Protecting the screen of a new smartphone is the first thing to think about immediately after buying, especially if you are the owner of the popular Xiaomi or Redmi. Modern displays are often made using Gorilla Glass technology, but even they do not guarantee full protection from scratches with keys or chips when falling. Properly selected and well-painted glass will be a reliable buffer that took the brunt.
Many users are afraid to take this procedure on their own, for fear of leaving fingerprints under the surface or not getting into the circuit. However, if you follow a clear algorithm and prepare the workplace, the process takes no more than 10-15 minutes. In this article, we will examine all the nuances of preparation, the sticker itself and the subsequent care of the accessory.
It's important to understand that the quality of the result depends on the cleanliness of the room and the absence of drafts that raise dust. Don't try to stick protection on the run or in poor lighting. Carefulness and accuracy during the preparation stage will save you nerves and money in the future.
Choosing the Right Glass Protection for Xiaomi
The accessories market is full of offers, and it can be difficult to choose a really high-quality product. For Xiaomi models, it is important to consider not only the screen diagonal, but also the design of the front panel. Some budget models have rounded edges of the display or a cutout for the camera, which requires a specific approach to the choice of coating.
Pay attention to the hardness of the material, which is usually labeled as 9H. This means that the glass will withstand the impact of sharp objects like blades or knives without visible damage. Cheap counterparts are often labeled as 9H, but in fact are ordinary plastic that quickly covered with a net of scratches.
- π± Full coverage: covers the entire screen workspace, including rounded edges (Full Glue).
- π§ Hydrogel film: a flexible analogue of glass that does not break, but worse protects against strong shocks.
- π‘οΈ Ceramic coating: hybrid variant combining film flexibility and glass hardness.
- ποΈ Privacy: Darkens the screen at an angle, hiding the content from prying eyes.
And you also have to consider the oleophobic coating that you put on the surface of a quality accessory, which repels fat and water, allowing you to slip your finger easily, and cheap options don't have that layer, which makes the screen greasy and slows down when you swipe.
β οΈ Warning: Avoid buying black-framed glasses on models with a proximity sensor at the top of the screen. The frame may overlap the sensor, causing the screen to go out during a conversation or not to turn on when lifted to the ear.
Tools and workplace preparation required
The success of the surgery is 90 percent pre-prepared. You don't need a sophisticated professional tool, you don't need a basic kit, which often comes with the glass itself. If the equipment is poor, some items are easy to find at home.
The critical step is to organize the space: Choose a table with good lighting, preferably a day lamp or a bright desk lamp, and drafts are the main enemy, as they raise microscopic villi and dust particles, which then stick to the adhesive layer.
To clean the surface of the screen, use a special dust remover. Conventional tissue wipes can leave a pile that will then be visible under the glass. Also prepare a light source to illuminate the screen from the side and see the remaining dust particles.
- π§Ή Alcohol wipe or degreaser to remove fat.
- π¨ A compressed air canister or a dust blowing pear.
- π Plastic card or special spatula for smoothing.
- π¦ Powerful flashlight for final cleanliness check.
Before starting work, wash your hands thoroughly with soap to prevent fat from getting on the adhesive layer or screen. If you have long hair, it is better to remove it or put on a hat, as static electricity can play a cruel joke.
βοΈ Checklist of preparations
Step-by-step: how to glue glass without bubbles
The sticker process requires coolness and consistency. Take your time to remove the protective film from the glass itself until you are sure that the screen is perfectly clean. Any error at this stage will require a repeat of the cleaning procedure.
First, wipe the screen with a wet alcohol wipe, removing all traces of fat and prints. Then dry the surface with a dry microfiber. After that, use a sticky sticker, repeatedly gluing it to the screen to collect the smallest specks of dust that are not visible to the eye.
Remove the bottom protective film from the glass (usually signed with the number 1 or "Back"). Carefully combine the glass cutouts with your Xiaomi speaker and camera. Don't press the glass right away, just put it on top to check the positioning accuracy.
Procedure:
1. Gannail the screen.
2. Remove the dust with a sticky sticker.
3. Remove the bottom film from the glass.
4. Contextualize.
5. Let the glass stick on its own.Once you've made sure that everything matches, press the center of the screen slightly, and the silicone adhesive glass will stick to the display on its own, pushing air out, and if you use adhesive glass (Full Glue), smooth it from center to edges with a plastic card.
What to do if the glass is crooked?
Removing bubbles and dust under glass
Even professionals sometimes have small air bubbles or specks of dust. Don't panic, most of them can be eliminated. 24-48 The stains are distributed evenly.
If there is a visible speck of dust left under the glass, it must be removed, otherwise it will interfere and may cause chips at this point.You will need a thin needle or blade, as well as a sticky sticker.
Carefully lift the edge of the glass above the contamination site. Using a needle, pluck the dust and remove it. Immediately press the sticker to the place where the dust was to pull out the residues. Then smooth the glass from center to edge.
| Type of defect | Cause of the occurrence | Elimination method | Time of extinction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air bubble | Uneven pressing | Smoothing from the center | Right away or 1-2 days. |
| White dot (dust) | Garbage intrusion | Needle removal + sticker | Only mechanically. |
| Rainbow spot | Fat or moisture | Glass replacement | It's not going away. |
| Separation of edges | Cover or curvature | Cutting or replacing | It requires intervention. |
To remove complex bubbles, you can use the wrapping method, wrap your finger in a soft cloth and force your finger through the problem area, and the pressure will help distribute the adhesive compound and drive out the air.
π‘
Use tape to fix the edge of the glass while you remove dust from under it, which will prevent the debris from sticking again and the accessory from shifting.
Features of installation on a model with a curved screen
Flagship models Xiaomi and POCO often feature displays with 2.5D or even 3D bend at the edges. Conventional flat glass on such screens will hold only the center part, leaving the sides of unprotected areas or βrainbow borderβ.
For these cases, the perfect fit is a glass with adhesive layers around the perimeter (Full Glue), which requires more careful preparation, because the glue freezes under the influence of an ultrafilter or just over time, and it is important to apply the glue evenly if it is in a separate tube.
When you install 3D glasses, use special frame holders (setting frames), which are often included, which allow you to perfectly center the glass before contacting the screen, without the frame, there is a high risk of distortion, which on the curved screen will be very noticeable.
- π‘οΈ Warming up with a hair dryer: light heating of the edges helps the glue layer to spread better along the curves.
- β³ Cutting time: after sticker 3D It is advisable not to touch the phone. 2-3 hour.
- π± Compatibility with the covers: volumetric 3D Glasses can conflict with protective covers, lifting them.
β οΈ Warning: Do not use aggressive chemical solvents to clean edges 3D The adhesive may not have time to polymerize and dissolve, which will lead to peeling off.
Care for the protective glass and frequent mistakes
Once installed successfully, it is important to properly care for the accessory so that it lasts a long time. Regular cleaning with microfibre will help to preserve the oleophobic layer and image clarity. Avoid the use of aggressive household chemicals.
One of the most common mistakes is to try to save and buy glass "for growth" or universal. For Xiaomi Redmi Note or Mi series, it is better to take specialized models, since the location of speakers and sensors can vary even within one year of release.
Users also often forget to remove the top transport film after sticking, and if the screen is matte, dull, or does not respond well to touch, check if it has a protective film that says "Please peel off before using".
π‘
Quality glass does not affect the sensitivity of the sensor and the brightness of the display. If after the sticker the screen became dull or "brake", then the product is of poor quality or there is a lot of air left.
Replacing broken glass in a timely manner is another important aspect: the cracked coating loses its protective properties and can even damage the display matrix with sharp edges when pressed. Do not pull with replacement if you notice serious damage.