Why the Redmi 9A curtain needs to be replaced and when to do it
The protective film (or "curtain") on the Xiaomi Redmi 9A screen is the first barrier between the display and the outside world. Over time, it loses transparency, becomes covered with microcracks or just peels off at the edges. But how do you know that it's time to change it?
The main signs of wear and tear: the appearance of stains from fingers that do not even erase with alcohol, air bubbles under the film, or yellow spots from ultraviolet light. If you notice that the screen has become less responsive to touch, this is also a signal: a thick layer of dirt on the curtain can interfere with the sensor. On average, when used actively, it is recommended to update the film every 6-12 months, even if it looks whole visually.
Important: don't confuse curtains with glass (hardened or flexible). A curtain is a thin, 0.1-0.2 mm thick polymer film that sticks directly onto the display. It doesn't protect against impacts, but it does save you from scratches and grease. If your Redmi 9A has glass installed, replacing it requires other tools and skills.
What curtain to choose for Xiaomi Redmi 9A: types and features
There are three main types of protective films available on the market for the Redmi 9A, and each has its pros and cons.
- 🔹 Glossy is the most common, repeats the texture of the original screen, but quickly covered with prints, suitable for those who like the "native" look of the display.
- 🔹 Matte, which scatters light, reduces glare, and hides finger marks, ideal for outdoor use, but slightly reduces the brightness and clarity of the image.
- 🔹 Hydrophobic, with an oleophobic coating that repels fat and water, is cleaner for a longer time, but costs 20 to 30 percent more than standard.
For the Redmi 9A, it is also important to consider the screen size of 6.53 inches with an aspect ratio of 20:9. The film must exactly repeat the cutouts for the front camera and speaker. Buy only those models that indicate for Xiaomi Redmi 9A or 6.53" HD+. Universal films are often not suitable due to the mismatch of holes.
| Type of film | Term of service | Resistance to scratches | Price (rupe) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glossy standard | 3–6 months | Mean (3H) | 150–300 |
| Matte anti-reflective | 6–12 months | High (4H) | 300–500 |
| Hydrophobic premium | 12+ months | Very high (5H) | 500–800 |
⚠️ Note: Do not buy AliExpress films for less than 100 rubles - they often come without adhesive layer or with cutting defects. Pay attention to reviews from photos of real buyers.
Preparation for replacement: tools and conditions
To change the curtain on Xiaomi Redmi 9A without bubbles and dust, you will need:
- 📱 New protective film (preferably with a sticker kit).
- 🧴 Alcohol solution (70% isopropyl alcohol) or wet wipes for cleaning screens.
- 🧻 Wormless napkin made of microfiber (2-3 pieces).
- 💨 Compressed air canister (optional, for dust removal).
- 📏 Plastic card or mediator for smoothing.
Also, prepare a clean, well-lit place. A table near a window or under a lamp is perfect. Turn off the air conditioner and the fan - airflows can bring dust to the screen. If there is a lot of dust in the room, do a wet cleaning 1-2 hours before the procedure.
Remove old film carefully without scratching the screen |
Wipe the display with alcohol and dry for 2-3 minutes |
Check the new film for defects |
Prepare all tools in the reach zone-->
⚠️ Warning: Do not use ammonia products (such as Windex) or abrasive wipes to clean the screen. They will damage the oleophobic coating of the display, and the fingers will slide worse.
Step-by-step: how to remove the old curtain without damage
Removing worn film is the most critical step, and if you do it wrong, you'll end up with sticky marks or, worse, scratches on the screen.
- You can put a plastic map or a nail on the edge of the film, and start at any angle, but it's better where it's already peeled off.
- Pull the film parallel to the screen, not up, and that reduces the risk of the glue being ripped off in pieces.
- If the film breaks, moisten it with warm water and soap (don't pour it on the screen!) and wait 1-2 minutes to peel off the residue.
- After removal, wipe the screen with a napkin soaked in isopropyl alcohol, then with a dry microfiber.
If you have sticky spots on the display, use Scotch: glue it to the dirt and rip it off abruptly. Repeat until the surface is perfectly clean. Check the screen at an angle - it should shine evenly, without stains.
What to do if the film is removed in pieces?
How to put a new curtain on Redmi 9A: the method of “wet” and “dry” installation
There are two main ways of sticking: dry (without liquid) and wet (using soap solution), and for beginners, the second option is simpler, which allows you to adjust the position of the film.
Method 1: Dry sticker (for experienced)
- Remove the transport substrate from the new film, holding it by the edges.
- Line the film across the camera cutouts and speaker, then apply it to the screen from one edge.
- Smoothly lower the rest, smoothing with a plastic card from the center to the edges.
Method 2: Wet sticker (recommended)
- Apply a soap solution (2 drops of liquid soap per 200 ml of water) from a spray gun.
- Place the film on the screen and align it, and the liquid will allow it to move for 1-2 minutes.
- Remove the excess solution with a plastic card starting from the center. Let it dry for 10-12 hours.
After the sticker, check the screen for bubbles. Small ones (up to 1 mm) will disappear by themselves in 24 hours. Large ones can be squeezed out by gently pressing the map from the edge to the center of the bubble.
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If there's a speck of dust left under the film, don't try to blow it out, it'll only make things worse. Gently slap the edge of the film and rinse it with soapy solution, then glue it back.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even with a neat label, you can make mistakes that will ruin the result.
- 🚫 Dust under film -- it happens if you stick it in a dirty room or don't clean the screen. Solution: Use a sticky roller to remove dust before the sticker.
- 🚫 Bubble around the edges -- they come when you don't smooth the film well. Solution: Repeat smoothing 5 to 10 minutes after you stick it.
- 🚫 Displace the cutouts -- if the film is crooked, don't try to move it dry! Soak the edge with soapy solution and correct it.
Another common problem is the rapid contamination of new film, which happens if you don't wash off the fat before the sticker or use a poor quality film without oleophobic coating, and to extend the life of the curtain, wipe the screen with a dry microfiber 1-2 times a day.
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The most common reason for a bad sticker is rush. Take your time: you have up to 5 minutes to wet-align the film until the solution dries.
Caring for a new curtain: how to extend its service life
To make Redmi 9A’s film last longer, follow these rules:
- 🧼 Wash your hands before using your phone – the fat from your fingers destroys the protective coating.
- 📵 Do not put the phone screen down on hard surfaces (tables, window sills).
- 🧴 Once a week, wipe the screen with a wipe with isopropyl alcohol (no more often so as not to wash off the oleophobic layer!).
- 🌞 Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight – UV radiation makes the film yellow.
If you notice that the film has started to peel off at the edges, don't pull it! Gently glue the edge with double-sided tape (sold in stationery stores) or put superglue gel (literally 1 drop) under it, which is a temporary solution, but will prolong the life of the curtain for 1-2 months.