Have you ever struggled with a waterproof phone case that just doesn't work the way it should? You bought it to protect your phone, but now your calls sound muffled, your touchscreen barely responds, and your photos look like a blurry mess.
You're not alone. Thousands of people on Amazon, Reddit, and other tech communities are voicing the same frustrations.
So, in this comprehensive guide, we're going to dive deep into the five most common problems with waterproof phone cases. Based on real user reviews and hands-on testing, we'll explain why these issues happen and, more importantly, give you the practical solutions you need.
Whether you're shopping for a new case or just trying to make the one you have work better, this article will help you understand what to look for and what to avoid.
1. Muffled Sound Waterproof Case
To effectively block water, most waterproof phone cases are sealed tightly on all sides. While this design is essential for waterproofing, it often creates an unintended side effect: poor call quality in waterproof cases.
Sound travels through air, and when the air inside the case is sealed off, it interferes with your phone’s speaker and microphone performance.
The result? Muffled calls, unclear music playback, and low-quality voice recordings.
Another common issue is the accumulation of lint, dust, or sand in the small gaps between the phone and case. These particles can clog the speaker mesh or microphone openings, further muffle the sound.
How to fix the muffled sound in waterproof cases:
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Turn off noise cancellation. Navigate to: Settings > Accessibility > Hearing > Phone Noise Cancellation. Disabling this setting can improve sound clarity when using a sealed case.
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Use a case with a built-in screen protector. Avoid doubling up with an extra screen protector underneath, as it can dampen sound transmission.
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Adjust your call setup. For the clearest audio, open the charging port (if safely possible) during calls or switch to speakerphone, Bluetooth, or wired headphones.
2. Touchscreen Not Working Underwater
When using a waterproof case for underwater photography, the touchscreen becomes especially noticeable.
That’s because smartphone screens rely on detecting the small electrical signals from your fingers. Water, being a conductor, scatters these signals, making it hard for your phone to tell where you touched.
This often leads to ghost touches, delayed responses, or the touchscreen not working.
The problem gets worse if the waterproof case uses a thick or rigid film over the screen. The tighter the seal and the thicker the layer, the harder it is for the screen to register a clear, deliberate touch.
How to improve the Phone case screen's performance underwater:
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Use the physical volume or shutter buttons to take photos underwater instead of tapping the screen.
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Choose a waterproof case with an air-buffer screen film that allows partial screen contact. This helps preserve single-point touch accuracy.
3. Blurry Underwater Photos iPhone Case
Blurry or foggy photos when using a waterproof phone case are usually caused by condensation inside the lens area.
When the air inside the case is warmer than the outside, especially during underwater use or in humid environments, moisture can condense on the inner surface of the lens window. This creates fog that clouds your images.
Another factor is the material used in cheaper cases. Many low-cost waterproof cases use plastic lens covers with poor light transmittance, which scatters light and leads to the case blocking the lens.
How to Prevent Foggy or Blurry Photos in Waterproof Cases:
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Use anti-fog inserts to absorb moisture and reduce internal humidity.
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Consider professional-grade underwater housings like SeaLife SportDiver if you plan to do deep diving or extensive underwater photography with an iPhone.
To avoid blurry photos, please use a high-transmittance PVC lens cover to ensure clear and sharp images. In addition, it is recommended to use the internal honeycomb heat dissipation design to help regulate temperature and prevent internal fogging, so that your lens remains clear and sharp in every shot. Beeasy Case meets the requirements!
4. Waterproof Case Looks Bulky and Heavy
To achieve strong waterproof and military grade protection, many manufacturers design their cases with multi-layer seals. While this improves durability and water resistance, it also adds thickness and weight.
Additionally, for every meter of water depth, pressure increases by 0.1 atmosphere. That means even standard IP68-rated waterproof cases must withstand 3 to 15 meters of pressure. To survive those conditions, the frame and casing must be reinforced, often resulting in a bulky or unattractive design.
How to Avoid a Bulky Waterproof Case:
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Use the slim waterproof Phone pouch if you're looking for a waterproof iPhone cover and only need basic splash protection (note: not suitable for deep diving).
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Choose a case that uses intelligent material engineering to balance protection and weight.
5. Buttons and Charging Ports Are Hard to Use
Waterproof cases often prioritize sealing over usability, which can lead to stiff buttons, blocked ports, or even a need to remove the entire case just to recharge. The pressure from waterproof layers or rigid TPU frames may reduce button responsiveness and make it difficult to power on your device or adjust the volume quickly.
Additionally, many users report frustration when trying to open charging port covers, especially with wet hands or when cables don’t fit snugly due to misaligned cutouts.
How to Improve Button and Port Usability in Waterproof Cases:
- Look for cases with soft-touch button overlays that allow easy pressing without excessive force.
- Ensure the port cover design is ergonomic and doesn’t require tools or fingernails to open.
- Check for wide compatibility with different charging cables, especially if you use fast chargers or docking stations.
The Beeasy case is highly recommended for this problem. It features an ultra-responsive TPU button membrane for a comfortable touch. Reinforced and flexible port covers provide a secure seal and are easy to open even with wet hands.
The carefully designed openings ensure wide compatibility, allowing you to charge, adjust volume, or perform important operations with ease.
Come to a Conclusion
Want to buy the best waterproof phone case in 2025 means looking past the "waterproof" label and focusing on the details that truly matter: sound clarity, touchscreen responsiveness, and camera performance. By understanding the common issues and the engineering behind them, you can make a smarter choice.
While there are many different solutions, our Beeasy Waterproof iPhone Case is designed specifically to solve all of these problems at once. With precision acoustic vents, a high-sensitivity touchscreen, and an anti-fog lens cover, you can protect your phone without sacrificing usability. Take a closer look at the Beeasy case to see how we've engineered a solution that lets you capture every moment, on land or in the water, with confidence.