Replacement of curtains on Xiaomi TV: instructions with photos and videos

The protective curtain (or decorative film) on Xiaomi TVs is a thin transparent layer that covers the screen from dust and mechanical damage during transportation. Many users face the need to remove or replace it - for example, if the film has turned yellow, broke or interfered with viewing due to glare.

In this article, we will discuss how to safely remove the old curtain and install a new one on Xiaomi Mi TVs (including Mi TV 4S, Mi TV 5, Mi TV Q1 and others), what tools you will need, how to avoid scratches on the screen, and what to do if the film is glued too much, and we will also consider alternative solutions – for example, when replacing the curtain is not required, but a protective glass or matrix.

If your TV is guaranteed, replacing the curtain yourself may cancel it, in which case you should contact Xiaomi Service Center, but if you are willing to act on your own, let's go!

What is a curtain on Xiaomi TV and why to change it

A curtain (or protective transport film) is a thin layer of polyethylene or polypropylene that is pasted on a factory TV screen.

• 🛡️ Protection of the matrix from scratches and dust during delivery.
• 🔄 Prevent static electricity that can damage pixels.
• 📦 Simplifying packaging – film captures the screen, reducing the risk of damage during transportation.

However, over time, the curtain may:

• 🟡 Yellow from exposure to sunlight or heat.
• 🧹 Accumulate dust and greasy spots that are difficult to clean.
• 🔍 Create glare or distort the picture (especially on glossy screens).
• 💥 To break or peel off at the edges, spoiling the appearance.

It is important to understand that the curtain is not a protective glass (like the one on the Mi TV Lux or Mi TV Master), if your TV is equipped with a glass panel, replacing it requires professional skills and tools, and you can change the curtain yourself, following our recommendations.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Mi) TV 5 Pro) the curtain can be glued to double-sided tape, in which case it requires caution - a sharp tearing will damage the anti-reflective coating.

What Xiaomi TV models have a removable curtain

Not all Xiaomi TVs have a removable curtain, and here's a table with popular models and the type of screen protection:

If your model is not listed in the table, check for the curtain visually: hold the flashlight at an angle to the screen that is off. The film will reflect light differently from the matrix glass. You can also carefully pull the corner — if the curtain moves away, you can replace it.

On Xiaomi TVs from 2023 to 2026 (such as the Mi TV Q2 or Mi TV A Pro), the curtain can be integrated into an anti-reflective coating, in which case replacing it is equivalent to repairing the matrix.

Preparation for replacement: tools and materials

Before you start replacing the curtain, prepare everything you need.

• 🧴 Alcohol solution (70-90%) or special liquid for cleaning screens.
• 🧻 Microfiber wipe (without pile, so as not to scratch the screen).
• 📏 Plastic mediator or credit card (for curtain tampering).
• 🔍 A magnifying glass or flashlight (to see glue residues).
• 📄 New curtain (if you plan to install; you can order on AliExpress or in service centers).
• 🧲 Painting Scotch (for fixing a new film).

If you're not planning on installing a new curtain, but you just want to take it off, the first four points are enough, but remember, without protection, the screen will be vulnerable to dust and scratches.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use acetone, ammonia or abrasives (e.g. glass washing fluid) to clean the screen; they will damage the anti-reflective coating: 🪑 Place the TV on a flat surface (such as a table), screen up. 💡 Provide good lighting to see defects. 🔌 Turn off the TV and let it cool (if it was turned on). ☑️ Preparation for replacement of curtainsSwitch off TV from socketPrepare toolsPrepare table surfacePrepare TV model for compatibilityPhotograph screen before replacement (in case of warranty disputes)Completed: 0 / 5 The process of removing the curtain depends on how it is fastened. Let's consider two options: when the film is just on the screen and when it is glued. Option 1: The curtain is not glued (most models) Take a plastic mediator or credit card. Carefully tuck the angle of the curtain (better start at the lower right or left corner). Slowly pull the mediator along the edge of the screen, separating the film. Don't force it -- if the curtain doesn't lend itself, it's glued (see option 2). When the film is separated, remove it completely. If there are any small pieces left, remove them with tweezers. Option 2: The curtain is glued (Mi) TV 5 Pro and the like) Heat the angle of the curtain with a hairdryer (temperature not higher than 50)°C to keep the matrix intact. This will soften the glue. Put the corner with a plastic mediator and slowly pull along while warming the next section. Don't tear it off abruptly! After removing, remove the glue residue with an alcohol solution and a microfibre wipe. Move from center to edges. If the curtain is torn and there are small pieces left, use paint tape: glue it to the remnants of the film and carefully remove it. Repeat until the screen is clean. 💡If the curtain is too tightly glued, try using a floss (like a dental one) and swipe it under the film and saw it back and forth, like cutting cheese, to help separate the curtain without risking scratching the screen. How to install a new curtain on Xiaomi TV If you decide to install a new protective film, follow this instruction: Clean the screen of dust and glue residue (see previous section). Rub the surface with alcohol solution and let it dry. Remove the protective layer from the new curtain (usually marked as "Peel Off"). Carefully apply the curtain to the top edge of the screen, combining sensor holes (if any) and slowly lower the film, smoothing it with a plastic mediator from the center to the edges. This will help to avoid bubbles. If you have bubbles, gently lift the edge of the curtain and glue it back. Don't push too hard, it can warp the film. You can use paint tape around the edges to fix it, but don't overdo it, you have to take it off. If the curtain doesn't stick, you may have bought the wrong model. ⚠️ Note: On anti-reflective TVs (e.g. Mi) TV 5 Pro) a new curtain can worsen the picture, in which case it is better to do without it or use special films with anti-reflective effect. What to do if the new curtain does not stick? If the film does not hold, the reasons may be as follows: 1. The screen is not cleaned enough (remains greasy spots or dust). 2. The new curtain is not compatible with the TV model (check the dimensions). 3. The adhesive layer on the film is dried (if it was lying in the warehouse for a long time). In this case, try: - Rub the screen with alcohol again. - Use bilateral tape around the edges (but it is not aesthetic). - Buy a curtain from another manufacturer (for example, from another manufacturer). TCL Frequent errors and how to avoid them Even with a careful change of the curtain, users often make mistakes that lead to damage to the screen: 🔪 Using sharp objects (knife, scissors) to smack the curtain, which almost always leads to scratches on the matrix. 🔥 Overheating screen with a hairdryer. Temperature above 50.°C can deform the plastic frame or damage liquid crystals. 🧴 Use of aggressive cleaning products: Acetone, gasoline or glass products destroy the anti-reflective coating. 🤏 Too much pressure when installing a new curtain. This can lead to the appearance of “dead” pixels. 📏 The new film is not the same size, the curtain should fit exactly the diagonal and the TV model. If you damaged the screen during the replacement, don't try to fix it yourself. Contact Xiaomi's service center or a trusted handyman. In some cases (such as scratches on the matrix), it is cheaper to buy a new TV than to repair an old one. Another common problem is the glue residue after removing the curtain. These can be removed: with alcohol solution and microfibre wipe (for small areas). Special screen cleaner (e.g. ScreenMom) tape to remove adhesive (e.g., adhesive, 3M Scotch), if the residues have dried up. 💡If you have any stains left on the screen after removing the curtain, wipe it with a mixture of distilled water and vinegar (1:1. Alternatives to curtain replacement: when it's not necessary Not always a curtain replacement is justified. In some cases, alternative solutions are sufficient: 🧹 Clean the old curtain. If the film is just dirty, you can wash it with warm water and soap, dry it and gently glue it back. 🖼️ Use of protective glass. For models without built-in glass (e.g. Mi) TV 4S) You can order glass protection that is stronger than film. 🔄 Adjust anti-reflective coating. Some Xiaomi TVs can reduce glare by setting the picture (Cinema or Game mode"). 🛠️ If the problem is not the curtain, but software artifacts (like broken pixels), try resetting the TV to factory settings. If your TV is equipped with protective glass (like Mi). TV Lux, it's almost impossible to replace it at home. The cost of replacing glass can reach 30-50% of the price of a new TV, so evaluate the feasibility of repair. OLED-TVs (e.g. Mi) TV OLED) Any mechanical impact on the screen is fraught with damage to the pixels. FAQ: Frequent questions about replacing the curtain on Xiaomi TV Can you not remove the curtain at all? Is it intrusive? You can not remove the curtain unless it is yellowed and torn. However, over time, it can accumulate dust and deteriorate the quality of the picture. TV 5) The film often creates glare, so it's better to remove it. TV? New curtain can be ordered: On AliExpress (search for a TV model, for example, "Mi" TV 55 4S screen protector. Xiaomi service centers (sometimes selling original parts) Amazon or eBay (for popular models). Costs from 300 to 1500 rubles, depending on the diagonal. What if the screen becomes dim after removing the curtain? Most likely, you damaged the anti-reflective coating. In this case: Check the brightness and contrast settings. Make sure that there are no stains from cleaning products on the screen. If the image is not restored, contact the service - you may need to change the matrix. Can you use a curtain from another TV? Theoretically, if the dimensions are the same. However, note: The film must fit exactly the diagonal and the shape of the screen (for example, for Mi). TV Q1E You need a curtain with a curved display. A non-original film can have a different refractive index of light, which will distort the picture. The adhesive layer should be compatible with the coating of your TV. You better not experiment and buy a curtain designed for your model. How do I know if I damaged the matrix, not the curtain? Signs of damage to the matrix: There are broken pixels (colored or black dots); the screen flickers or appears vertical/horizontal stripes; the color reproduction changes (for example, the screen turned pink or green); when pressed on the screen, there are scuffs (the oil stain effect); if any of these symptoms occur, immediately turn off the TV and contact the service.