The Ultimate Pre-Dive Checklist: Setting Up Your Phone for the DIVEVOLK SeaTouch Housing

1. Introduction

The DIVEVOLK SeaTouch 4 Max series turns your smartphone into a powerful underwater camera, but a successful dive starts with proper preparation on the surface. To ensure you have a seamless and worry-free experience, we've created this comprehensive guide covering the essential phone settings, hardware checks, and installation procedures. Following these steps will help you get the most out of every dive!

2. Phone Preparation (System-Level Settings)

a) Universal Settings (For both iPhone & Android)

• Remove All Screen Protectors & Films: This is the most critical step for optimal performance. Aftermarket screen protectors can adhere to the housing's internal oil membrane, which can cause the phone to get stuck and will negatively impact underwater touchscreen sensitivity. For the best fit and function, your phone screen must be "naked."

• Set Screen to "Always On" & Disable Auto-Lock:
  • iPhone: Enable Raise to Wake (Settings > Display & Brightness).
  • Android: Disable features like "Mistouch Prevention" and set the screen sleep time to "Never." If this option isn't available, third-party apps like "Keep Screen Awake" or "Wakey" can be used to keep the screen on during your dive.

b) iPhone Specific Recommendations

• Enable AssistiveTouch: Go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > AssistiveTouch and turn it ON. This creates a floating on-screen button that is essential for easy screen locking and navigation underwater, reducing the need for edge-swipes.
• Turn Off 3D Touch (on older models): If your iPhone has 3D Touch, we recommend disabling it for more consistent screen interaction.
• For Glove Use: If you plan to dive with touchscreen-compatible gloves, consider going to Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size and enabling "Larger Text" or "Bold Text" to make on-screen buttons bigger and easier to press.

c) Android Specific Recommendations

• Enable Assistant Menu: On Samsung and other Android devices, enable the "Assistant Menu" or similar accessibility features (like "Assistive Ball") to create a floating on-screen button that can replace swipe gestures.
• Disable Mistouch Prevention: On some brands, you must disable "Mistouch Prevention" or similar settings that prevent screen operation in a pocket, as these can interfere with the housing's function and prevent the screen from waking up.

3. Hardware & Compatibility Check

• Check Your Phone for Damage: Crucially, ensure your phone's screen and back panel have no cracks or deep scratches. A compromised phone body is not safe to take to depth, even inside a housing.

• Verify Dimensions & Lens Thickness: Double-check that your phone's size and camera lens thickness are compatible with your specific housing model by checking our official Compatibility List.
• Use the Correct Adapter: Every phone model requires its corresponding adapter block to be held securely in place. Without the correct adapter, your phone will be loose, unstable, and unsafe inside the housing.

4. Installation Steps & Procedure

a) Environmental Requirements

Always assemble your housing in a dry, clean environment. We recommend doing this in an air-conditioned room or inside a dry boat cabin. This prevents moisture from being trapped inside, which can lead to fogging and affect the seal.

b) Installation Steps

1. Ensure your phone is clean and free of dust.
2. Install the correct, matching adapter onto your phone.
3. Gently slide the phone and adapter into the housing body.
4. Before sealing, do a final visual check of the housing's opening and the O-ring/gasket to ensure there is absolutely no hair, sand, or other debris present.
5. Securely tighten the dual screws to seal the housing.
6. Do a final check to ensure no objects (like lanyards or tags) are caught in the seal.

c) Disassembly Recommendations

Wait until you are back on the boat and the housing is completely dry before opening it. This prevents water droplets or moisture from entering the housing. Disassemble in this order: Loosen screws → Pull out the adapter and phone → Immediately cover the internal membrane with the included black protective card, put it in a Protective Cover, or place it back in its EVA Case to protect it from direct sunlight.

5. Operation & Pro Tips

The touchscreen membrane contains a fluid that allows for touch operation. A slightly firm press is required. The screen is designed to work with bare hands or with special touchscreen-compatible dive gloves. Standard dry gloves will not work. For use with dry gloves, consider using the DIVEVOLK Dry Glove Touch Finger Cots to prevent touch failure.

6. Final Pre-Dive Checklist (Summary)

Here are the most important points to remember:

• System Settings: Enable AssistiveTouch, enable Raise to Wake, set screen to stay on, consider Larger Text for gloves.
• Hardware Prep: REMOVE screen protectors, get the correct adapter block, check phone for cracks.
• Installation: Work in a DRY and CLEAN environment, check the seal for debris before closing, tighten screws securely.
• Operation: Use bare hands or touchscreen-compatible gloves.
• Protection: Use the Protective Cover or EVA Case when not in use, avoid opening the housing when wet.