Air bubbles that form between your phone screen and screen protector can be annoying and make the screen look unsightly. They can occur because of trapped air or dust particles below the screen protector. But don’t worry; you can eliminate air bubbles from a phone screen by removing the protector and wiping away dirt or fiber strands with a microfiber cloth. You can also use a card to press and smooth out the air bubbles gently. Moreover, applying vegetable oil or scotch tape could also be a good idea for cleaning your phone screen. If bubbles persist, seek help from a trusted cell phone repair shop.
Methods to Remove Air Bubbles From a Phone Screen
You should always try appropriate solutions to remove trapped air bubbles and avoid damaging the screen protector. Here are a few proven methods that you can try:
Method 1: Clean and Reapply the Protector
Before starting, you need to ensure that your screen protector is removable. Inspect it beforehand since some protectors break if you attempt to remove them. Then, gently remove the protector and wipe it with a dry microfiber cloth to remove dirt and fabric threads. After that, use a wipe and a screen cleaner to clean your screen. Once the protector is clean, you can reapply it to the screen.
Method 2: Scrape Air Bubbles Out
Some mobile phones come with handy plastic tools to help smooth out the bubbles. You can scrape out the bubbles if you can’t remove the protector or prefer not to risk cracking it. However, if no plastic tools are available, you may use a card to remove the trapped air and release it gently. Always start from the middle of the screen and carefully continue outwards. For better results, wash your hands before this step to avoid leaving smudge marks.
Method 3: Use Vegetable Oil
Many users have found this method to be effective in removing air bubbles. You need a Q-tip and a little bit of vegetable oil. Soak the Q-tip in the oil and sweep it around the edges of your screen protector. The oil will disperse air bubbles and secure your screen protector. Remember to clean any oil left behind before using your phone.
Method 4: Use Adhesive Tape
Using the card and tape might be the solution for those who don’t want to remove the protector. Slide your card underneath and lift the corner of the screen protector. Do not touch the sticky side of the protector with your hand, as it may smear your screen and reduce its adhesion. Then, apply tape to the part of the screen with air bubbles and press it down firmly. Then, apply tape to the part of the screen with air bubbles and press it down firmly.
Method 5: Use a Heat Source
You can also use a hair dryer or heat gun on a low setting to weaken the adhesive on your screen protector. Try heating air bubbles with a hair dryer or heat gun in a circular motion, then gently press the protector to flatten it. Moreover, ensure you don’t use the hair dryer or heat gun for too long, as it may damage both the screen protector and your phone.
Why Do Air Bubbles Appear on My Phone Screen?
Air bubbles can form on the phone screen for several reasons, such as:
- Poor Screen Protector: Using a poor-quality screen protector with the wrong installation technique can cause air pockets to emerge between the screen and the protector.
- Dust or Debris: The accumulation of small particles under the protector can hinder proper adhesion and form air bubbles.
- Weak Adhesive Layer: Low-quality screen protectors are usually thinner, don’t stick well to the screen, and create air pockets.
- Incorrect Screen Protector Size: If the protector does not perfectly match your screen size, it may also lead to issues such as misalignment or air pockets.
How Do I Remove Air Bubbles in the Middle of My Phone Screen?
First, lift one corner of the glass protector to remove air bubbles. Press it back down and smooth out the air pockets on the surface using a card or your fingers. This method can remove bubbles from the middle and push them out towards the sides. However, for remaining bubbles, you can lift the glass again to repeat until the screen is completely bubble-free.
Conclusion
Air bubbles can appear on your phone screen due to trapped air, dirt particles, or low-quality protectors. If you experience issues with air bubbles in your phone screen, you first need to remove the screen protector and clean it with a microfiber cloth. You can also scrape air bubbles from the screen using a card, vegetable oil, or scotch tape to remove dirt and air bubbles under the screen protector. But if you feel you can’t handle that issue, contacting professional cell phone repair technicians would be the best option.