How To Make Phone Cases in 2026: A Complete Business Guide

Phone cases appeal to people looking to personalize their device or add functionality to the gadget they use throughout the day. There are many ways to make them, including with print on demand or by DIYing your own phone case.

With 55% of Americans replacing their phones every two to three years and 12% replacing them every year, there’s a steady stream of new sales opportunities for those who know how to make phone cases. 

This guide includes steps on how to make phone cases, plus how to start a business selling them. 

How to make phone cases with print on demand

1. Choose a print-on-demand platform
2. Select a blank phone case
3. Choose phone models
4. Design your case
5. Order samples
6. Start selling your cases

There are several ways to make phone cases. You can take a clear case and decorate it with acrylic pens, materials like pressed flowers, or glitter. If you have sewing skills, you can also make phone pouches with felt or other fabrics. 

Print on demand is another method of making your own phone cases without sourcing materials or holding inventory. To create your own print-on-demand phone cases: 

1. Choose a print-on-demand platform

Compare the product offerings and design editors of different print-on-demand services, like Printful and Printify. Make sure whichever program you choose feels intuitive so you can navigate the process on your own. 

If you plan to sell your phone cases on your Shopify website, choose a print-on-demand service with a Shopify app. Since it integrates with your website, you don’t need to manually send orders to your supplier and you can track orders from your Shopify admin. 

2. Select a blank phone case

Choose the blank phone case you’d like to add your design to. You may want to consider:

• Estimated production time

• Price per unit

• Materials

• Extra features, like wireless charging compatibility

Check out the product page of each item you like for more specific details. For example, Printify provides information about the print method and its durability. 

3. Choose phone models

Most phone models require a unique phone case. Select the phone models you want to sell cases for before you start designing. You might find these options under “product variants” or a similar menu item depending on the platform you use.

4. Design your case 

Use stock graphics from the print-on-demand editor, upload your own designs, or add text to your chosen case. If you’re uploading your design, check the platform’s recommendations for specs. Most platforms will provide a downloadable template you can use to design your phone case using your preferred graphic design software.

Preview your case to make sure no part of your design is unintentionally cut off. 

5. Order samples

Once you’re happy with your design, order a sample of your phone case so you can see how it fits on a phone, what the print quality is like, and if the artwork is what you wanted. 

Samples will also help with marketing, allowing you to take photos and videos of the physical product to share on social media and your online store.

6. Start selling your cases

If you like the final product, start selling your phone cases on your ecommerce website or via social media. Or, you can order more cases to sell in-person at your brick-and-mortar or pop-up shop.

Print-on-demand phone cases are ideal for generating passive income, because you only have to design them once. Each time a customer places an order, the print-on-demand company will handle manufacturing and shipping, and you’ll get a cut of the profits. 

Profit margins vary. Some print-on-demand platforms have a built-in profit margin calculator to help you find the right price for your phone cases. 

How to start your phone case business

1. Find your niche
2. Select phone case type
3. Pick your phone models
4. Decide how you’ll source your phone cases
5. Choose a business name
6. Legally establish your business
7. Set your prices
8. Design phone cases
9. Figure out your approach to inventory
10. Create your online store
11. Market your business

With low startup costs and plenty of demand, a phone case business can be a simple way to start building a profitable, online brand. To start a phone case business: 

1. Find your niche

To stand out in a competitive market, you need to find a niche for your business. 

Skills and interests

Your talents can shape your business direction. You might have crafting skills to create cases from unconventional materials, or artistic abilities to hand-draw custom designs.

For example, artist Bailey Hikawa creates ergonomic phone cases inspired by her work in conceptual sculpture.

Market gaps

Identifying gaps in the market helps establish your position among competitors. Andrew Moore, founder and CEO of phone case brand Felony Case, started his business in 2012 after noticing an untapped market for stylish yet affordable cases.

“At the time, they had the basic cases that you could pretty much buy at Dollarama or the dollar store or at a kiosk in the mall where they are super, super cheap. Then on the opposite end of that, they had super protective iPhone cases that were more expensive, but neither of those were very aesthetically pleasing,” Andrew says on Shopify Masters. 

“I saw a need there where I was going to try and offer very aesthetically pleasing cases that also offer protection.”

Target audience 

Focusing on your target audience can help you find your niche.

Wildflower Cases launched when sisters Sydney and Devon Carlson were teenagers. After unexpectedly catching the attention of pop star Miley Cyrus, they decided to start a business targeting fashion-conscious teens and young women, an audience they understood well because they were building for others like them. 

Their target audience informs the brand’s pricing, design choices, marketing channels, and influencer partnerships. For example, the brand collaborated with Gen Z model, musician, and influencer Gabbriette on a case featuring lingerie.

2. Select phone case type

Phone cases can prioritize protection or aesthetics. There are some common types to consider for your business. 

Slim gel cases

These lightweight cases offer basic protection against scratches while providing extra grip through flexible silicone material. They’re an affordable way for customers to personalize their devices. 

Velvet Caviar sells complementary accessories like grip rings and chain charms to enhance their gel cases.

Bumper cases

These cases protect the phone’s edges with harder, shock-resistant materials to guard against drops and impacts. Some include additional backing for scratch protection.

Evolved highlights practical benefits on their product pages, such as wireless charging compatibility and slim profiles that won’t add bulk.

Folio or wallet cases

Folio cases have a folding cover that protects the screen from dust and scratches, resembling a small notebook. Some include wallet functionality for storing cards or cash, while others have built-in stands. These often use fabric or leather materials.

Hand and Hide offers specialized wallet cases, including left-handed versions and dual phone holders.

Battery cases

Battery cases solve a common frustration by extending phone usage between charges.

Luxy Lemon markets their battery cases by promoting use cases like long commutes, emergencies, or situations where power outlets aren’t accessible. 

3. Pick your phone models

If you manufacture your own cases, you’ll need to decide which models to support based on market research. For example, the most popular phone models among all adults in the second quarter of 2026 were the Apple iPhone 16 Pro, Samsung Galaxy S25, and the iPhone 17.

4. Decide how you’ll source your phone cases

Regardless of your business model, you’ll need to source your phone cases. 

Use a print-on-demand service 

Print-on-demand is a good way to start a business with no money, since you don’t need to purchase inventory up front. However, you’ll be limited by your print-on-demand partner’s case options, and profit margins could be slimmer as you likely won’t be able to take advantage of bulk-order discounts.

If you’re selling phone cases in a Shopify store, print-on-demand apps integrate with your online storefront, so you can handle all aspects of your business from one location.

Find a manufacturer

Finding a manufacturer to create your phone cases requires more effort than print on demand but can maximize your profits. While you’ll need to meet minimum order quantities (MOQ) and buy in bulk, you can potentially offer better prices and earn more each sale. 

Here are a few tips for finding a manufacturer:

• Look at their specialties. Find a phone case manufacturer that specializes in the type of product you want to sell. Specialization can mean they’re more experienced in that field and will likely have more options to choose from. 

• Ask for samples. Samples tell you about the quality of the phone cases before you put in a large order. 

• Consider fees. Get clarity on any additional fees you might have to pay, including a setup fee, shipping and handling, tooling expenses, and inspection checks. 

DIY phone cases

Creating your phone cases by hand gives you complete creative control. At artist Bailey Hikawa’s studio, for example, each case is made by hand using materials like clear urethane, silicone, and vintage items. Her cases are unique art pieces with premium pricing to match.

5. Choose a business name

Your business name tells your audience who you are and is the foundation of your brand identity.

Shopify’s AI Business Name Generator can help you find a fitting name for your phone case brand. Simply provide a description, like your location or types of cases you sell, and the tool will generate several options. 

Before committing to a name, check if it’s available on social media, as a domain name, and within your state’s business entity database (which you can often find through your local Secretary of State’s office).

6. Legally establish your business

Your location and business type will determine how you register your business. As a solopreneur, you might choose between a sole proprietorship and an LLC. An LLC involves more paperwork, but better protects your personal assets.

US-based businesses can obtain an employer identification number (EIN) from the IRS for free. You may also need to register with local and state government agencies.

7. Set your prices

Use these standard pricing models to determine retail prices for your phone cases:

1. Add your variable costs per product (cost of goods sold, packaging, shipping, etc.).

2. Assign a value to your time and estimate how much time you’ll spend per product.

3. Add your fixed costs (overhead expenses like rent).

4. Divide by the average number of products you expect to sell monthly.

5. Add your desired profit margin (consider market standards).

8. Design phone cases

Your designs help you stand out and showcase your creativity. Consider these design approaches:

Use a print-on-demand platform

These platforms let you drag and drop graphics, text, and stock photos for your designs. Some, like Printify, include built-in AI image generators where you can create a design based on a prompt.

They may also help you work with designers. For example, Printify connects users to Fiverr for hiring freelance designers and allows template saving.

Work with designers and artists

Communities like Dribbble are good sources for finding designers who align with your vision. Partner with designers who can create distinctive visuals that set your phone cases apart. For cost-effective options, explore freelance marketplaces like Fiverr. 

Decorate your phone cases

Some sellers take a hands-on approach, drawing directly on cases or adding embellishments like beads and trinkets. Pinkiimoons, for instance, creates custom 3D phone cases using silicone cream glue and charms to craft unique designs.

9. Figure out your approach to inventory

Phone cases are compact, but you still need an inventory management plan. Options include:

• Creating a designated space in your home

• Leasing warehouse space

• Using dropshipping or print on demand to have a third-party supplier fulfill orders under your brand

If you’re taking a hands-on approach to inventory and not working with a third party, then you can also use inventory management tools that can help you stay organized. 

Shopify’s built-in inventory management tools lets you track orders across different channels, identify top-selling products, and oversee stock levels. Use Shopify Flow, an automation tool, to set alerts when your stock hits a certain level. 

10. Create your online store

Building your own online store gives you maximum control and helps establish customer trust. “[Customers] want to find your website directly just to validate the brand,” says Andrew, Felony Case founder.

With Shopify, you can create a website without coding or design skills. Choose from preset themes in the Shopify Theme Store and customize with your branding, fonts, colors, and layout. Or, use the AI store builder to generate a custom store based on your prompts.

You can also use Shopify apps to sell on marketplaces like Amazon with Shopify Marketplace Connect or get started with social selling with the Facebook & Instagram and TikTok apps for Shopify.

11. Market your business

Promote your phone cases across different channels to expand your audience. There are a few different methods you can use to market your product. 

Search engine optimization (SEO)

SEO lets you reach people searching for phone cases for specific smartphones. Target relevant search terms in your product descriptions and blog content to increase website traffic. Use keyword research tools like Ahrefs to identify effective keywords.

Social media marketing

Social media marketing is crucial for phone case businesses. As Wildflower Cases President Dave Carlson notes on Shopify Masters, “We are a content creation company that happens to make phone cases.” Short-form videos can be a great way to showcase your phone cases in action.

Word of mouth

Don’t underestimate the power of customer recommendations. If your customers love your phone cases, ask them to leave reviews you can use as testimonials in your marketing (with permission).