Replacing the protective glass on Xiaomi: a complete guide with photos and videos

The security glass on Xiaomi is not just an accessory, but a necessary element that protects the screen from scratches, chips and cracks. Over time, even the most durable coating loses its properties: microcracks appear, sensor sensitivity decreases, chips form on the edges. If you notice that the glass has ceased to perform its functions or even cracked, it needs to be replaced. But should you contact the service center or can you cope with it yourself?

In this article, we will go through the whole process in detail, from choosing a new glass to the final polishing. You will learn what tools you will need, how to avoid sticker errors, and why some Xiaomi models (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro+ or POCO F5) require a special approach. We will also reveal the secrets of professionals: how to remove old glass without glue residues and how to kick out air bubbles in minutes. Ready to return your smartphone to its perfect appearance?

When to change the protective glass: 5 obvious signs

Many users endure until the glass turns into a web of cracks, but it is not necessary to tighten with replacement, it can damage the screen itself.

• 🔍 Visible cracks – even small webs reduce strength and can diverge further.
• 📱 Poor sensor sensitivity – glass starts to “glutch”, miss touches or react with a delay.
• 💎 Wrapping and scratching – if the coating has become matte, it no longer protects the screen from new damage.
• 🧲 Detachment at the edges - dust and moisture enters under the glass, which accelerates wear and tear.
• 🔄 Expired service life - even without visible defects, glass loses its properties after 1-2 years (depending on quality).

Especially careful should be the owners of models with curved screens (Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Mix Fold 3), on such devices, the glass flakes more often due to the complex geometry, and at risk are smartphones with Always-On Display (for example, Xiaomi 14), where constant lighting accelerates the wear of the adhesive layer.

⚠️ Attention: If a crack on the glass is located directly above the camera or sensors, it can disrupt their operation.+ Damaged glass over the front camera often leads to blurred selfies.

What kind of security glass to choose for Xiaomi: comparison of 4 types

The market offers dozens of options, from cheap Chinese films to premium sapphire-coated glasses, and to make no mistake, let’s take a look at the main types and their features for Xiaomi smartphones.

For most users, the best choice is 2.5D glass, it is a reliable protection against scratches and inexpensive. - Flagship owners (Xiaomi 14, 13T Pro is worth considering 3D-It's a glass that covers even the rounded edges of the screen, and sapphire glass is heavy-duty, but it often conflicts with the fingerprint sensors under the screen (for example, on the screen). POCO F5 Pro).

When buying, pay attention to: • Compatibility with the model - the glass should fit perfectly on the cutouts for the camera and speaker. • The presence of oleophobic coating - repels greasy fingerprints. • Compatibility - the set should contain wipes, a dust collector and a sticker for positioning.

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Before buying, check the reviews for a specific model – some glasses (for example, for Xiaomi Civi 3) can be defective in size even for well-known brands.

Preparing for replacement: tools and safety

Successful replacement of the protective glass is 80% dependent on preparation, and here is a complete list of what you will need:

• 🔧 New protective glass (suitable for your Xiaomi model).
• 🧴 Alcohol wipes (70% isopropyl alcohol) or microfibre + screen-cleaner.
• 🧲 Magnetic dust collector (or scotch to remove fine dust).
• 📏 Positioning sticker (usually complete with glass).
• 💳 Plastic card or mediator to remove old glass.
• 🔦 Bright lamp or flashlight for checking bubbles.
• 🧤 Gloves without pile (optional, but recommended).

Also prepare the workplace: • Clean surface - it is better to cover the table with paper towels. • Without drafts - dust and wind are the main enemies when sticking. • Humidity 40-60% - too dry air contributes to static electricity.

⚠️ Note: If your Xiaomi screen already has cracks, be sure to paste tape on it before replacing the glass so that the fragments do not fall under the new coating. AMOLED-screens (Xiaomi) 12S Ultra, 13 Lite, where the matrix is thinner and more vulnerable.

Step-by-step: how to remove old glass without damage

Removing the old security glass is the most critical step, and if you do it wrong, you'll end up with sticky marks or, worse, scratches on the screen.

Step 1: Heat the glue layer

Use a dryer (at minimum power!) or warm water in a steam. Heat the screen for 1-2 minutes, holding the hair dryer at a distance of 10-15 cm. This will soften the glue and make it easier to remove. OLED-Do not overheat with screens (Xiaomi 13, 12 Pro) – maximum temperature 40°C!

Step 2: Faking the edge

Take a plastic card or a mediator and gently tuck the glass in from any angle. If it doesn't lend itself, warm up the problem area again. Never use metal objects, they will scratch the screen!

Step 3: Gradual withdrawal

When the edge is raised, slowly pull the glass parallel to the screen, not up. If it starts to break, stop and warm up again. On models with an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor (POCO X5 Pro, Redmi K60) be especially careful - the sensor is located under the screen and can damage if pressed hard.

Step 4: Removal of glue residue

Once the glass is removed, there will be a sticky layer on the screen. Remove it with an alcohol napkin, then walk through the magnetic dust collector. For persistent residues, use a white spirit (but not acetone!). On Xiaomi with a matte surface (Redmi Note 11 Pro+), clean it especially carefully - the glue can penetrate the microtext.

Installation of new glass: the technique of the perfect sticker

Now, the hard part is installing a new glass, and it's about accuracy and patience.

Step 1: Positioning

Use a positioner sticker from the kit (or make it yourself out of paint tape) to help align the glass in the center. On the Xiaomi 13T, POCO F4 GT models, make sure the cutout for the front camera matches perfectly.

Step 2: Applying glue (if required)

Most glass has a box-like adhesive layer, but some premium models (Xiaomi Mix Fold 2) may require additional adhesives. LOCA-Apply it thinly with a spatula, avoiding the speakers and microphones.

Step 3. Sticking

Take the protective film off the glass and gently apply it to the screen, starting at the top. Use a credit card or a special roller to squeeze air bubbles from center to edge. On Xiaomi with curved screens (11T Pro), press the edges harder, they stick worse.

Step 4: Checking and polishing

Turn on your smartphone and check the sensitivity of the screen. If there are small bubbles left, place the phone under the lamp - the heat will help the glue spread evenly. For models with a 120 Hz screen (POCO F5, Xiaomi 12 Lite), test the smoothness of the scrolling - sometimes thick glass can create delays.

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If the screen becomes less sensitive after the sticker, check if the glue hits the sensors. Use a cotton swab dipped in alcohol to clean.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when replacing glass, and here are the most common mistakes and ways to prevent them:

• 🌀 Air bubbles are caused by dust or uneven pressing. Solution: use a dust collector and glue the glass in a dust box (you can make it out of a large box).
• 📉 Poor sensitivity, too thick adhesive or poor quality glass, so choose "Touch Accurate" glass".
• 🔊 Muffled speaker sound - glass blocked the holes. Solution: before sticker check compatibility with your Xiaomi model.
• 💡 Rainbow divorces are caused by using cheap glue. Solution: buy glass from the glass. UV-glue and dry under the UV lamp.
• 🔋 The fingerprint sensor is not working - the glass is too thick or defective.Solution: for Xiaomi with a subscreen scanner (Redmi). K50 Ultra) take glasses not more than 0.3 mm thick.

Especially often problems arise when working with foldable devices (Xiaomi Mix Fold 3). It is important here: • Use a special flexible glass - the usual crack when bending. • Apply glue only on the inside - the external must remain mobile. • Check the operation of the hinges after installation - the glass should not interfere with the mechanism.

⚠️ If you have replaced the glass with Xiaomi LTPO-You notice a flickering on the screen (Xiaomi 13 Pro), and it's probably pressing on the matrix, so you'll have to re-glue it or go to the service.

Caring for a new glass: how to prolong his life

Even the strongest glass will last longer if you follow simple rules of care.

• 🧼 Regular cleaning - use microfiber and special wipes. Avoid paper towels - they scratch.
• 🚫 Avoid aggressive remedies – no acetone, bleach or abrasive cleaning pastes.
• 📦 Store it in a case, even the glass won't save you from being hit by a fall (12S Ultra) choose cases with reinforced sideboards.
• ☀️ Don’t leave it in the sun – UV rays destroy the adhesive layer and the glass will start to peel off.
• 🔄 Change every 1 to 1.5 years – even without visible damage, the protective properties are weakened.

For owners of Xiaomi with a subscreen fingerprint sensor (POCO F4, Redmi K50) it is important: • Do not press on the scanner area - this can disrupt its operation. • Use glasses marked "Fingerprint Friendly" - they are thinner in the sensor area. • Periodically re-register fingerprints - over time, the glass may shift slightly.

If you notice that the glass has started to flake off at the edges, don't pull it with a replacement, it will get dust under it, which will then interfere with the sticker of the new coating. On models with a waterproof body (Xiaomi 13, POCO X5 Pro), the detached glass can break the seal, which will lead to moisture entering the interior.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions