# iPhone docks, iPhone cases, and the compatibility between them

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iphone-docks-iphone-cases-and-the-compatibility-between-them/501816>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [July 3, 2009, 3:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iphone-docks-iphone-cases-and-the-compatibility-between-them/501816 "2009-07-03T15:23:59Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Merijeek](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f05b48/32.png) [@Merijeek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Merijeek)\
**Post date:** [July 3, 2009, 3:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iphone-docks-iphone-cases-and-the-compatibility-between-them/501816/1 "2009-07-03T15:23:59Z")

</div>

So, a couple weeks ago I got a new iPhone 3GS.

I’d like to get one of those alarm clock deals to go with it, mainly so I can charge it right next to the bed. Of course, like most people I’ve also got a hard silicone/plastic case around it, so it gets fatter than a naked iPhone.

I can look around and see what is compatible and what isn’t as far as a the naked phone, but is there any good way to tell (besides cracking open boxes) if there is a way to fit iPhone+Case into a dock? Because there isn’t a chance in hell of my cracking the thing open every night to charge it.

Anyone have any experience or recommendations?

-Joe

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![HongKongFooey](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/c4cdca/32.png) [@HongKongFooey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HongKongFooey)\
**Post date:** [July 3, 2009, 5:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iphone-docks-iphone-cases-and-the-compatibility-between-them/501816/2 "2009-07-03T17:02:07Z")

</div>

You might be able to find a dock with an adjustable opening. I haven’t shopped for one lately but the one I have has a fixed width but adjustable depth. That way any of my ipods will fit it with or without cases. Personally, I prefer not to use a case with my iphone but if I open my dock all the way it woud fit while in a case.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![sharding](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/90db22/32.png) [@sharding](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sharding)\
**Post date:** [July 3, 2009, 5:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iphone-docks-iphone-cases-and-the-compatibility-between-them/501816/3 "2009-07-03T17:12:56Z")

</div>

When I had a case on my iPhone (I got sick of it and removed it a few months ago), I had a[Griffin Elan Form](http://www.griffintechnology.com/products/elanform3g). The piece on the bottom easily comes off so you can use a dock or other similar accessories. There are other cases with similar features. Might be easier to change cases than to find a dock with the right sized opening.