How to remove the protective glass from the Xiaomi phone at home: 5 proven ways

The protective glass on Xiaomi’s screen is not only a barrier against scratches, but also an additional layer that can lose transparency, become covered with microcracks or simply become obsolete, but removing it without consequences for the display is not an easy task. Many users face problems ranging from glue residues on the screen to accidental damage to an oleophobic coating. In this article, we will discuss 5 safe methods to help remove glass from Redmi phones, POCO or Mi without risk to the device.

It is important to understand that screen protection technologies from Xiaomi vary depending on the model. 11/12/13 frequently fitted 3D-We're going to take these nuances and make recommendations for each case, and we're going to take them into account. You will also learn what tools are really needed, and what you can do without, and what to do if the glass cracks or splits into pieces.

Why is it so hard to remove the security glass from Xiaomi?

The main problem is the adhesive layer that manufacturers use to fix the glass, and cheap sets often use low-quality glue that sticks to the screen over time, and premium ones have special compounds with high adhesion, designed for long life, and the process is influenced by:

  • πŸ”Ή Type of glass: 2.5D or 3D (The last one is harder to remove because of the curved edges).
  • πŸ”Ή Age of protection: the longer the glass on the phone, the stronger the clutch.
  • πŸ”Ή Operating conditions: humidity, temperature changes accelerate the "fixing".
  • πŸ”Ή Installation quality: if the sticker has bubbles or dust, it will be easier to remove the glass.

Another nuance is that Xiaomi’s oleophobic screen covering is sensitive to mechanical stress, and improper tools (such as metal blades) or excessive force can damage it, leading to worsening finger slips and quickly contaminating the display.

⚠️ Note: If your Xiaomi is equipped with an ultrasonic fingerprint scanner under the screen (Mi models) 10T Pro, Redmi K40 And newer, avoid putting too much pressure on the center of the display, which can disrupt the sensor!

Preparation: what you need to remove the glass

Before you start, gather the tools you need, most of which will be at home, but some will have to be bought (costs less than 200-300 rubles).

Tool.AppointmentThe alternative
Plastic blade or mediatorScratching glass without scratchingCredit card, plastic card
Scotch (paint or stationery)Fixing fragments, removing glue residuesInsulation (less sticky)
Alcohol wipes (70% and higher)Cleaning the screen of glueVodka, liquid for removing varnish (without acetone!)
Hair dryer (household or construction)Heating of the adhesive layerHot water in a plastic bag
Microfiber clothScreen polishing after cleaningCotton fabric (without pile)

If you have cracked glass, prepare:

  • 🧴 A shower gel or soap solution - will help soften the glue under the fragments.
  • 🧀 Gloves - protection from cuts.
  • πŸ”¦ Bright flashlight - to better see the boundaries of glass.

πŸ“Š What kind of security glass do you have on Xiaomi?
Original (from the kit)
Purchased 2.5D
Purchased 3D
I don't know.
No glass.

Method 1: Removing the whole glass with a thread

This method is suitable for intact glass with clearly visible edges, and its advantage is the minimum risk of damage to the screen, since the thread distributes the force evenly.

  1. Stick a piece of tape to the corner of the glass and pull up to find the edge. If the glass is "not amenable," lightly heat the screen with a hair dryer (temperature no higher than 50).Β°C!).
  2. Take a strong thread (for example, dental or fishing) 30-40 cm long, apply it under the glass on the side, leaving the ends outside.
  3. Hold the thread at both ends and move it smoothly along the edge of the glass, like a saw of adhesive. Don't pull up, just forward!
  4. As soon as the glass begins to move away, dent it with a plastic spatula and carefully remove it.

Hair dryer and thread prepared|Found the edge of glass (lifted with scotch)|The thread is under the glass without torsion.|Movements smooth, no jerks-->

If the glass fails, check:

  • πŸ”₯ Is it hot enough? The glue has to be elastic, but it doesn't melt.
  • 🧡 Is it too thin? The optimal thickness is 0.3-0.5 mm.
  • πŸ“± Is there an extra film on the screen? Sometimes they put a protective film under the glass, which complicates the process.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi models with AMOLED-screens (e.g. Mi 11 Ultra, Redmi) K50 Pro) avoid prolonged heating of one zone, which can cause pixels to burn out or damage to the matrix.

Method 2: Removal of glass with a hairdryer and a shoulder blade

Thermal is effective for glass that is stuck to the screen, and it's important to control the temperature, because overheating is dangerous for the battery and the display.

  1. Turn the dryer on at minimum power (or medium if the dryer is weak) and direct the airflow to the edge of the glass. Keep at a distance of 10-15 cm, constantly moving so as not to overheat one point.
  2. After 1-2 minutes, try to tamper with a plastic blade. If it does not respond, continue heating for another 30 seconds.
  3. Once a gap appears, push the shoulder blade along the edge, separating the glass. Don't try to tear it off abruptly - the glue can pull an oleophobic coating behind it!
  4. After removal, wipe the screen with an alcohol napkin to remove the remnants of glue.

For models with metal housing (e.g, POCO F3, Redmi Note 10 Pro) beware: metal heats up faster than plastic. Optimal heating temperature is 40-45Β°C (can be checked with an infrared thermometer or an application like Aida64).

πŸ’‘

If you don't have a hair dryer on hand, use hot water: pour it into a plastic bag, apply it to the screen for 5-7 minutes, the effect will be similar, but less controlled.

Method 3: How to remove broken or cracked glass

If the glass is broken, the main thing is not to hurt or damage the screen, and you can use tape and patience.

  1. Put a few strips of scotch (paint or stationery) on the glass cross-stitch, which will prevent the fragments from spreading.
  2. Carefully press the tape against the glass and pull it up. Large fragments will come off with the tape.
  3. Remove small pieces with tweezers or a plastic spatula. If the fragments "grown" in the glue, moisten them with alcohol or soap solution and wait 2-3 minutes.
  4. After removing all fragments, clean the screen with alcohol and microfiber.

For glass with severe damage (such as a spider web of cracks), use a shower gel:

  • 🧼 Apply the gel on the screen and leave for 5 minutes.
  • 🧽 Gently rub with a soft sponge to soften the glue.
  • 🧽 Wash the remains with a wet cloth and dry the screen.

⚠️ Note: On models with touch buttons under glass (e.g. Redmi) 9A, POCO M3) Avoid getting liquid into the crevices near the buttons, which can cause contact oxidation!

What to do if the fragments fall under the frame of the body?
If the glass fragments are stuck under a metal frame, do not try to pick them out - the risk of damage to the plumes is too high. In this case: 1. Contact Xiaomi service center (addresses can be found on the mi.com website). 2. Or use a phone without glass, pasting a temporary film until you replace the protection.

Method 4: Use of special sets for removing glass

In electronics stores (for example, the Messenger, M. Video) sold sets for removing glasses cost 150-500 rubles.

  • πŸ› οΈ Plastic blades of different thicknesses.
  • 🧴 Cleansing solution wipes.
  • 🧲 Suction cups for locking glass.
  • πŸ”₯Mini-dryer or heater.

How to use such a set:

  1. Stick the suction cup over the glass and pull up slightly to create an initial gap.
  2. Insert a plastic blade into the slot and heat the screen with a mini-phenomenon for 10-15 seconds.
  3. Smoothly drive the blade along the edge, separating the glass. Repeat the heating if necessary.
  4. After removal, clean the screen with a napkin from the kit.

Advantages of the set:

  • βœ… Minimum risk of screen damage.
  • βœ… Suitable for 3D-round-glass.
  • βœ… There's everything you need in the kit.

Disadvantages:

  • ❌ More expensive than "home" methods.
  • ❌ Requires accuracy – not all sets are universal.

πŸ’‘

Special sets are optimal for Xiaomi models with curved screens (e.g. Mi 11 Ultra, Black Shark 4 Pro), where conventional methods can damage the display.

Method 5: Removal of glass with duct tape (for stubborn cases)

If the glass is not removed by any of the above methods, try a method with a wide duct tape (for example, packaging tape).

  1. Plug a strip of tape on the glass so that it protrudes beyond the edges for 2-3 cm.
  2. Press the tape against the glass and pull up sharply at an angle of 45.Β°. Repeat 2-3 times.
  3. If the glass has begun to move away, slid it with a spatula and continue to separate.
  4. For stubborn areas, combine the method with a heating hairdryer.

This is particularly effective for glasses that have been fitted with air bubbles, where the glue is weaker, but beware: too sharp movements can tear off some of the oleophobic coating.

What to do after removing the glass: cleaning and preparing for new protection

If you've successfully removed the glass, don't rush to stick a new one, first you need to clean the screen thoroughly of the glue and dust residue.

  1. Wipe the screen with a dry microfiber to remove large particles.
  2. Apply alcohol to a napkin (70% or higher) and gently wipe the display while paying attention to the edges. Don't push hard!
  3. If the glue remains are not removed, use a pencil eraser (new, no traces of graphite) and rub the problem areas with light movements.
  4. Check the screen under bright lights – it should not be divorced or sticky areas.
  5. Stick the new glass only after the alcohol has completely dried (10-15 minutes).

For models with in-screen fingerprint scanner (Mi 11, Redmi) K40) After cleaning, check the sensor in the Settings menu β†’ Passwords and security β†’ If the scanner is getting worse at detecting fingerprints, the matrix's protective coating may have been damaged, in which case, contact the service.

πŸ’‘

Before sticking the new glass, turn off your phone and wipe the screen with an antistatic wipe – this will remove dust that can not be seen by the naked eye.

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing protective glass from Xiaomi

Can I remove the glass without heating?
Yes, but it's harder. Without heating, the glue stays stiff, and the risk of damaging the oleophobic coating is higher. If you're afraid of overheating your phone, use a thread or duct tape method, which is less temperature dependent.
What if the screen becomes β€œsticky” after removing the glass?
This means that there's still a glue on the display. Rub the screen with alcohol or a special glass cleaner (like Screen Mom). If the stickiness is left, repeat the process with the eraser. Don't use acetone or solvents - they will damage the coating!
How to remove glass from Xiaomi, if it is glued to the edges (3D-glass)?
For 3D-Use a thin plastic blade and a hair dryer. Heat the edge of the glass (not the whole screen!) and gently tuck it on the side. Move the blade along the bend without trying to tear the glass off sharply. If the edges are not visible, light the screen with a flashlight at an angle.
Will removing the glass damage the warranty on Xiaomi?
Not if you don't damage the screen or the internals, the warranty covers factory defects, and removing the protective glass doesn't apply, but if you damage the matrix or the plumes in the process, it's no longer a warranty.
Which glass is better to wear after removing the old one?
The choice depends on the model: For Redmi Note/POCO (flat-screen): 2.5D-hardened 9H. For Mi. 11/12/13 (curved-screen): 3D-glass with flexible edges. For game models (Black Shark, POCO F4 GT): Anti-reflective glass. From brands we recommend Nillkin, Spigen or original Xiaomi glass (if available for your model).