Modern Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones are equipped with high-quality displays, but even the durable glass Gorilla Glass does not guarantee 100% protection from chipping and scratching when falling. Replacing a broken screen is an expensive procedure, so installing a protective glass is the most sensible preventive step to keep the device working. Many users mistakenly believe that the process of sticking is trivial, but it is the rush and lack of preparation that often lead to bubbles, dust under the coating or displacement of the edges.
In this article, we will discuss in detail how to properly prepare the surface, what tools you will need and how to avoid typical installation errors. We will pay special attention to the nuances of working with curved 2.5D and 3D screens, which are popular in the flagship models of the brand. The accuracy of each step directly affects the life of the accessory and the tactile sensation of using the gadget.
Choice of protective glass: hydrogel, ceramics or tempered
Before you start sticking, you need to decide on the type of protection, because it depends on the installation technology and the end result. The accessories market for Xiaomi offers three main options, each of which has its advantages and disadvantages. Tempered glass provides better protection against shocks, but can be thicker than other analogues.
Hydrogel films are perfect for the screen, leaving no gaps at the edges, which is especially important for models with curved sidewalls. Ceramic coatings represent a compromise between the flexibility of the film and the hardness of the glass. The choice of material is dictated not only by the budget, but also by the design features of your smartphone.
- 📱 Tempered glass: maximum protection from impacts, pleasant slip of the finger, but possible "rainbow" effects on the edges.
- 💧 Hydrogel film: self-tightening of small scratches, full fit, but less protection from strong impacts.
- 🛡️ Ceramics: high strength on fracture, thinness, but can be slippery and difficult to install without experience.
⚠️ Attention: Cheap glass without oleophobic coating quickly lose their properties, begin to greasy and react worse to touch, so saving on the accessory can spoil the impression of using an expensive smartphone.
When buying, pay attention to the hardness of the material, which is usually labeled as 9H. This means scratch resistance, but does not guarantee indestructibility when hitting concrete. For Xiaomi Mi and Redmi Note models, it is better to choose glass with a black frame that will hide possible sticking defects around the perimeter.
Tools and workplace preparation required
The quality of the sticker is 90% dependent on the conditions in which the procedure is performed. The main problem users face is the microscopic dust that settles on the adhesive layer during installation. The ideal place to work is in the bathroom, where, after turning on hot water, most of the flying particles settle.
You'll need not only the glass itself, but also a range of auxiliary tools that often come with a bundle but can be replaced with better-quality counterparts. The cleanliness of the hands and table surface also plays a critical role in the success of the operation.
☑️ Checklist for preparation for gluing
The standard glue kit usually includes wet and dry wipes, as well as sticky tape to remove dust. However, professionals recommend additionally preparing a powerful lamp to illuminate the screen at an angle, this will allow you to see the smallest villi, and a plastic card or a special scraper for air venting.
- 🧼 Degreasing: alcohol napkin or liquid to clean screens.
- 💨 Pear or canister: to remove dust with compressed air without touching the surface.
- 💡 Lamp: bright light source to control matrix purity.
Don't forget to turn off your smartphone completely before you start work. Not only will this protect the device from accidental pressing, but it will also make a black screen a great background, where you can clearly see the dust. If you change the glass to a broken screen, make sure that the fragments are securely fixed with tape so that you do not get hurt.
Step-by-step: how to glue glass on Xiaomi
The installation process can be divided into several key steps, the disruption of the sequence of which will lead to a defect. First, thoroughly wipe the screen with a wet wipe, removing all contamination, fingerprints and fat. Then dry the surface with a dry microfiber, moving from the center to the edges.
The most important thing is to remove the dust, and use a sticky tape (or Scotch) that runs across the surface of the display, and the light from the lamp, pointed at a sharp angle, will help to identify the remaining villi, and only then you can remove the protective film from the glass itself.
Sequence of action:
1. Screen degreasing.
2. Dust removal with sticky tape.
3. Removal of the lower protective film from the glass.
Leveling of the speaker and the chamber holes.
5. Applying and smoothing.Carefully hold the glass to the screen, focusing on the speaker's slot and the edges of the display. Don't press it right away, let the glue grip itself to the surface, starting from the center. If the glass is crooked, you can gently lift it and correct it, but only until it is completely adhesive.
What to do if the glass is crooked?
⚠️ Warning: Never blow on screen with your mouth to remove dust! microscopic droplets of saliva will settle on the matrix and create indiscriminate spots that will interfere with view.
Features of gluing on curved screens (2.5D and 3D)
Owners of Xiaomi flagships often face the problem of peeling off the edges of the protective glass.This is due to the fact that modern screens have rounded edges, and flat glass simply cannot replicate their geometry, forming an air cushion around the perimeter. The solution to this problem is glass with silicone glue over the entire surface or special UV-glass.
UV-The glass is glued to a liquid photopolymer glue that freezes under the influence of an ultrafilm lamp, which provides 100% fit and no rainbow effect, but requires more accuracy, since liquid glue can leak into the speaker or buttons.
When using silicone glasses, it is important to correctly combine the holes, since they do not have a rigid frame. UV-It takes time and a special lamp, without which the glue will remain liquid.
- 🌊 Problem: white rainbow stripes around the edges on flat glass.
- 🔧 Solution: use of black-framed glass or UV-technology.
- ⏳ Time: UV-glue dries around 2-3 lamp-light.
Compatibility table and glue types
Different Xiaomi models may require different approaches to protection, and below is a comparative description of the fixation methods that will help you choose the best option for your device.
| Type of glass | Type of glue | Difficulty | Protection of the edges |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flat (2D) | Silicone (on the circuit) | Low. | Low (flake off) |
| 3D Full Cover | Silicone (all layer) | Medium | Tall. |
| UV Glass | Liquid polymer | Tall. | Maximum |
| hydrogel | adhesive layer | Medium | Maximum |
As you can see from the table, for maximum coverage is best suited UV-However, for budget models such as the Redmi A series or Note, the usual one is often enough. 3D glass with a full adhesive layer, which is easier to install.
Fixing defects: bubbles and dust
Even in the artisans, sometimes dust gets under the glass or there are air bubbles, and if you notice a bubble of air, try to squeeze it out with a plastic map from center to edge, and if the bubble doesn't go away, maybe there's a piece of dust in there.
Removing the speck of dust under the glass will require a thin needle or blade. Carefully lift the glass over the problem area, remove the villi with sticky tape and press it again. Importantly, do not use metal objects to squeeze bubbles directly through the glass so as not to scratch it or the screen.
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If a large villi gets under the glass, and it is difficult to tamper with the edge with a needle, use a thin tape: glue it to the edge of the glass to lift it, remove the dust and smooth it again.
Small air pockets can disappear on their own within 24-48 hours, especially if the glass is high-quality and elastic, but large bubbles indicate a wrong sticker technique or a defect in the accessory itself.
⚠️ Attention: If liquid is trapped under the glass, do not try to dry it with a hair dryer - high temperature can damage the adhesive layer and the display matrix.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I regress the glass if it is crooked?
Why does the glass peel off at the edges after a week?
Does the security glass affect the fingerprint scanner?
How to remove the glue from old glass?
Do I need to remove the old glass before the new one is glued?
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High-quality surface preparation and no dust is 90% of Xiaomi’s glass gluing success. Don’t save time during the cleaning phase.