What you need before you start
The Tidal waterproof case for Samsung S24 comes as two pieces: a clear plastic shell that wraps around your phone and a rubber gasket seal that runs along the inside edge. Before opening the box, make sure your phone is powered off and completely dry — any moisture trapped inside the case will stay there. You'll also want a clean, dry surface to work on, away from water, dust, or sand.
Check that you have both pieces of the case, the gasket seal, and any included tools (usually a small plastic pry tool or cloth). If anything is missing or damaged, contact the retailer before proceeding. The gasket seal is the most important part — it's what makes the case waterproof, so inspect it for cracks, tears, or hardening before you begin.
Key Takeaways
- Power off your phone completely and ensure it is bone dry before inserting it into the case.
- Clean the rubber gasket seal with a dry cloth and check that it sits evenly in the groove around the case opening.
- Slide your phone into the case bottom-first, then press the top shell down firmly until you hear or feel a click all the way around the perimeter.
- Test the seal by running your finger along the seam and checking that the gasket is compressed evenly before exposing the phone to water.
Inserting your phone into the case
Start by holding the case with the opening facing up. Gently insert your Samsung S24 into the bottom half of the case, positioning it so the camera aligns with the camera cutout and the charging port lines up with the port opening. The phone should slide in smoothly — if you feel resistance, stop and check that nothing is blocking the path. Do not force the phone in, as this can damage the gasket or the phone itself.
Once the phone is seated in the bottom shell, you're ready to close the case. Make sure the gasket seal is still in place around the opening — it should sit in a visible groove. If any part of the gasket has shifted or folded over, gently straighten it with your finger before proceeding.
Closing and sealing the case
Hold the case firmly with both hands, with your thumbs on the top shell and your fingers supporting the bottom. Press down on the top shell with steady, even pressure. You should feel resistance as the gasket compresses. Continue pressing until you hear a distinct click or snap — this usually happens at the corners first, then works its way around the perimeter.
Do not stop pressing after the first click. Continue applying firm, even pressure all the way around the case until you feel the top shell seat completely against the bottom. The two halves should be flush with no visible gaps. If you hear multiple clicks as you press around the perimeter, that's normal — it means the seal is engaging at different points.
Checking the seal before use
Once the case is fully closed, run your finger along the entire seam where the two halves meet. The gasket should feel compressed and uniform all the way around. If you notice any soft spots, gaps, or areas where the gasket feels loose, open the case and reseat it. A weak seal in even one spot can allow water to enter.
A simple test is to hold the closed case up to a light source and look for any visible gaps along the seam. You should not see any light coming through. If you do, open the case, check that the gasket is properly positioned, and close it again. Take your time with this step — a properly sealed case is the difference between protection and water damage.
Accessing ports and buttons through the case
The Tidal case includes sealed access points for the charging port, volume buttons, power button, and speaker. These are not open holes — they're covered with thin, flexible membranes that allow you to use the phone while keeping water out. Press the buttons through the membrane as you normally would. The membrane will flex and return to its original position.
For charging, insert your USB-C cable into the port opening. The membrane here is slightly thicker to maintain a watertight seal. You may need to apply slightly more pressure than usual to insert the cable, but it should go in smoothly. If you feel significant resistance, remove the cable and check that the port opening is clear of debris.
Removing the case safely
To open the case, use the included pry tool or a thin plastic card (not a metal object, which can scratch the case). Insert the tool into the small notch or gap at one corner of the case and gently pry upward. You'll feel the top shell begin to separate from the bottom. Work your way around all four corners, applying gentle, even pressure, until the top shell lifts free.
Once the case is open, carefully lift your phone out and inspect it for any moisture. If water has entered the case, dry the phone immediately with a soft cloth and do not power it on. If the phone is dry, the seal worked correctly. Before closing the case again, wipe the gasket dry and check it for any visible damage.
Maintaining the gasket seal over time
The rubber gasket will gradually harden with age and exposure to sunlight and heat. Check it every few months by looking for cracks, discoloration, or areas where it no longer compresses smoothly. If the gasket begins to harden or crack, the case's waterproof rating will decrease. Most manufacturers sell replacement gaskets separately, which cost significantly less than a new case.
Store the case in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight when not in use. Do not leave it in a hot car or near a heat source, as this accelerates gasket degradation. If you use the case regularly in saltwater or chlorinated water, rinse the gasket with fresh water after each use and allow it to dry completely before storing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the case won't close all the way?
Stop pressing and open the case. Check that the gasket is sitting evenly in its groove and that your phone is positioned correctly inside the bottom shell. Make sure nothing — lint, sand, or a misaligned gasket — is blocking the seam. Reposition everything and try closing again with firm, even pressure.
Can I use the case with a screen protector on my phone?
Most waterproof cases are designed to work with the phone's bare screen. A screen protector can prevent the case from closing properly or create a gap in the seal. Check the case instructions to see if a specific thickness of protector is recommended. If you use one, test the seal carefully before exposing the phone to water.
How deep can I take my phone underwater with this case?
The Tidal case is rated for a specific depth, usually listed in the product documentation or on the packaging — commonly 6 to 10 feet for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Do not exceed this depth or duration. Pressure increases with depth, and even a properly sealed case has limits. Always check the exact rating for your model before submerging.
What should I do if water gets inside the case?
Remove the phone immediately and dry it with a soft cloth. Do not power it on. Leave the phone powered off for at least 24 hours in a dry environment. If water has entered, the gasket seal has failed — inspect it for cracks or damage and consider replacing it before using the case again.
Do I need to do anything special before taking the phone to the beach or pool?
Before your first water exposure, test the seal in a controlled way: close the case, run it under a faucet for a few seconds, open it, and check for moisture inside. If it's dry, the seal is working. Rinse the case with fresh water after saltwater or chlorinated water use, and allow it to dry completely before closing it again.