Replacement of curtains on Xiaomi Redmi 12: how to remove the old and paste the new without errors

The protective curtain (or β€œglass” as users often call it) on the Xiaomi Redmi 12 is a thin film or tempered glass that protects the screen from scratches, chips and minor damage. Over time, it wears out: cracks, chips, transparency is lost or the adhesive layer recedes at the edges. If you notice that the sensor has become less responsive to touch, and the screen has rainbow divorces, it is time to change the curtain.

In this article, we will discuss how to remove the old protective film, choose a quality replacement and install it so that there are no bubbles or dust, and pay special attention to the nuances associated with the Redmi 12: its curved edges, the location of the speaker and the front camera, and learn what mistakes are most often made by beginners and how to avoid them.

Is it worth going to a service center, or can you do it yourself? If you have 30 minutes of free time and a minimum set of tools, it's possible to do everything at home. The main thing is to take your time and follow the instructions.

Signs that the curtain on the Redmi 12 is time to change

It's not always obvious that the protective film has become unusable, but here are the key symptoms that signal the need for replacement:

  • πŸ” Visible cracks or chips – even small damage expands over time and can scratch the screen itself.
  • 🌈 Rainbow divorces in bright light are a sign that the adhesive layer of dried or film has begun to peel off.
  • πŸ‘† Poor sensor response – if the screen does not always recognize touches, it may be the curtain, not the display itself.
  • 🧹 Mud under the film, which can not be removed – dust and microfibers penetrate under the edges and spoil the appearance.
  • πŸ’§ Fat spots that do not wear off - over time they eat into the material and worsen visibility.

If you know any of these signs, don't delay replacing them. Tempered glass is the longest lasting 2 to 3 years, whereas regular film wears out in 6 to 12 months when used actively. On Redmi 12, the glossy screen makes the defects particularly noticeable.

⚠️ Warning: If moisture accumulates under the curtain (for example, after water enters), it must be removed as soon as possible, otherwise the oleophobic coating of the screen may suffer, and fingerprints will remain forever.

πŸ“Š What screen protection do you use on your smartphone?
Tempered glass
Flexible film.
Liquid glass (nano-coating)
I don't use anything.

What curtain to choose for Xiaomi Redmi 12: a comparison of options

There are three main types of protection available for Redmi 12:

  1. Flexible films are the thinnest and cheapest, but they scratch and turn yellow quickly, and they're good if you change your protection a lot or want a minimum thickness.
  2. Tempered glass is a more reliable film, protects against impacts and scratches, but more expensive. 2.5D-edge for smooth transition to the edges of the screen.
  3. Liquid glass is a nanocoating that doesn't require a sticker, but it's hard to apply uniformly, and it's suitable for those who don't want to see the boundaries of protection.

For Redmi 12, the best choice is tempered glass with a hydrophobic coating, which not only protects against mechanical damage, but also repels fat, making it easier to care for.

CharacteristicsRecommended valueWhy is it important?
Thickness0.2-0.33 mmThin glasses (0.15 mm) are worse protection against impacts, and thick ones (0.5 mm +) can impair the sensitivity of the sensor.
Firmness9HMaximum protection against scratches (Mohs scale) Less than 9H is ineffective.
Oleophobic coatingYes.It prevents fingerprints and facilitates cleaning.
Crom.2.5D or 3DSmooth transition to the edges of the Redmi 12 screen (it has rounded sides).
ManufacturerSpigen, amFilm, BelkinThese brands guarantee an accurate match to the notches for the camera and speaker.

Avoid cheap glasses without a brand – they often have poor-quality glue that turns yellow or fades over time. For the Redmi 12, models marked β€œFull Cover” or β€œCase Friendly” (compatible with covers) are suitable.

πŸ’‘

Before buying, check if you have alcohol wipes, vacuum cleaner and a sticker to remove dust. If not, buy them separately, this will save time and nerves.

Preparation for replacement: tools and conditions

To replace the curtain on Xiaomi Redmi 12 without errors, you will need:

  • πŸ“± New curtain (tempered glass or film, suitable in size).
  • 🧴 Alcohol wipes (70% isopropyl alcohol) or microfibre fabric + screen-cleaner.
  • 🧲 Magnetic sticker for dust removal (or Scotch).
  • πŸ” Lump or bright lamp – to see fine dust before sticker.
  • πŸ“ Plastic mediator or credit card – to remove old film.
  • πŸ’¨ Hair dryer (optional) - if the glue of the old curtain is not well removed.

Also, prepare a clean, well-lit place, a table near a window or under a desk lamp, and avoid drafts, because even a light wind can dust the screen at the most inopportune moment.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use household chemicals (such as window washing) or wet wipes with flavors to clean the screen. They leave a film that impairs the grip of the new curtain.

If you're changing the curtain for the first time, practice on an old bank card or a piece of glass to help you figure out how to properly position the protection and avoid bubbles.

β˜‘οΈ Preparation of the workplace

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Step-by-step: how to remove the old curtain with Redmi 12

Removing old protections is the most critical step, and if you do it wrong, you may end up with sticky marks or microcracks on the screen.

  1. Turn off your phone – this will prevent accidental touch and make it easier to work.
  2. Put tape on the corner of the curtain (if it's complete) or slap the edge with a plastic mediator. Don't use metal objects!
  3. Pull the tape slowly at a 45Β° angle. If the film breaks, moisten the edge with alcohol, it will weaken the glue.
  4. Remove the glue residues with an alcohol napkin. Use isopropyl alcohol + microfiber for persistent traces.
  5. Check the screen for dust - swipe your finger: if you hear a creak, then there are particles left.

If the old curtain is broken into pieces, act as follows:

  1. Plug a wide tape on the screen and sharply tear off - this will remove most of the shards.
  2. Remove the glue residues with alcohol, then wipe the screen with a dry wipe.

On Redmi 12, pay special attention to the areas around the front camera and the speaker, which often accumulates dust. Use a magnetic sticker to remove it before installing new protection.

What to do if the glue does not go away?
If sticky traces remain after alcohol, try to slightly heat the screen with a hairdryer (not higher than 40 Β° C!) or use a special screen cleaner, for example, Whoosh!.

Installation of a new curtain: how to avoid bubbles and dust

Now, to the hardest part, the new protection sticker, here's the step-by-step algorithm for the Xiaomi Redmi 12:

  1. Unpack the curtain and check it for defects (scraps, chips).
  2. Remove the bottom layer (if any) and put the curtain on the screen to see how it lies down. Don't remove the top layer!
  3. Clean the screen with an alcohol napkin, then wipe with a microfiber in one movement from top to bottom.
  4. Remove dust with a magnetic sticker – swipe it all over the screen, especially at the edges.
  5. Remove the top protective layer from the curtain and gently apply it to the screen, starting at the top (where the speaker is).
  6. Line the curtain around the edges, then gently press the center and squeeze the bubbles from the middle to the edges.

For Redmi 12, it is critical to place the cutouts correctly:

- The hole for the front camera should match exactly.

The bottom edge should not go to touch buttons (if you have them in your model).

The side edges should repeat the curved shape of the screen.

If you have small bubbles left after the sticker, don’t panic – most of them will disappear after 24 hours. Large bubbles can be removed by carefully putting the curtain down and gluing it back (only in the first 10 minutes!).

πŸ’‘

Use the wet-setting method for flexible films: sprinkle the screen slightly with soap solution (1 drop of dishware per 100 ml of water), then stick the film and squeeze the liquid out, which will help avoid bubbles.

Frequent mistakes and how to fix them

Even with care, you can make mistakes, and here are the most common problems and solutions.

  • πŸŒ€ Bubbles under the curtain -- if they're not gone after a day, gently slap the edge and glue them back. UV-glue (sold in repair kits).
  • πŸ“ The curtain has shifted -- if the edges don't match the screen, remove it and reglue it. On Redmi 12, you can do this within 5 to 10 minutes of installation.
  • 🧹 Dust is protected -- if you don't have enough, try to squeeze it to the edge. If you have a lot, you'll have to glue it back.
  • πŸ”Š Sensor sensitivity has deteriorated, so check if the curtain is too thick. Redmi 12 is 0.2-0.3 mm thick.
  • πŸ’§ Fatty divorces β€” wipe the screen with alcohol and regurgitate the curtain. You may have touched the screen with your fingers before installing it.

If the screen is less bright or has a matte glass effect after replacing it, you probably bought a poor quality curtain, in which case the only way out is to buy a new one from a proven manufacturer.

⚠️ Warning: If gestures stop working after the curtain is installed on Redmi 12 (for example, swipe down for notification curtains), check if the protection does not go to the edge sensors.

Caring for the curtain: how to extend its service life

Even the best quality tempered glass will last longer if properly cared for. Here are some tips for the Xiaomi Redmi 12:

  • 🧼 Clean the screen with a microfiber fabric without alcohol (it destroys the oleophobic coating).
  • 🚫 Do not put the phone down on hard surfaces – this is the main cause of chipping.
  • πŸ“± Use a case with projections – they protect the screen when falling.
  • πŸ”‹ Avoid overheating – do not leave your smartphone under direct sunlight (glue may lose properties).
  • πŸ’Ž Renew the oleophobic coating every 3-6 months with special sprays (e.g. Liquid Armor).

If you notice that the curtain has started to move around the edges, do not pull it - this can damage the screen. It is better to glue it carefully with superglue BF-6 (dotted!) or replace it with a new one.

Redmi's average lifespan of tempered glass is 12 to 1.5 to 2 years when used carefully. Flexible films are 2-3 times shorter, but easier to replace.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I put a curtain on Redmi 12 without bubbles at home?
Yes, if you prepare the screen and use the wet-setting method (for film) or gently squeeze bubbles from center to edge (for glass), 90% of the time the bubbles disappear after 24 hours.
What to do if the curtain is not glued to the edges?
This is a typical problem for the Redmi 12 because of the curved edges of the screen. Try: Warm the edges with a hairdryer (no higher than 40).Β°C) and press. Use UV-Cut the surplus with a sharp knife (for flexible films only!).
Should I buy a curtain with a "self-healing" layer?
These glasses (like those from Spigen NeoFlex) can actually tighten small scratches when heated (like the sun), but they cost 2-3 times more than normal, and the effect is only noticeable on shallow damage. Redmi 12 is not necessary, but if the budget allows, why not?
Can I use a Redmi Note 12 curtain on Redmi 12?
No! Despite the similar names, these models have different screen sizes and notches, and the Note 12 curtain won't work, either it won't cover the entire screen or it will cover the sensors.
How to check that the curtain is properly pasted?
Take these tests: πŸ” Look at the screen from an angle - there should be no rainbow divorces. πŸ‘† Swipe your finger around the edges - there should be no burrs. πŸ“± Check sensor sensitivity in all areas (especially at the edges). πŸ’‘ Turn on bright lights – there should be no visible bubbles or dust.