How to remove the protective glass from the phone Xiaomi Redmi 7A at home

The protective glass on a smartphone is the first barrier that takes on bumps, scratches and falls. Owners of the popular budget Xiaomi Redmi 7A often face a situation where the accessory cracked, covered with a network of chips or simply ceased to be transparent due to a lot of micro scratches. Replacing this consumable is a necessary procedure to maintain the aesthetics of the device and comfort of use, since the damaged surface can injure the finger when swipes.

Many users are afraid to take down the device themselves, relying only on service centers. However, the process of removing the old protective layer does not require complex industrial equipment and can be done carefully with their own hands, the main thing is to understand the design of the screen, have the right tools and patience to not damage the oleophobic coating of the matrix or the display module itself.

In this article, we will discuss in detail how to safely remove damaged glass, what tools you will need and how to prepare the surface for the sticker of a new accessory. You will learn about the nuances of working with the adhesive base and cleaning methods that ensure that there are no bubbles and dust under the new layer of protection.

Tools and workplace preparation required

Before you start removing the protective glass directly, you need to organize a clean and well-lit workspace. Dust is the main enemy when working with screens, so it is recommended to wipe the table with a wet cloth and wait for the surface to dry completely. To work with the Redmi 7A, you will need a minimum set of tools that can often be found at home or bought at the nearest electronics store.

The main tool will be a plastic card or a special mediator to open the cases. Metal objects such as knives or blades, use is strongly discouraged, as one awkward movement can lead to a deep scratch on the display itself or damage to the frame, you will also need a soft microfibre, isopropyl alcohol or a special degreasing agent, and possibly a dryer to soften the glue if the glass was installed long ago.

• 🛠️ Plastic card, mediator or thin plastic spatula for tweaking edges.
• 💧 Isopropyl alcohol or screen cleaning fluid to remove glue residue.
• 🧹 A microfiber napkin that leaves no villi on the surface.
• 🌬️ Pear for dust blowing or scotch for removal of the smallest particles.

⚠️ Warning: Never use acetone or aggressive solvents to clean Xiaomi’s screen, as they can dissolve the oleophobic matrix coating and damage the plastic frame of the case.

Preparing the workplace also includes providing good lighting. A daylight bulb will help you see the smallest specks and cracks that may not be noticeable in dim light. If you have the opportunity, use an antistatic mat, although it is not strictly necessary to simply replace the protective glass, but it will help to avoid static discharges.

Diagnostics of the screen condition and type of damage

Before action is taken, it is important to assess the nature of the damage. Often users confuse cracks on the protective glass with damage to the Redmi 7A display itself. If the image on the screen is not distorted, there are no black spots, stripes or flickers, and the touch screen responds to touch throughout the area, then only the outer protective layer is affected, in which case the replacement of the glass will solve the problem.

There are two main types of protective glass: hydrogel films and tempered glass. Hydrogel films are easier to remove because they are elastic and rarely break into fragments. Tempered glass can crumble when hit hard, which complicates the removal process. In the case of the Redmi 7A, which has a standard 5.45-inch screen, it is important to act carefully so that fragments of old glass do not fall under the display frame.

If the glass is broken into a small crumb, the process will require more care, and in such a situation, it is recommended to first carefully collect large fragments, and then use a sticky tape to remove small fragments. Don't press hard on the screen if there are cracks under it, so as not to damage the matrix.

Step-by-step instructions for removing the protective glass

The process of removing the old security glass on the Xiaomi Redmi 7A begins with turning off the device. This will not only protect the electronics from accidental circuits, but also allow you to better see the contamination and cracks on the black screen.

Find the edge of the protective glass, where the damage is minimal or where there is a small chip. Carefully tuck the corner with a plastic card or nail. If the glass sits tight and does not lend itself, do not use force. In such cases, you can warm the edges a little with a hairdryer at a minimum temperature for 10-15 seconds. The heat will soften the adhesive layer, and the glass will begin to move away more easily.

Once the angle is raised, slowly draw the plastic map along the edge of the screen, separating the glass from the display. The movements should be smooth, without jerking. Try to keep the map at a minimum angle to the surface of the screen so as not to scratch the matrix. If you feel resistance, stop and try to tamper with the glass on the other side.

When the glass is half-separated, take it by the free edge with your fingers and continue to pull parallel to the plane of the screen, not up. A sharp break up can cause the glass to burst in your hands or damage the frame. The Redmi 7A is characterized by 2.5D edges, so be careful at the edges of the display.

Cleaning the screen from glue and dust residues

After successfully removing old glass, there are often traces of glue on the surface of the display, greasy spots from the fingers or villi. Quality cleaning is 90% of the success of a future sticker of new glass. Use a microfiber napkin lightly moistened with isopropyl alcohol. Don't pour liquid directly onto the screen, apply it to the fabric.

In circular motions, walk across the entire surface of the screen, removing impurities. Pay special attention to the edges and areas of the speaker, where dust often accumulates. If the glue is frozen and not wiped off with a cloth, you can use a plastic card wrapped in microfiber to gently scrape the residue, but do it without much pressure.

After wet cleaning, be sure to wipe the screen with the dry part of the microfiber until the divorces completely disappear. Then use the sticky side of the scotch or a special Velcro (if it comes with new glass) to "tamponize" the entire surface. This will remove the smallest specks of dust that are not visible to the eye but will become noticeable under the new glass.

Nuances of work with adhesive layer 2.5D and 3D

Xiaomi Redmi 7A owners often choose 2.5D or 3D-marked glass that has rounded edges, and the peculiarity of these glasses is that the adhesive layer may not cover the entire area, but only be located around the perimeter or as a frame, which is made for compatibility with different covers, but requires more accurate alignment during installation.

When you take down the old 3D-It is important to understand that the central part of the glass can move away more easily than the edges. If you plan to install a similar glass, make sure that the screen is cleaned perfectly, as any speck of dust under the frame will create an air cushion, and the glass will not stick to the edges. The adhesive layer of such glasses is less aggressive, which facilitates re-adhesion, but reduces the strength of the adhesion.

There's a misconception that the total absence of glue in the center is marriage. In fact, for many models, including the Redmi 7A, it's the norm for colored-framed glasses. They're held by perimeter adhesion. When you remove that, start from the center if it's cracked, or from the corner if it's intact, but act slowly so that the frame doesn't detach from the glass base before time.

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Use paint tape to fix the position of the new glass relative to the body before final gluing, if you are afraid of skewing.

Installation of new protective glass on Redmi 7A

The final step is to install a new protective element. Make sure that the smartphone screen is completely clean and dry. Remove the bottom protective film from the new glass, trying not to touch the adhesive layer with your fingers. The fat from the skin instantly reduces adhesion and creates undetectable stains.

Line the glass above the screen, focusing on the speaker and edges of the body. Redmi 7A has a fairly wide bezels, which makes it easier to position. Once you've made sure all the holes match, gently lower the glass onto the screen. Don't press it right away, let the glue start to spread from center to edges.

If you have air bubbles, don't panic. Most of them will disappear on their own within a few hours. 24-48 You can gently push the big bubbles out to the edge, you can push your finger through the microfiber, you have to move from center to edge, and if the bubble doesn't go away, you may have dust in it, and then you have to do the removal and cleaning again.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use sharp objects to squeeze bubbles under a new glass. Pressure at one point can cause local damage to the matrix or the appearance of "inks" on the display.

After installation, refrain from using the smartphone for 30-60 minutes, so that the adhesive layer finally polymerized and gained strength. On the first day, it is better not to wear a tight case that can press on the edges of the glass and provoke its detachment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Cleaning the screen before installation is more important than the sticker procedure itself – dust and fat are the cause of 90% of failures.