Installing a Tidal waterproof case on your S24 takes about five minutes and requires no tools

A Tidal waterproof case is a protective shell that seals your phone against water, dust, and drops. Installation means sliding your S24 into the case, sealing the closure mechanism, and testing the seal before you take it near water. The case itself arrives ready to use—you do not need to assemble parts or explore adhesive.

The process is straightforward enough that most people complete it on their first try, but a few steps matter for the seal to work properly. If the seal is not tight, water can enter and damage your phone.

Key Takeaways

  • Clean your phone and the inside of the case with a dry cloth before installation to prevent particles from blocking the seal.
  • Slide your S24 into the case bottom-first, making sure the phone sits flat and centered in the frame.
  • Close and lock the closure mechanism—usually a latch or twist-lock—until you feel or hear it click or seat fully.
  • Run your finger around the entire seal line to confirm there are no gaps, folds, or pinched material before exposing the case to water.
  • Perform a dry test by submerging the sealed case in water for 30 seconds to check for leaks before trusting it with your phone.

Clean your phone and the case interior before you start

Dust, lint, or debris trapped between your S24 and the case can prevent the seal from closing completely. Wipe the back and sides of your phone with a soft, dry cloth—a microfiber cloth works best. Pay special attention to the edges and corners where dust collects.

Wipe the inside surfaces of the case the same way. Look into the bottom and sides with a light to spot any particles. If you see anything, use a dry cloth or a soft brush to remove it. Do not use water or cleaning solution at this stage; you want the surfaces completely dry.

Slide your S24 into the case bottom-first

Hold the case open with one hand. Position your S24 so the bottom edge enters the case first, with the screen facing the same direction as the case opening. Lower the phone slowly and steadily into the frame.

As the phone slides in, guide the sides into the case walls. Make sure the phone sits centered—the edges should have even space on both sides. The phone should rest flat on the bottom of the case with no tilting or gaps. If the phone feels stuck or you meet resistance, stop and check that nothing is pinched or misaligned. Do not force it.

Close and lock the case closure mechanism

Tidal cases use different closure types depending on the model. Most S24 cases use either a latch system (a hinged clip that folds down and locks) or a twist-lock design (a threaded collar you rotate clockwise). Check your case documentation to confirm which type yours has.

For a latch: fold the clip down over the top of the case until it seats into the locking notch. You should feel or hear a click. For a twist-lock: rotate the collar clockwise until it stops and you feel resistance. Do not over-tighten—stop when the collar seats firmly. Both types should feel snug but not require excessive force.

Inspect the seal line around the entire case

Run your finger slowly around the entire perimeter where the case halves meet or where the closure sits. Feel for gaps, raised edges, or areas where the rubber gasket does not sit flush. The seal should feel smooth and continuous with no breaks.

Look at the seal visually as well. Tilt the case toward a light and check that the gasket sits evenly in its groove all the way around. If you spot a pinched fold, a gap, or a section that does not look right, open the case, reposition the phone, and close it again. A compromised seal is the most common reason water enters the case.

Perform a dry test before trusting it with your phone

Before you take your sealed S24 near water, test the case without your phone inside. Fill a bowl or sink with water. Seal the empty case and submerge it for 30 seconds, then remove it and open it. If the interior is dry, the seal works. If you see any water inside, the case is not sealed properly and you should not use it with your phone.

If water entered during the test, open the case, dry it completely, and repeat the inspection steps above. Look for debris, misalignment, or damage to the gasket. Reassemble and test again. Once the empty case passes the water test, your S24 is safe to use inside it.

What to do if the case will not close or the seal feels loose

If the case closure will not latch or lock, the phone may be positioned slightly off-center. Open the case and slide the phone a fraction of an inch in the direction that feels tight. Try closing again. Sometimes a millimeter of repositioning is all that is needed.

If the seal feels loose even when fully closed, check that the gasket itself is not damaged, cracked, or compressed. A gasket that has lost its shape will not seal properly. If the gasket looks intact but the seal still feels wrong, contact Tidal's support team with a photo of the closed case and the gasket. They can advise whether the case is defective or whether a replacement gasket is available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the S24 touchscreen through the Tidal case?

Yes. Waterproof cases are designed to allow full touchscreen use. The screen remains responsive through the protective layer. You may notice the touch feels slightly less sensitive than bare glass, but the phone functions normally.

How do I remove my S24 from the case?

Unlock or unlatch the closure mechanism in reverse—rotate a twist-lock counterclockwise or flip a latch upward. Gently pull the top edge of the case away from the phone and slide the phone out bottom-first. Take your time to avoid dropping the phone.

What if water gets inside the case?

Remove your S24 when ready and dry it completely with a soft cloth. Dry the inside of the case as well. Do not power on the phone until it is fully dry. If water entered, the seal failed—inspect the gasket for damage and repeat the dry test before using the case again.

Do I need to replace the gasket over time?

Gaskets can compress or degrade after extended use, especially if exposed to sun or heat. If your seal stops working after months of use, a replacement gasket kit is usually available from Tidal. Check their website or contact support for your specific case model.

Can I use the case while charging my S24?

Most Tidal waterproof cases have a sealed charging port or require you to remove the phone to charge it. Check your case documentation—some models allow charging through the sealed case, while others do not. Never attempt to charge through a port that is not designed for it.