Mirror Cases

A mirror you always have with you

A mirror case has a mirrored back, so the phone doubles as a compact mirror for checking make-up, hair or teeth on the go. There is no extra mirror to carry and nothing to open: turn the phone over and look. It suits anyone who carries a compact today, and it makes a bright, reflective case even when nobody is looking into it. Because the mirror faces outwards, it is on the back of the phone, so you look into it with the screen facing away from you.

What the cases here are like

The mirror cases here today have a hard acrylic back with a mirror finish, some with a plated, silvery surface for extra shine, set in a shockproof bumper edge that takes the knocks at the corners. They are made for iPhones, across a wide spread of models, with cut-outs for the cameras, buttons and charging port. Each is made for particular models, so choose yours from the list on the product page. For a shine without the mirror, look at glitter cases and luxury cases with plated finishes.

Looking after a mirror back

A mirror finish shows every fingerprint and, like any polished surface, can scratch if it rubs against keys and coins. A few habits keep it clear:

• Keep the phone in a pocket of its own, or face down in a soft pouch or sleeve.
• Wipe it with a soft, lint-free cloth, only slightly damp if needed. Apple's cleaning advice for its products warns against household cleaners, abrasive cloths and kitchen roll, and the same care suits a mirror back.
• Do not spray cleaner straight onto the case, and take the phone out before you clean it, so nothing gets into the ports.

Questions people ask about mirror cases

Is it a real glass mirror?

The mirror cases here use acrylic with a mirror finish rather than glass, which is lighter than glass and does not shatter like it if the phone is dropped.

Can I charge wirelessly through a mirror case?

Apple says a thick or metal case can stop or slow wireless charging, and suggests taking the case off if that happens. Check the description of the case you choose, and if charging is slow, take it off to charge.

Will the mirror hide the phone's own colour?

Yes. The back is fully mirrored. If you want the phone's colour on show, choose a clear case.

Does the bumper protect the screen?

A bumper edge that stands a little above the screen helps when the phone lands face down. For full screen protection, add a tempered glass screen protector.

More to look at

• Glitter cases
• Luxury cases
• Cute cases
• Case styles
• Tempered glass screen protectors
• Guide: How to choose a phone case: the UK buying guide