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How to apply a screen protector without making a mess of it

It takes time, and can be frustrating, but it's worth the effort.

Written by Adrian Kingsley-Hughes, Senior Contributing Editor June 13, 2022 at 5:14 a.m. PT

I'm rough with my gear, so I tend to use screen protectors to give my gear more of a fighting chance.

But screen protectors can be a massive pain to apply. There have been plenty of times when, through being in a rush or being careless, I've ended up with dust, car hair, or air bubbles trapped beneath the screen protector. And while this doesn't affect the overall performance of the screen protector, it looks awful.

And you're looking at it every time you use the device. And you'll be annoyed by those imperfections.

I needed to add a screen protector to myDJI RC Pro controller, so I thought I'd bring you along to show you how I do it. This is not a smartphone or a tablet, but the process is the same.

Applying a screen protector

First, purchase a decent screen protector. I have had good experiences with screen protectors from companies such as ZAGG or Spigen, but these companies don't make screen protectors for every device, so sometimes you're forced to buy something from an unknown company.

I'll be testing these robustness claims soon...

2. Good screen protectors will come with things to clean your screen with. Use them. Don't just give is a wipe with a t-shirt and hope that's enough. You'll end up hating the you of the past that took that shortcut.

The kit I purchased came with wet and dry wipes, stickers for grabbing dust and hair, and alignment stickers to help get the screen protector on straight.

3. Check to see if the screen protector fits before starting the process. Check the alignment and use the alignment stickers to create a hinge that will allow you to remove the backing off the screen protector and drop it onto the display.

4. Clean the screen thoroughly and use the sticker to dab off any remaining detritus. Don't rush this step. The display needs to be as clean and dry and free of detritus as possible.

5. With the screen clean, peel off the backing, check again for any dust or debris (use the dabbing sticker to remove it, don't blow as that will make a mess) and then flip the screen protector down onto the display.

6. Use your fingers to walk the air bubbles to the edges where they should disappear. Work slowly from the middle outwards to remove all the air bubbles. It might take time, so be patient.