Replacement of curtains on Xiaomi Redmi Note 9: from film selection to perfect sticking

The protective curtain (or film) on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 screen is not just an accessory, but a necessary barrier between the display and the outside world. It wears out over time, with scratches, bubbles, yellowness or simply loss of transparency. Many users delay replacing for fear of damaging the screen or putting a new curtain on the curve. In fact, the procedure is easier than it seems - just know the nuances and use the right materials.

In this article, you will find step-by-step instructions with photos, comparisons of film types (matte, glossy, hybrid), a list of necessary tools and unique tips that you will not find in standard manuals, such as how to avoid dust under the curtain or why you should not glue it in the bathroom. And if you have never done this before, don’t worry: we will analyze even basic questions like “how to remove old film without glue marks.”

Let's warn you right away: replacing the curtain doesn't require disassembling the smartphone and doesn't affect the warranty (unless you damage the screen in the process, of course). But there are things that accessories manufacturers don't mention. For example, cheap films from China can leave a sticky layer after removing, and some "universal" sets are not suitable for the Redmi Note 9 because of the features of the front-facing cutout. To avoid wasting money, read on - we tested 5 popular brands and identified the best options.

1. Which curtain to choose for Xiaomi Redmi Note 9: comparison of types

There are three main types of protective films on the market, and each has its pros and cons, and the choice depends on your priorities: maximum protection against scratches, anti-reflective effect or preservation of the original look of the screen.

Glossy film is the most common option, and it's pretty much the same as distorting, brightness and contrast. AMOLED-It's a Redmi Note 9 screen, but it's very fingerprint-grabbing and it's glowing in the sun, and it's good for people who appreciate the original look of the display and want to wipe the screen more often.

Matt film solves the problem of glare and prints, but it has two drawbacks: it slightly "blurred" the image (especially noticeable on a white background) and quickly erases from friction. Perfect for those who work hard on the street or in brightly lit rooms.

Hybrid (2.5D) The film combines the advantages of the first two types: a smooth surface in the center and matte edges, which prevent chipping. Usually thicker than standard ones (0.3-0.4 mm vs. 0.1-0.2 mm), so it is better protection against shocks.

We tested the tapes from Spigen, Nillkin, Xiaomi Original and two unnamed Chinese brands.

Important: for Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 critical exact cutout for the front camera. Films with a "universal" cutout (round or oval) will not work - they will close the sensors and camera, which will cause problems with unlocking the face and the quality of the selfie.

If you drop your phone a lot, go with a Spigen or AmFilm hybrid film, and for everyday use, you'll need the original Xiaomi or matte Nillkin, and cheap AliExpress sets are best avoided, often without instructions and with poor-quality glue.

Preparation for replacement: tools and conditions

Before you take off the old curtain, prepare everything you need, and the lack of tools or the conditions are the main cause of bubbles and dust under the new film.

• 📱 New Curtain (check compatibility with Redmi Note 9)
• 🧴 Alcohol wipes (70% isopropyl alcohol) or microfibre + screen-cleaner
• 📏 Plastic card or scraper to remove old film
• 💨 Compressed air cylinder (or a pear to remove dust)
• 🔍 Lube or bright lamp (to control the screen cleanliness)
• 🧲 Magnetic holder (optional, for convenience)

The conditions in the room are no less important than the tools:

• 🚫 Avoid the bathroom – humidity will lead to condensation under the film.
• 🌡️ Temperature should be 20-25.°C. In cold, glue is poorly adhered to, in the heat - dries too quickly.
• 💨 Close the doors and windows so that there are no drafts (dust is the main enemy!).
• 🕯️ Use bright lighting - so you can see the smallest motifs better.

If you don't have compressed air, you can do with tape: after cleaning the screen, glue it several times and tear off a piece of tape, it will collect the remaining dust, but this method is less effective.

⚠️ 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, which will cause the screen to become more dirty.

Remove all unnecessary items from the table|

Rub the surface with a wet, then dry cloth.|

Wash and dry hands (fat from fingers can stain the screen)|

Connect your phone to charge by 30% (in case you need to turn it on for checks)|

Put all the tools within reach-->

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

Removing old film is the most critical step, and if you do it wrong, you'll end up with sticky marks on the screen, or worse, you'll damage the pixels (using metal objects).

Step 1. Heat (optional)

If the curtain is held tightly and the edges began to peel off, you can slightly heat the screen with a hairdryer (temperature not higher than 40).°C!) or put the phone on a warm battery for 2-3 minutes, the heat will soften the glue, and the film will be removed easier!

Step 2: Faking the edge

Take a plastic card or scraper (metal objects are forbidden!) and gently tuck the angle of the curtain. If the film breaks, try another angle. The main thing is not to scratch the screen.

Step 3: Slow withdrawal

Once the edge has moved, pull the film parallel to the screen, not up, so there's less risk of leaving the glue. If the curtain breaks, pull the next section with a map.

Step 4: Removal of glue residue

After filming, there may be sticky marks on the screen. Remove them with an alcohol napkin, then wipe the screen with a dry microfiber. If the glue does not go away, use a white spirit (apply it to a cotton swab, not on the screen!).

⚠️ Warning: If you have white stains on the screen after removing the film, it's not glue, it's oleophobic damage, and you can't repair it, you have to accept that the screen will get more dirty.

If the old curtain is broken and it doesn't lend itself, you can use the Scotch method: stick a wide Scotch tape on the screen, smooth it out and rip it off. Repeat 2-3 times, so even small fragments are removed.

4 Screen cleaning: how to achieve perfect cleanliness

Even one speck of dust under the curtain will ruin the whole thing, and cleaning the screen is 90 percent of the success of sticking it, and many people miss it or don't do it carefully enough, and then they're surprised by the bubbles.

Step 1. Rough cleaning

Remove visible contamination with an alcohol napkin. Move from center to edges so you don't smear the dirt. Don't push hard, the Redmi Note 9 screen doesn't have the latest generation of Gorilla Glass and can scratch.

Step 2: Dust removal

Use a compressed air spray or a pear. Hold the balloon vertically 5-7 cm from the screen. Don't tilt it, the nozzle may spray liquid.

Step 3. Control with a magnifying glass

Take a magnifying glass or turn on the phone's flashlight at maximum brightness. Light it at an angle, so you can see the smallest morsels. If you have anything left, remove the tape or re-blow with air.

Step 4. Final wipe.

Use a wiltless microfiber wipe (which comes with glasses). Rub the screen in circular motions, slightly pressing. Don't use paper towels or regular rags - they leave fibers.

If you don't have any special wipes, you can make them yourself: take a microfiber, moisten it in distilled water and squeeze it out. Then add 2-3 drops of glass washing (no ammonia!) and squeeze it back. Store it in a zip bag.

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To check the screen for cleanliness, turn off the phone and shine an angled flashlight on it. If you see even one speck of dust, repeat cleaning until the screen is perfectly clean.

5. Gluing of the new curtain: technique without bubbles

Now, the most critical thing is, even if you bought an expensive film and cleaned the screen perfectly, the sticking errors will make it all go away. Here's a step-by-step technique that works 99% of the time.

Step 1: Unpacking and inspection

Take the curtain out of the package and check for defects. Check if the cutouts match the connectors of your Redmi Note 9. If the film comes with a protective layer, do not remove it completely - only the top (to the middle).

Step 2. Alignment

Carefully apply the curtain to the screen without pressing, aligning the cutouts. Make sure it lies flat. If in doubt, remove and try again - the glue only activates when pressed.

Step 3. Fixing.

When the curtain is perfectly placed, hold it in the center (like your finger) and slowly smooth it from the middle to the edges with a plastic card or a special scraper. Move the Christmas tree — first up, then down, then left and right.

Step 4: Removing bubbles

If you have small bubbles, don't panic. Most of them will disappear in 24 to 48 hours. You can squeeze the big bubbles out with a map, moving from edge to center. If the bubble doesn't go away, gently put the curtain on that spot and smooth it out again.

⚠️ Attention: If there is dust under the curtain after the sticking, don't try to pull it out, you'll only make it worse. You'll want to take the film off, clean the screen and re-paint it. You have 5-10 minutes before the glue finally dries.

For Redmi Note 9 with curved edges of the screen, use the wet sticking method:

1. Apply on the screen 2-3 drops of soap solution (1 drop of dishware per 100 ml of water).

2 Place the curtain and align it, and the solution will allow the film to move.

3. Smooth the card, expelling excess liquid.

4. Leave the phone for 12 hours in a dry place - the water will evaporate and the glue will grasp.

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The key to perfect gluing is to smooth slowly from center to edge. Take your time! Bubbles are easier to prevent than to remove.

6. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes that spoil the result. Here are the TOP-5 misses and ways to prevent them:

• 🌀 Bubbles around the edges -- they're caused by not smoothing enough. Use a card with a hard edge and push harder on the edges.
• 🧹 Dust under the curtain is a consequence of poor cleaning. Work in the bathroom with the door closed or use a lamp to illuminate.
• 🔄 The curtain shifts when glued - fix it with tape on the sides before final gluing.
• 💦 The glue remains on the screen after removal – buy films with high-quality silicone adhesive (for example, Spigen or Zagg).
• 📵 The sensor doesn't work after you paste it, so the curtain is too thick or not glued around the edges. Take it off and try another one.

Another common problem is that the edges detach after a few days, and this is because of:

Poor screen cleaning (residues of grease or dust).

Low-quality adhesive (typical of cheap films).

- Moisture intrusion (for example, if the phone was lying in the bathroom during gluing).

If the edges start to recede, you can glue them with Moment Gel superglue (dot the back of the curtain!) But this is a temporary solution, so you better re-glue the film.

This is not going to help, despite the myths that are common:

- Ironing the curtain with a credit card (you can scratch the screen).

Heating with a hairdryer to "level" the bubbles (the glue will lose its properties).

- Use nail polish to fix the edges (will turn yellow over time).

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

Even the strongest curtain will last longer if you follow simple rules of care.

• 🧴 Cleaning: Use only microfiber and special wipes. No paper towels or clothing!
• 🚫 Prohibited means: Alcohol, acetone, ammonia products destroy the protective coating of the curtain.
• 📱 Storage: Do not put your phone down on hard surfaces (such as a table) even small motifs can scratch the film.
• ☀️ Temperature: Avoid overheating (e.g. leaving your phone in the sun in your car) The glue may melt and the curtain will deform.

If the curtain starts to move around the edges, don't pull it off, it'll get dust under it, and then it'll be harder to clean the screen, and the average lifespan of a quality film is 6 to 12 months, and then it loses its transparency and its protective properties.

How do you know it’s time to change the curtain?

• 🔍 There are deep scratches on her that cling to her finger.
• 🟡 The film has turned yellow or lost its transparency.
• 💧 The edges moved away, and dust or moisture fell under them.
• 📵 The sensor became less responsive to touch (typical for thick curtains).

If you use a matte curtain, it should be changed more often - about once every 4-5 months, as it wears off faster and loses its anti-reflective properties.

8. Alternatives to curtain: should glass be considered?

Many users of Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 are wondering: is it better to put tempered glass instead of film?

Tempered glass definitely wins in strength, but it has drawbacks:

Thickness: Even the thinnest glass (0.2–0.3 mm) slightly raises the screen, which can interfere with the use of covers.

Weight: Glass is heavier than film, as seen on the Redmi Note 9's big screen (6.53 inches).

Difficulty of gluing: requires perfect screen cleanliness and often comes with glue that dries for 24 hours.

Our verdict is that if you drop your phone a lot, glass is the best choice, and a high-quality hybrid film (like Spigen Glas.tR) is enough for everyday use.

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If you decide to glue glass, choose models with oleophobic coating - they keep smooth longer and do not collect prints.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions