How to apply a screen protector
A properly applied screen protector will shield your phone display from scratches and cracks. Here is a step-by-step guide.
Prepare the environment
Find a clean, well-lit, dust-free spot. A bathroom after a hot shower is ideal – the moisture in the air settles dust and reduces the chance of particles getting trapped under the glass.
Gather your supplies
You will need:
- A screen protector
- A microfibre cloth
- An alcohol wipe (often included in the kit)
- A dust removal sticker
Turn off the phone
Turn off the phone and remove any old protector (if present). The new glass is applied directly to the screen – not on top of an old film or glass.
Clean the screen thoroughly
Wipe the screen with an alcohol wipe to remove oils and dirt. Then dry it with a microfibre cloth. The screen must be completely dry – any moisture will cause bubbles.
Remove any remaining dust
Use the dust removal stickers (included in the kit) to lift off any remaining dust. Dust is the main cause of bubbles, so this step is very important.
Align the glass
Before removing the protective film, line up the glass with the screen. Pay attention to the camera, speaker and button cutouts — they need to match up precisely.
Peel off the film and apply
Holding the glass by the edges, peel off the adhesive film. Start from one edge and let the glass settle into place on its own — don't press straight away. If you misalign it, you can carefully lift it off and try again.
Push out the bubbles
Using a plastic card or a finger wrapped in a microfibre cloth, gently push the bubbles from the centre toward the edges. Don't press too hard — the glass can crack.
Wait
Leave the phone alone for 1-2 hours. During this time the adhesive will fully bond and any small bubbles will disappear on their own. Don't use the phone immediately after applying.
Troubleshooting tips
If dust got trapped under the glass:
Carefully lift the glass and remove the dust with a sticker. The glass can be reapplied several times.
If bubbles won't go away:
Slightly lift that section of the glass and let it settle back down. Repeat until the bubbles are gone.
If the glass won't stick:
The screen probably wasn't clean enough or there was still moisture on it. Wipe it down and try again.
Screen protector coverage types: which one to choose?
Screen protectors differ in how much of the screen they cover. Knowing the differences makes it easier to pick a glass that meets your expectations and works with your case.
2.5D – standard (case friendly) glass
Covers the flat part of the display and stops short of the screen edges, so it is slightly smaller than the screen itself. This is intentional: a case never touches the edges of the glass, so it cannot lift it off. This type works with most cases.
3D / Full cover – full-coverage glass
Covers the entire screen edge to edge, usually with a black frame around the display. Choose this type if you want the whole screen surface protected. Note that some cases may press on the edges of this glass.
Curved screens
Phones with curved screen edges need full-coverage (3D / full cover) or specially curved glass. A standard flat glass adheres only to the flat part of the display and would peel off at the edges. A flexible hydrogel film is another option.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the screen protector smaller than the phone screen?
If you bought a standard (2.5D) glass – that is how it is meant to be. This type covers only the flat part of the display so that a case does not press on the edges of the glass and lift it off. If you want the whole screen covered, choose a full-cover glass.
Which glass fits a curved screen?
For curved screens choose full-coverage (3D / full cover) or specially curved glass – it follows the shape of the display. A standard flat glass will not adhere at the curved edges. A flexible hydrogel film, which adapts to the screen shape, is another option.
What's the difference between tempered glass and a hydrogel film?
Tempered glass (9H hardness) gives excellent protection against drops and scratches and feels just like the real screen. A hydrogel film is thinner, flexible, ideal for curved screens, and has self-healing properties for minor scratches. However, hydrogel doesn't protect against impacts. For most people we recommend tempered glass.
Does a screen protector reduce display quality?
No. Quality screen protectors have 99%+ transparency and an oleophobic coating that repels fingerprints. Screen colours and brightness stay exactly the same.
Does a screen protector interfere with the fingerprint scanner?
Tempered glass can slightly slow down an in-display fingerprint scanner. Tip: re-register your fingerprints after applying the glass.
How often should the screen protector be replaced?
Replace it as soon as you see cracks or significant scratches. A cracked screen protector no longer offers full protection. On average, a quality protector lasts 6-12 months.
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