💡 FAQ: Why use 70% isopropyl alcohol?

• It’s the most common available alcohol in pharmacies and stores.
• When cleaning electronics, always use a high concentration of isopropyl alcohol to ensure it evaporates quickly and leaves no harmful residues.
• If you’re using it as a disinfectant, 70% isopropyl alcohol is a more effective disinfectant than 90% because the higher water content slows the alcohol's evaporation, allowing for longer contact time with microorganisms, which is necessary for it to penetrate cell walls and effectively denature proteins and kill bacteria.
• If you need to clean your device, then use 70% isopropyl alcohol as that is compatible with the nano-coatings on the device.

💡 FAQ: What about ethyl alcohol or ethanol?

Isopropyl alcohol has a lower polarity than ethanol, making it slightly better at dissolving oils and adhesives.

🔘 Final Check: Test the Mute Switch

After your phone is securely in the case, you can turn the signature rotating mute dial. You will feel a tactile "click" as it engages with the iPhone's mute toggle. Rotate it back and forth to confirm it is working correctly.

⚠️ Important Safety Note:

Never use harsh, abrasive chemicals or scrubbing pads. Avoid bleach, solvents, or cleaners containing acetone, as these can permanently damage the materials. Stick to mild soap or 70% isopropyl alcohol.

☀️ Minimize UV & Sun Exposure

Just like your own skin, the case materials can be affected by prolonged, intense UV light. To prevent premature yellowing and keep the materials supple, avoid leaving your case in direct, hot sunlight for extended periods (e.g., on a car dashboard).

🌡️ Avoid Extreme Temperatures

Rapid and extreme temperature changes can cause the different materials in the case to expand and contract at different rates. Avoid leaving your case in places like a hot car in the summer or a freezing environment for long durations.

🧴 Steer Clear of Harsh Chemicals

The TPU is incredibly durable, but certain chemicals can cause it to discolor or degrade over time. Try to prevent prolonged contact with substances like:

• Sunscreens (especially those with high concentrations of active ingredients)
• Oils (e.g., essential oils, certain lotions)
• Solvents and adhesive removers (like Goo Gone™)
• Mosquito repellents containing DEET

🛡️ How much drop protection does this case provide?

This case provides extreme drop protection that is 5X stronger than the military standard (MIL-STD-810G). We've engineered it with advanced shock-absorbing corners and an internal impact truss system that distributes force away from your device during a fall. While no case can make a phone indestructible, ours is designed to give it the best possible chance of surviving real-world accidents.

🛡️ Does this case protect the camera lenses and screen?

Yes. We've designed a raised, protective bezel around both the camera module and the front screen. This ensures that when you place your phone on a flat surface, the glass on your screen and camera lenses never touches it, preventing everyday scratches and providing crucial clearance during drops.

Note: By focusing on these small but critical details, we ensure that the entire Catalyst experience—from protection to charging—is second to none.

🛡️ Do I need to buy a separate camera lens protector?

For the vast majority of users, a separate camera lens protector is not necessary. Our case features a robust, raised bezel that is precision-engineered to surround the camera bump. This design ensures that when you place your phone on any flat surface, your camera lenses are elevated and never make contact. This provides excellent protection from everyday scratches and impacts.

If you choose to use one: However, if you still choose to use a third-party camera lens protector, please make sure you pick a slim model that does not protrude beyond the height of our case's protective bezel.

🛡️ Is the case compatible with all screen protectors?

Our case is designed to be compatible with the vast majority of screen protectors. However, for optimal fit and protection, we strongly recommend using a "case-friendly" screen protector that does not extend to the absolute edge of the glass.

Why? This is intentional. Our case's raised lip is engineered to wrap securely around the edge of the screen, which is critical for absorbing shock and protecting your phone during a drop. Screen protectors that go all the way to the edge can interfere with this secure fit, potentially causing the protector to lift, bubble, peel or even compromise the case's drop-proof performance.

📱 Will this case make my phone feel bulky?

Not at all. Our core design philosophy is to balance maximum protection with a slim, comfortable profile. The Vibe case is engineered to be remarkably thin for the level of protection it offers, preserving the iPhone's elegant lines without the "brick phone" feeling of other ultra-protective cases.

📱 What materials are used in this case?

We use a proprietary blend of premium, impact-absorbing polymers that are chosen for their durability, grip, and resistance to yellowing and scratches. Unlike basic plastic or silicone cases, our materials are designed to maintain their protective qualities and premium feel for the life of your device.

📱 Will my old iPhone case fit my new iPhone case?

No, and we strongly advise against trying. The dimensions, camera module size, and button placements are different on each model of iPhone. Our case is precision-engineered from the ground up for a perfect, secure fit.

📱 Is the case easy to install and remove?

Yes, installation is simple and takes less than 30 seconds. The material has the right amount of flexibility to allow for easy installation without ever feeling loose. It's designed for a snug, secure fit that is still easy to remove when you need to.

📱 Is the case fingerprint resistant?

Yes. We specifically designed the Vibe case to combat fingerprints and smudges. The back of the case features a subtle, micro-etched texture that diffuses oils and prevents fingerprints from accumulating. This ensures your case maintains its clean, premium look without constant wiping, keeping both your case and the color of your iPhone looking their best.

🟡 Will this case turn yellow?

We have specifically engineered our cases with advanced, UV-resistant polymers designed to strongly resist yellowing from sun exposure and environmental factors. While all clear polymers will naturally age over time, our materials are chosen to maintain their clarity far longer than cheaper, standard clear cases.

Important Note: However, the most common cause of discoloration is not actually "yellowing" from UV light, but staining from prolonged contact with colored oils, harsh chemicals, or dirt.

🟡 How can I prevent my case from getting discolored?

Following our simple care instructions is the best way to keep your clear case looking pristine for years to come. The key is to avoid prolonged exposure to substances that can stain the material.

Key Tips: We have detailed a full guide in our Care Instructions, but the most important tips are: Avoid prolonged contact with: sunscreens, makeup, dark denim dye, and oils. Clean regularly: If your case is exposed to any of these, clean it promptly with mild soap and water as described in the instructions. Minimize intense, direct sun exposure where possible (e.g., leaving it on a car dashboard for hours).

🎵 What is True Sound Acoustics™ and how does it make the sound louder?

True Sound Acoustics™ is Catalyst's exclusive, patented system for improving your iPhone's audio. It works in two simple ways:

• It Redirects the Sound: Instead of firing downwards, your iPhone's audio is channeled through precisely engineered ports on the front of the case. This directs the sound straight at you, where you can actually hear it.
• It Acts Like a Mini-Amplifier: By focusing the sound waves, our design creates a natural amplification effect. This makes your audio up to 30% louder than a standard case, without using any extra battery power. It's like cupping your hand to your phone, but built right into the case.

🎵 How does this system improve my phone calls, especially on FaceTime or speakerphone?

This is where the technology truly shines. Our design does something no other drop-proof case does: it isolates the speakers from the microphones.

Here's why that's a game-changer: Your iPhone uses multiple microphones and a technology called "beamforming" to cancel out background noise. In a normal case, the sound from your own speakers can "leak" into the microphone, confusing the system.

Our True Sound Acoustics system creates a barrier. The iPhone's AI can now easily distinguish your voice from all other sounds, including its own speaker output. The result is a dramatic reduction in echo and background noise, making your voice sound crystal clear to the person on the other end. It's a huge benefit for important calls, meetings, and anyone who relies on speakerphone.

🎵 Is this just for calls, or does it work for music and videos too?

It enhances all audio. For music and videos, you'll immediately notice that the sound is louder, fuller, and more immersive because it's being directed at you. For gaming, you'll hear sound effects with better clarity and directionality. For GPS navigation in the car, voice prompts will be clearer and easier to understand over road noise.

Key Benefits: There are multiple benefits to this feature that is only available in Catalyst cases: The audio becomes significantly louder and clearer for you, the user. It creates a personal sound-stage effect... When holding your phone horizontally... your hands naturally cover and muffle the bottom-firing speakers. Forward-facing audio ports solve this problem completely... For hands-free calls, forward-facing audio makes a huge difference. It focuses the other person's voice directly at you...

🎵 Will this feature make the case bulky or compromise its drop protection?

Not at all. This is the core of Catalyst's engineering expertise. The acoustic channels are integrated directly into the case's structure without adding any significant bulk. The case still meets or exceeds military-grade drop-proof standards (10ft / 3m), ensuring that you get superior audio and superior protection in one slim, lightweight design.

🔘 What is the Catalyst Signature Rotating Mute Switch, and which cases have it?

The Signature Rotating Mute Switch is a patented, iconic feature that was a hallmark of Catalyst cases for the iPhone 14 and all earlier models. It's a small, tactile dial on the side of the case that replaces the difficult-to-access standard mute toggle on the iPhone.

You can find this beloved feature on our classic drop-proof lines like the Influence, Vibe, and Impact Protection series, as well as our legendary Waterproof cases for those generations. It was designed to make muting your phone simple, satisfying, and reliable.

🔘 Why do so many customers love this feature? What are the benefits?

Our customers loved the rotating switch for several key reasons, which made it more than just a button—it was an experience:

• Effortless, One-Handed Use: No more digging your fingernail into a tiny cutout. The rotating dial is easy to turn with a simple flick of your thumb, even with gloves on or when your hands are wet.
• The Satisfying "Click" (The Fidget Factor): The switch was engineered to provide a distinct, satisfying "click" as it locked into place. This provided clear, tactile feedback so you always knew the status of your phone without looking. Many users told us they loved it simply as a high-quality, built-in "fidget spinner" that felt great to use.
• Unmatched Durability: The switch was rigorously tested to withstand thousands of rotations, ensuring it would work flawlessly for the entire life of the device.
• A Watertight Seal (On Waterproof Cases): For our Waterproof series, the rotating switch was a feat of engineering. It created a fully sealed, watertight barrier that protected the mute toggle from water, dust, and debris—a level of protection that simple cutouts could never offer.

🔘 Why is the rotating mute switch a better solution than a standard cutout?

It solved a fundamental design flaw in how most cases handle the mute toggle. A simple cutout is often too small, hard to access, and collects dust and lint. Our rotating switch provided a superior solution by offering:

• Accessibility: Easy for people with large fingers or limited dexterity to use.
• Certainty: The tactile click meant no more accidental un-muting in your pocket.
• Protection: It fully covered one of the most exposed openings on the iPhone, enhancing its durability.

📿 I'm always worried about dropping my phone. How does a Catalyst case help prevent drops before they even happen?

This is a question we are passionate about, and it's at the core of our design philosophy. While our cases are famous for surviving 10ft (3m) drops, our real goal is to stop the drop from ever occurring. We do this through our integrated Secure Attachment System, which is far superior to any other lanyard solution on the market.

Here’s how it works:

• Four Integrated Anchor Points: Unlike other cases, we don't use flimsy inserts or unreliable adhesives. We build four secure lanyard attachment points directly into the corners of the case's structural frame. This provides you with versatile, rock-solid connection points that won't fail.
• A Lanyard Tested for Extremes: Every Catalyst drop-proof case comes with our complimentary wrist lanyard. We don't just include it; we test it. Each lanyard is pull-tested to 10kg (22 lbs), ensuring it can withstand far more force than a simple snag or slip, keeping your device securely attached to you.
• A Complete Ecosystem of Accessories (The Crux System): Our four-corner attachment system unlocks a world of secure carrying options to fit your lifestyle: Shoulder & Crossbody Straps, Ring Stand, Carabiner.

Why is the Catalyst system better? Many other "lanyard cases" use solutions that create weak points... Our system is directly integrated into the case's chassis, making it fundamentally more reliable and secure. It's this commitment to real-world security that led CNET to name Catalyst the "Best Lanyard Case" for multiple years. With Catalyst, you're not just buying drop protection; you're buying drop prevention.

🔢 Many cases claim high drop-proof ratings (10ft, 18ft, 20ft). How is Catalyst's protection different or better, even if some competitors claim a higher number?

That is the most important question a smart customer can ask, and it gets to the core of our design philosophy. While our cases meet and exceed military standards for 10ft (3m) drops—a height that covers over 99% of real-world accidents—we believe that the quality of protection is far more important than a single, inflated number.

Here’s what truly sets Catalyst's protection apart and why a higher number doesn't always mean a better, safer case:

1. It Starts with Precision Fit: The "No Slosh" Factor
   This is the most critical and overlooked aspect of drop protection... The Catalyst Difference: Our cases are engineered with micron-level precision for a perfect, snug fit. When your phone is in a Catalyst case, it becomes one solid unit. This ensures that upon impact, the force is immediately transferred to our shock-absorbing materials, not to your device. There is no "slosh," no secondary impact—just pure, efficient energy dissipation.
2. It's About Smarter Engineering, Not Just More Bulk
   Big, bulky cases are easy to make... The Catalyst Difference: We use a sophisticated Impact Truss System within the TPU bumper of our cases. This internal ribbing creates pockets of air and a rigid structure that absorbs and deflects shock... This allows us to provide incredible protection in a slim, lightweight profile that feels great in your hand.
3. Our Raised Edges Are Intelligently Designed
   Yes, all good cases have raised edges... The Catalyst Difference: Our "EdgeGuard" bezels are engineered to the optimal height—high enough to protect your screen and camera lenses from a direct flat-surface impact, but not so high that they interfere with screen protectors or your ability to use edge-to-edge gestures. They are rigid and precisely molded, so they won't deform or flatten on impact, ensuring your glass never touches the ground.

Our Promise: So, Should We Just Claim a Higher Rating? No. And we believe this is a matter of trust and transparency (E-E-A-T). We could easily test our cases from higher drops and cherry-pick the successful results to put a bigger number on the box, as many in the industry do. We choose not to. We test for consistent, reliable, real-world protection. We are confident that our 10ft rating, combined with our precision fit and smart engineering, provides a demonstrably safer and better user experience than a bulky case with a questionable 20ft claim. When you choose Catalyst, you're not just choosing a number. You're choosing a commitment to engineering excellence, a perfect fit that prevents hidden damage, and a design that protects your phone without ruining its usability. You're choosing smarter protection.