air bubbles under screen protector

How to Get Air Bubbles Out of a Screen Protector

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Ever find a bubble on your phone’s screen protector that just seemed to have popped up out of nowhere? Bubbles trapped beneath your screen are a common problem that many phone users face. Unfortunately, bubbles are not just unattractive — they can also cause significant problems. Not taken care of properly, they can make your screen protector less efficient at protecting your phone. The question is: How do you get the bubble out? Case-Mate breaks down exactly how to get air bubbles out of a screen. 

HOW AIR BUBBLES FORM IN THE FIRST PLACE

Bubbles form for a variety of reasons. Typically, they arise from spaces or cavities that form beneath the glue used to secure your screen protector onto the phone’s glass. Often, this is the result of improper application or even microscopic dust and debris caught beneath. Oil from our fingertips is also a reason bubbles form. 

Unfortunately, a bubble can appear many years later, even if you are super careful and apply the screen protector like a pro. Whether it’s due to pressure on the screen, caused by drops or mashing the screen too hard during games or texts, your screen can shift and cause a small bubble that grows over time.

HOW TO GET AIR BUBBLES OUT OF YOUR SCREEN PROTECTOR

Okay, so you have an annoying air bubble in your screen protector. The bigger question is, how do you get rid of it? Here are a few tips and bits of advice on removing air bubbles and preventing them from happening in the first place. 

APPLY THE SCREEN PROTECTOR IN CLEAN CONDITIONS

Before you apply or install your screen protector, be sure to set up a clean working space. Dust and small pieces of grit can cause a screen protector to bubble up, so this step is important. Make sure the working space is clean and that the screen itself has been wiped down with an alcohol pad. Also, don’t forget to wash your hands with soap, too, removing dirt and oils. 

TAKE TIME TO ALIGN THE SCREEN PROTECTOR

Having to remove a screen protector to readjust it can create bubbles. So do yourself a favor and patiently take the time to align the screen protector properly before your first application. If you get it right on the first go, you won’t have to deal with peeling it off after it has made contact. Ideally, you should let the screen protector form a seal before removing any bubbles, should they even pop up.

PUSH BUBBLES OUT WITH A PLASTIC CARD

Even if you apply the screen protector perfectly aligned, bubbles can still form. If you do have a few bubbles, that’s okay. However, don’t just poke the bubble or try to smooth it out with your bare hand or fingers. Instead, use a plastic card, preferably one with a clean, hard edge without nicks. Clean the card, too, like in the first step. Then, push out each bubble from the center to the edge of the screen. Also, push in one direction if you can. This will ensure a firmer grip and eradicate the bubbles. 

If you have a bubble along the edge of the screen protector, and a card won’t do the trick, try this method instead: Lift the nearest corner with a thin piece of plastic gently, keeping your fingers and natural oils away. This will help remove the bubble. Then, you can follow it up with the plastic card again, securing the screen protector back to the phone’s glass surface. 

CASE-MATE SCREEN PROTECTORS

Have you tried all the above methods and still see bubbles? Then it may be time to replace your screen protector entirely. There are many reasons bubbles can appear, but sometimes it’s simply due to the glue’s age, failing as it deteriorates over time. If this is the case, it’s vital to replace the screen protector promptly.

Introducing the Case-Mate screen protector, designed with durable tempered glass that ensures your phone’s screen is shatterproof. In addition, this screen protector is so rigid and robust that it will absorb and disperse the force of impact, should you accidentally drop the phone.

Case-Mate carries a wide variety of sizes specifically made to fit makes and models. Are you looking for an iPhone 11 screen protector or a screen protector for your Android phone? We carry a complete line-up for all kinds of phone brands and manufacturers. 

Of course, if your phone shattered due to improper protection and lack of a phone case, we have you covered there, too. Check out our fashionable and stylish cell phone cases to offer extra shock and water resistance.