The protective glass on the Xiaomi Redmi 9 is not a luxury, but a necessity. Even when used carefully, the smartphone screen is subject to micro-damages: scratches from keys in your pocket, accidental impacts on hard surfaces or falls from low altitude. The original Gorilla Glass 3 installed on this model is resistant to light damage, but will not save you from deep cracks when subjected to severe mechanical stress, which is why additional protection in the form of tempered glass or film becomes a mandatory accessory.
But many users have problems with the installation: air bubbles, shifting relative to the sensors, quick detachment of the edges. In this article, we'll take a look at the step-by-step glass sticker algorithm on Redmi 9, how to avoid common mistakes, and give you tips on how to choose the best security glass models for this model, and also reveal the secrets of professionals who use it in service centers.
Note that the sticker process requires patience and preparation. If you've never done this before, practice on an old bank card or an unnecessary film. And remember: Redmi 9 can't use glass from other Xiaomi models (e.g., Redmi Note 9 or POCO M3), because the location of the front camera and sensors is different, even a millimeter mismatch will lead to problems with the sensor or autobrightness.
1.What kind of protective glass to choose for Xiaomi Redmi 9
The market offers hundreds of glass options for the Redmi 9, but not all of them are equally good.
- ๐น Thickness: optimally - 0.2-0.33 mm Thin glass (0.15 mm) worse protect against impacts, and thick (> 0.5 mm) impair sensor sensitivity.
- ๐น Coverage: oleophobic - must be! It repels greasy finger marks and makes it easier to care for.
- ๐น Set: the set should be wet and dry wipes, dust collector, sticker for positioning.
- ๐น Manufacturer: proven brands - Spigen, Nillkin, AmFilm, Orzly. from the budget - Xiaomi Original (but they are often forged!).
Note the shape of the cutout: on Redmi 9, the front camera is located in the center of the top of the screen (drop-shaped cutout). Some glasses have a universal notch-"smile" that is suitable for most Xiaomi models, but a perfectly adjusted option is still preferable. Also make sure that the glass does not close the proximity and illumination sensor - otherwise there will be malfunctions in the autobrightness and locking of the screen during calls.
The cost of quality glass varies from 300 to 1000 rubles. Cheap options (100-200 rubles.) usually have worse transparency and quickly turn yellow. If you plan to use a smartphone for more than a year, it is better not to save.
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Before buying, check the reviews on the marketplace for "Redmi 9 safety glass + model name". Often users post photos of the real package - this will help to avoid counterfeiting.
2. Preparation of telephone and workplace
A successful sticker is 80 percent pre-prepared.
- ๐งน Cleanliness: clean the table wet, wipe it with a lilac-free wipe. Avoid surfaces with pile (carpets, sofas).
- ๐ก Lighting: use a desk lamp or flashlight, bright light will help you notice the specks of dust on the screen.
- ๐ก๏ธ Temperature: optimal - 20-25ยฐC. In heat, glue dries too quickly, in cold - poorly fixed.
Now, get the phone ready:
- Turn off Redmi 9 (press the power button + select Turn off).
- Remove the cover and unplug the old glass/film (if any), then apply a plastic card or mediator to the edge.
- Wipe the screen with an alcohol napkin (from the kit) or a wet napkin for glasses, then dry lilac-free.
The critical thing is to remove the dust, and even microscopic particles will lead to bubbles, and use a dust collector (usually complete with glass) or a tape recorder:
- Stick a piece of tape to the screen and sharply tear off - it will collect the smallest motifs.
- Repeat 2-3 times, using a new piece each time.
- Check the screen at an angle โ if you see at least one hair, repeat the procedure.
What if dust gets under the glass after the sticker?
3. Step-by-step instruction: how to glue glass without bubbles
Now, to the most critical stage, follow the instructions in strict order.
- Positioning: Take the glass out of the package by the edges (without touching the glue side!) Remove the protective film from the adhesive layer. Place a positioning sticker on the phone screen (usually included) to help align the glass accurately.
- Alignment: gently apply the glass to the screen, matching the notch under the camera with a sticker. Don't press it completely! You should have 1-2 mm of gap left to adjust.
- Fix: When the glass is perfectly centered, tap the middle of the screen (where the Mi logo is) and the glue will start spreading from center to edge.
- Blister removal: Take a plastic scraper (or bank card) and move smoothly from the center to the edges, "push out" the air. Go on the principle of "herring tree" - from top to bottom.
Pay attention to the edges of the glass: they should fit tightly to the screen. If the glass is not glued somewhere, raise it around the corner and blow on the screen, while pressing the glass back. To be reliable, warm the edges with a hairdryer (at minimum power) for 10-15 seconds, this activates the glue.
After the sticker, do not turn on the phone 1-2 hours โ the glue takes time for complete polymerization.
Removed the old glass/film|Scrubbed the screen with an alcohol napkin.|Dust cleaned with scotch/dust collector|Turned off the phone.|Prepared a scraper and napkins.-->
4.Typical mistakes and how to avoid them
Even with a neat label, users often face problems.
| Mistake. | Reason. | How to fix it |
|---|---|---|
| Bubbles around the edges | Poor screen cleaning or untimely air removal | Warm the edges with a hair dryer and press it with a scraper, if it doesn't work, reglue it. |
| The glass didn't stick to the corners. | Weak glue or curved screen (Redmi 9 sometimes has a slight curvature) | Use glass with flexible edges or a LOCA glue fixer. |
| Rainbow divorces in bright light | Low-quality glass or grease on glue | In the future, buy oleophobic glass. |
| The sensor is not working. | Too thick glass or incorrect notch under sensors | Remove the glass and check the compatibility of the model. For the Redmi 9, the maximum thickness is 0.33 mm. |
Redmi 9's special problem: due to rounded screen edges (2.5D-The windows are often peeled off on the sides:
- ๐ง Apply at the edges UV-glue (sold in electronics stores) and dried with an ultraviolet lamp.
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If the glass is unstuck after 1-2 days, the problem is the quality of the glue, not your actions. Cheap glass often uses a poor-quality adhesive that does not hold on a smooth Gorilla Glass.
5 How to remove bubbles if they have already appeared
If you notice bubbles after the sticker, don't panic - in most cases, they can be eliminated without re-painting.
- Extrusion method: Put your phone on a flat surface. Take a plastic card and smoothly lead from the center of the bubble to the edge, slightly pressing. If the bubble does not go away, warm up the place with a hairdryer (no more than 50 ยฐ C) and repeat.
- Plug-off method (works in the first hours): Gently tuck the glass with the edge of a plastic blade. Blow on the screen while pressing the glass back with a scraper. Repeat 2-3 times until the bubble disappears.
Use of LOCA glue
- Take the glass off, put the drop on. LOCA-glue.
- Press the glass and illuminate with a UV lamp for 20-30 seconds.
โ ๏ธ Attention: if the bubble appeared from a speck of dust, it is almost impossible to remove it without a trace, in this case it is better to reglaze the glass, since the motif will scratch the screen when pressed.
To prevent bubbles after sticking, put your phone under a heavy book for 30 to 60 minutes, which will help the glue evenly distribute.
6. Alternatives to protective glass: film vs hybrid
Not everyone likes glass -- it's thicker, it can reduce sensor sensitivity and add weight to the phone.
- ๐ฑ Liquid glass: Applied as a coating, fills microcracks. Pros: invisible, does not affect the sensor. Cons: protects only from scratches (not from impacts), lasts 6-12 months.
- ๐ฑ Hybrid film (e.g. Spigen NeoFlex): Thin (0.1 mm), but stronger than normal film. Pros: not unstick, not yellow. Cons: worse protects against heavy impacts.
- ๐ฑ Tempered film: Close to glass, but thinner. Pros: cheaper, easier to glue. Cons: shorter life (3-6 months).
For Redmi 9, the best choice depends on your usage style:
- ๐ก๏ธ Maximum protection โ tempered glass 0.33 mm + side-case.
- ๐จ Preservation of the original appearance โ liquid-glass.
- ๐ฐ Budgetary option โ Orzly or Xiaomi Original film.
7. How to extend the life of protective glass
Even the strongest glass will last longer if you follow the simple rules:
- ๐งด Once a week, wipe the glass with an alcohol wipe โ this will remove the greasy traces that destroy the oleophobic coating.
- ๐ฆ Use a cover with protruding sides (at least 0.5 mm above the screen), which will protect the glass when falling on a flat surface.
- ๐ซ Avoid abrasives (sand, powders) when cleaning. They scratch even tempered glass.
- โ๏ธ Do not leave your phone in the sun (for example, on a torpedo in a car.
The average glass life on Redmi 9 is 6-12 months, and signs are that it's time to change it:
- ๐ There are deep scratches that cling to the finger.
- ๐ง The water is not stained, but the water is not stained).
- ๐ต Sensor sensitivity has deteriorated (you have to press harder).
- ๐ณ The edges began to peel off, and dirt falls under them.
โ ๏ธ Warning: If the glass is cracked but the screen underneath is intact, don't delay replacement! Broken glass can hurt your fingers with sharp edges and accelerates wear of the oleophobic screen covering.