Got a scratched or cracked screen protector? Removing a glass screen protector is fairly simple and it can be replaced at home. Before getting started, I'll cover some common household items to make the process even easier, and then walk through how to remove a screen protector from your iPhone or other Apple device.
Related: How to Clean iPad Screen (So It Feels Brand New)
What You’ll Need
The good news is that removing a cell phone screen protector does not require special equipment, and can be accomplished using common household items. Here's what you'll need before getting started:
- A toothpick
- A hard plastic credit card or gift card
- Hair dryer (This is a great way to loosen the adhesive, but is not required.)
How to Take Off a Glass Screen Protector
To learn more handy tips about your iPhone features or how to make your Apple devices last longer, consider signing up for our free Tip of the Day. Now, here's how to remove a tempered glass screen protector:
- If you have a hair dryer, aim it at the screen for 10–15 seconds on a low heat setting to loosen the adhesive on your screen protector. (It doesn't take much heat to loosen the adhesive, so be careful not to overdo it.)
- Use a toothpick or your fingernail to lift a corner of your glass screen protector.
- If you used a hair dryer to loosen the adhesive, you may be able to gently pull and remove the screen protector at this point.
- If not, gently slide a credit card beneath the lifted corner, and slowly run it around the sides of your iPhone. Make sure not apply too much pressure on your iPhone with the credit card, as this might damage your iPhone screen.
- With the card still inserted at the top of the iPhone, slide the card all the way under the glass across the entire width of the iPhone. Slowly slide the card down towards the bottom of the phone, while simultaneously lifting the screen protector away from the screen.
Voilà! You'll likely still have some remaining residue on your iPhone screen from the screen protector, which can be removed with a Clorox Disinfecting wipe or 70% isopropyl alcohol wipe. While you're at it, you may also be interested in checking out how to sanitize your phone or learn how to get air bubbles out of your screen protector next.
