How to apply tempered glass at home

If you’ve recently purchased tempered glass or are looking to buy one for your precious smartphone, you might be wondering if a trip to the shop is necessary for proper application. The good news is that applying tempered glass yourself at home is not only possible but offers a range of benefits.

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Tempered glass provides superior scratch and impact protection for your phone’s screen and applying it yourself saves you time and money compared to a shop installation. Plus, the sense of accomplishment of a successful DIY application is unbeatable!

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to easily, quickly, and safely apply tempered glass at home, ensuring your phone’s screen receives the best possible protection.

Why tempered glass is important

Modern smartphones come with stunning and often expensive displays, making them vulnerable. A single accidental drop or brush against a sharp object can crack or shatter the screen, leading to a hefty repair bill or even replacement of the entire display panel. Here’s where tempered glass comes in, and below are a few reasons why having one helps:

Superior scratch resistance: Tempered glass is significantly more scratch-resistant than your phone’s bare screen. This is especially crucial for everyday wear and tear from keys, coins, or even your fingernails in your pocket.

Enhanced impact protection: Tempered glass acts as a shield, absorbing the brunt of a fall or impact. While it can’t guarantee complete protection from every drop, it significantly reduces the risk of a shattered screen.

Prevents glass-related injuries: When a regular glass screen breaks, it shatters into sharp shards. Tempered glass, on the other hand, breaks into a spiderweb pattern of small, dull fragments, minimizing the risk of cuts or injuries.

How to apply tempered glass at home

Here’s a step-by-step guide on applying tempered glass at home:

Preparation

1. Find a clean, well-lit area/room: This will help you see any dust or debris that could get trapped under the tempered glass.

2. Gather your supplies: You’ll need the tempered glass screen protector, microfiber cloth (usually included with the protector), a dust removal sticker (often included), and possibly some masking tape.

Cleaning the screen

1. Power off your phone: This is usually done to avoid any accidental touches while cleaning. Alternatively, you can simply lock your phone.

2. Remove any existing screen protector. Tempered glass is to be applied on your phone’s display directly.

ALSO READ: 5 ways to protect your iPhone screen from all kinds of damage

3. Use the microfiber cloth to wipe down the screen: Make sure to remove any fingerprints, dust, or oil. You can also use the dust removal sticker to pick up any remaining dust particles.

Applying the tempered glass

1. Peel back a small portion of the adhesive backing on the tempered glass, just enough to hold it by the edge. Try not to touch the adhesive side too much.

2. Position the tempered glass above your phone screen. Align it carefully with the edges and ports. You can use the phone case (if you plan on using one) as a guide for alignment.

3. Once aligned, slowly lower the tempered glass onto the screen. Use a light touch and start from one side, gradually laying it down.

4. Squeeze out any air bubbles with the help of a microfiber cloth. Gently push any air bubbles towards the edges of the tempered glass. You can also use a credit card (wrapped in a microfiber cloth) to help smooth out any bubbles.

Finishing Up

1. Carefully remove the remaining adhesive backing from the tempered glass.

2. Use the microfiber cloth to buff out any fingerprints or streaks.

3. Finally, look for any remaining bubbles or dust particles. If you see a small dust speck, you can try to remove it with a piece of tape.

With these straightforward steps, you’ll have your tempered glass screen protector installed like a pro in no time!