Cell phones, iPods, PSPs, cameras or other electronic devices are sold at high prices, and one of the parts that are most easily damaged is the screen. Therefore, the screen of the mobile device must always be protected. This article provides basic instructions for choosing and installing a mobile screen protector and some tips that can be helpful.
Step
Step 1. Prepare a screen protector
Usually, the screen protector is already cut to the size of your device's screen (if you have to, see the " Tips " section for cutting the screen protector so it fits your device's screen). Here are some basic ingredients of a screen protector:
- The semi-hard, smooth and clear soda bottle style material such as PET is the most commonly used and of the best quality. (Variations such as semi-reflective or matte materials can be useful, but are not necessary.)
- Tempered glass that is clear and very hard, like a stronger microscope coverslip. This material has a plastic coating that holds the screen protector in case it breaks. This glass is very scratch resistant, but tends to come off easily when it peels off.
- Very strong and thick plastics, such as polycarbonate. This plastic protects the screen against direct impacts, is less scratch resistant, looks worn out quickly, and can reduce the accuracy of the device's touch screen.
- Soft vinyl plastic. Not recommended because it is not good to use, but it can prevent scratches.
Step 2. Understand the limitations of the screen protector
Screen protectors can protect against most cosmetic scrapes and scratches, and don't prevent damage to the device's screen (especially on phones where the entire front is a touch screen and doesn't have a lot of plastic shielding). The “bumper” case that covers the entire front edge of the phone can protect the phone from impacts well while enhancing its appearance. Do not store your phone in a back pocket or other place where it can easily be crushed.
Step 3. Find a clean workplace
Choose a room where the air is calm. You can improve the condition of the room with steam. Turn on the hot shower so the room fills with steam. When the steam starts to dissipate, the dust in the room should have reduced a lot. This is the best time to install a screen protector.
Step 4. Wash your hands
Dry your hands with a clean towel. Shake it to remove any remaining lint.
Step 5. Clean the device screen
Wipe with a mild solvent such as eyeglass cleaner or rubbing alcohol, or a cloth dampened in soapy water so as not to damage or degrade the finish on the device. Wipe dry with a soft cloth and remove as much lint as possible with a blower or gently steam using a non-lint cloth, such as the microfiber cloth that usually comes with the screen protector.
Step 6. Check the position of the screen protector
Carefully remove the screen protector from its packaging. Before you remove the backing, position the screen protector over the device screen to see if it fits snugly and doesn't block the front camera (which will be disturbed if the screen protector is not flat) and the microphone hole.
Step 7. Remove any remaining dust with a mild adhesive
The device screen must be dust-free before applying the screen protector. The air bubbles will eventually spread on the plastic and the fingerprints will stick to the glue, but the dust will remain as long as the screen protector is in use. Gently pat the sticky note (eg “Post-it”) across the device screen. See screen reflections in bright areas at an angle so that you can check for dust on the screen. Install the screen protector immediately before the dust collects back on the device screen!
Some luxury screen protectors come with special stickers to pick up dust
Step 8. Adhere to the screen protector while carefully aligning all the edges
Peel off the back half of the screen protector from one end so you can control the other end. Align it with the edge of the mobile device screen while leaving the predefined borders and see if the screen protector will fit snugly on the edge of the device screen. After that, peel off the entire backing and flatten the screen protector so that it sticks well.
Step 9. Ignore minor errors like tiny dust spots
If you try to fix it, your problem could get worse. The screen protector will absorb the damage done to your mobile device and will eventually have to be replaced with a new one. If you need to reposition the screen protector, carefully lift the edges with a thin but not sharp object such as a backing material, fingernail, or plastic spoon. If there is a speck of dust behind the screen protector, try to pick it up with a sticky note, cellophane tape such as “Scotch tape”. Try not to disturb the sticky part of the screen protector.
Step 10. Remove air bubbles
Wipe any air bubbles along the edges with a soft object such as a credit card. Do not wipe vigorously unless the screen protector has a protective surface that will be removed after the screen protector is installed. Eventually, the air will disperse and too much pressure will scratch your new screen protector
Step 11. Done
Feel free to use your mobile device without any fear.
Tips
- Make sure you are looking at the screen at an angle that allows you to see the presence of dust on the screen.
- Install the screen protector very carefully and carefully. Try not to shake your hands while attaching the screen protector.
- Do not touch the sticky parts of the screen protector. Treat it like holding a CD (don't touch the bottom).
- It is recommended that the screen protector be installed immediately after removing it from the packaging.
- Keep the bottom of the screen protector facing down after removing the bottom. This will reduce the chances of dust sticking to the sticky part of the screen protector.
- Otherwise, you can put some tape over the top of the screen protector (the non-sticky part) to make it easier to stick.
- You can drop a drop of treated water (usually with a teaspoon of rubbing alcohol and/or dish soap mixed with cup of water) on the screen before attaching the screen protector to quickly remove bubbles. Just make sure you don't drip too much into your device. Don't use your device just yet and leave it for a few hours for the screen protector to dry completely.
- A screen protector is a simple accessory that tends to be overpriced in retail stores because it usually comes with side costs.
- You can easily resize the thin plastic protective screen by using a small cutter blade (to prevent the edges from lifting) and blunting the corners. Hold it firmly and try to cut the screen protector in one incision. If you cut a bit at a time, the resulting edges are usually bent and uneven.
Warning
- Dust is everywhere. If you leave it too long, dust will stick to your screen.
- Don't be frustrated. Remember, screen protectors are items that are frequently replaced. These accessories need to be properly installed in order to effectively protect the screen of your mobile device and you will eventually need to replace them.
