How to Fix Popsockets

Popsockets are customizable grips that stick onto the back of your phone. If you have one, you know how it makes your phone more comfortable to use. Fortunately, Popsockets are durable and can often be pieced back together when they fall...

Reassembling a Popsocket

Squeeze the funnel to locate the tabs on the Popsocket. The main part of your Popsocket is shaped like a funnel with a cap on top of it. The cap has tabs that fit into small holes near the top edge of the funnel. Squeeze the funnel gently to avoid damaging it. Look for 4 small holes spaced around its top edge.^{[1] X Research source}
1. On most Popsockets, the cap is the part that has a design, such as a picture, on it. It is always on the wider, open end of the funnel, even if you have a plain Popsocket.
2. The cap is designed to be removed, so no worries if it comes off while the funnel is still attached to your phone. Just put the cap back on to get your Popsocket back in working order.
Press on the tabs to pull the cap off the Popsocket. While holding the funnel in one hand, push on one of the tabs. Make sure it comes out of the hole on the funnel. Then, pull it away from the funnel so it can't get stuck again. Do the same with the remaining tabs to take the cap off.^{[2] X Research source}
1. A Popsocket cap has 4 tabs, so you will have to do this 4 times to remove it.
2. Popsockets are meant to come apart, so removing the cap won't do any damage to it.
Place the funnel on top of the sticky pad on your phone. The pad is a base for the rest of the Popsocket and has a hole in the center. Rotate the funnel so its smaller end is face down. Then, push it into the hole. It won't lock in place right away, so hold it there for now.
1. The pad keeps the Popsocket attached to your phone, so it has to be installed first. If it has come off, clean it to stick it back on.
Rotate the Popsocket funnel clockwise until it locks in place. Hold the funnel vertically so it stays centered over the base. Press your thumb down on its center to keep it pinned in place. Then, begin turning it with your free hand. After about a quarter-turn, it will snap in place.^{[3] X Research source}
1. Test the Popsocket by lightly pulling the funnel away from the base. If it has snapped onto the base, you won't be able to move it without yanking it off your phone.
2. It doesn't really matter which way you turn the Popsocket. If you prefer rotating it counterclockwise, it will still lock in place.
Install the cap by fitting its tabs into the holes on the funnel. The funnel has a series of 4 small holes around its top edge. You can see them when you look straight down into the funnel. To replace the cap, slide the tabs into the holes one at a time. Once you get the first tab in, the others become much easier to secure.^{[4] X Research source}
1. After connecting the cap, try lifting it off of the funnel. If all of the tabs are in the holes, you won't be able to move it. If you're able to raise any part of the cap, then find the loose tap and secure it so the cap doesn't fall off.
2. All Popsocket caps have the same setup, so you can easily customize yours by replacing the cap with a new one. It's as easy as detaching the cap and snapping a new one on in its place.

Cleaning a Popsocket Base

Run warm water from a sink faucet to clean the Popsocket. Let the water run for a moment, then test the temperature. Make sure it's slightly warm but not hot. Popsockets are easy to clean, but cold water isn't as effective and hot water could potentially ruin the material.^{[5] X Research source}
1. Another option is to fill a glass or bowl with water and use that to wash the Popsocket. It's easier to clean under running water, though.
Dip the Popsocket base into the water to wet it. Place it sticky-side down in the water. If your Popsocket is in one piece, you can drop the entire thing in the water and let it soak for a few seconds. It won't harm the material. Otherwise, make sure that the sticky base is damp so you're able to scrub it clean.^{[6] X Research source}
1. Popsockets can safely soak in water, but you don't really need to do that. Clean it lightly so it doesn't take as long to dry off.
Rub the Popsocket with your fingers to remove debris on the sticky base. Dip your thumb in the water, then move it in a circle around the base. Do this for 30 to 60 seconds to knock off most of the debris. Then, feel the bottom half of the base for anything still stuck on it. Keep rubbing at it, dampening the Popsocket and your finger until the base is clean.^{[7] X Research source}
1. If you take a Popsocket off of your phone, it is bound to get dirty. Fortunately, it will usually stick back on once you remove the debris getting in its way.
2. While you're washing the base, clean off the rest of the Popsocket as well. Remove the cap and rinse out the inner part of the funnel.
Set the Popsocket on a towel to air dry for 10 minutes. Find a spot in your room that is out in the open but away from direct sunlight. Spread out a clean towel, then shake the Popsocket to remove as much of the water as you can. Place it on the towel and wait.^{[8] X Research source}
1. The manufacturer recommends reattaching the base within 15 minutes so it doesn't dry out. Some people let the base dry out for longer without any problems, but it could potentially prevent the Popsocket from attaching to your phone.
2. Be careful to avoid laying the sticky side on your towel, or else you may have a hard time getting the Popsocket off of it!
Stick the base back onto your phone to attach the Popsocket to it. Flip your phone over so the back is face up. Then, press the sticky side of the base firmly against it. Fit the funnel into the small hole on the base, giving it a quarter-turn clockwise to lock it in place. Finally, place the cap on top, sliding its tabs into the small holes on the funnel to finish reassembling your Popsocket.^{[9] X Research source}
1. Plan on leaving your phone along for about 1 hour to ensure the Popsocket sticks.
2. After an hour, give the Popsocket a thorough testing by picking it up. It should stay attached to your phone. Sometimes cleaning it doesn't work, so you might have to get a new one.
3. If your phone has any gel on it from the base, remove it by rubbing it with a cloth dampened in rubbing alcohol.^{[10] X Research source}