Modern smartphone screens are getting bigger and bigger. But on the other hand, they are also more fragile than ever. Cracked screens can be costly; even worse, they are not always covered by warranties. One solution to this dilemma is installing a smartphone screen protector like tempered glass or plastic films that improve the resiliency of the touch display and prevent cracks from forming.
Screen protectors are a must for any smartphone user. Not only do they protect your screen from scratches, but they can also help reduce the chances of your screen cracking if you drop your phone. But installing a screen protector can be tricky - especially if you want to make sure it's installed perfectly. So how do you do it? Check out the step-by-step guide below.
But first, let's find out the types of screen protectors and how they work?
Types of Smartphone Screen Protectors
Plastic screen protector
Plastic screen protectors are the most common smartphone screen shields available. They go by many names, including PET film, matte finish film, or simply plastic film.
These smartphone screen protectors are made of a type of "plastic" (hence the name) and are especially useful for those who use their phones where clarity may be an issue, such as outdoors or in sunlight. The polymer material that these screen protectors are composed of has a matte finish that helps to reduce reflection from the sun's rays.
Tempered glass screen protector
Tempered glass smartphone screen protectors are considered the best smartphone screen guards as they provide excellent protection against scratches and other damage that may occur to your smartphone's display. They also have a smooth surface that doesn't interfere with how you interact with your smartphone's touch-based display.
Compared to plastic smartphone screen protectors, tempered glass screen protectors are clearer, so it is much less likely for a person viewing your smartphone from an angle to see any distortion in the image being presented on the phone's display.
How do smartphone screen protectors work?
Similar to eyeglasses made from shatterproof material, smartphone screen protectors are made from a thin plastic or glass material that helps absorb force upon impact. These smartphone screen shields provide a secondary layer of defense for your smartphone's most vulnerable component beyond the device's own resistant outer shell or chassis.
How to apply a screen protector perfectly?
Step 1: Clean smartphone display.
Clean the smartphone touch screen thoroughly before applying a new smartphone screen protector. Use a cloth made from microfibers such as those found on eyeglasses to remove all dirt and dust particles from smartphone touch display surfaces.
Remember that even one speck of dust or water droplet can create an annoying bubble under the smartphone screen protector. Make sure the smartphone touch display is completely dry before you proceed to the next step.
Step 2: Find a smartphone screen protector that fits your smartphone.
Make sure smartphone touch display dimensions are compatible with smartphone screen protectors. Most smartphone screens have the same dimensions as their respective smartphones. In most cases, universal smartphone screen protectors will fit perfectly well.
Step 3: Peel smartphone screen protector packaging plastic film off slowly.
Take your time when peeling the smartphone screen shield packaging off slowly. Do not rush this step - you do not want to get fingerprints on the sticky side of the smartphone screen protector or create air bubbles! A smartphone screen guard typically comes with 2 layers of protective plastic films stuck together. Start by peeling the top layer carefully just enough to uncover one side of stickers that stick together in the middle (do not worry if it seems stuck strongly in some areas). You can use your fingernails for this process, but avoid using sharp tools that might scratch smartphone touch display surfaces.
Step 4: Line up smartphone screen protector carefully to smartphone touchscreen.
Line up the smartphone screen protector carefully before sticking it down. Take your time! If you do not line up the screen protector perfectly at first, do not worry - simply peel off and try again if necessary. Remember that removing air bubbles and dust may be difficult after you stick down a smartphone screen guard, so take care when lining up smartphone screen protectors for apps and games. Try to center the screen shield as best you can by looking at the smartphone touchscreen through the screen protector from various angles.
Step 5: Apply smartphone screen guard.
Apply smartphone screen protector from one edge to the other gently, but with a little bit of pressure, so that screen protector adhesive strips completely cover smartphone touchscreen.
Step 6: Press the smartphone screen protector down with a credit card or other hard surface item and remove air bubbles.
Slowly improve your alignment by pushing air bubbles and dust towards a specific edge of the smartphone touch display using a credit card or similar item. Do not rub smartphone screens with rough surfaces, as they can scratch smartphones. Use smooth objects such as microfiber cloths to avoid scratching smartphone touch display and smartphone screen protector.
Step 7: Enjoy your smartphone with a smartphone screen guard in place.
Once you have finished, the smartphone touchscreen should be completely covered by the smartphone screen guard - enjoy your smartphone in its new clear state! If the edges of the smartphone screen guard are peeling up, re-apply pressure using a credit card or similar item to ensure that the smartphone touch display is making full contact with smartphone screens underneath.
If any small bubbles remain under the smartphone screen protector after it has been applied as instructed above, simply press down on them gently once again with a credit card regularly over time until they disappear from view. For best results, avoid touching areas other than those specifically being protected by screen protectors as long as possible.
Conclusion
Smartphones are an essential part of our lives, and we want to keep them in the best condition possible. One way to do that is by installing a smartphone screen protector.
Not all screen protectors are created equal, though – you need to find the right one for your phone and make sure you install it correctly. We’ve outlined the steps you need to take to get a perfect installation every time. By following these few easy tips, your phone will be well-protected from scratches and other damages.
And if you’re in the market for a new smartphone screen protector, be sure to check out our full range of products at ScreenShield. We have something for everyone so that you can find the perfect protection for your device.
Protect your smartphone today and shop with ScreenShield!