How to remove the protective film from the screen Xiaomi Redmi: 3 proven methods and frequent errors

The factory screen protector Xiaomi Redmi is a temporary solution that protects the display from scratches during transportation and the first days of use. However, over time, it loses transparency, becomes covered with microcracks and collects fingerprints. Many users are faced with the problem of how to remove it carefully without damaging the oleophobic screen covering and leaving sticky marks?

In this article, we will discuss three safe removal methods, from classic nail poking to the use of specialized tools, and learn what errors lead to damage to the display or glue residues, and how to properly prepare a smartphone for the procedure. A separate section is devoted to used devices, where the film often sticks to the screen due to prolonged use.

Important: The procedure is different for models with 2.5D-with glass (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro)+) and flat displays (like the Redmi ones) 10A). We have taken these nuances into account in the instructions.

Why you can't ignore the old protective film

Factory film on Xiaomi Redmi is made of thin polyurethane or PET-a material with a minimal adhesive layer:

• 🔍 Loses transparency - due to microcuts and accumulation of fat from the fingers, the screen becomes cloudy, contrast decreases.
• 🦠 It collects bacteria -- studies show that there are 10 times more microbes on the surface of a smartphone than on a toilet seat -- and cracks in the film are a breeding ground for infections.
• 📱 Deteriorating touch response – especially noticeable on models with a high screen survey rate (for example, Redmi Note 11 Pro)+ 5G 120 Hz).
• 💧 Provokes detachment of the oleophobic coating - if the film is not removed in time, when it is removed, the factory anti-reflective screen coating can "go away.

The manufacturer recommends removing the factory film within the first 2-3 weeks after purchase, but in practice, users often use the smartphone with it for months, which complicates the process of removing.

⚠️ Note: On Redmi models with AMOLED-screens (e.g. Redmi) K50) Old film can cause the effect of "burn" - uneven burnout of pixels due to the difference in light transmission.

Preparation of the smartphone: what to do before filming

Incorrect preparation is the main cause of damage to the screen or glue residue.

Turn off your smartphone (this will prevent accidental touches of the screen)

Make sure the temperature of the device is not lower than +18 ° C (cold glue is not well removed)

Prepare the lighting – it is better to use a table lamp at an angle of 45 °

Prepare tools: plastic card, Scotch, microfibre wipe, alcohol wipes (70%)

-->

For models with curved edges of the screen (for example, Redmi Note 11T Pro) will need a thin plastic mediator (you can replace the guitar mediator), which will help to tamper with the film in the recesses without scratching the glass.

If the used smartphone and film last more than a year, 10-15 minutes before the procedure, put it on a warm battery (not hot!) or use a dryer at minimum power. This will soften the adhesive layer. Do not heat the screen above 40°C. It can hurt. OLED-matrix.

Less than a month.

1-3 months

3–6 months

More than a year.

I've already taken it, but there are traces.-->

Method 1: Classic nail removal or plastic card

This method is suitable for new smartphones, where the film has not yet "filled".

1. Take your smartphone so that your thumb is at the bottom of the screen. Carefully tuck the film with your nail or the corner of a plastic card from any angle. Redmi models usually make it easier to start at the bottom right corner, with fewer sensors.
2. When the edge of the film has risen by 1-2 mm, slowly pull it parallel to the screen, not upwards.°.
3. If the film breaks, stop and push the other side. Don't try to rip it off with a jerk, it will damage the oleophobic coating.

For models with touch buttons under the screen (like the Redmi 9A), be careful at the bottom – there’s often more glue accumulating.

⚠️ Note: On Redmi with an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor under the screen (such as the Redmi Note 11 Pro), do not use metal objects - they can damage the touch zone.

Method 2: Use of Scotch for difficult cases

If the tape breaks or doesn't, use the Scotch method.

• 📱 Smartphones that have served with film for more than 6 months.
• 🔧 Devices where the film cracked and crumbles when filmed.
• 💔 Screens with damaged corners, where it is impossible to touch the edge.

Step-by-step:

1. Plug a wide tape (preferably paint) on the film so that it protrudes beyond the edge of the screen for 1-2 cm Press it with a rubber spatula or card.
2. In a sharp motion, rip off the tape parallel to the screen, the film should be filmed with it, if there are fragments, repeat the procedure.
3. Remove the glue residues with alcohol wipes (do not use acetone!). For persistent traces, a means for cleaning screens based on isopropyl alcohol is suitable.

For models with textured back panels (such as the Redmi Note 10 Pro), be careful - scotch can leave traces on plastic.

💡

If you have sticky spots left after removal, wipe the screen with a mixture of water and vinegar (1:1) using microfiber.This method is safe for oleophobic coating, unlike aggressive solvents.

Method 3: Special tools for "stiff" film

For Xiaomi Redmi smartphones that have been in use with film for more than a year, conventional methods often don’t work.

• 🔪 Plastic scraper (for example, iFixit Opening Tool) - suitable for neatly tweaking edges.
• 💨 Hair dryer or heat gun - heats up glue (temperature not higher than 50)°C!).
• 🧴 Means for removing stickers (e.g, 3M Adhesive Remover – dissolves old glue without damaging the screen.
• 🧲 Magnetic holder – fixes the film after tweaking, preventing tears.

Algorithm of actions for "old" film:

1. Heat the screen with a hairdryer for 20-30 seconds, keeping it at a distance of 10 cm.
2. You can put a plastic scraper on the edge and pull it slowly, and if the film breaks, stop and repeat the heat.
3. Remove the glue residues with a special tool, applying it to the microfiber.

For models with a glass back panel (such as the Redmi K50 Gaming), avoid overheating - it can damage the adhesive that locks the chamber module.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users make mistakes that cause screen damage or glue residues.

Especially careful with models that have a glue connected to the screen and body (for example, Redmi 10), the intense pressure on the display can violate the tightness, which will lead to dust getting inside.

⚠️ Note: Redmi with infrared port (e.g. Redmi Note) 11S) Do not point the hair dryer at the top of the screen – this can damage the IR sensor.

Screen care after filming

Once the factory protection is removed, the screen becomes vulnerable to scratches and contamination, to keep it in perfect condition:

• 🛡️ Stick the new protection in 24 hours. AMOLED-screens are better to choose flexible glass (for example, AmFilm Ultra Glass), and for budget models – high-quality glass. PET-oleophobic.
• 🧼 Clean the screen correctly: use microfiber and distilled water (normal can leave wiring). Avoid paper wipes - they scratch.
• 🔋 Watch out for charging: Don’t put your smartphone down on hard surfaces while charging – vibration from notifications can cause microcracks.
• 🌞 Avoid direct sunlight: UV radiation destroys the oleophobic coating. In the car cover the screen with a cover in the summer.

For models with a high refresh rate of the screen (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro Speed with 144 Hz), it is recommended to use ultra-thin glasses (thickness 0.15-0.2 mm) so as not to impair the responsiveness of the sensor.

💡

If the screen becomes less sensitive to touch after filming, calibrate the sensor through the engineering menu, enter the phone code ##6484## in the app and select Touch Screen Test.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions