How to Install a Screen Protector

Your Casely case is doing a lot of heavy lifting, but your screen needs its own backup plan. One bad drop without a glass screen protector and you're looking at a cracked display and a repair bill you didn't budget for.

Read on for everything you need to know about installing a screen protector perfectly.

What You Need Before Installing a Screen Protector

Get everything together before you start; you don’t want to be hunting for a microfiber cloth halfway through: 

• Your screen protector kit (if one came with the protector) 

• Microfiber cloth 

• Alcohol wipes or screen cleaner 

• Dust removal stickers 

• A squeegee or credit card (for bubble removal if needed)

How to Install a Screen Protector: Step-by-Step

Before starting, you’ll want to prep your phone.

If you’re applying a new screen protector, then you obviously need to remove your old one, but safely, without damaging your device. It’s best not to rush this part, especially if the old protector is firmly attached to the device.

Then wash your hands to keep grease and dirt off the screen, and turn off your device. A black screen makes it much easier to spot dust particles before you apply. 

Step 1: Wipe The Screen 

Before you jump to attaching your glass screen protector to the screen, it’s important that you clean your screen and ensure that any dirt or finger smudges are removed. 

To do this, use an alcohol wipe or the wipe provided in your application kit (if you have one) to clean the screen. Don’t use water, as this could cause water damage and involve you in buying more than just a new screen protector.

After wiping your screen down with the alcohol wipe, the next step is to dry it. Either you can wait and let it air dry, or if you’re in more of a rush, you can wipe the damp areas with the microfiber cloth. 

Step 2: De-Dust the Screen

Once your phone is clean and dry, it’s best to de-dust it. Most application kits will come with a dusting sticker. You press and pull the sticker against any dust marks on your screen. In doing so, this’ll prevent any dust or debris from getting trapped underneath the screen. 

Rush this, and you’ll find yourself trying to figure out how to reapply the screen protector from scratch, so don’t skip it. 

Step 3: Align the Protector 

Now that your phone is clean and clear of dust, the next step is to align the tempered glass protector to your phone. It’s always a good idea to practice how you’ll apply it before removing the plastic that opens up the adhesive side. 

If you’re given aligning stickers that practice lining your protector up to your phone, ensure that the buttons aren’t covered by the protector. 

When you feel ready, remove the plastic exposing the sticky side, then gently press the protector to your phone’s screen. 

If you're using a privacy tempered glass protector, the alignment is especially important given the anti-spy coating. 

Step 4: Remove Any Bubbles 

When you place the protector onto the screen, press down in the center of the phone so that it adheres from the center outwards. You should see the adhesive spread as you do. Then, if there are any stubborn bubbles, it’s best to remove them as soon as possible. 

Use your squeegee or credit card to push the bubble toward the nearest edge. Some bubbles may be more stubborn than others, but it’s important to press down firmly so that your glass screen protector functions properly (and it’s not annoying aesthetically).

How to Avoid Bubbles When Applying a Screen Protector

One major cause of bubbles is dust on the surface of your screen. So first, it’s essential that you clean and de-dust your screen just before the application. If you don’t, you run the risk of more bubbles and possibly bubbles that don’t quite go away. 

Likewise, bubbles can come about from uneven application; this can be hard to prevent, but ensuring you can apply your screen slowly and on a solid, even surface will help. 

Equally pressing from the center outwards will help to remove any bubbles from under the surface. 

How to Remove Dust Under a Screen Protector

Removing dust underneath your screen film can be tricky, as if you remove your protector with too much force, it could break or crack. Once it’s cracked, it can be harder for the screen protector to work. 

If the dust is near the corners or sides of the phone, you can gently pry the protector away from the phone and use scotch tape to tap onto the screen and remove the dust. 

Then reapply and press down firmly to ensure that the protector has stuck back onto the screen. 

Common Mistakes To Avoid When Installing a Screen Protector

1. Rushing: If you rush the process, you risk making mistakes, skipping steps, or bubbles under the screen. It’s best to take your time and concentrate properly. 

2. Skipping Steps: It might seem unnecessary to do all of the steps, but if you skip de-dusting or wiping smudges away, it’s really difficult to remove and clean the tempered glass without ruining it. So if you need a screen protector, look after it carefully. 

3. Using Water: Using water to clean can cause water damage. Should you damage your phone beyond repair, you’ll need to buy a new one, and this will be a costly mistake.

4. Misaligning the Protector: If you don’t take time to check how you’ll align the screen shield, then this can cause issues, such as misaligning it when you press the protector down on the screen. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Goes on First, a Screen Protector or the Case?

Apply the screen protector first to ensure that you don’t accidentally stick it to the case. If you stick and unstick the protector too much, it can lose a lot of its adhesive strength, which means it could peel off, depending on the type of protector that you have. A tempered glass protector is less inclined to peel, but it could break more easily. 

Do You Peel Both Sides of a Screen Protector?

First, to apply effectively, you need to peel the side that opens up the adhesive. This is so you can position and place the protector. Once you’ve adhered the protector to your device, you can remove the film to avoid smudge marks. 

Can I Reapply a Screen Protector After Removing It?

You can reapply a protector after removing it, but there are a few things to watch for. If you remove it and break it, then it’s inadvisable to reapply it when the cracked glass could cause you harm. Or if you leave it too long, the adhesive will become too weak. 

Final Thoughts

If you have a device that you treasure, then it’s important to protect it with a chic and stylish case. 

While our cases at Casely do work wonders (and look fabulous), you need a glass screen protector to properly protect the screen, specifically from any scratches or cracks. Why not discover our glass screen protectors today?