Modern Xiaomi smartphones are often shipped from the factory with a thin polymer layer, a solution designed to keep the display from scratching during transportation and primary use. However, many users prefer to replace the factory material with better quality tempered glass or premium hydrogel film. The process of removing the old coating may seem trivial, but the wrong actions can damage the oleophobic coating or even the screen itself.
The main difficulty is that during use, the adhesive base could polymerize or, conversely, lose its properties, leaving a sticky layer on the matrix. In some cases, owners do not even realize that the film is still in place, confusing it with the display itself. It is important to understand that the approach to removal should be delicate, so as not to disturb the tightness of the case and not damage the sensitive elements under the screen.
In this article, we will discuss in detail all the nuances of the procedure, the necessary tools and common errors. You will learn how to act if the protective layer is broken, and what to do with the residues of glue. Factory film on Xiaomi is usually thinner and less durable than quality counterparts, so its removal requires special care to avoid tears into small fragments. Following the instructions will help keep your gadget in perfect condition.
Identification of the type of protective coating
Before you start taking action, you need to know exactly what material you're dealing with. Redmi and POCO can have both classic plastic films and more modern hydrogel or even hybrid versions, and the type of material is a direct influence on the choice of tool and method of exposure.
Factory versions are often very thin polymers that are almost invisible on the ends of the device. If you run your finger around the edge of the screen and you feel a subtle protrusion, you have the coating. Hydrogel films have the property of self-healing small scratches and fit tightly to the curved edges, which makes it difficult to smear them.
Sometimes users confuse the protective layer with the display glass itself, especially if the previous owner has already made a replacement or the factory coating has been removed. Carefully inspect the end of the smartphone in good light. The presence of an air gap or a partition line between the layers is a sure sign that the film should and can be removed.
Don't try to scratch the nail unless you're sure of the type. Hard nail plates can leave micro-scratches on the screen if you don't, and use tools that minimize the risk of mechanical damage to the sensitive matrix.
Tools and workplace preparation required
You don't need to do it properly, you need not only free time, but also a set of tools that are available in every home or easily bought at the nearest electronics store, and improvisation with sharp objects like knives or scissors is strongly discouraged.
To start with, provide good lighting. Dim light hides small details, such as microscopic air bubbles or glue residues that will need to be removed. The work surface should be clean, dry and dust-free, so that the removed glass or film does not become covered with villi immediately after dismantling.
Here is a basic list of what you will need to safely perform the operation:
- 🧴 Alcohol-containing liquid or special spray for cleaning screens - necessary for degreasing the edges and removing glue residues.
- 🃏 Plastic card or special mediator – used for tidying and peeling coating without the risk of scratching.
- 🧵 Microfibre or wiltless napkin - mandatory for the final wipe of the display after removing the protection.
- 🌬️ Hair dryer (optional) - may be needed to heat the adhesive layer, if the film is glued very strongly.
It is important that all tools are clean and dry.Mud on a plastic card can turn into abrasive and scratch the screen as you work.If you use a hair dryer, make sure it doesn't overheat the smartphone body, as Xiaomi is sensitive to high temperatures.
☑️ Preparation for filming
Step-by-step instructions: how to remove film from the screen
The process of dismantling the protective layer requires patience and smooth movements. There is no rush, as a sharp jerk can cause the film to burst in half, and you have to pick out the remnants of it from under the frame. Start by carefully inspecting the device and finding the entry point.
Find the corner of the screen where the coating is moving most, often one of the top corners near the speaker, carefully tuck the edge with a plastic card or a mediator, if the film does not respond, you can slightly warm the area with a hairdryer at a minimum temperature during the course of the day. 10-15 seconds.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use metal objects such as needles, pins or blades to tweak the film.One incorrect movement can cause a deep scratch on the matrix or damage to the plume if the tool slips.
Once you've been able to lift an angle, grab it with your fingers. Try not to touch the adhesive side of the filmed part so you don't get it dirty or transfer the fat to the screen. Start slowly pulling the film along the surface of the screen, trying to withstand an angle of about 45 degrees. A sharp pulling perpendicular to the screen creates excessive tension.
If the film starts to tear during the filming process, stop. Put the rest of the tape on the map again and keep moving. Move smoothly, without jerking. For models with curved edges (2.5D), it is important to warm up complex areas so that the glue becomes more elastic.
Removal of glue residues and contaminants
After removing the main layer, there may be traces of glue on the surface of the display, especially if the previous coating was worn for a long time or was of low quality, these sticky areas not only unpleasant to the touch, but also collect dust, worsening the image quality and tactile sensation.
To remove the glue, use a special screen cleaning fluid or isopropyl alcohol. Apply the product not on the screen itself, but on a microfiber wipe so that the liquid does not leak into the speaker or charging connector. gently wipe the contaminated areas with circular movements.
If the glue is frozen and doesn't get wiped off the first time, you can use tape, stick a piece of broad tape to the dirt, and pull it out, and it works well to remove the villi and small particles of dust that may have been caught under the film.
The table below shows the types of pollution and recommended methods for their elimination:
| Type of pollution | Recommended remedy | Tool. | Time of exposure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fresh glue. | Alcoholic solution | Microfiber | 1-2 minutes |
| Old glue. | Special fluid (Goo Gone) | Wrapper + plastic | 5-10 minutes |
| Dust and pile | Dry cleaning | Sticky roller/scotch | Instantly. |
| Fat spots. | Glass fixture | Microfiber | 1 minute |
After cleaning, make sure to wipe the screen with the dry part of the napkin. There should be no wiring on the surface. Screen cleanliness is critical if you plan to immediately paste the new protection, otherwise all the dust particles will be visible under the new glass.
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If after filming the screen became worse to respond to touch, check the sensitivity settings in the Settings menu. → Screen. → Gloves mode (or similar item in your version) MIUI/HyperOS).
What to do if the film is broken or not removed
Sometimes it doesn't go according to plan, because the film bursts, crumbles, or refuses to peel off completely, and it's a common situation with old protective layers that have lost their elasticity, and the key is not to panic or use brute force.
If the film breaks, use a transparent wide tape tape, stick a strip of tape on the remaining piece of film, creating a kind of "tongue" to grab, which will allow you to pull even the smallest fragments that would otherwise have to be picked out with a needle.
In cases where the protective layer is held "deadly", probably used a very aggressive glue or there was a temperature effect, this will only help heating, turn the dryer on the average temperature and warm up the edges of the screen for 30-40 seconds, constantly moving the air flow.
⚠️ Warning: Do not overheat your smartphone! The maximum heating temperature of the case should not exceed 45-50 Keep your hand on the back cover: if it gets hot, stop heating. Overheating can damage the battery or detach the display module.
If the heating doesn't work, it may have stuck to the oleophobic coating, so you should go to the service center, and if you try to wipe it off with chemistry, you can finally destroy the protective coating of the matrix, and the screen will become dull and rough.
Can acetone or liquid be used to remove varnish?
Installation of new protection: brief recommendations
After successfully removing the old film and cleaning the screen, the perfect moment to install new protection opens. Modern glass for Xiaomi has high transparency and tactile pleasantness, significantly surpassing factory counterparts.
Before you stick a new glass, make sure that the room is dust-free, ideally wet cleaning or doing it in the bathroom after turning on hot water that nails dust to the floor, and degrease the screen again with an alcohol napkin that comes with the new glass.
When you install, focus on the speaker and the camera. Most modern glass has a frame-pattern, which makes it easier to center. Once glued, walk with a plastic map from the center to the edges, expelling air bubbles. Small bubbles can disappear on their own within 24 hours.
A high-quality installation extends the life of the display and preserves its presentation. Hydrogel films are better suited for screens with strong roundings, since the glass on the screen is very large. 3D-screens may not stick to the edges or give a rainbow effect.
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The secret to the perfect sticker is to take your time to apply the glass immediately. First, carefully degrease the screen and let the alcohol completely evaporate, otherwise the divorces will remain protected.