Xiaomiβs Glass: Why It Matters and How Much Youβll Have to Pay
Xiaomiβs smartphone screen is one of the most vulnerable parts of the device. Even a slight fall or friction on the keys in your pocket can leave scratches or even cracks on it. Security glass is a simple and effective way to prevent damage, but installing it often raises questions: where is better glue, how much it costs, and can you save money by doing everything yourself?
In 2026, the market offers dozens of glass options, from budget films to premium tempered glass with oleophobic coating. However, the installation price can vary by many times depending on the Xiaomi model (for example, Redmi Note 12 vs. Xiaomi 14 Ultra), the type of glass and where you decide to paste it. In this article, we will examine the real prices for installation in service centers, communication salons and self-assembly, and also reveal the nuances that are silent sellers.
Spoiler: sometimes saving on cheap glass or installation costs more than repairing the screen, but the good news is that with the right approach, you can protect the Xiaomi display for pennies.
How much does it cost to install a protective glass in service centers
Official and informal service centers are the safest place to install, but also the most expensive, and they guarantee you a quality sticker without bubbles and dust, and they often give you a guarantee of work, but prices can vary greatly even within the same city.
Here are the current 2026 prices for Xiaomiβs popular models (including the cost of glass and work):
| Smartphone model | Type of glass | Cost (works + material), β½ | Where is it cheaper? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 12/13 | Standard (2.5D) | 800β1 500 | Informal services |
| Poco X5/F5 | Tempered (9H) | 1 200β2 000 | Communications salons (stocks) |
| Xiaomi 13/14 | Premium (3D, full coverage) | 2 500β4 500 | Official services (guarantee) |
| Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 | Flexible (for folding screens) | 5 000β8 000 | Official centres only |
β οΈ Warning: Official Xiaomi services (e.g. Mi Service) often use original glass with the brand logo, but they are 30-50% higher than their counterparts. Unofficial workshops may offer cheaper options, but without a warranty on the material.
It is also worth considering that in some services the price depends on:
- πΉ Installation difficulties (e.g., on the Xiaomi 14 Ultra with curved screen, work is more expensive).
- πΉ Additional services (screen cleaning, old glass removal, sensor inspection).
- πΉ Urgent (express installation in 1 hour can cost 20-30% more).
Prices in communication salons: Messenger, MTS, Beeline and others
Communication salons are a popular place to install security glasses, especially if you buy a smartphone in installments or on promotions, often offering "package" services: glass + cover + film at a discount, but the prices are rarely lower than in services, but there are bonuses.
Approximate prices in salons (only work, without the cost of glass):
- π± Redmi and Poco (direct screens): 300β600 β½.
- π± Xiaomi 12/13/14 (curved screens): 800β1 500 β½.
- π± Xiaomi Mix Fold (folding): from 2,000 β½ (not all salons are taken).
β οΈ Warning: Communication salons often use universal glass, which may not be ideal for the camera cutouts or speaker of your Xiaomi model. Check before installing whether the glass is designed specifically for your smartphone.
The salon's advantages:
- β You can install it immediately when you buy a phone.
- β There are often promotions (e.g., "glass as a gift when buying a case").
- β Quick (usually 15-30 minutes).
Cons:
- β Price is higher than in services (the margin for "convenience").
- β Low qualifications of some masters (bubble risk).
- β Limited choice of glass (often only budget options).
π‘
If the cabin offers a "free" installation of glass when buying a phone, check the quality of the glass β often thin films, not tempered glass.
Self-installation: how much it costs and what you will need
You can install a security glass on Xiaomi yourself in 10 to 20 minutes if you're prepared. The main benefit is saving: you pay only for the material, not for the work, but there are also risks: dust under the glass, bubbles or improper positioning.
Cost of materials for self-installation:
- π Budget glass (2.5D, 9H): 200β500 β½ (AliExpress, Wildberries).
- π Premium glass (3D, full coverage): 800β2,000 β½ (official stores, Amazon).
- π Set for installation (napkins, scraper, dust collector): 100-300 β½.
What will be required for installation:
Cleaning wipes (alcohol solution)| Scratch to remove old glass | Dust collector (sticky tape) |Positioning stickers | Credit card or plastic mediator to smooth--->
β οΈ Warning: If your Xiaomi has a curved screen (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Mix 4), installing 3D- glass without experience is fraught with errors.
Step-by-step:
- Clean the screen from dust and fat with alcohol wipes.
- Remove old glass (if any) with scraper and heat (a hairdryer can be used).
- Plug the dust collector on the screen and remove it after 10 seconds - it will collect microparticles.
- Remove the protective film from the glass and position it carefully with stickers.
- Press the glass from the center to the edges, smoothing bubbles with a credit card.
What to do if there is dust under the glass?
How much does it cost to replace old glass with new
If the security glass on your Xiaomi cracks or gets scratched, it needs to be replaced.The cost depends on whether the original screen is retained and whether the remnants of the old glass need to be removed.
Replacement rates:
- π§ Removal of old glass + installation of new: 500β1 500 β½ (in service).
- π§ New glass installation only (if the old one is removed by itself): 300β800 β½.
- π§ Glass replacement with oleophobic screen coating restoration: from 2,000 β½.
β οΈ Warning: If old glass breaks and its fragments fall under the screen, do not attempt to remove them yourself, as this may damage the plumes or matrix.
Replacement tips:
- π‘ If the glass is cracked but the screen is intact, change it as soon as possible - the shards may scratch the display.
- π‘ Use a heat gun or hair dryer to remove old glass, which will soften the glue.
- π‘ After removal, check the screen for microcracks (light the flashlight at an angle).
π‘
If there is glue on the screen after removing the glass, do not use acetone or solvents - they will damage the oleophobic coating.
Where to buy a protective glass for Xiaomi cheaper: comparison sites
The price of security glass for Xiaomi can vary by 2-3 times depending on the place of purchase.
| The playground | Average price (9H glass), β½ | Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| AliExpress | 200β600 | The lowest prices, the greatest choice | Long delivery (2-4 weeks), risk of counterfeiting |
| Wildberries | 400β1 200 | Quick delivery, can be returned | Prices are higher than on AliExpress |
| ozone | 500β1 500 | Frequently there are shares, quick delivery | Limited range for new models |
| Official Xiaomi Store | 1 000β3 000 | Quality assurance, original glass | Highest prices |
Selection advice:
- π Redmi and Poco will be good for budget windows with AliExpress (look for a rating of 4.8+ and reviews with photos).
- π For flagships (Xiaomi 13/14), it is better to take 3D- full-coated glasses (for example, Whitestone Dome or AmFilm).
- π Check the glass compatibility with your model β even the Redmi Note 12 Pro and Redmi Note 12 Pro+ may have different speaker notches.
β οΈ Warning: Avoid glasses that say "Universal" or "For all Xiaomi" - they rarely fit perfectly and can interfere with the sensor or front camera.
Hidden expenses: what else will have to be spent
When installing a security glass on Xiaomi, many people forget about the additional costs that may arise.
- π° Screen cleaning: If the screen is heavily polluted, the service may charge a cleanup surcharge (200β500 β½).
- π° Removal of old glass: If the previous glass is broken, it will cost 300-800 β½ to remove it.
- π° Camera protection film: For Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Mix Fold 3, it is often recommended to glue the film to the camera module (300β600 β½).
- π° Warranty service: Some services charge 500β1,000 for an extended warranty β½.
Also note that:
- π If the sensor stops working after the glass is installed, the service can charge 1,000β2,000 β½ for the diagnosis (even if the fault lies with the wizard).
- π For folding models (Xiaomi Mix Fold) special adhesive (from 500 β½) may be required.
To avoid unexpected expenses:
- π Require the total cost before installation (ask for a breakdown: work + material + additional services).
- π If you glue yourself, buy spare glass - you often have to remake it the first time.
- π Check if the price includes a free adjustment (if the glass is unstuck in a day or two).