How to remove the protective glass from the screen Xiaomi: a complete guide with photos and videos

The protective glass on Xiaomi smartphones is not only a barrier against scratches, but also an additional layer of security for the screen. However, over time it can lose transparency, become covered with microcracks or simply become obsolete. Removing old glass is a task that requires carefulness: one wrong movement, and the display can appear scratches, and at worst cracks, especially for models with curved screens, such as the Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra or Redmi Note 12 Pro+, where the adhesive base of glass is denser to the surface.

In this article, we will analyze all possible ways to remove protective glass - from the classic method with a thread to professional tools, and also tell you how to avoid typical mistakes. You'll learn what materials you'll need, how to prepare your phone, and what to do if the glass breaks apart. 3D-glass (e.g., glass, POCO F5 Pro, where the process is complicated due to rounded edges.

Preparation for removal: what will be needed

Before you start dismantling, make sure you have everything you need, and not even one tool can cause screen damage or inconvenience in the process.

  • πŸ”Ή Plastic card or mediator - for smearing glass (metal objects can not be used!).
  • 🧡 Thin thread or line (for example, from the guitar) – an alternative method for β€œstiff” glasses.
  • 🧴 Isopropyl alcohol (70%+) or a means of removing glue - to clean the remains of the adhesive.
  • 🧻 Microfiber wipe - to wipe the screen after removal.
  • πŸ”¦ Lantern or table lamp – good lighting will help you see the boundaries of glass.

For models with 3D-glass (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro) may additionally require a hair dryer to soften the glue at the edges.Β°C, otherwise there is a risk of damage OLED-Also, make a tape, which will help fix the fragments if the glass cracks.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use a knife or other sharp objects! even a slight pressure can leave scratches on the oleophobic screen covering that will then be impossible to eliminate.

πŸ“Š What kind of protective glass do you have installed?
Normal (2D)
3D (with rounded edges)
Liquid (nano coating)
I don't know.
No protective glass.

Method 1: Removal with thread (for "stiff" glasses)

This is a good technique if the glass is tightly glued and not amenable to the usual undergrowth, and the thread penetrates the glass and evenly separates it from the screen, minimizing the risk of damage.

  1. Stick a piece of tape to the edge of the glass (for example, at the bottom, where the speaker is usually located), which will help to fix the thread.
  2. Put the thread under the tape so that it lies between the glass and the screen. The length of the thread is about 10-15 cm.
  3. Hold the thread at both ends and, with sawing movements (left-right), slowly lead it along the edge of the phone. Don't pull it up!
  4. As the glass separates, lift it up with a plastic card. If the thread gets stuck, moisten it with alcohol.

For models with a curved screen (for example, Xiaomi Mix 4), this method requires special care. Don’t press the thread in the corners – it is better to separate straight sections first, and then carefully tuck the rounds.

The thread has no knots and no burrs |

Phone screen clean (no dust under glass)|

Battery charged at 50%+ (in case of a long process) |

The workplace is well lit

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Method 2: Classical method with plastic card

The most common way that's right for most glasses is to take your time and take steps.

  1. Find an angle or edge of glass that has already started to recede (usually seen in a white strip). If it is not, carefully place the glass on the bottom of the screen where the charging connector is located.
  2. Once a gap appears, insert a map into it and slowly lead it along the edge, separating the glass. Don't raise it sharply - the glue can pull an oleophobic coating behind it!
  3. If the glass doesn't lend itself, moisten the card with isopropyl alcohol and repeat the movement. The alcohol dissolves the glue, but does not damage the screen.
  4. After complete separation, remove the glue residues with a napkin dipped in alcohol. Don't use wet wipes - they leave a divorce.

On Xiaomi models with AMOLED-screens (e.g. Redmi) K50 Pro) be especially careful: these displays are thinner and more sensitive to mechanical stress. If the glass is cracked, do not try to remove it whole - it is better to break it into small fragments and remove them one by one.

What to do if the glass is broken into pieces?
If the glass cracks, put tape on it so that it covers all the shards. Then carefully pull the tape up - most of the glass is dreamed with it. Remove the remaining small pieces with tweezers, pre-soaked with alcohol to soften the glue. Don't press on the screen!

Method 3: Using a hair dryer (for 3D-glass-glass)

Glass with rounded edges (3D) is harder to remove because of the tight fit to the screen.

  1. Turn the dryer on at a minimum temperature (up to 50Β°C) and direct the air flow to the edges of the phone. It takes 10-15 seconds to heat, no longer!
  2. While the glue is softened, gently tuck the glass with a plastic map. Start with a straight section, not an angle.
  3. If the glass doesn't separate, repeat the heat again. Don't overheat one place, it can damage the matrix.

For Xiaomi models with a metal body (such as the POCO X3 Pro), this method is less effective, since the metal quickly removes heat, in which case it is better to combine a hairdryer with a thread.

Xiaomi modelType of glassRecommended methodDifficulty
Redmi Note 10/112DPlastic cardLow.
Xiaomi 12/133DFryer + threadMedium
POCO F4 GT2.5DCard + alcoholLow.
Xiaomi Mix Fold 2Flexible.Professional toolTall.

⚠️ Note: On smartphones with ultrasonic fingerprint scanner (e.g. Xiaomi Mi) 10T Pro) don't press the scanner area, it could knock it out.

What to do after removal: cleaning and preparing for new glass

After removing the old glass, the screen needs to be thoroughly cleaned of glue and dust residues.

  1. Wipe the screen with a dry microfiber wipe to remove large particles.
  2. Put a few drops of isopropyl alcohol on a napkin and wipe the surface neatly. Don't pour alcohol directly onto the screen!
  3. To remove persistent glue residues, use a plastic scraper (for example, to remove stickers).
  4. Check the screen under bright light – if there are small motifs left, remove them with scotch (sticky side down).

If you plan to glue new glass, let the screen dry for 10-15 minutes. Humidity or alcohol residue can worsen adhesion. For models with oleophobic coatings (such as the Xiaomi 13 Lite), avoid aggressive solvents - they can damage the protective layer.

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If the screen is "sticky" to the touch after cleaning, it means that you have removed the oleophobic coating, you can restore it with a special composition (sold in service centers) or by pasting a new glass with the coating already applied.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes that cause screen damage, and here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:

  • πŸ”₯ Overheating of the screen with a hair dryer - temperature above 50Β°C can damage the matrix or detach the plumes. Use a hair dryer only at minimal power.
  • πŸ”ͺ Using metal tools -- knives, screwdrivers, or scissors scratch the screen. Replace them with plastic picks.
  • πŸ’§ Excessive moisturization with alcohol β€” if alcohol gets under the frame of the phone, it can cause corrosion of contacts.
  • 🀏 Removing glass "to dry" - without softening the glue with alcohol or heat, the glass can crack. Always combine methods.

Xiaomi models with Gorilla Glass Victus technology (such as the Xiaomi 12T Pro) risk damaging the screen when removing glass lower, but the oleophobic coating can still be erased by aggressive cleaning. If the screen becomes worse than the screen to push fingerprints after the procedure, consider applying a new protective layer.

When is the best time to contact the service center

You can't always remove the protective glass yourself, but here are some of the best ways to trust the professionals:

  • πŸ”§ The glass has cracked into a lot of small pieces, and you are afraid of damaging the screen.
  • πŸ“± You have a flexible screen model (e.g. Xiaomi Mix Fold 3) where the risk of damage to the matrix is extremely high.
  • πŸ” Dust or moisture has accumulated under the glass and you are not sure you can clean the screen without consequences.
  • πŸ› οΈ You have damaged the oleophobic coating and want to restore it.

The cost of removing glass from Xiaomi service center usually does not exceed 500-1000 rubles, but you get a guarantee that there are no scratches and proper preparation of the screen for the new coating. In some cities there are mobile services that come to the house – this is convenient if you are afraid to transport the phone.

πŸ’‘

If the screen started to "wash" or rainbow stains appeared after the glass was removed, this is a sign of damage to the oleophobic coating, it can only be restored in the service or by pasting a new glass with a factory coating.

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing protective glass

Can I remove the glass without a trace?
Yes, if you're careful and use plastic tools, the key is to take your time and not push the screen. On 3D-glass models (such as the Xiaomi 13 Ultra), it's harder to avoid footprints, so you'd better use a thread or a hair dryer.
What to do if there is glue under the glass?
Remove glue residues with isopropyl alcohol or a special tool (for example, 3M Adhesive Remover). Do not use acetone or solvents - they will damage the oleophobic coating. Sticky tape (scotch) will do for persistent stains.
How to remove the glass if it cracks in the middle?
Plug a wide tape on the glass to fix the fragments. Then gently tuck the edge with a plastic card and pull the tape up. Remove the small pieces with tweezers, pre-moisten them with alcohol.
Can I re-stick the removed glass?
Technically, yes, but the quality of the protection will be worse, the glue on the glass is usually disposable, and if you re-stick it can remain bubbles or the glass will quickly fall off.
How much does a new security glass for Xiaomi cost?
Price depends on the model: 2D-glass for Redmi - from 200 before 500 ruble. 3D-Flagship glass (Xiaomi) 13/14) β€” from 800 before 1500 Flexible glass for folding models (Mix Fold) 2000 Buy oleophobic glass and check compatibility with your model.