How to remove scratches from the screen of Xiaomi watches: from polishing to professional repair

Scratches on the screen of Xiaomi smart watches are a problem that every second owner faces after 6-12 months of active use, even protected glass Gorilla Glass or sapphire coating on flagship models (Xiaomi Watch). S3, Mi Band 8 Pro does not save from microdamage when falling, strap friction or contact with keys in your pocket. Unlike smartphones, the screen of the watch is more difficult to protect with film due to its curved shape and small size, and the cost of official repairs often reaches 30-50% of the price of the device.

In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods for removing scratches - from household products (toothpaste, polymer) to professional techniques (diamond paste, glass replacement). We will pay special attention to models with AMOLED-screens (for example, Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro), where scratches are visible even when the display is turned off due to the backlight, also give a table of compatibility methods with specific watch series and warn about typical errors that will turn a small defect into a crack.

Why are there scratches on the screen Xiaomi and whether they can be prevented

The main reason for the scratches on Xiaomi watches is the low hardness of the protective glass on the Mohs scale. For example, the Mi Band 7 and Redmi Watch 3 use a plastic screen with hardness. ~3H, And the Xiaomi Watch. S2 — tempered-glass (~6H). For comparison, quartz sand, which easily clings to clothes, has hardness. 7H. It takes one careless move to leave a trace.

The second most common sources of damage:

• 🔑 Metal items in your pocket (keys, coins, knives) – especially dangerous for Xiaomi Mi Band with soft plastic.
• 🏃 Sports loads: falls, blows on the bars, friction on the bicycle steering wheel.
• 🧴 Abrasive cleaning products (powders, hard wipes) when caring for the watch.
• 💍 Jewelry: rings, bracelets with stones (even sapphire scratches glass hardness to the point of being a sapphire). 9H).

Can scratches be prevented? Partly yes. The manufacturer recommends:

• 🛡️ Use silicone or plastic cases (for example, for Xiaomi Watch 2 suit case from Spigen).
• 🧼 Wash your watch with soap solution and microfiber (no paper towels!).
• 🚫 Avoid wearing on your hand with metal bracelets or watches (friction between cases).

⚠️ Warning: Some smartwatch "protective films" (e.g., hydrogels) actually increase the risk of scratches, accumulate grains of sand underneath, which act like sandpaper when moving your hand).

How to assess the depth of the scratch: when you can polish, and when – only a replacement

Before you try to remove a scratch, determine the type of scratch, which determines whether polishing will help or if you need to change the glass.

• 🪄 Small scratch: not clinging to the nail, visible only at a certain angle, such damage can be repaired with polish or paste GOI.
• 🔍 Medium: slightly touches the nail, visible when the screen is on, you will need diamond paste or professional polishing.
• 💥 Deep: clearly felt by the nail, possibly touching the sensor, and only changing the glass (in the service center or on your own) will help).

It is especially dangerous to ignore the deep scratches on the AMOLED-The damage to the organic layer causes the pixels to burn out, black or colored dots that can no longer be fixed. If the scratch crosses the active zone of the display, check the sensor response in the Settings menu. → Screen. → Touch test.

⚠️ Note: On an oleophobic watch (e.g., Xiaomi Watch) S3) Even small scratches after polishing can deprive the screen of protection from greasy marks. It is impossible to restore the coating at home - you will need professional application.

Method 1: Removing small scratches with toothpaste – myth or reality?

The toothpaste method is the most Controversial Xiaomi owner, with hundreds of reviews online that have helped/devastated the screen, but few explain why it works (or doesn't work).

Toothpaste contains microcrystals of silica or calcium carbonate (abrasives), which smooth out irregularities when rubbed.

• ✅ It is suitable for plastic screens (Mi Band) 5/6/7) or glass-hardened 5H.
• ❌ Dangerous for Sapphire Glass (Xiaomi Watch) S3) — Abrasives will leave new micro-damages.
• ⚠️ Risky for AMOLED: With strong pressure, the organic layer can be damaged.

Step-by-step:

1. Apply the paste (no gel balls!) to the wet microfiber

2. Pollish with circular movements for 2-3 minutes (without pressing!)

3. Remove the residues with a wet wipe

4. Dry the watch 12.+ watches (moisture under the body) = corrosion!)

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Important: Use only white paste without bleaching granules (such as Colgate Total or Splat Biocalcium). Colored gels contain aggressive pigments that can leave divorces on plastic.

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Before polishing, take a picture of the screen in side lighting - so you will objectively assess the result "before / after".

Method 2: Professional Polyroles – Displex, GOI and diamond paste

If toothpaste is a “home ambulance”, then specialized polishing is a surgical solution for hard glass. 6H Consider three popular tools and their application to watches Xiaomi:

How to polish pasta GOI:

1. Apply the paste on a felt circle (or soft fabric without pile).
2. Polish the screen with cruciate movements for 5-7 minutes (without pressing!).
3. Remove the residues with an alcohol solution (70% isopropyl alcohol).
4. Apply a protective coating (such as Nano Liquid Glass).

⚠️ Note: When polishing Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro with sapphire glass, use diamond paste only with a grain of 0.25-1 μm. Coarser compositions (3-7 μm) will leave matteness, which can not be removed later.

Method 3: Replacing Glass – When It’s the Only Way Out

If you scratch deeper than 0.3 mm, touch the sensor, or the screen is cracked, the polish is powerless, and you need to change the protective glass, and let's look at three options, from the budget to the premium.

1. Self-substitution (for experienced)

• 🛠️ Pros: cost 500-1500 rubles (glass) + glue).
• ⚠️ Cons: Risk of damaging plumes or display (especially on Xiaomi Watch) S3 thin-connectored).
• 🔧 Tools: hair dryer (for heating glue), plastic shoulder blades, tweezers, glue B-7000.

2. Xiaomi Service Center

• 🏢 Pros: original parts, 6 months warranty.
• 💰 Cons: price 3000-6000 rubles (depending on the model).
• ⏳ Period: 3-7 days (if glass is available).

Informal workshops

• 🔄 Pros: price 30-50% lower than official, quick repair (1-2 days).
• ❌ Cons: Chinese glass analogues with the worst transparency are often used.

For models with AMOLED-Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro, Mi Band 8 Pro are recommended only official service.When replacing glass in artisanal conditions, there is a high risk of damage to the matrix, which will entail the replacement of the entire display module (cost) ~10,000 rubles.).

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If the sensor becomes less responsive to touch after the glass is replaced, it may be due to poor-quality glue or dust falling under the screen. ~1,000 rubles.).

Method 4: Recovery of the oleophobic coating after polishing

Even if you can remove the scratches, the screen can lose the oleophobic coating, the very layer that repels greasy fingerprints, without it, the watch will remain divorced, and the sensor will become less sensitive.

1. Liquid glass (nano)-cover)

• 💎 Examples: Nano Liquid Glass, Belkin ScreenCare.
• ✅ Pros: protects against new scratches, restores slip.
• ⏱️ Validity: 3-6 months.

2. Polymer lacquer

• 🎨 Examples: Permatex Clear Coat, 2K Clear.
• ✅ Pros: cheaper than liquid glass (200-300 rubles), lasts up to a year.
• ⚠️ Cons: requires drying under a UV lamp (2-3 minutes).

Instructions for applying liquid glass:

1. Clean the screen with a degreasing agent (e.g. Isopropyl Alcohol 99%).
2. Apply 2-3 drops of the product to the microfiber.
3. Rain circular movements for 1 minute.
4. Leave the watch for 12 hours (don’t turn on the screen!).

⚠️ Note: On a watch with sapphire glass (Xiaomi Watch) S3) liquid glass lasts a maximum of 2-3 months due to low adhesion. For such models, it is better to use a ceramic coating (applied in the service, cost). ~1500 rubles.).

What not to do when removing the scratches (TOP-5 mistake)

Many Xiaomi owners, in an effort to save money on repairs, are making the problem worse, and here are the most devastating mistakes that will turn a small scratch into a crack or disable the sensor:

1. Use of sandpaper

Even zero (Grand 2000)+) It leaves microcracks that diverge over time. AMOLED-This causes the screens to burn out pixels.

2. Dry-cloth polishing

Without lubrication (water, alcohol), dust particles act as an abrasive, especially dangerous for the Mi Band with soft plastic.

3. Disassembly of watches without tools

Tortures to open the case with a knife or screwdriver end in damage to the latches (for example, on Redmi Watch 3) or a break in the battery plume.

4. Application of aggressive chemistry

Acetone, white spirits, glass washing products (Mr. Muscle) corrode the glue under the screen and spoil the oleophobic coating.

5. Ignoring moisture after polishing

If you don't dry the watch 12.+ hours, moisture under the body will oxidize the contacts, which will lead to loss of communication with the phone or spontaneous reboots.

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If the screen is matte after a failed polishing, it is a sign of damage to the anti-reflective coating, which can only be restored in the service by applying a new layer (cost) ~2500 rubles.).

FAQ: Frequent questions about scratches on Xiaomi watches