Protecting the screen of a smartphone is not just a whim, but a necessary precaution, especially for owners of the popular Xiaomi Redmi 8 Pro. Despite the fact that modern displays are made using Gorilla Glass technology, they remain vulnerable to sharp objects, falls and constant friction in the pocket. The appearance of microcracks can begin unnoticed, but over time will lead to serious damage to the matrix, the replacement of which costs much more than a quality film or glass.
The process of sticking a security accessory at home requires some preparation and accuracy, but it is quite possible for each user. The main advantage of self-installing is to save time and money, since service centers often charge an unnecessarily high fee for this service. In this article, we will discuss in detail how to properly prepare the work area, clean the display and avoid the appearance of hated air bubbles and dust particles under the protection layer.
It is worth noting that the Redmi 8 Pro has a specific shape of the body and rounded edges, which requires careful consideration of the choice of compatible accessory. Incorrectly selected glass may not stick around the edges or peel off when wearing a case. So before starting the procedure, make sure that you purchase the model of protection that is designed with the geometry of your device, and not the universal option βfor all 6-inch screensβ.
Tools and workplace preparation required
The success of the whole operation depends on the quality of the workspace, and dust is the main enemy when you stick protective glasses, because even a microscopic villi, caught under the adhesive layer, will create a visible defect that will irritate the eye. The ideal place to work is the bathroom, where you pre-include hot water for a few minutes to let the steam precipitate all the dust flying in the air, or the kitchen after wet cleaning.
For a quality installation, you will need a basic set of tools, which usually comes with expensive protective glass or sold separately in electronics stores. If there is something missing in your kit, you can use household counterparts, but their use should be extremely careful not to scratch the oleophobic coating of the display.
Gather the following arsenal before starting work:
- π§Ό Wet and dry wipes made of microfiber for degreasing and polishing.
- π¨ Sticky sticker (dust remover) for finish cleaning the surface from microparticles.
- π¦ Plastic card or a special scraper for driving air out of the glass.
- π¦ Powerful light source (desktop lamp or flashlight) for visual cleanliness control.
β οΈ Warning: Never use paper towels, toilet paper or clothing to wipe the screen, as they leave microscopic villi and may contain abrasive particles scratching glass.
Pay special attention to lighting. Light should fall on the screen at different angles so you can notice even the smallest specks of dust that are not visible in ordinary room lighting. The oleophobic coating on the Redmi 8 Pro display is quite sensitive to aggressive chemistry, so only use special alcohol wipes that come with the kit, or a slightly moist microfiber fabric.
Choosing a high-quality protective glass for the Redmi 8 Pro
The accessories market is oversaturated with offers, and choosing a really high-quality product can be difficult. For the Redmi 8 Pro, which has a diagonal of 6.53 inches, it is critical to find glass with the right cutouts for the speaker and front camera. Cheap analogues often have offset holes, which not only spoils the appearance, but can also block the proximity sensors, causing problems during the conversation.
When choosing, pay attention to the hardness of the material, which is usually labeled as 9H. This means resistance to scratches from keys, but does not guarantee indestructibility when hitting concrete. The more important parameter is thickness: the optimal value is considered to be 0.3 mm, since thicker glasses (0.5 mm and above) can be worse held on rounded edges and break off at the slightest touch.
The comparison of the main types of protective coatings is presented in the table below:
| Characteristics | Tempered glass | Hydrogel film | Liquid nanocoating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Impact protection | Tall (takes a hit on herself) | Low (only scratches) | Minimum |
| Tactile sensations | Smooth as the original | Maybe rough. | It doesn't feel. |
| Difficulty of sticker | Medium | High (skill required) | Low. |
| Compatibility with covers | Requires selection | Complete. | Complete. |
Also worth paying attention to the presence of an oleophobic layer: quality glass should repel greasy spots from the fingers, allowing you to easily wipe the screen. If a drop of water spreads over the surface in a thin film, and not going into an elastic ball, then the coating is missing or it is very low quality. IPS-The screens are also important transparency and the absence of the effect of "rainbow" or graininess.
Secrets of glass marking
The process of cleaning the display before the sticker
The most critical step is to prepare the Redmi 8 Pro's display surface. Any remaining dust or fat trail will cause a bubble that is almost impossible to remove without re-painting. Start by turning off your smartphone completely. The black screen of the device turned off best allows you to see contamination in side light.
Dry the screen with a wet wipe, removing all visible traces of use. Movements should be confident, but without strong pressure. After that, dry the surface with a dry microfibre in circular motions. Now turn on the flashlight and carefully examine the screen from different angles under the light of the lamps, your task is to find and remove all the microscopic villi.
Use a sticky sticker to remove dust, gently applying it to problem areas. Don't rub the sticker on the screen, otherwise it may leave sticky marks or pile. This procedure can take longer than the sticker itself, but the result is worth it. Perfect cleanliness is the key to the absence of defects.
βοΈ Screen preparation checklist
β οΈ Note: If you find a speck of dust after applying the glass, do not try to press it through the glass with force - this can lead to cracks on the protective coating or damage to the matrix.
Technology of the sticker: step-by-step instructions
When the Xiaomi Redmi 8 Pro screen is shining clean, you can start the basic process. There are two main sticker methods: the classic (bottom up) and the "frame" method. We'll look at a universal method that is suitable for most glasses without special guide frames in the kit.
First, remove the bottom protective film from the glue layer of glass. Try not to touch the adhesive surface with your fingers, as the fat from the skin will worsen the adhesion. Carefully combine the bottom end of the glass with the phone body, focusing on the speaker and the edges of the display. Make sure that the glass lies flat, gently lower it on the screen, allowing the adhesive layer to stick to the display on its own.
If the glass is crooked, you can gently lift it up and straighten it, but you should only do it once and until the adhesive layer gets dust. After alignment, take a plastic card wrapped in a soft cloth, and start driving the air from the center to the edges. The movements should be smooth, without sharp jerks.
- π Start removing air from the central part of the screen to the side faces.
- π Pay special attention to the edges: press them tightly with your fingers for better fixation.
- π Check the sensor by swiping your finger over the entire screen surface.
- π Make sure the front camera and sensors are not covered by a black glass frame.
It's important to understand that it can take up to 24 hours to completely stick together, so don't wear a case that can push the edges of the glass and disrupt the process of polymerization of the glue. If you're using 3D glass with adhesive edges, make sure they fit tightly into the curves of the case.
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If the edges of the glass do unstick, try to warm them with a hair dryer at a minimum temperature for 10-15 seconds, and then press them tightly.
Fixing defects: bubbles and dust
Even skilled craftsmen sometimes have sticker defects, the most common being air bubbles, and small bubbles tend to disappear on their own within a couple of days because the glue is distributed evenly, but large air pockets require mechanical intervention.
If you notice a speck of dust under the glass, don't panic. Carefully lift the edge of the protective glass on the side where the defect is, using a thin needle or tape. Raise it minimally, just enough to reach the speck of dust. With a sticky sticker, remove the mottle from the screen or on the inside of the glass, then glue the protection again.
You can use the "warm-up" method to remove stubborn air bubbles. Light heat by a hairdryer helps the adhesive layer become more fluid, after which the bubble is easier to drive to the edge. However, with the Redmi 8 Pro, you need to be careful not to overheat the battery or display.
β οΈ Attention: The use of sharp objects (needles, pins) to puncture bubbles is strictly not recommended, as you can damage the display matrix or bring dirt inside the layer.
Sometimes users experience the effect of rainbow or blur at the edges, often indicating poor quality glass or a bad fit due to the design of the case, in which case it is better to replace the accessory than to put up with the deterioration of the visual quality of the image.
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The key to eliminating dust is to take your time to lift the glass high, and the less gap you create, the less dust you can get in.