The security glass for Xiaomi Redmi 9 is not just an accessory, but a necessary protection against scratches, chips and cracks when falling. However, even the most expensive glass will be useless if installed incorrectly. Bubbles, dust under the surface, displacement relative to sensors are problems that many smartphone owners know. In this article, we will examine the step-by-step technology of pasting, reveal the secrets of professionals and warn against the typical errors that 80% of users make.
The Redmi 9 has a 6.53-inch, drop-necked screen with a front camera edge and rounded edges, which puts a limit on the choice of glass: it must perfectly repeat the contours of the display without closing the light sensor and speaker. We tested 5 popular glass models (including the Spigen Glas.tR and Nillkin H+ Pro) and found out which ones fit better on this model, and you will learn why 90% of cheap glasses fall off in a month and how to avoid this.
1. Which protective glass to choose for Xiaomi Redmi 9: comparison of the top 5 options
Not all glass is equally useful. Cheap Chinese counterparts often have inaccurate cutting under the camera cutout or insufficient thickness (less than 0.2 mm), which leads to rapid erasure. We compiled a table with the characteristics of proven models that are guaranteed to be suitable for the Redmi 9:
| Model glass | Thickness | Hardness (by Mohs) | Oleophobic coating | Price (โฝ) | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spigen Glas.tR | 0.33 mm | 9H | Yes (3 years) | 1 200โ1 500 | Perfect cutting, complete with a napkin made of microfiber |
| Nillkin H+ Pro | 0.26 mm | 9H+ | Yes (2 years) | 800โ1 000 | Impact-resistant layer, but more difficult to install |
| AmFilm Ultra Glass | 0.3 mm | 9H | Yes (1 year) | 600โ800 | Budget option, but requires accurate alignment |
| Belkin Invisiglass | 0.29 mm | 9H | Yes (2 years) | 1 400โ1 700 | Premium quality, but more expensive than analogues |
| No-name (AliExpress) | 0.15-0.2 mm | 6โ8H | No/weak. | 200โ400 | Risk of detachment after 1-2 months |
Note that glass with a hardness below 9H does not protect against keys in your pocket, and avoid models without oleophobic coating, they quickly become covered with greasy marks. If you drop your phone often, choose options with a thickness of 0.3 mm or higher.
โ ๏ธ Warning: Don't buy glass that says "universal" or "suitable for all Xiaomi" and doesn't take into account the location of the Redmi 9 sensors and can block the proximity sensor.
2.Preparation of the phone: why 95% of errors occur at this stage
Many people miss the training because it's not important, but it's what makes 70 percent of the installation successful, and the main goal is to remove all the dust, grease and microparticles that will then show up under the glass.
- ๐งด Alcohol wipes (70% isopropyl alcohol) - for degreasing.
- ๐งป Wormless wipe made of microfiber (comes complete with glass).
- ๐จ A compressed air canister (or a cold blower) โ to remove dust from the speaker and connectors.
- ๐ฑ Scotch (paint or stationery) - for fixing glass when centered.
Cleaning process:
- Turn off the phone and remove it. SIM-card/memory card (if any).
- Wipe the screen with a wet alcohol napkin in circular movements from center to edges.
- Let the screen dry for 1-2 minutes, then repeat the wipe with a dry lilaless napkin.
- Blow the speaker and connectors with compressed air so that dust does not get on the screen during installation.
โ ๏ธ Warning: Do not use household alcohol or vodka - they leave divorces. Also avoid paper towels: they scratch the oleophobic screen covering.
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If you do not have alcohol wipes, you can use wet wipes for glasses (without flavors) + dry microfiber.
3. Step-by-step instruction: how to glue glass without bubbles
Now, to the most critical stage, follow the instructions in strict order, without missing the steps, and for convenience, we have broken the process into 3 phases:
Phase 1: Centering glass
The glass should match perfectly with the notch under the camera and the edges of the screen.
- Remove the protective film from the sticky side of the glass (do not touch it with your fingers!).
- Carefully apply the glass to the screen without pressing, combining the cutout under the camera.
- Use 2 strips of tape (on the sides) to temporarily fix the glass. This will help avoid bias.
Phase 2: Sticking
The key here is to avoid air.
- Lift the glass at one edge, holding the scotch.
- Remove the second protective film (if any) from the outside of the glass.
- Carefully lower the glass onto the screen, starting from the top (from the camera side).
- Lightly press the center of the glass and swipe your finger from the center to the edges, squeezing the air.
Phase 3: Finishing
Last chance to correct the flaws:
- Make sure there are no bubbles under the glass. If there are any, gently tuck the glass in and reglue it.
- Wipe the outside of the glass with a dry wipe to remove the prints.
- Do not turn on the phone for 10-15 minutes - the glue should "grab".
The screen is completely fat-free and dry | Glass combined with camera cutout | No dust on the sticky side | There is scotch tape on hand to fix-->
If there are small bubbles (up to 1 mm) left after installation, do not panic - they will disappear after 24-48 hours. Large bubbles (> 2 mm) or dust under the glass require gluing.
What to do if the glass is peeled off at the edges?
4.Typical mistakes and how to avoid them
Even experienced users make mistakes sometimes, and we've collected the TOP-5 mistakes that spoil the results:
- ๐ Curved sticking - the glass is shifted relative to the sensors. Solution: use tape to fix before final sticking.
- ๐จ Dust under glass -- you can see it as black dots. Solution: put it in the bathroom after a hot shower (the steam precipitates the dust).
- ๐ก๏ธ Bubbles around the edges are caused by improper air extraction. Solution: swipe from center to edge, not vice versa.
- ๐งด Dilution from alcohol - if the screen is not dry. Solution: let the phone lie down for 5 minutes after degreasing.
- ๐ Turning the phone on right away, the glue doesn't have time to polymerize. Solution: Wait at least 10 minutes.
The particular problem with Redmi 9 is the rounded edges of the screen, and many of the windows don't reach the edge, leaving an unprotected strip. If that's critical for you, look for models marked "Full Cover" (like Spigen Glas.tR EZ Fit).
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The biggest mistake is haste. 80 percent of the failures in the installation are because you try to make things "quicker." Take 20 to 30 minutes and follow the instructions slowly.
5 How to check the quality of the installation
After gluing, you need to make sure that the glass does not interfere with the sensors and is free of defects.
- Approximation sensor test: call someone and hold the phone to your ear. The screen should go out. If not, the glass has closed the sensor.
- Touchscreen Test: Take the Settings Test โ About Phone โ All Specifications โ Touchscreen Test. All dots should go off.
- Visual inspection: illuminate the flashlight at an angle - so you can see bubbles and dust better.
- Speaker test: Turn the music on at maximum volume. The sound should not be distorted (this is a sign that the glass is pressing on the speaker).
If one test fails, the glass will have to be reglued, and don't ignore the problems, for example, if the proximity sensor fails, it will cause random taps during calls.
6.Care for the protective glass: how to prolong his life
Even perfectly installed glass will not last long if it is not properly cared for.
- ๐งผ Cleaning: Use only soft microfiber and distilled water (or special wipes for glasses).
- ๐ซ Prohibited: abrasives, paper towels, alcohol solutions (destroy the oleophobic coating).
- ๐ฑ Storage: Do not place your phone screen down on hard surfaces (table, asphalt).
- ๐ Replacement: even premium glasses lose protection after 12 to 18 months. Plan to replace once a year.
The average life of 9H glass in active use is 6-12 months, and signs that it is time to change it:
- There were deep scratches (see the nail).
- The oleophobic coating has worn off - the screen quickly gets dirty from the fingers.
- There were detachments along the edges (the risk of dust falling under the glass).
7. Alternatives to protective glass: film vs hybrid solutions
If you are not ready to mess with the installation of glass, consider alternatives:
| Type of protection | Pluses | Cons | Term of service | Price (โฝ) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Protective film. | Easy to glue, thin, does not weight the phone | It does not protect against blows, quickly scratches. | 3โ6 months | 200โ500 |
| Hybrid glass + film | Combines the impact resistance of glass and the flexibility of the film | Hard to find for Redmi 9, expensive | 12โ18 months | 1 500โ2 500 |
| Liquid glass | Invisible, not felt on screen | It does not protect against blows, it is difficult to apply | 6โ12 months | 800โ1 200 |
| Case with a ledge | Protects the screen when falling face down | It does not protect against scratches on the screen itself. | For the lifetime of the cover | 300โ1 500 |
For Redmi 9, we recommend a glass combination. + This gives you maximum protection against 90% of damage, including falls and scratches, and the film is only suitable if you're handling your phone carefully and don't carry it in your pocket with your keys.