How to put on a screen protector
Taking measures to protect your smartphone is sensible and applying a screen protector is one simple and easy way to do this. Not only does it help prevent cracks, dents, and scratches to your screen – which can be costly to replace – it also offers other useful benefits too. Below, we explain how to put on a screen protector and take a look at what they do in more detail.
Step 1: Prepare everything you need
Preparation is key when fitting a screen protector, to ensure a seamless and professional-looking finish without blemishes like air bubbles or trapped dust.
Before you begin, ensure that your screen protector is compatible with your smartphone and that you have everything you need, including a fresh cleaning cloth and a bank card to smooth out any kinks after application. You might find that a complimentary cloth and applicator card comes with your screen protector, in which case you’re all set!
Step 2: A thorough clean
Clean and dry your work surface and wash your hands well to keep all dust and debris away from your phone. Wipe down your phone screen, either using the cloth that comes with the screen protector or a fresh, microfibre cloth, until no dust or fingerprints remain. If not removed properly, the former can prevent the protector from adhering to your screen, resulting in air bubbles that won’t come out, and the latter will be visible underneath your protector until you take it off. Nobody wants that.
Step 3: Apply the screen protector
Before removing the plastic covers, place the screen protector where you think it should sit on your phone to get an idea of how it fits. Once you know where you want it to rest, remove the film off the sticky side of your protector and gently attach it to your screen, starting in one corner and working your way outwards and down.
Don’t worry if you see a few air bubbles at this stage; as long as your phone was properly cleaned before you applied the protector, these can be removed.
Step 4: Work out any air bubbles
How to remove bubbles from a screen protector? Use the accompanying applicator card or a bank card to guide air bubbles to the edge of your protector to release them. You can apply reasonably firm pressure if the bubbles prove difficult to shift.
Step 5: Peel away the plastic film
Finally, peel away the plastic film from the front of your screen protector and admire your handiwork.
How to put on a glass screen protector
When applying a glass screen protector, the steps are largely the same. Clean your workstation and your phone, remove the cover from the adhesive side of your glass protector, and weigh up where on your screen the protector should sit, as above. Next, however, you won’t be able to apply your protector gradually as you can with a plastic design. You’ll need to hold all four corners of the protector in your fingers, hover it above your phone, adhesive-down, and attach it in one firm motion.
Press on the glass from the middle outwards to ensure it has properly adhered to your screen, and finish by releasing any air bubbles and removing the plastic film as detailed in steps four and five.
What does a screen protector do?
Screen protectors often come with some additional features that offer protection against more than just damage. Here are some that may interest you when considering what type of screen protector is best for your phone.
Helps prevent damage to your screen
This is the main purpose of a screen protector, as mentioned above, as replacing a cracked or dented smartphone screen is expensive. It acts as a barrier between your phone and any knocks, drops, and scrapes it encounters.
Reduces fingerprint marks and dust
For those who like to keep their smartphones looking pristine, some screen protectors come with a special coating that prevents grubby marks. So, no matter how much you swipe and scroll, your phone stays looking fresh.
Offers additional privacy
Some screen protectors have a tint-like coating, which means only the person holding the phone can see what’s on the screen – keeping your personal details even more secure wherever you are.
Reduces eye strain
Anti-reflective screen protectors, which have a matte finish, can help ease the strain on your eyes due to the phone’s blue light. This is particularly useful if you use your phone a lot and find it can cause discomfort to your eyes.
Keeps your phone clean
Phones can be a breeding ground for bacteria and more, since they go everywhere and do everything with us. Thanks to a unique coating, some screen protectors have antibacterial properties, stopping bacteria, mould, or mildew from developing on your phone.
For even more protection, you could consider attaching a phone case to your smartphone. Phone cases protect the whole body of the phone, helping to absorb the shock of any drops, which could prevent serious internal and external damage.
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