Buying a new smartphone is always accompanied by pleasant emotions, especially when it comes to the popular model Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro. In the box, the device is usually in a protective plastic shell that preserves the pristine state of the case during transportation. However, to begin full use of the gadget, you need to remove this package. It would seem that the process is elemental, but inept actions can lead to scratches or damage to the oleophobic coating of the screen.
Many users are faced with a dilemma: whether to leave the factory sticker on the display or remove it immediately. In the case of the Redmi Note 10 Pro, the situation has its own nuances, since the factory film is often a temporary measure of protection, rather than a full-fledged analogue of tempered glass. Understanding the structure of the protective layers will help avoid typical errors when unpacking.
In this article, we will discuss in detail how to properly remove the factory film, what tools may be needed for safe dismantling and whether it is worth leaving this layer on the surface. AMOLED-screen of your smartphone.
Anatomy of the Redmi Note 10 Pro Factory Protection
Before you start physically impacting the body, it’s important to understand what factory protection consists of. Xiaomi often has a dual-layer system: an external transport film and an internal protective layer, which is sometimes confused with the screen.
The outer layer is usually a thin, matte polyethylene that is easily removed, but underneath it may be a denser, transparent film that is glued around the perimeter, designed to protect against micro-scratches in the factory, but not designed for long-term use.
A key feature of the Redmi Note 10 Pro is the presence of a fingerprint scanner built right into the display. Any film, even thin, can reduce sensor sensitivity and unlock speed, so understanding the type of sticker is critical for further use.
- 📦 Transportation layer: easily removed with fingers, often has a tongue to grip.
- 🛡️ Internal protection: denser, can have microperforation for speakers.
- 🖐️ Touch Layer: The Gorilla Glass Victus screen itself, which doesn’t require additional films to work.
How to distinguish the factory film from tempered glass?
Tools and workplace preparation required
You don't need a lot of engineering tools to safely take film, but it's still worth it to get the work done. Dust and small debris are the main enemies of a clean screen, so it's best to do it in a clean room.
Your own fingers will be the main tool, but in hard-to-reach places like a speaker grid or the edges of a curved screen, a thin object may be needed, and a plastic card or a special blade for opening the cases is ideal.
Do not use metal objects such as scissors or needles, as one awkward movement can result in a deep scratch on the AMOLED matrix.Also prepare a microfiber to wipe the surface after removing the protection.
☑️ Preparation for filming
Step-by-step instructions for film removal
The removal process should be slow and careful, and sudden jerks can cause the film to break and its residues have to be picked out of the speakers or connectors.
Start by looking for the tongue or the protruding edge of the film, usually in one of the upper corners or in the area of the speaker, and if the tongue is not, gently tuck the edge with a plastic map.
Pull the film at a 45-degree angle, evenly spreading the force. Don't pull vertically upwards so as not to damage the button controls if the film comes in on them.
⚠️ Warning: If the film does not come off easily and creates strong resistance, do not use force. It may be glued along the perimeter with a glue layer, and you need warm-up or more thorough wiping of the edges.
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If the film breaks and there's a piece on the screen, don't rub it with your finger. Carefully tuck the rest with tape or sticky tape so you don't smear the glue on the display.
Working with hard-to-reach places and speakers
One of the main problems when removing protection from the Redmi Note 10 Pro is the area of the top speaker. The film often has a perforation or cutouts, but sometimes comes to the grid, and when removed can tear off part of the protective layer of the speaker.
Carefully inspect the area of the speaker before taking the film, if the film is stretched over the holes, use a toothpick or a thin needle (acting extremely carefully) to make incisions along the perimeter of the holes.
This will remove most of the protection without affecting the inside of the device. After removing the main canvas, check if there are any flaps inside the speaker grid.
| Risk zone | Probability of damage | Recommended instrument |
|---|---|---|
| Speaking speaker | Tall. | Toothpick/Needle |
| Activation button | Medium | Nail/Plastic |
| Imprint scanner. | Low. | Microfiber |
| Cameras (perimeter) | Medium | Plastic card |
Should I leave the factory film?
This is a question that many owners are concerned about. Xiaomi's factory film was originally designed as a temporary protection, and it doesn't have an oleophobic coating, so the finger will slip worse and the greasy footprints will be more visible.
Also, the thickness of standard factory protection can conflict with covers. When you wear a smartphone in a tight case, the edges of the film can start to pick up, collecting dust and creating bubbles.
On the other hand, if you plan to put on a high-quality hydrogel or ceramic coating right away, you don't have to remove the factory film if it's perfectly laid out. However, for the Redmi Note 10 Pro with its curved edges, it's better to remove the factory layer for the perfect fit of the new tread.
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Factory film is a transportation consumable, not a full-fledged protection, and for long-term screen life, it is better to replace it with quality glass or hydrogel.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
The most common mistake is using aggressive liquids to remove glue residues, and alcohol or acetone can damage the oleophobic coating of the screen itself or the plastic edge of the display.
Also, users often ignore static electricity. Removing the synthetic film generates a static charge that can attract dust. Before removing it, it is useful to wipe your hands with an antistatic wipe or simply wash them.
Don't try to take the film off the weight. Put the phone on a flat, hard surface so you can have control of the device and not drop it in the process.
⚠️ Warning: Never use blades or razor knives to tweak the edges of the film on the screen. The risk of damaging the matrix or plume of the display is 99%.