Replacing or installing the protective glass on the Xiaomi Redmi 9 is a procedure that may seem simple only at first glance, but it is the quality of its execution that determines the durability of your display. The smartphone screen is the most vulnerable element of the design, taking on bumps when falling and scratching from contact with keys in your pocket. Properly selected and installed protection can absorb the impact energy, keeping the matrix intact, while poor-quality film will only create the illusion of security.
Many users mistakenly believe that the sticker process does not require preparation, which often leads to bubbles, dust under the layer of protection or displacement of the edges. owners of Redmi 9 should consider the design features of the front panel, including the location of the front camera and sensors, so as not to block their functionality. In this article, we will discuss in detail every step of the work, from the selection of consumables to the final polishing, so that you get a result that is not inferior to the factory.
Before you start taking action, you need to create sterile conditions, because even a microscopic speck of dust trapped under the glass will become a noticeable defect. The ideal place to work is the bathroom, where after taking a shower all the flying dust has settled, or a specially prepared table without drafts. It is critical to wet the work surface before the procedure to minimize the risk of villi.
Selection of protective glass and preparation of tools
The first step towards reliable protection will be the purchase of a quality accessory, as the market is oversaturated with cheap analogues that can worsen the sensitivity of the touchscreen. For Xiaomi Redmi 9, glass with a hardness of 9H and an oleophobic coating that repels greasy fingerprints is best suited. When choosing, pay attention to the thickness: too thick glass (more than 0.33 mm) can cause problems with fingerprint recognition or work in the case.
Complete with quality glass usually comes with a minimal set of tools, but for a professional result this may not be enough.You will need special microfiber wipes, sticky stickers to remove dust and possibly an additional light source for visual control.UV lamp is not needed for conventional glasses, but may come in handy if you decide to use liquid protection or adhesive compounds.
Make sure you have everything you need before removing the protective film from the glass itself, as there will be no return trip.The lack of the right tool at a critical moment can lead to damage to an expensive accessory and the appearance of bubbles.
⚠️ Warning: Never use conventional paper wipes or clothing fabric to wipe your screen, as they leave microscopic scratches on the oleophobic layer and generate static electricity that attracts dust.
Preparation of the working area and smartphone
The preparation stage is often ignored by beginners, which is a fatal mistake, because 90% of failures occur due to haste and dirty hands. Wash your hands carefully with soap to defat your skin and remove the villi that inevitably present on your palms. The workplace should be well lit, it is advisable to use a desk lamp, the light from which will fall at an angle, highlighting the dust.
The Redmi 9 itself needs to be completely turned off to avoid accidental taps and see dirt on the black screen better. If the device has an old protective glass or film installed, they must be carefully removed, warming the edges with a hairdryer if the glue is too strong. After removing the old protection, carefully wipe the display with alcohol solution to remove the glue residue.
It is important to check the state of the dynamic grid of the speaker, located at the upper end of the case. If the grid is damaged or has large holes, the adhesive base of the new glass can leak into the speaker, spoiling it.
☑️ Checklist of preparations
Display cleaning process
Screen cleaning is the most important step, which depends on the presence of bubbles and the quality of the glass at the edges. Use a wet alcohol wipe (usually marked as "1" or "Wet") to remove fat spots and prints, passing in circular motions from the center to the edges. After that, be sure to walk a dry wipe of microfiber ("2" or "Dry") to remove the stains and moisture residue.
Even after careful cleaning, there may be microscopic dust particles on the surface that are not visible to the naked eye. Take a sticky sticker and gently apply it to the surface of the screen, dipping every inch of the area. Don't rub it with a sticker, otherwise you can smear the dirt, namely, apply and tear it off.
Perfect surface cleanliness is a guarantee that the glass will lie flat and without defects. If you notice a villi in the corner of the screen just before the sticker, use the scotch corner to pull it out without touching the center of the screen with your fingers.
⚠️ Note: It is strictly forbidden to blow on the screen with your mouth to remove dust, since together with the air you exhale microscopic drops of saliva, which will create indissoluble spots under the glass.
What to do if the dust is still caught?
Technology of the sticker: step-by-step instructions
There are two main sticker methods: dry and wet, but for the Xiaomi Redmi 9 with its curved 2.5D edges, the dry method using guide frames (if there are any) is best suited.If the frame is not included, put the glass on the screen off, align it around the edges of the display and speaker, then bend one of the long sides to free access to the screen.
Take the bottom protective film off the adhesive side of the glass, trying not to touch the glue with your fingers. Carefully, starting on one side (usually the one where the speaker is), lower the glass onto the screen, controlling the matching of cutouts. Once the first strip of glass touches the screen and "grabbs", it becomes the axis around which you need to smooth the rest.
Smoothly lower the glass onto the screen, allowing the air wave to push air outwards. If you use silicone-based glass, it sticks on its own, you just have to press the center slightly to start the adhesion process. Spread the glass from the center to the edges, expel the remaining air.
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The main secret of success is to take your time at the moment of contact of the glass with the screen and let the air cushion push the air out on its own before pressing the edges.
Removal of bubbles and defects
Once the glass is fully exposed, small air bubbles may remain, requiring removal, and small bubbles often disappear on their own within a few hours. 24-48 The glue layer continues to spread, and the large bubbles need to be mechanically ejected using microfiber fabric wrapped around a plastic card or finger.
The movement must be confident and directed from the center of the bubble to the nearest edge of the glass. If the bubble does not go away, it may have been dusted, and then you will need the re-painting procedure described in the spoiler above. Do not use sharp objects to squeeze out air so as not to scratch the glass.
The table below shows the main types of defects and how to eliminate them:
| Type of defect | Cause of the occurrence | Elimination method |
|---|---|---|
| Air bubble | Air hit on the sticker | Throw out the cloth |
| Rainbow spot | Dust or villi. | Cleaning gluing |
| White stripe on the edge | Weak glue on the curves. | Heat and press (carefully) |
| Shifting glass | Incorrect initial docking | Complete gluing |
Features of working with 3D and 5D glasses
Redmi 9 owners often choose 3D, 4D or 5D-labeled glass that has rounded edges to cover the front panel, and the main difference is that it has a black perimeter frame that should match the color of the smartphone body, and when sticking these glasses, centering on the top end where the speaker is located is critical.
The adhesive layer of 3D glass is often only applied to the central flat portion, and the edges are held by a special frame or more elastic glue, which means that when pressing on the edges, you don't have to put too much effort into not breaking the glass. The touchscreen on these glasses can work slightly less sensitively at the edges, which is the norm for full-coating technology.
If you use a case, make sure that the protective glass chosen has a compatible design (Case Friendly), otherwise the case will pull the edges of the glass and it will peel off.
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If the edges of 3D glass do not fit well, you can slightly warm them with a hairdryer (warm air mode, not hot!) for 10-15 seconds, which will make the glue more elastic, and immediately press them tightly with your fingers for a minute.
Care and quality control of the installation
After a successful sticker, it is recommended to leave the smartphone alone for several hours so that the adhesive layer is finally polymerized and gained maximum strength. On the first day, it is better to avoid moisture on the screen and use aggressive cleaning chemicals. Check the multi-touch operation by opening any application with controls at the edges of the screen.
Rub the glass regularly with a soft cloth to keep the oleophobic coating working. Over time, the layer wears off and the finger begins to slide worse - a signal that the glass has performed its function and it may be time to replace it, which is much cheaper than replacing the display.
The high-quality protection on Xiaomi Redmi 9 not only preserves the aesthetic look of the device, but also maintains its liquidity in the secondary market.