The protective film on the screen of Xiaomi smart watches is not a luxury, but a necessity. Even the most durable glass Mi Watch 2 Pro or Redmi Watch 3 Active over time covered with microcracks from impact, scratches from the keys in your pocket or traces from the bracelet. But sticking the film on a round or rectangular screen of the watch is a much more difficult task than on a smartphone.
Many users have problems: the film moves around the edges every other day, bubbles form underneath it, or the screen begins to "raise" in bright light, all the fault is errors in the preparation stage or the sticker. In this article, we will analyze the step-by-step algorithm for any Xiaomi models (from the budget Mi Band 7 to the flagship Watch). S3), We will dwell in detail on the choice of materials and reveal the secrets of professionals who use in service centers.
You'll know:
- 🔍 How to choose a film for a specific watch model (including rare versions like Xiaomi Watch Color 2)
- 🧼 Why an alcohol solution to clean the screen can spoil the oleophobic coating
- 🌀 Technique of "wet" and "dry" sticker method - pros and cons of each
- ⚡ What to do if the film has already unstuck, but there is no way to buy a new one
1. Which film to choose for Xiaomi watches: types and features
Not all film is good for smartwatches, like the safety glass. 3D-The edges, which are popular for smartphones, are useless for the Mi Band or Redmi Watch -- they just don't lie on a curved screen:
Flexible polyurethane (TPU) — It's the most universal option:
- 🔹 Suitable for round screens (e.g. Xiaomi Watch) S1 Pro)
- 🔹 Self-adhesive, but easily glued to the error
- 🔹 0.1–0.2 mm thickness – do not distort the sensor and do not interfere with swipes
- 🔹 Average service life: 3-6 months (depending on the intensity of use)
Liquid glass (nano coating) is an alternative for those who do not want to glue physical film, applied as a varnish and freezes in 12-24 hours.
- 🔹 Invisible on screen, retains original tactile response
- 🔹 Protects from scratch to scratch. 6H Mohs scale
- 🔹 It does not turn yellow with time (unlike cheap ones). TPU-film)
The minus doesn’t save you from heavy hits and requires perfectly smooth application. For the Xiaomi Mi Band 6 with its small screen, this can be a problem.
Tempered glass is rare for watches, but some manufacturers produce it for flagship models like the Watch 2 Pro.
- 🔹 Thickness 0.3–0.5 mm – more reliable protects against impacts
- 🔹 It has an oleophobic coating (fingerprints are less noticeable)
- 🔹 Often goes with a glue layer on the edges, rather than the entire area
⚠️ Warning: Tempered glass for Xiaomi Watch S1 It can block the light sensor if it's too thick. Check compatibility reviews before you buy!
If you are an active user (sports, frequent hits), take TPU-It's a hydrophobic film, and liquid glass is also good for office use, but tempered glass is only worth taking if you're sure it fits on your model.
2. Preparation of Xiaomi watches for film sticker: step-by-step checklist
Mistakes at this stage are the main reason why the film leaves after a week, even one speck of dust under the protective layer can ruin the whole result.
Remove the bracelet/strap|Wipe the body with microfiber|Treat the screen with an alcohol solution (70% isopropyl)|Blow with compressed air (or spray)|Apply an antistatic napkin-->
Step 1: Unmount the strap. Remove the bracelet or strap, it will interfere with the sticker. For the Mi Band, press the button on the back of the module, for the Xiaomi Watch, use a special tool (usually included).
Step 2: Screen cleaning. Use 70% isopropyl alcohol (not medical! It contains additives that leave stains behind); apply the solution to a microfibre wipe, not a screen; move from center to edge.
Step 3: Remove the dust, even after the alcohol, there are still microparticles on the screen.
- 💨 A compressed air canister (keep 10 cm away so as not to damage the speaker if there is one)
- 🧲 Antistatic wipe (sold in kits for the care of equipment)
- 🔦 Bright flashlight – aim the light at an angle to see the remaining particles
Step 4: Check the adhesive layer of the film. If you bought the film separately, check it for defects. The quality specimens have a uniform adhesive layer, no bubbles. Bad sign if the film has already started to peel off in the package.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use acetone, white spirits or household detergents to clean your screen, and your fingerprints will remain on the new film.
Sticker technology: “wet” vs “dry” method
There are two main ways to put film on a Xiaomi watch, depending on the type of film and your experience.
"Dry method is a classic. It's good for you. TPU-A film and a tempered glass:
- Remove the protective layer from the film (usually blue or transparent).
- Line the film at the edges of the screen. (Xiaomi Watch) S2) Focus on the central button or logo.
- Attach the film to the screen from one edge and smoothly lower, avoiding distortions.
- Use a plastic scraper (or credit card) to drive the bubbles from the center to the edges.
The wet method is for beginners, so you can adjust the position of the film after the sticker.
- 💧 Distilled water (or a mixture of water) + 2 drops of dishwashing products)
- 🧻 A hairless napkin
- 📏 Line for alignment
Instructions:
- Apply a few drops of solution to the watch screen.
- Remove the protective layer from the film and apply it to the wet screen.
- Level the film (you have 1-2 minutes until the water evaporates).
- Remove excess liquids with a scraper, starting from the center.
- Leave your watch for 12 to 24 hours in a dry place (such as near the battery).
Which is better? Small-screen Mi Band is good for dry. Larger displays (Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro) are safer with less risk of skewing.
What to do if the film is glued to a curve?
4.Typical mistakes and how to avoid them
Even if you follow the instructions, users often face problems.
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Bubbles under film | Dust, improper smoothing, too fast gluing | Use the "wet" method or puncture the bubble with a needle and smooth |
| The film is moving away at the edges. | Poor screen cleaning, cheap glue, high humidity in the room | Warm up the edges with a hair dryer (30–40)°C) and press for 10 seconds |
| "Rainbow" divorces in bright light | Low quality film, improper tension on the sticker | Replace the film with a thicker one (0.2 mm)+) or matte |
| Sensor responds poorly to touch | Too thick film, air between layers | Make sure the film is thinner than 0.3 mm. reglue with a full screen cleaning. |
Critical mistake: using household tape to fix the film during drying, the adhesive from the tape can leak under the protective layer and spoil the screen!
Another common problem is that the film does not stick to the curved edges (relevant for Xiaomi Watch). S1 s 3D-In this case, the display:
- 🔥 Warm up the edges with a hair dryer (not higher than 50)°C!) - the glue will become more elastic.
- 💪 Press the film around the perimeter with a silicone scraper (not metallic!).
- 🕒 Let the clock lie under a press (for example, between two books) 1-2 hours.
5. Care for the film: how to extend its life
Even a perfectly pasted film will not last long if it is not properly cared for.
Cleanup:
- 🧴 Use only special electronic wipes or microfiber dipped in distilled water.
- 🚫 Avoid alcohol after sticking - it corrodes the glue layer.
- 🧼 To remove fatty spots, a soap solution is suitable (1 drop of the product per 100 ml of water).
Exploitation:
- 🏋️ When exercising, wear a watch over your sleeve – this will reduce friction on the fabric.
- ☀️ Do not leave your watch under direct sunlight (especially with a light source). TPU-And with film, it can turn yellow).
- 🚿 Take off the watch before showering if the film does not have a hydrophobic coating.
Storage: If you don’t use your watch temporarily (for example, if you switched to another gadget), keep it in a sealed case with silica gel (a bag that is put in shoe boxes) to prevent film from detaching due to humidity.
💡
Average service life of quality TPU-If it starts to turn yellow or move away at the edges earlier, it is a sign of poor quality material or improper care.
6. Alternative ways to protect the screen
If you can’t stick the film or you don’t want to use it, consider the alternatives:
Some manufacturers (like Spigen or Ringke) make cases for Xiaomi Watch with built-in protective glass.
- 🛡️ Full protection of the body and screen
- 🔄 Easy to take off and dress.
- 🎨 You can choose according to the style (transparent, matted, with a pattern)
Minus - increases the thickness of the clock by 1-2 mm.
Liquid glass (nano coating) How to apply:
- Clean the screen according to the instructions in Section 2.
- Apply 2-3 drops of the composition on the screen and distribute with a lilac-free napkin.
- Wait 10 minutes and remove the excess with a dry wipe.
- Do not use 12-24 hours (the polymerization time is indicated in the instructions for the composition).
Tempered glass stickers are suitable for flat-screen models (Redmi Watch 2 Lite), and the main thing is to choose a sticker with a flat-screen screen. 9H Hardness and proven adhesive layer (for example, AmFilm or Skinomi brands).
7 How to remove old film without traces
If the film has worn or is crooked, it must be carefully removed, and improper actions can leave sticky marks or damage the oleophobic screen covering.
Tools:
- 🧴 Isopropyl alcohol (70%) or means for removing stickers (3M Adhesive Remover)
- 📄 Plastic card or mediator
- 🧻 Microfiber wipe
Step-by-step:
- Put the edge of the film on a plastic card (not nail or metal!).
- Slowly pull the film, holding it at an angle of 30-45°. If you resist, put alcohol under the edge.
- After removal, wipe the screen with a napkin soaked in alcohol to remove the glue residue.
- For persistent tracks, use a white spirit (glass only! Not plastic cases!).
⚠️ Note: Do not use acetone or 646 solvent – they will damage the plastic parts of the Xiaomi Mi Band body or Xiaomi Watch rubber seals!
If the screen becomes cloudy after removing the film, wipe it with a polished glass paste (like Displex) and apply it in a circular motion with a microfiber.