Smartphone screen is the most vulnerable part of the device, subject to constant mechanical stress. Owners of popular models Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO often face the dilemma: entrust protection to professionals or save and perform the procedure at home.
Modern smartphones have expensive AMOLED and IPS arrays that can cost up to half the price of the device. Self-gluing glass on Xiaomi has become much easier thanks to the introduction of special frame-installers in the kit and improved adhesion of the adhesive layer. However, rushing and ignoring surface preparation rules often lead to bubbles or dust under the layer of protection.
In this guide, we will look at every step of the process, from consumable selection to final edge polishing, learn how to degrease the surface, center the glass and eliminate minor mounting defects, and a competent approach will allow you to get a result that is as good as service, while maintaining the sensitivity of the touchscreen and the brightness of the image.
Selection of protective glass: types and characteristics
Before starting the procedure, you need to decide on the type of protective coating. The accessories market for Xiaomi offers many options, and choosing the right protective glass directly affects durability and tactile sensation. Cheap counterparts often have a low-quality oleophobic coating that wears off in a couple of weeks, leaving the screen sticky.
The best solution for owners of the flagship models of the Mi and Xiaomi series are glass with a hardness of 9H and full transparency. It is important to pay attention to the thickness of the layer: too thick glass can disrupt the fingerprint scanner built into the screen. Thin hydrogel films are less noticeable, but worse protect against strong impacts.
⚠️ Note: When buying glass for curved screens (2.5D or 3D) Make sure that the adhesive layer covers the entire area, not just the center part, otherwise the edges will be permanently peeled off.
A quality product must have an oleophobic coating that repels fat and water, and you can check its presence by dripping water on the surface: the drops should collect into clear spheres, not spread out, and you should also pay attention to the presence of a black frame around the perimeter, which hides the edges of the glass and prevents the appearance of a “rainbow” at the joints.
Test for the quality of oleophobic coating
- 🛡️ Firmness 9H Provides maximum resistance to scratches from keys and metal.
- 💧 The presence of an oleophobic layer makes it easier to clean the screen from fingerprints.
- 📏 A thickness of 0.26–0.33 mm is considered a standard that does not affect sensitivity.
Do not skimp on buying an accessory, as cheap glass can burst at the first fall, transferring the impact energy to the matrix. It is better to buy a proven brand once than change the display module.
Preparation of the workplace and tools
The success of the operation depends on 80% of the conditions in which you glue the glass on Redmi or Xiaomi. The main problem in installation is dust, which, when put under the glue, creates visible bumps.
The ideal place is to have a bathroom if you start hot water for 5-10 minutes, the steam settles with the dust, cleansing the air, the alternative is to use an air humidifier next to the work area or to perform the procedure immediately after wet cleaning in the room, the surface of the table should be flat, clean and well lit.
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Turn on the bright light of the desk lamp and point it at an angle to the phone screen, which will help you see the smallest specks of dust that you can't see in normal light.
Prepare all the tools you need in advance so you don't have to look for them in the process.
- 🧼 Alcohol wipes or degreaser to clean the screen.
- 💨 Sticky tape (scotch) or special stickers for dust removal.
- 🧵 Microfiber for the final polishing of the surface.
You may also need a plastic card or a special spatula to push bubbles out, although they are often included.Make sure your hands are clean and dry, as the fat from your fingers can leave marks on the glue layer.If you have long hair, collect it so it doesn't fall on the screen.
☑️ Ready for gluing
Display cleaning process
The most critical step is to prepare the screen surface. Any grain of sand left on Xiaomi's display will become the center of the air bubble's crillization. First, use the wet alcohol wipe from the kit, thoroughly wiping the entire area, including the corners and areas of the speakers.
After treatment with alcohol, take the dry part of the microfiber wipe and dry the screen in circular motions. Don't press too hard to avoid damaging the matrix, especially if the phone already has chips on the case. Your goal is to achieve perfect cleanliness when the glass looks completely transparent.
⚠️ Warning: Never use household chemicals, window wipers or acetone.Aggressive substances can dissolve the oleophobic coating of the screen itself or damage the adhesive layer of protective glass.
The final touch is to use sticky tape, and you can go all over the screen, gently gluing and peeling it off to collect the remaining villi and dust, and do this quickly so that the dust doesn't settle back, and if you notice the villi after you start gluing it, you can do this again by gently lifting the glass.
Check the result in side lighting: there should be no stains, no hairs, no stains, no hairs, and then you can go to the direct editing, and remember that degreasing is a key factor in the longevity of the clutch.
Technology of installation of protective glass
There are two main ways to install it: using a guide frame (complete with expensive glass) and an eye frame (classic method). The frame greatly simplifies the process, as it captures the position of the glass relative to the Xiaomi body. Remove the protective film from the adhesive layer and gently lower the glass into the frame.
If you don't have a frame, you have to be very careful. Take the glass by the ends without touching the sticky surface with your fingers. Hold it to the screen, combining the cutouts for the speaker, the camera and the sensors. Once you're positioned properly, gently lower the glass onto the screen starting on one side.
Once the glass touches the screen, the adhesive layer will begin to spread. Don't press the center right away! Let the air come out on its own. If the glass is crooked, it can be carefully removed and re-glued, but only if the adhesive layer has not managed to grasp the dust. Re-adhesion reduces adhesion, so try to get in the first time.
Once the glass is on the screen, use a plastic card wrapped in a soft cloth to drive the air from the center to the edges. Movements should be confident, but not overly strong. Pay special attention to the edges where air pockets often remain.
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The key to smooth gluing is to take your time pressing the glass, let it magnetize itself to the screen, controlling the process of air extraction.
| Phase | Action. | Implementation time |
|---|---|---|
| Cleanup | Washing with alcohol and microfiber | 2-3 minutes |
| Desultation | Dust collection with sticky tape | 1 minute |
| Positioning | Reconciling cuts and edges | 30 seconds |
| Fixation | Pressing and ejecting bubbles | 2-5 minutes |
Removing defects: dust and bubbles
Even skilled craftsmen sometimes have defects. The most common enemy is the dust under the glass. If you notice a black dot with an air halo, don't try to crush it with your finger. You'll need a thin needle or a tape. Carefully lift the edge of the glass above the defect with a needle.
Using a piece of tape, remove the dust from the glue layer or from the screen of your smartphone, then lower the glass again and smooth the joint, which is a method that saves the situation 95% of the time, the main thing is to act quickly and not let the glue layer dust while it is open.
Dust-free air bubbles often disappear within 24 to 48 hours. The adhesive layer continues to spread out and fill the micronervousnesses. If the bubble is large and intrusive, you can try to squeeze it out gently to the nearest edge. Sometimes it helps to heat it with a hair dryer (not hot air, but warm) for 10 to 15 seconds, which makes the glue more elastic.
⚠️ Warning: Don't use sharp metal objects to push out bubbles with force.You can scratch the glass itself or, worse, damage the smartphone's matrix under pressure.
Rarely, you'll see a rainbow effect or a stripe on the edges, which is a sign of poor quality glass that doesn't have a transparent perimeter adhesive layer, and you can't fix that, just by replacing the accessory with a better, full adhesive base.
Post-installation care and operation
After successfully installing the protective glass on Xiaomi, it is recommended to let it stand for 12 hours, during which time it is better not to use the phone actively and not to put it in a pocket where pressure is possible.
Rub the screen regularly with a soft cloth. Despite the presence of an oleophobic coating, aggressive cleaning with alcohol every day can accelerate its wear. For daily hygiene, microfibers are enough. If the glass cracks, replace it immediately: fragments can injure the finger, and cracks reduce the strength of the structure.
Life of the protective glass
Compliance with simple rules of operation will prolong the life of not only the protective accessory, but also the display of your smartphone. Regular check of edges for detachments will allow you to glue the glass in time or replace it, preventing moisture and dirt from entering the inside.
Now your smartphone is secure. Properly installed glass is almost invisible and retains the original color rendering of the MIUI screen. You saved money on the service and gained valuable skills that will be useful in the future.