The protective glass on the Xiaomi Redmi 8 is not a luxury, but a necessity. Even when used carefully, the smartphone screen is prone to scratches, microcracks and chips from falls. The original Gorilla Glass 5 installed on this model is resistant to damage, but does not protect 100%, which is why the additional protective layer will prolong the life of the display and preserve its original appearance.
Many users are afraid to glue glass on their own, fearing bubbles, dust under the film or improper positioning. In fact, the process is no more difficult than replacing a case, if you know the key nuances. In this article, we will examine the unique features of Redmi 8 that affect the installation of glass: the cutout for the front camera, rounded edges of the screen and sensor sensitivity.
What kind of protective glass to choose for Xiaomi Redmi 8
Not all glasses are equally useful. Redmi 8 critically considers three parameters: thickness, coating and shape of the cutout. Cheap universal glasses often do not match the cutout for the camera or close the speaker, which worsens the sound โ 2.5D-rounded glass with oleophobic coating (repels greasy traces) and a thickness of 0.2-0.33 mm.
Here are the proven options:
- ๐น Spigen Glas.tR EZ Fit โ with installation in 3 seconds thanks to a magnetic applicator, but more expensive than analogues.
- ๐น Nillkin H+ Pro - with enhanced protection against impacts (9H Mohs scale) and a clear cutout for the camera.
- ๐น Belkin Invisiglass is a premium glass with anti-reflective effect, but requires a perfectly clean surface.
- ๐น Budget options from Xiaomi (original) โ often come complete with napkins and scraper.
โ ๏ธ Note: Do not buy glass from the 3D-The edge of the Redmi 8 is designed for models with curved screens (for example, the Mi 11) and will not lie flat. UV-glue: their installation requires a special lamp and experience.
Preparation of the smartphone: what to do before installation
80 percent of the newcomers make a mistake, because they don't have enough screen preparation, and even one speck of dust under the glass will ruin the whole thing.
- Turn off your smartphone โ this will prevent accidental touches of the screen and sensor failures during installation.
- Take off the cover and old film (if any), use a plastic card or a mediator to tamper with the corner.
- Wash your hands with soap โ the fat from your fingers may remain on the screen.
Now, screen cleaning:
- ๐งด Wipe the display with a microfiber wipe (complete with glass) with circular movements.
- ๐งน Use a sticky roller (or Scotch) to remove dust from the edges of the screen. Swipe them 2-3 times around the perimeter.
- ๐ง Apply a spray to clean the screens (based on isopropyl alcohol) and wipe again with a napkin.
โ ๏ธ Warning: Do not use household alcohol or wet wipes - they leave divorces. Also avoid paper towels: they scratch the oleophobic coating.
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If you don't have a spray on hand, you can use a mixture of isopropyl alcohol (70%) and distilled water in a 1:1 ratio.
Step-by-step: how to glue glass without bubbles
The most important step is to follow the algorithm in the following steps:
- Unpack the glass and remove the transport film (usually blue) and hold the glass behind the edges without touching the glue side.
- Check the notch under the camera - it should match exactly the hole on the Redmi 8 screen.Apply a glass without glue to make sure it's compatible.
- Remove the lower protective film (white or transparent) and gently place the glass on the screen, starting from the top.
- Line the glass around the edges. You have 10 to 15 seconds to correct the position before the glue is grasped.
- Press the glass from the center to the edges with a plastic card or a special scraper. This will remove the air bubbles.
To visualize the process, watch the video from Xiaomi (official channel):
Video instructions from Xiaomi
Note: The video uses the Redmi Note 8, but the process is identical to the Redmi 8.
Screen off and cleaned | Glass compatible with model |Transport film removed |Tools at hand (map, napkin) | Room without drafts (dust!)
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Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even with a careful installation, you can make critical mistakes.
| Mistake. | Effects of consequences | How to fix it |
|---|---|---|
| Bubbles under glass | Deterioration of tactile sensations, risk of detachment | Carefully tweak the glass from the edge and press it back with the card, if it doesn't work, reglue it. |
| Dust or villi under glass | Visible defects, scratches when pressed | Remove the glass, clean the screen with a sticky roller and reglue. |
| Disparity of the cutout under the camera | Camera overlay or speaker | Buy glass with the right cutout (for Redmi 8 you need a drop-shaped cutout). |
| Glass shifted sideways | Uneven edges, incomplete screen coverage | Remove and re-glue for the first 30 seconds until the glue is dry. |
โ ๏ธ Warning: If the sensor becomes less sensitive after installation, check if the glass is closing the infrared port (located to the right of the camera). In Redmi 8, it is responsible for gestures and can conflict with thick glass (>0.35 mm).
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The rule is, if the glass is crooked or dusty, don't wait for the glue to dry. Take it off and reglue it!
What to do after installation: inspection and care
The glass is glued on, but the work is not finished.
- ๐ Check the sensor: Open the settings โ Display. โ Touch test and make sure all areas of the screen react.
- ๐ฑ Turn on your smartphone and check the display: are there any rainbow divorces or moire (this is a sign of low-quality glass).
- ๐งผ Do not wash your hands for 1-2 hours so as not to leave greasy marks on new glass.
For the durability of glass:
- ๐ก๏ธ Use a side-covered case (e.g. Xiaomi Mi Protective Case) to ensure that the glass does not rub against the surface when falling.
- ๐งด Once a week, wipe the glass with a microfiber wipe soaked in an alcohol solution.
- ๐ซ Avoid abrasive cleaning products (such as soda) โ they scratch the oleophobic coating.
Comparison: self-installation vs service center
Many users are wondering whether to glue the glass yourself or trust the professionals.
| Criteria | Independently. | Service centre |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | 200. โฝ (glass) | 500. โฝ (job + material) |
| Time. | 10-15 minutes | 1-2 hours (queue + installation) |
| Quality. | Depends on experience. | Work guarantee (usually 7 days) |
| Flexibility | You can re-glue at any time. | We'll have to go to the service. |
The bottom line is that if you're careful and willing to spend 20 minutes, self-installation is more profitable, and you only need to use the service when you install UV-adhesive glass or if you're afraid of damaging your smartphone.