Buzz
Screen protectors serve to shield electronic devices from cracks and breakage. However, air bubbles can form on the protector if it's not applied properly or if the screen isn't perfectly flat. Once the protector is applied, it’s difficult to remove air bubbles trapped in the middle unless you peel the protector off and reapply it. If the bubbles are on the edges of the protector, you can use cooking oil to quickly eliminate them.
Steps
Reapply the Screen Protector
Use a razor blade to lift a corner of the protector and peel it off the device. Carefully slide the sharp edge of the razor blade underneath one corner of the protector. Be sure to keep the blade horizontal to avoid scratching the screen. As you lift a corner, the protector will slowly detach from the screen. Once the adhesive has nearly separated, you can remove the protector from the device.
- Do not bend the protector when removing it, as this could cause it to crack or break.
- Many types of screen protectors can be removed and reapplied multiple times.
Wipe and dry the screen with a soft cloth. Dust and lint on the screen are the primary causes of air bubbles. Damp a corner of the cloth with rubbing alcohol and wipe the screen to remove all dust or lint. After wiping with the wet cloth, follow up by drying the screen with a clean, dry cloth to ensure it’s completely dry.
- You can also use pre-packaged screen cleaning wipes, which are available at electronics stores.
Tip: Perform this task in a clean, dust-free room. If you have a fan or air conditioner running, it’s best to turn them off to prevent dust from circulating in the air.
Remove any remaining dust with adhesive tape. Stick the tape onto the screen and press lightly so it adheres. Gently peel the tape off to lift any remaining dust or small fibers from the screen. Repeat the process across the entire screen, making sure to overlap the tape on previously taped areas to avoid missing any spots.
- If you want to clean the entire screen at once, apply the tape over the whole screen.
Reapply the screen protector. Align the edges of the protector with the edges of the screen to ensure it’s not misaligned. Once you’re satisfied with the position, gently place one edge of the protector onto the screen and slowly press it down. The adhesive on the back of the protector will immediately stick to the screen.
- Consider placing the screen protector in a high-humidity area, such as a bathroom, to minimize air bubbles.
Use your finger or a credit card to press along the surface of the protector. Once the protector starts adhering to the screen, use your finger or a credit card to press down on the middle of the protector. Swipe from the center out towards the edges to eliminate any air bubbles trapped under the protector. Continue this process until all air bubbles are pushed out.
- If there are still bubbles on the screen, either reapply the protector or replace it with a new one.
Remove air bubbles at the edges of the screen protector using oil
Dip a cotton swab into cooking oil. For the best results, you can use olive oil or vegetable oil. Pour 1-2 teaspoons (5-10ml) of oil into a small dish to easily dip the cotton swab. Make sure the swab is lightly coated with oil, but avoid soaking it to the point where it drips.
Rub the cotton swab along the edges with the air bubbles. Shake off any excess oil from the cotton swab and gently rub it along the edges of the screen protector. Apply a thin layer of oil to the edges so it seeps underneath the protector. The oil will eliminate the air bubbles, and the protector will adhere smoothly to the screen.
Tip: If the air bubbles persist after applying the oil, you can gently lift the edge of the protector with your fingernail or a razor blade to allow the oil to seep underneath.
Press the protector back into its original position and wipe off any excess oil. Once the air bubbles are gone, press down firmly to ensure the protector sticks to the screen. Use a paper towel to clean the edges and remove any oil residue pushed out from underneath.
- Lightly press along the edges of the protector to check if any excess oil seeps out from below.
Advice
- Some screens may not be perfectly flat, which means that even with the best screen protector, air bubbles might still form.
Things You Need
Reapply the screen protector
- Razor blade
- Soft cloth
- Rubbing alcohol
- Adhesive tape
- Credit card
Remove air bubbles from the edges of the screen protector using oil
- Olive oil or vegetable oil
- Small dish
- Cotton swabs
- Paper towels
