Many people believe that simply slipping your iPhone into a case means it’s completely safe. In reality, things aren’t so rosy. I’ve personally seen that even a high-quality case can not only fail to protect the side of your smartphone, but can also cause damage. We previously showed how the iPhone 17 Pro Max changes color on its own , and now see what happens to the iPhone 16 Plus even with a case . I’ll tell you how my smartphone got a noticeable scratch right in its case—and what you can do to prevent this from happening to your device.
Why can a case scratch an iPhone?
The situation is frustratingly commonplace. My purple iPhone 16 Plus was always in a case. I never dropped it on the pavement, never laid it facedown on concrete, and generally handled it with care. But one day, while inspecting the side, I discovered a noticeable spot—a small, but very visible scratch.
This is the surprise that was waiting for me under the cover.
How is this even possible? It’s simple. A small speck of dust got caught between the case and the iPhone’s body . A tiny grain of sand or dust particle was trapped between the case’s inner wall and the smartphone’s aluminum edge. With every touch, every button press, every time the phone was pulled out of its pocket, this speck of dust acted as an abrasive, rubbing against the surface and ultimately leaving a mark.
I even know exactly when it happened. The smartphone landed on the car mat—a soft, almost unnoticeable impact. But the case came loose slightly in one corner . I didn’t think anything of it, just adjusted the case and forgot about it. I should have. Apparently, that’s when that ill-fated speck of dust got under the case and did all the damage. If you’ve had a similar experience, share your experience in our Telegram chat or in the MAKS chat , and we’ll discuss it together.
Which iPhone colors show scratches more easily?
The color deserves special mention here. The purple iPhone 16 Plus looks stunning, but this shade has a peculiarity: any damage is immediately noticeable . A scratch reveals the metal layer underneath, and against the rich purple background, even a tiny dot becomes very noticeable.
If the iPhone is colored, then scratches on it will be clearly visible.
With darker colors like black, such micro-damage isn’t as noticeable—it blends in with the overall tone. However, on lighter and brighter colors, every defect is clearly visible. This applies not only to purple, but also to pink, green, and other saturated colors. Keep this in mind when choosing a color if the perfect appearance of your device is important to you .
Why does dust and sand appear under my iPhone case?
It might seem like my case is an exception. But in reality, it’s one of the most common causes of scratches on iPhones. If you Google the problem, you’ll find thousands of stories from users who’ve encountered exactly the same thing. A case creates the illusion of complete protection, and people relax. Meanwhile, dust, sand, small crumbs, and other debris constantly find their way into the space between the case and the body.
This happens especially often in a few situations. First, when you place your phone on various surfaces—tables, shelves, windowsills. Small particles can get caught in the gap between the case and the body, either from the top or sides. Second, when the case moves slightly due to a fall or impact—as in my case. And third, simply over time: dust penetrates through any cracks , and the longer you leave the case in place, the more debris accumulates inside.
Those using hard plastic cases are particularly at risk . The hard material doesn’t provide shock absorption, and a grain of sand trapped underneath literally acts like sandpaper. Every micro-movement scratches the surface. Silicone cases are slightly better in this regard—the soft material partially absorbs pressure. However, they are not immune to this problem. Find more helpful tips on caring for your Apple devices on our Telegram channel and at MAKS .
How to protect your iPhone from scratches with a case
It’s unlikely that you’ll be able to completely eliminate the risk, but it’s quite possible to minimize it . Here are some practical recommendations.
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- Remove and clean your case regularly. This is the simplest and most effective tip. Get into the habit of removing your case at least once a week, wiping the inside with a soft cloth, and gently wiping the sides and back of your iPhone. This will remove any debris before it has a chance to cause damage. You can do this, for example, every time you charge your phone overnight: remove the case, wipe it clean, and then let it charge without the case.
This microfiber case will protect against scratches, but it requires regular cleaning. I just switched to this case.
- Choose cases with a soft lining. Some manufacturers add a layer of microfiber or other soft fabric inside the case . These cases are a little more expensive than standard silicone or plastic ones, but the difference in protection is huge. The soft lining acts as a buffer : even if a speck of dust gets inside the case, the fabric will prevent it from directly contacting the case and scratching the finish. This is perhaps the smartest investment for those who want to keep their iPhone in pristine condition.
- Wipe the sides of your smartphone. Not just the back panel, but the edges—the edges of the device. This is where the case fits tightest, and it’s where debris causes the most damage. Use a soft, lint-free cloth . Alcohol wipes are also suitable—Apple officially approves isopropyl alcohol for wiping iPhones.
- Don’t ignore it when the case comes loose. If your phone has fallen and you notice the case has come loose in at least one corner, remove it, inspect the inside and the iPhone’s body, remove any debris, and only then put it back on. This is exactly the mistake I made, and the results are clear.
- Avoid cheap, unlined hard cases. Thin plastic cases for 200-300 rubles on AliExpress only protect against minor scuffs from pocket contact. But if a grain of sand gets in, they become a real scratching tool . It’s better to spend a little more and get a case with a well-designed interior.
Is it possible to remove scratches from an iPhone?
Unfortunately, there are few options. Minor scuffs can sometimes be concealed with special polishing pastes, but a deep scratch that has damaged the paint layer won’t be removed this way. Applying a film to the side edges will conceal the damage and protect against further damage. However, restoring the factory finish at home is impossible.
The Chinese have learned how to restore aluminum iPhones, but Russia hasn’t done it yet.
Incidentally, Apple recently explained why the iPhone 17 Pro can scratch . It also turns out that the aluminum case can be repaired almost like a car after an accident. But the color of my iPhone 16 Plus is quite complex, and it will be difficult to match during repair.
If the damage is severe and bothers you, the only drastic option is to take your phone to a service center to have the case replaced. But that’s expensive, time-consuming, and often not justified by a single scratch. It’s easier to accept it and learn from it. That’s exactly what I did.
My experience shows one simple thing: a case isn’t a magical shield. It protects against impacts and drops, but it can cause cosmetic damage to the casing if not maintained. Regular cleaning, choosing the right case, and paying attention to detail are what will truly keep your iPhone in decent condition. Don’t make the same mistakes I did—take a minute a week to remove the case and wipe down your phone . It’s easier than worrying about a scratch that’s an eyesore every day.
