TiPb How-to: Apply a screen protector to your iPhone
Screen protectors are a great way to keep your iPhones screen scratch-free but they can be tricky to apply. So, here’s a video explain some of the basic concepts and techniques I find make the application process much faster and less stressful.
Used in the video are a non slip mat, iKlenz, a screen protector, microfiber cloth, ID card, and the star of this short — your iPhone.
If you have any special tricks or techniques for putting on a screen protector or thoughts on the video, let me know in the comments below!
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Rene Ritchie, Editor
Chad Garrett, Writer
Jeremy Sikora, Writer
Leanna Lofte, Writer
Georgia, Writer
Allyson Kazmucha, Writer
Dieter Bohn, Editor in Chief, SPE
The iPhone screen is made of glass. Does it really get that scratched up?
Yes it can… It takes a while but it can and it will. I have one with some scratchs in it.
My iPhone 3G screen was scratched by the back camera housing of CrackBerry Kevin’s Bold 9000
Since I got my 3GS I’ve been screen protector free. Once you get use to that oleophobic screen everything else seems like a smudge magnet.
I use zagg invisble shield it’s scratch proof and awesome.
is this going to be a new series for tipb?
What really helped me is to have scotch tape handy. As you place the screen over the glass, look for air pockets. If you find one, Remove that portion and dab the protector with the sticky side of tape to grab dirt, then remove and try again. It worked really well for me.
@Tansen Great tip, thanks!
I find a sheet from a lint remover roller gets all of the dust and particles off of a screen. Just lay it on and peel it off immediately before applying.
@Paul Great idea man! I’ve used blue painter’s masking tape before with the same effect…
Just tried your technique! Looks great!
Awesome Chris, happy it worked out !
Off topic, anybody having trouble updating an app. Error message states to log on to the pc and sync to get the update. This is a pain. Why have the app store on the iPhone if you have to connect to the computer just to get an update.
I have never had a screen protector on mine and it is fine. No issues. I also don’t put it in my pocket with another phone or keys!! I think screen protectors on glass are kind of stupid personally. Now I do have a Zagg protector for the back of the phone which can and does get bet up.
I have a case from prima that closes over the screen. Only trouble, the iPod Touch slid out once and hit the concrete floor. Caused very minor scratch, almost unseen. Got a screen proctector after that.
My advice is don’t use those cheap plastic protectors at all as they themselves get scratched up in next to no time.
I would only recommend those protectors made out of the material that products like the Zagg Invisible Shield uses. That stuff it amazing. Even if it does get scratched (and that is pretty hard to do) just forget about it for a week and use the phone as normal and the scratch will disappear.
What most people don’t realize about that material is that it is semi-porous so even when you get bubbles after applying it, again wait for the glue to dry and then just carry on using the phone as normal. Within a week, even the biggest bubble just work themselves out.
The one and only thing you have to be careful of is getting lint or any other particles under the skins that glue on since that stands out like a sore thumb and there’s little you can do but take it off and apply again, if you can get rid the of bits stuck on that is.
The only weakness in the glue on skins is that the glue eventually fails, especially at the corners so you end up having to get a new one.
Whenever I put a protector on, I run the protector — both sides — under water and then immediately put it on the iPhone. Then I squegee out the water from underneath using a credit card. Works perfectly everytime. If anything doesn’t look perfect after it’s on, I just peel it off rinse it off and do it again.
Georgia, you inspired me to try again, and it looks great. Thanks!
@Alli So happy that it looks great ! Thanks for the comment
I’ve never even touched the screen on my 3GS. Ever since day 1 i had a Power Support anti-glare screen protector right form the Apple Store. They are like $15 for 2 of them but totally worth it. I haven’t even used my 2nd one yet. It lasts forever. Doesn’t show any finger prints, and when swiping there is basically no friction or resistance. Love it.
Whenever I need to apply one go into the bathroom, close the door, run the hot shower for 5 minutes, then apply in the steamy room.
Lint and dust aren’t so free flowing in the air when a room has got some steam going on.
Hi there, not sure which brand you’re using but after having researched quite a while found a guy in Macrumours forum that did all the tests with different brands and the best are Bodyguardz for front (much better than Zagg, which is not as good and super expensive) and BestSkingEver for back (which is a bit thicker but works perfect to provide the grip you need in the back). With the first ones you can get life replacements when you send out the used ones.
My advise is to spray a mix of water + baby shampoo on the skin before applying. You method seems alright but chances are you might not align it perfect and then you’re stuck, while if its humid you can always slide it through the screen until desired position. Finally you squeege it with credit card or similar.
ALSO a bit of advice: never start from the bottom if you use the liquid solution, otherwise water may end up getting inside earpiece and shorting your LCD backlight as result. Start always from the top and apply it downwards.
Regarding the back skin… this one is actually much more difficult to fit, because of the corners. In fact you can damage your phone if there is an excess of water applied as it would get from either the dock connector or the headphones or even the sleep button. You have to be very careful and plan well this operation. Take your time and use a similar setup to tehe one on this video, but rather place something more absorbent (like a cloth) underneath the phone. TIP: once you’re done, wrap the whole phone with kitchen wrap paper (the one used to wrap sandwiches and other food). That way corners will stick perfect and after a few hours you can remove.
It is somewhat tricky, but once you are done your phone would look perfect, way much better than those bulky covers.
I recently went to Apple store and the genius told me he never saw a phone with such perfect finish. It is all about patience and practice. Look in Bestskinsever website for pics and applying instructions and best of luck.
P.N.: I’m not endorsing any products and I don’t work for any of those companies. But “you asked for the best and you got it!” (this is actually a quote from KISS on their concerts
@69monos Thanks for the detailed method and information. Yes a few people have endorsed the water method. Though I have to say that it scares me to think of having water on the screen of my iPhone. I worry about all the dangers you already pointed out, esp since I got a perfect fit the first try. I am intrigued though and I will think about testing it out.
I use Zagg InvisibleShield on my 3GS. Works great but I need to get a new one because it got a bit mangled on one side when I was trying to put my phone in a case it ended up not fitting in (turned out the case was made for 1st gen iPhone… 3G & 3GS are slightly thicker… too bad cos I really liked that case).
I had an invisible shield but when I got my screen replaced (dust under it) I took it off. I don’t think I’ll ever put another screen protector back on. Bare glass is soooo nice.
I keep going back and forth between screen shields and none. I def like no protector better, but I am always afraid of getting little tiny scratches on the screen. I can’t use the cardstar app with a screen saver on, has anyone had any luck using the cardstar app with a screen saver?
I caught this video a day late. My friend and I were in Cairo and another friend living there just got an iPhone there but couldn’t find a screen protector. I just so happened to buy a pack here in the US before flying out, so I gave it to him. It was pretty comedic how it all went down when I put the screen protector on for him… from applying it crooked, to smoothing out massive bubbles, then getting lint trapped underneath. At least I had a pack of 3 protectors, and my friend already knew I was a buffoon. This video will definitely up my iPhone accessory installing skills. Thanks Georgia.
Can I use the lens cleaner that came with my prescription eye glasses? The brand is instaClears Lens Cleaner. Thanks
I like the fact that these shields obviously protect the screen but I also like the look of my IPad without a shield; I always seem to get a bubble under the shield when I am placing them on my IPhone…. Tips??
Thanks Adam
very nice iphone screen protector at shoponlinegoods, great buy at 99p do have a look at it people
Had some difficulties looking at the web page in Opera using the Macintosh, nevertheless I still appreciated the website!
Awesome Chris, happy it worked out !
What most people don’t realize about that material is that it is semi-porous so even when you get bubbles after applying it, again wait for the glue to dry and then just carry on using the phone as normal.