Replacement of curtains on Xiaomi Redmi: from film selection to the perfect sticker

The protective curtains (or glass) on the Xiaomi Redmi screen are not just an accessory, but a necessary element that prolongs the life of the display. Over time, even the best quality film wears out: scratches, chips, transparency is lost or the adhesive layer stops holding it in place. If you notice that the curtain has started peeling off at the edges, bubbleding or interfere with touch control, it is time to change it.

In this article, we will look at the whole process from A to Z: how to remove the old curtain correctly without damaging the screen, what materials to choose to replace (from budget to premium), and how to paste a new one so that there is no dust or bubble left, and we will focus on the typical mistakes that users of the Redmi Note 12, Redmi 10 and other popular models make, which we have highlighted in a separate section with solutions.

Important: The procedure for changing the curtain does not require disassembly of the phone or special skills, but it will require patience and accuracy. If you have never glued protective glass before, practice on an old film or a cheap accessory before taking on an expensive tempered glass.

1. What curtains are suitable for Xiaomi Redmi: types and features

Before you run to the store for a new curtain, figure out what type of protection your Redmi needs.Manufacturers offer several options, and each has pros and cons:

  • ๐Ÿ”น PET film - the most budget (from 100) โ‚ฝ), It's thin and flexible, it's temporary, but it scratches quickly and it won't save the screen from the big impacts. 9A Redmi 8, where the screen is not the most expensive.
  • ๐Ÿ”น Hydrophobic film โ€“ mid-price segment (200-400) โ‚ฝ). It has an oleophobic coating (repels fat and moisture), better protects against scratches. Popular for Redmi Note 11 and Redmi 10.
  • ๐Ÿ”น Tempered glass - premium option (from 500) โ‚ฝ). Thickness 0.2-0.4 mm, protects against impacts and scratches at the level 9H Mohs scale, required for flagships like Redmi. K60 or POCO F5. Minus โ€“ can reduce the sensitivity of the sensor if too thick glass is selected.
  • ๐Ÿ”น 3D-Full-coated glass โ€“ expensive accessory (800โ€“1500) โ‚ฝ), It covers not only the screen, but also the side edges, and is suitable for models with curved displays (Redmi Note 12 Pro).+). It is difficult to glue yourself - often requires a professional installation.

So if you drop your phone a lot, or you carry it with your keys in your pocket, you can use tempered glass. 9H. For neat users, hydrophobic film is enough. 3D-Glass should be purchased only if you are confident in your skills or are willing to pay for installation in the service.

โš ๏ธ Attention: Not all curtains are compatible with covers! If you use a bumper or a book, check to see if the glass will rest against the edges of the case. This is especially true for the Redmi Note 12 with a protruding camera - some of the glass may not fit in size.

๐Ÿ“Š What protection do you use on your Xiaomi Redmi?
PET film.
Hydrophobic film
Tempered glass
3D-glass
Nothing glued.

Preparation for replacement: tools and conditions

To replace the curtain without the shackles, you'll need not only a new film, but also a number of tools, many of which come with quality glass, but if you don't have one, buy it separately.

Tool.AppointmentWhere to find it.
Scotch or dust stickerRemoves small particles from the screen before the stickerComplete with glass or in an electronics store
Spray cleaner (isopropyl alcohol 70% + distilled water)Degreases the screen before the stickerPharmacy or autochemistry store
Microfiber wipeDry screen polishing after cleaningIt comes with most of the glass.
Plastic scraper or credit cardRemove the old curtain and smooth out the newResources available
Fen (optional)Helps remove old film if it is tightly gluedHousehold appliances

It's also important to choose the right place for the procedure.

  • ๐ŸŒก๏ธ Air temperature 20โ€“25ยฐC (in the heat, the glue can dry too quickly, in the cold - it is bad to grasp).
  • ๐Ÿšซ The absence of drafts (dust is the main enemy when sticking the sticker).
  • ๐Ÿ’ก Good lighting (better daylight or bright lamp).
  • ๐Ÿช‘ A flat surface (table, not a sofa or bed).

A critical mistake many users make is to stick a curtain in the bathroom after a shower, believing that there is no dust in the bath, but in fact, the humidity in the bathroom is increased, and the vapor can condense on the screen, which will lead to detachment of the film in a few days.

3. Step-by-step instructions: how to remove the old curtain

Removing the old film is the most critical step, and if you do it wrong, you'll have sticky marks on the screen that will prevent you from sticking a new curtain on.

  1. If the curtain is already flaking off at the edges, put a nail on it or a plastic scraper on it. If the film is intact but you want to replace it, use tape: stick the piece to the edge and pull it up at a 45ยฐ angle.
  2. If the curtain is not amenable (often with hardened windows), heat it with a dryer at minimum power for 10-15 seconds. Heat will soften the glue. Don't overheat! Temperature above 50ยฐC can damage OLED-Screens (Relevant to Redmi) K50 newer).
  3. Take the film slowly, holding the corner, and if it breaks, don't pull it, but heat the problem area again.
  4. Once the curtain is removed, there will be a sticky layer on the screen. Remove it with tape: glue it and sharply tear it off several times until the surface is clean.

โš ๏ธ Warning: Never use acetone, gasoline or solvents to clean the screen! They will damage the oleophobic coating of the display. Only isopropyl alcohol (70% and above) or special wipes for electronics.

Try to heat the hair dryer by 30-40 ยฐ C| Use a thread (sold under the edge and "saw") |Put a drop of alcohol under the edge to dissolve the glue | Contact the service if you are afraid of damaging the screen-->

4. Screen cleaning before the new curtain sticker

The cleanliness of the screen determines by 90 percent how well a new film will lie down, and even one speck of dust under the glass can ruin the whole result.

  1. Apply 2-3 drops of a cleaner (isopropyl alcohol + water in a ratio of 1: 1) to the screen. Distribute the liquid with a microfibre wipe in circular movements, paying attention to the edges and corners.
  2. Clean the screen dry with a clean microfiber. Don't use paper wipes or toilet paper - they leave a pile!
  3. Turn on your phone's flashlight and light it up at an angle, so you can see any remaining dust particles or smudges, and if you have any, repeat the cleaning.
  4. Use a dust sticker (complete with glass) glue it to the screen and remove it carefully - it will remove even microscopic particles.

Check the screen for greasy spots: swipe it with your finger. If there's a trace, defat again. Fat deposits prevent the glue from clinging to the surface, and the curtain will peel off in a couple of days.

๐Ÿ’ก

If you don't have isopropyl alcohol, you can use wet wipes for glasses or glass washing liquid (no ammonia!). But after that, be sure to wipe the screen with a dry microfibre 2-3 times.

5. How to stick a new curtain: the technique of the ideal installation

Now the most important thing is the sticker, and it's not just accuracy, it's speed, because the glue on the curtains starts to catch after 1-2 minutes after the protective layer is removed.

  1. Take out a new curtain from the package and check for defects (scraps, chips). If any, return it to the seller.
  2. Remove the bottom layer (the one that's glued to the sticky side) and don't touch the sticky surface with your hands.
  3. Line the curtain around the edges of the screen. Most of the Xiaomi Redmi windows have speaker and camera cutouts โ€” use them as landmarks. Some models (like the Redmi Note 12 Pro) have asymmetrical cutouts โ€” check their location before the sticker.
  4. Carefully apply the curtain to the screen, starting at the top. Don't push it, let it lie under its own weight.
  5. Take a plastic scraper or a credit card and smooth the curtain from center to edge, squeezing out air bubbles. Move slowly, without pressing.
  6. If you have small bubbles, don't panic. Most of them will disappear in 24 to 48 hours. You can gently prick the big bubbles with a needle and smooth them out.

For 3D-The process is more complicated: you have to heat them with a hair dryer for flexibility and bend them around the edges carefully. If you've never glued them, you'd better trust them to the professionals.

What to do if the curtain is crooked?
If you notice a shift in the first 10 to 15 seconds, gently slap the curtain on one edge and re-address. If more time has passed, don't pull! Take off the curtain completely, clean the screen with alcohol, and stick a new one (if there's a spare one in the kit).

6. Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when replacing curtains, and we have collected the most common problems and solutions for owners of Xiaomi Redmi:

  • ๐Ÿ”ธ Bubbles under the curtain -- they happen if the screen is not cleaned properly or the curtain is crooked. Solution: puncture the bubble with a needle and smooth it out. If there are many bubbles, repaint.
  • ๐Ÿ”ธ The curtain flakes off at the edges, because it's not good at cleaning the screen of grease or dust, so the solution is to remove the curtain, repeat the cleaning with alcohol and re-paint it.
  • ๐Ÿ”ธ Poor sensor sensitivity is typical of thick glasses (0.4 mm or more) Solution: buy thinner glass (0.2-0.3 mm) or hydrophobic film.
  • ๐Ÿ”ธ Rainbow divorces under the curtain - occur if the glue is poor or the curtain is pasted on a wet screen.
  • ๐Ÿ”ธ The curtain does not stick to the edges - typical for 3D-Solution: Dryer warm up the edges (not above 40)ยฐC) and press.

A special problem for Redmi with AMOLED-screens (e.g. Redmi) K50 Or the Redmi Note 12 Pro.+): And on these displays, any sticker defects are brighter because of the high contrast. If you're not sure about your skills, choose hydrophobic films, not glass, because they're easier to glue.

๐Ÿ’ก

If the sensor gets worse after the curtain is stuck, check to see if the glass is compatible with your model. Some cheap glasses block the IR port or proximity sensor (relevant to the Redmi Note 11 and older).

7. Care for the curtain: how to extend her life

Even the most expensive curtain will not last long if it is not properly cared for.

  • ๐Ÿงด Do not use aggressive detergents, but only microfibers dipped in water or special electronic wipes are sufficient to clean.
  • ๐Ÿšซ Avoid pressing the screen. Don't put the phone down with the display, don't press it with your hands or your nails.
  • ๐Ÿ”ฅ Do not leave your phone in direct sunlight (such as on a torpedo in a car) and the glue under the curtain may melt.
  • ๐Ÿ’ง If the curtain gets wet (for example, in the rain), dry the phone and wipe the screen with a dry wipe.

The service life of the curtain depends on its type:

  • PET film is 2-4 months.
  • Hydrophobic film โ€“ 6-12 months.
  • Tempered glass - 1-2 years (with careful use).
๐Ÿ“Š How often do you change the curtain on your smartphone?
Every 1-3 months
Every 6 months
Once a year.
Only when it's completely ruined.
Never change.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing curtains on Xiaomi Redmi

Can I put a curtain on a cracked screen?
Technically, it's possible, but it's a temporary solution, because the curtain won't save the screen from further cracking, and it can quickly become unusable due to uneven surfaces, and if the cracks are deep, it's better to replace the display in the service right away.
Why did the new curtain start peeling off immediately?
There are several reasons: the screen was not fat-free enough, you used poor-quality glue (often with cheap glass from China), or you put a curtain on in a wet room. Try re-gluing it by cleaning the screen thoroughly.
Can I wash my phone with a curtain on?
You can, but avoid direct water from the stream (like under a tap). Tempered glass can withstand short-term contact with water, but if moisture gets under it, the glue can get soaked. After washing, dry the phone.
How to remove the glue from the curtain from the screen if it is not removed with tape?
Use isopropyl alcohol or a sticker removal tool (e.g. WD-40, but only at the junctions of the case, not on the screen itself!) Apply on the microfiber and rub the problem area. Do not use abrasive materials!
Will the Redmi Note 11 be a good fit for the Redmi Note 12?
No, even if the phones look similar. The Redmi Note 12 has a different screen size (6.67" vs. 6.43" for the Note 11), a different notch layout and speaker layout. Always check the compatibility with the phone model before buying.