
I found out today that OtterBox now owns lifeproof, and are selling the same case, in different colors, as an OtterBox product. With the same "If it leaks, you're fucked" policy, so beware.

So anyway, I'm out of this thread. You guys can flip me shit all you want, go on trusting your lifeproof cases. My new phone is in an OtterBox Defender, which they claim to be waterproof to three feet for 30 seconds- not that I'm going to trust it.
If anybody wants the failed lifeproof case, it's theirs for $50 shipped CONUS. Of course, it's not waterproof, and if your phone is destroyed, I won't replace it, or refund your money, or give a shit. Just like lifeproof.


1911fan

Would you like some cheese to go with that whine?

 

[Redmanss]

Or you could just buy a Galaxy S5 and not worry about water at all....

EDIT and Disclaimer: I have NOT tested the validity of the waterproof claims.... Just sayin...

Exactly! Well, for me a Sony Xperia Z1 Compact, replaced my Motorola Defy. Cases? We no need no stinkin' cases...

And I have been drenched several times with mine along with getting my feet swept out from underneath me during 6" flash flooding that soaked me through and through, no worries. Okay, I tripped like a goofball on a ledge I knew damn good and well was there in the flooding but that doesn't sound near as cool as getting my feet swept out, lol.

Bottom line, I won't buy either iPhone or Nokia (to run Coldbore) until they start considering their phones less disposable than their price tags say they are. If Sony and Samsung can do it, why aren't the rest? Because they want you to drop it in the toilet, lake etc and replace it, or sucker in for their insurance plans because you know their shit is weak. Fuck that.

 

[BDA2]

Exactly! Well, for me a Sony Xperia Z1 Compact, replaced my Motorola Defy. Cases? We no need no stinkin' cases...

And I have been drenched several times with mine along with getting my feet swept out from underneath me during 6" flash flooding that soaked me through and through, no worries. Okay, I tripped like a goofball on a ledge I knew damn good and well was there in the flooding but that doesn't sound near as cool as getting my feet swept out, lol.

Bottom line, I won't buy either iPhone or Nokia (to run Coldbore) until they start considering their phones less disposable than their price tags say they are. If Sony and Samsung can do it, why aren't the rest? Because they want you to drop it in the toilet, lake etc and replace it, or sucker in for their insurance plans because you know their shit is weak. Fuck that.

Not gonna lie, I still have the insurance from Sprint... Mostly because it'll be my luck I'll smack it on something and pop the screen.