Replacement of curtains on Xiaomi: how to properly paste a protective glass or film without bubbles

The protective curtain (or as it is often called, protective glass/film) on the Xiaomi screen is not a luxury, but a necessity. Even if your smartphone is equipped with a durable Gorilla Glass, mycroscrapes, scratches and cracks from falls remain a real threat. But over time, any protection wears out: scratches appear, the edges peel off, and rainbow divorces form on the films. In this article, we will discuss how to replace the curtain on Xiaomi – from the selection of material to the finishing polish, so that the result looks like a factory.

It seems simple, but there are nuances, such as models with curved screens (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Mix Fold 3) standard glass will not work – you need special glasses. 3D-And for budget devices like the Redmi Note 12, just a regular 200-dollar film is enough, and we'll look at both, and we'll also talk about how to avoid the most common mistakes: bubbles, protected dust, and uneven gluing.

If you've never put curtains on before, don't worry. With our instructions and a few simple tools (which you'll find in every house), you'll be as good as the service technician, patience and attention to detail. Let's start with preparation!

1. Which curtain to choose for Xiaomi: glass vs film

The first question that comes up before you replace it is, which is better, a safety glass or a film? The answer depends on the model of the smartphone, your budget and how you operate the device. Let's compare the two options in key terms.

The protective glass (usually 0.2-0.5 mm thick) is a more reliable, but also more expensive option, it withstands heavy impacts, prevents deep scratches and, when installed correctly, hardly feels on the screen.

• 💰 Cost: from 500 to 2000 rubles, depending on the model.
• ⚖️ Weight: slightly weights smartphone (2-5 grams).
• 🔧 Installation complexity: requires precision, otherwise there will be bubbles.
• 📱 Compatibility: Not suitable for devices with in-screen fingerprint sensor (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T), if the glass is too thick.

Protective film (polyurethane or PET) is a budget solution (100-400 rubles), which is easy to glue and hardly noticeable, but it is worse against shocks and wears out faster.

• 📱 You have a budget model (Redmi). 10A, POCO M5).
• 🛡️ You only need protection from scratches (not from falls).
• 🔄 You plan to change the curtain every 3-6 months.

For most Xiaomi flagships (like the 14 Pro or Mix 4), tempered glass with an oleophobic coating is the best choice. It not only protects the screen, but also preserves the sensitivity of the sensor. POCO X5 Redmi Note 11 can be used with high-quality film from Spigen or Nillkin.

⚠️ Attention: On models with AMOLED-With screens like the Xiaomi 13 Lite, cheap glass can create a rainbow effect in bright light.

Preparation for replacement: tools and conditions

Before you start replacing the curtain, you have to prepare the workspace and the tools, and that's where 80 percent of the success comes from, and even the most expensive glass will go bad if it gets dust under it or you glue it on your knee in a dusty room.

What you'll need:

• 🧴 Alcohol wipes (or isopropyl alcohol) + lamb).
• 🧲 Magnetic card or plastic transmitter for purging bubbles.
• 🔍 Lump or bright lamp (to see fine dust).
• 📏 Line or pattern (if glass without adhesive base).
• 🧺 Soft fabric (microfibre to clean the screen).
• 💨 Compressed air cylinder (optional, for dust removal).

Conditions of work:

• 🚫 No drafts (close windows, turn off the fan).
• 💡 Good lighting (better daylight or bright lamp).
• 🧹 Clean surface (wipe the table with a wet wipe).
• 🕒 Time: At least 30-40 minutes (slowly!).

If you are replacing the glass on a curved screen model (such as the Xiaomi 11T Pro), additionally prepare:

• 🔥 Hair dryer (to soften glue on old glass).
• 🧴 Special glue (if new glass without self-adhesive base).
• 📱 Security stickers for the camera (so as not to scratch it when cleaning).

⚠️ Note: Do not use acetone, white spirit or household detergents to clean the screen – they will damage the oleophobic coating! ☑️ Preparation for the replacement of the curtain Turn off the smartphone and remove SIM-MapWash the screen with an alcohol napkinRemove old glass / film (carefully, without scratches)Check new glass for defects (cracks, chips)Prepare tools in reach: 0 / 5 3. Removing old curtains: how not to damage the screen Removing old protection is the most important step. If you do this wrong, there will be traces of glue, scratches or even cracks on the screen. 11 Ultra, where the glass fits tightly to the edges. Step-by-step: If the old curtain is solid (no cracks), put the corner of it with a plastic card or a mediator. Pull it up carefully at an angle. 45°. Don't use metal objects! If the glass is broken, put cross-cotch tape on it and pull it. This will prevent fragments from breaking apart. Use tweezers for stubborn pieces. Remove the glue residues with an alcohol napkin. For persistent marks, you can use scotch: Stick it up and rip it off. Check the screen for microcracks. Hold your smartphone up to the light at an angle, the scratches will be visible as white lines. On models with an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor (such as the Xiaomi 13), be especially careful in the scanner area. If the old glass is glued to death and does not respond, you can slightly heat it with a hair dryer (temperature not higher than 50).°C) But don't overdo it — AMOLED-screens are afraid of overheating! If the glue is not removed with alcohol, try a screen cleaner (such as Whoosh!) or a special glue remover (3M Adhesive Remover). Do not use abrasive materials! 4. Install a new curtain: step-by-step process Now move to the most important thing - installing a new protection. Technology is different for glasses and films, so we will analyze both options. If you choose a protective glass, follow this instruction: For a protective glass: Wipe the screen with an alcohol nap, and give it a pressure on the upper part. Do not touch the glass with a bright tilt to the glass from the edge of 1 minute. The movements must be smooth, without pressing. If there is any dust under the glass, don't try to blow it away. Better gently lift the glass and clean the screen again. For protective film: Put a positioning sticker on the screen (usually included) that will help to position the film smoothly. Take the bottom layer off the film and apply it to the screen, starting at the top edge. Use soft fabric to smooth the film from center to edge. Bubbles usually disappear by themselves through the edges. 12–24 On models with a cutout under the camera (for example, Xiaomi) 12S) Be careful when positioning – even shifting to 1 If the glass doesn't fall flat, don't be afraid to glue it over. 2–3 try until the glue is dried. 💡Before you finalize, turn on your smartphone and check if the glass is interfering with the sensor, especially for models with high screen survey rates (120/144 Hz). 5. Typical errors and how to avoid them Even with a careful installation, problems can arise. Problem Cause Bubbles under glass Dust, improper smoothing Re-glue glass after screen cleaning Edge peeled Bad fit, cheap glue Use glue LOCA or replace glass Rainbow smudges Cheap glass, wrong installation Select glass marked Anti-Rainbow Fingerprint sensor Too thick glass Replace glass marked Fingerprint Compatible How to avoid bubbles: 🧹 Work in a clean room (better after wet cleaning). 💨 Use a spray of compressed air to remove dust. 🕒 Take your time, the bubbles are easier to kick out in the first 5 minutes after sticking. If the glass is already glued, but the dust is under it: Carefully tuck the edge of the glass with a plastic card. Remove the dust with tape or tweezers. Press the glass back and smooth it out. ⚠️ Note: On curved screen models (such as the Xiaomi Mix Fold 2), don’t use glass without flexible edges – they will detach in 1-2 weeks! 💡If the glass is interfering with the sensor after installation, check its compatibility with your model. Some glasses require additional sensitivity settings in the Settings menu. → Display. → 6. Care for a new curtain: how to extend its life, even the strongest glass will last longer if properly cared for. Here are some tips: 🧼 Cleaning: Use only microfiber and special screen wipes. Avoid paper towels - they scratch. 💧 Humidity: Don't let water get under the edges of the glass. If the smartphone gets wet, dry it right away. 📱 Cover: Use a cover with edges protrusions (such as Spigen Tough Armor) to protect the glass when falling. 🔥 Temperature: Do not leave your smartphone in direct sunlight, the glue may lose its properties. If you notice that the oleophobic coating (which repels fat) has stopped working, you can restore it with special formulations (for example, Nano-Coating Restorer). But this is a temporary measure — after 6-12 months, the glass will still have to be replaced. For models with matte glass (for example, on some versions of the Xiaomi Pad 6), the care is even easier: it is less dirty and does not require frequent cleaning. However, such glasses are usually thinner and worse protection from shocks. 7. Alternative ways to protect your screen If standard glass and film do not suit you, consider alternative options: 🛡️ Liquid glass: Apply as a coating and fill microcracks. Suitable for those who do not like to feel the glass on the screen. 🔄 Self-healing film: Small scratches disappear after a few hours. 📱 Hybrid glass: Combines the strength of glass and the flexibility of film, suitable for curved screens. 💎 Diamond coating: Applied in service centers and protects the screen at level 9H It's a Mohs scale, it's from 1,500 rubles. For gamers who use a smartphone a lot, like Black Shark 5, it's a glass that's anti-reflective, and it reduces reflections and improves visibility in the sun. If you drop your phone a lot, look for more cushioned windows (like Zagg InvisibleShield) that are thicker than normal but better at absorbing shocks. FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the curtain on Xiaomi Can you paste the glass on an already cracked screen? Technically yes, but it's a temporary solution. Glass can't fully protect a damaged display, and when you press the cracks can go further. Better replace the screen first, and then glue a new curtain. Why did the new glass immediately go off the edges? This is a typical problem of cheap glass with bad glue. Solutions: Try gluing the edges with super glue (carefully!) Use the LOCA glue (requires UV lamps for polymerization). Replace the glass with a better one (e.g. AmFilm or Spigen. How do you remove the bubbles if they appear a day later? Small glass is missing from the camera? 48 if you get the bubble, if you's are not even a big one? Always take a glass designed specifically for your Xiaomi model. Can you wash a phone with glass in the shower? Security glass does not seal the phone! If your model does not have an IP68 certification (e.g., Xiaomi 13 Pro), avoid direct water intake. Even on waterproof smartphones, prolonged exposure to moisture can lead to detachment of the glass.