How to Put on a Screen Guard
How to Put on a Screen Guard
Applying a screen guard might seem daunting at first, but it’s much easier than you think. Follow these simple steps to ensure a perfect, bubble-free application.
Step 1: Clean Your Phone Screen Thoroughly
The most crucial step in applying a screen guard is to ensure that your phone’s screen is completely clean. Dust, fingerprints, or oil can cause air bubbles, dust particles, or misalignment during installation.
How to clean your phone screen:
- Turn off your phone to avoid accidental touches.
- Use a microfiber cloth to gently wipe the screen, removing any fingerprints or dust.
- If there’s stubborn dirt, use a screen cleaning wipe or a cloth lightly dampened with isopropyl alcohol (avoid excess moisture).
- After cleaning, use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe away any moisture, ensuring the screen is dry before applying the screen guard.
Step 2: Align the Screen Guard with the Phone Screen
Now that your screen is clean, it's time to align the screen protector with your phone’s screen.
-
Peel the protector from its packaging: Carefully remove the protective film from the back of the screen guard (the adhesive side). Avoid touching the sticky side.
-
Align with the edges: Hold the protector above the screen and line it up with the edges of your phone’s screen. Ensure that it’s centered and covers the full display area. Be extra cautious around the phone’s front camera, sensors, and edges to avoid covering them unintentionally.
Pro Tip: If you’re using a tempered glass screen protector, make sure it aligns perfectly with the speaker and home button (if applicable).
Step 3: Apply the Screen Protector
Once the screen guard is aligned correctly, it’s time to apply it to your phone’s screen. This is where a steady hand and patience come in!
-
Peel off the adhesive film: Gently peel off the top protective layer of the screen guard. Be careful not to touch the adhesive side with your fingers.
-
Place the protector on the screen: Slowly lower the screen guard onto your phone’s display. Start from one edge and gradually lower the protector, allowing it to naturally adhere to the screen.
-
Let it stick: Once the protector is in place, allow it to stick without pressing down on it. The adhesive should do the work and start bonding with the screen.
Step 4: Remove Bubbles and Smooth Out the Protector
After the screen guard has adhered, you may notice some air bubbles under the protector. Don't worry—this is common. You can easily remove them using a microfiber cloth or card.
-
Use a card: Take a credit card or a similar flat object wrapped in a microfiber cloth and gently push the air bubbles toward the edges of the screen.
-
Apply pressure gently: Start from the center and move outward. Apply gentle pressure to smooth out the protector, ensuring there are no remaining air pockets.
-
Leave it to settle: Once all the bubbles are gone, leave the protector to settle for a few hours to ensure a secure bond with the screen.
Step 5: Inspect and Final Adjustments
After you’ve removed the bubbles and ensured the screen guard is smooth, give your phone a final inspection.
-
Check for dust or debris: If you see any dust trapped between the screen guard and your phone screen, gently lift the screen protector from one corner and remove the dust with a clean microfiber cloth. Then, carefully press the screen protector back down.
-
Ensure perfect alignment: Double-check that the protector is still perfectly aligned with the screen and that it hasn’t shifted during the application.
Additional Tips for Applying a Screen Guard
-
Choose a High-Quality Screen Protector: Opt for a tempered glass protector for better durability and protection. Tempered glass protectors are more resistant to scratches, drops, and impacts than plastic protectors.
-
Avoid Direct Sunlight: Avoid applying the screen protector in a well-lit or sunny room as dust is more likely to settle on the screen, leading to imperfections.
-
Be Patient: Don’t rush the process. Take your time to align the protector correctly and remove all bubbles. Patience pays off in the form of a flawless application.