Replacement of protective glass on the smartphone Xiaomi: a full guide with photos and videos

The security glass on Xiaomi is not just an accessory, but a necessary barrier between the screen and the outside world. Even when used carefully, it eventually develops scratches, cracks or chips that spoil the appearance and reduce the tactile sensation. Many users are afraid to change the glass themselves for fear of damaging the display or adhesive base, but in fact the procedure is no more difficult than replacing the case - if you know the nuances.

In this article, we will discuss all the stages of replacement: from choosing a new glass to the final polishing, take into account the features of popular models (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13) and reveal the secret of correctly positioning glass without bubbles. You will also learn what mistakes lead to detachment of the glue after a week and how to avoid the “rainbow effect” after installation. If you have never done this, no problem: our guide is designed for beginners, but it will be useful for experienced users.

1. Which protective glass to choose for Xiaomi: types and features

Not all glasses are the same – they are not only priced, but also the material, thickness, coating and even the shape of the edge. For Xiaomi with curved screens (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Mix Fold 3) only fits 3D-glass with flexible edges, and for flat displays (Redmi 10, POCO M5) standard 2.5D. Here are the key parameters:

• 🔹 Thickness: 0.15–0.33 mm Thin (0.15–0.2 mm) retain screen sensitivity, but are worse at protecting against impacts. Optimal – 0.26–0.33 mm for the balance of protection and tactile sensations.
• 🔹 Firmness: 9H — Brands like Spigen or AmFilm offer hardened glass. 9H+ (scratch-coating).
• 🔹 Oleophobic (Oleophobic) - Repels fat and fingerprints, and in cheap glass, it wears off in 2-3 months.
• 🔹 Crom: 2.5D (flat with rounded edges) or 3D (Full coverage of curved screen. for Xiaomi 12T Or 13 Pro just take it. 3D!

Pay attention to the delivery kit. A good set should include:

• 📌 The glass itself (sometimes 2 pieces).
• 📌 Microfiber napkin.
• 📌 Alcohol solution for cleaning (or wet wipe).
• 📌 Dust collector (sticker for removing microfibers).
• 📌 Positioning frame (for precise installation).

⚠️ Warning: Don't buy glass that says "Universal" or "All models" -- it's rarely perfect. Even the Redmi Note 11 and Note 11 Pro have different notches for the speaker and camera. Check compatibility by the exact model name on the manufacturer's website.

2. Replacement tools: what you will need besides glass

Many people neglect to prepare tools, and without them, the process becomes anguish. Here's the minimum set that guarantees a clean installation:

⚠️ Warning: Do not use metal tools (knives, screwdrivers) - they will scratch the screen! If you do not have a plastic blade at hand, take a bank card or guitar mediator. Also avoid acetone or solvents - they will damage the oleophobic coating of the display.

For models with ultrasonic fingerprint scanners (Xiaomi 13T, Redmi K60), choose glasses marked "Compatibile with Fingerprint." Cheap glasses can block the sensor signal, and the scanner will stop working.

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Before you buy glass, check for a lumen — quality glass has a uniform bluish hue, not yellow or green — a sign of cheap glue that will turn yellow over time.

Preparation of the smartphone: how to remove old glass without damage

The most important step is to remove the old glass, and if it's cracked, you should be careful not to scratch the screen.

1. Turn off the phone and remove it. SIM-This will prevent accidental touch and short circuits.
2. Put tape on the glass cross-over, it will hold the shards when removed.
3. Heat the screen with a hair dryer for 1-2 minutes at a distance of 10 cm. The glue will become elastic, and the glass will be removed more easily.
4. You can shovel the glass around the corner. You can move slowly, lift the glass evenly. If it doesn't, heat it up again.
5. Remove the glue residue from the screen with scotch or alcohol. Don't rub too hard - the oleophobic coating of the display is easily damaged!

⚠️ Attention: If the glass is cracked with a spider web, don't press the center, it can crumble. Start squeezing from the corner where there are fewer cracks. For stubborn glasses, use a thread or a line: put it under the glass and saw back and forth like raw.

After removing, check the screen for microcracks, hold the phone to the light at an angle, if you see rainbow swelling, you've damaged the polarizing layer of the display, in which case you should contact the service.

4. Installation of new glass: step-by-step process with photo

Now, the most important thing is the installation, and it's about fine-tuning and no dust.

1. Clean the screen with alcohol and a microfiber napkin. Wipe 2-3 times while changing the napkin.
2. Use a dust collector. Stick it to the screen and remove it, and it collects microfibers.
3. Apply a positioning frame (if included) to help align the glass.
4. Remove the protective film from the glass and gently apply it to the screen, starting at the top edge.
5. Press the glass from the center to the edges, squeezing bubbles. Use a bank card or a special roller.

⚠️ Attention: Don't push your fingers against the glass, you'll see greasy prints, and if you have bubbles, pick up the glass and reset it, and the glue will stick for the first 5 to 10 minutes.

For models with a front-facing camera cutout (Xiaomi 12 Lite, Redmi Note 11S), make sure the glass falls exactly on the cutout. If it moves 1 mm, it will look curved. Use a magnifying glass or magnifying glass for control.

5 Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users make mistakes that ruin the results. TOP-5 Failures and How to Prevent Them:

• 🚫 Dust under glass. Cause: an uncleaned screen or a dusty room. Solution: put it in the bathroom after a shower (there is less dust there) or use a vacuum cleaner with a vacuum cleaner. HEPA-filter.
• 🚫 Bubbles around the edges. The reason is: uneven pressing. Solution: press the glass from the center to the edges, not vice versa.
• 🚫 «Rainbow divorces. It's because of cheap glue or pressure on the screen. Solution: take the glass off. UV-glue (frozen under the UV lamp).
• 🚫 The fingerprint scanner is not working. The reason is that the glass is too thick. Solution: look for glass marked "Ultrasonic Fingerprint Compatible».
• 🚫 The glass flakes off after a week, because it's a greasy screen or a bad glue, so you can wipe the screen with isopropyl alcohol before you install it.

If the glass is pressed (bending and coming back) after installation, it's not caught. This is a common problem with silicone glue glasses, and the solution is to use acrylic glue glasses (which are more expensive, but more reliable).

For models with AMOLED-Xiaomi 13, Mix 4: Avoid metallic glass, which can interfere with light sensors.

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The secret to the perfect installation is cleanliness and patience. 90% of the problems are due to dust or haste. If you are not sure, put the glass in gloves to avoid leaving fingerprints.

6. Care behind glass: how to extend its service life

Even the strongest glass will last longer if you follow the simple rules:

• 🧼 Cleaning: Use wet eyeglass wipes or microfiber.Do not wash the screen under the tap!
• 📱 Storage: Do not put your phone down on hard surfaces (table, asphalt). 9H-glass scratches off the sand.
• 🔥 Temperature: Don't leave your smartphone in the sun (in your car in the summer) - the glue can "float" and the glass will peel off.
• 🛠️ Repair: If cracks appear, change the glass immediately.Splits scratch the screen and fingers.

To restore the oleophobic coating (if the glass has become sticky), use polyrene for glasses (for example, Liquid Glass Screen Protector). Apply it every 2-3 months, this will return smoothness and protection from fingerprints.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use household chemicals (alcohol, vinegar, glassware) to clean, they destroy the oleophobic layer and glue, optimally distilled water or special sprays for electronics.

7. Glass comparison for popular Xiaomi models

Not all glasses are equally good for different models, and we tested several options for popular Xiaomi and made a rating:

For foldable smartphones (Xiaomi Mix Fold 3), only special flexible-based glasses (such as Skinomi TechSkin) are suitable. ₽), but do not crack when flexed.

If your model is not in the table, look for windows marked “Full Coverage” or “Edge-to-Edge” – they cover the screen completely, without gaps.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)