In one preferred embodiment, the present invention is a gripper for gripping a portable electronic device case. The case has a defined opening, and an inside and outside. The gripper comprises a retainer to partially pass through the case opening, and the retainer defines two opposing slots. There is a retractable strap having two flanged ends. Each strap flanged end is passed through the retainer slots to communicate with the case inside. The strap flange is shaped to prevent the strap from completely passing through said retainer slots to the case outside when the strap is pulled. The gripper facilitates carrying a portable electronic device using a single finger, or an open hand, depending on the size of the device.