A screen protector (tempered glass) is a tough layer that is often used to protect fragile objects, such as cell phone screens. If the screen protector is cracked, you can remove it and the phone screen will still look smooth. Screen protectors are usually glued together and must be heated before removing them. After that, you can peel off the thin layer of screen protector and replace it.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Removing the Screen Protector by Hand
Step 1. Heat the glass using a hairdryer on a low setting for 15 seconds
The heat will melt the glue behind the glass making it easier to remove. However, the screen protector should only be heated briefly at a low temperature so that the components of the phone are not damaged. Make sure the glass is hot enough, but still safe to touch.
If you don't have a hairdryer, try another heat source. Place the object near a hot stove, open fire, fireplace, or steamy bathroom to melt the glue
Step 2. Pry one end of the screen protector with your fingernail
Scrape the edge of the screen protector with your fingernail until you find the base. You should be able to remove the corner guard easily. However, do not rush. Gently peel off the coating, but don't try to remove all of it at once.
- Try to pry the corners of the screen protector one by one. You will find corners that are easy to pry. If that doesn't work, reheat the screen protector a second time to melt the glue.
- If one corner of the glass is cracked, choose another angle so that the cracked part doesn't break into small pieces.
Step 3. Move your finger under the screen protector
When peeled off, the bottom of the screen protector separates from the layer underneath. The corner is the first to come off. Hold the part with your finger to support the glass so it doesn't crack. Do the same thing even if you only remove a layer of glass that is slightly cracked so it doesn't get worse.
The screen protector is so thin that it cracks easily. Shattered glass will leave a lot of debris that must be removed by hand. The only way to avoid this is to be careful
Step 4. Remove the screen protector slowly and carefully
Peel the glass as neatly as possible. Slide your hand parallel to the loose corner of the glass to keep it balanced. Keep doing this until the entire screen protector comes off, then repeat this process until the screen surface is completely clean.
Small bits of screen protector can also be peeled off in the same way. While annoying, this section should be easier to peel off than a large layer
Method 2 of 3: Using a Credit Card
Step 1. Heat the screen protector for 15 seconds on a low heat setting
Use an appliance such as a hairdryer, if you have one. Heat the glass until it is completely warm, but still safe to touch. This will melt the glue that holds the glass to the surface of the screen.
Even if you can heat the glass by bringing it closer to the flame of a match, the heat may be uneven and may actually damage the screen components. You can heat only one of the corners for easy peeling
Step 2. Use the tip of a toothpick to pry out one end of the screen protector
You should position the toothpick so that it doesn't break when you use it to pry up the screen protector. Select a corner, then insert a toothpick in that part. Slide the tip of the toothpick under the screen protector, then pry it up until you can pinch it with your fingers.
- Do not point the pointed part of the toothpick down. For example, if you remove the screen protector from the phone screen, it could scratch the screen.
- If you don't have a toothpick, you can poke the corners of the screen protector with another object, such as a fork, or with your fingers.
Step 3. Peel off the screen protector starting at the corners by hand
Be careful, especially if the glass is cracked. Screen protectors are very fragile and break easily into small pieces. Pinch the edge of the glass with your finger to release it. Pull just enough until you can slip the credit card in there.
This method can be used to remove cracked, splintered, or intact glass. However, you should not pull the glass too far in one direction. Pry each side evenly so it doesn't break and fall into small pieces
Step 4. Slide the credit card into the bottom of the glass to peel it off
Position the card at the bottom corner of the gouged glass. Gently push the glass forward. This will separate the screen protector from the surface underneath. Pry each corner of the glass evenly until you can remove it, then repeat this process to remove all the debris.
- Make sure you use a hard plastic card, such as a credit card, library card, or ID card.
- You can usually use a credit card to remove the entire screen protector. If the piece of glass is larger than the length of the card, for example a screen protector is attached to the iPad screen, use your fingers to gently remove the object.
Method 3 of 3: Removing the Screen Protector with Tape
Step 1. Heat the screen protector for 15 seconds until the adhesive feels loose
You can use a hairdryer or similar object as a heat source. Heat the glass, but don't overdo it. Glass must remain safe to touch with fingers after heating.
Step 2. Roll the duct tape over your two fingers
Duct tape can be used for a variety of purposes. So, it's only natural that you can also use it to remove the screen protector. Roll the duct tape tightly onto your finger. Make sure the sticky side is facing out.
The index and middle fingers are the two most commonly used for this purpose, but you can also use other fingers if you prefer
Step 3. Press the duct tape into the corner of the screen protector
Select a corner of the screen protector. It is better to choose a corner that is not cracked. To remove the screen protector debris, press down on the duct tape until the glass adheres.
- If the corner of the glass does not stick, try another angle. Sometimes, the corners feel quite hard because the glue in those parts hasn't melted.
- If you have trouble removing the corners of the screen protector, heat the glass again. Choose a corner, then focus the heat on that area.
Step 4. Gently roll the duct tape to the opposite corner
Lift your fingers, then move them to opposite corners. The screen protector will start to come off. Be careful and make sure the glass slides off the screen neatly. Once you've removed all of the glass, use duct tape to remove any stubborn debris.
Sometimes, the glass will crack because one side comes off before the other. This will leave a small splinter that can be removed with your finger or duct tape
Tips
- Replace the screen protector that was removed. You can purchase a new screen protector kit to prevent the screen from being accidentally scratched or damaged.
- Preheat the screen protector before removing it. The glue that holds the protective glass to the screen can make this process very difficult.
- The screen protector is very fragile when removed. Even though cracked glass can be easily removed, getting rid of the splinters can be annoying at times. Remove this thing as neatly as possible to prevent this.
- After removing the screen protector, check the surface of the screen to make sure that no debris remains. Clean the screen with warm water and a microfiber cloth to prepare the new screen protector.
