How to remove your screen protector

⚡ Fast fix

• Corner first. Start at an edge or corner—don't force the middle.
• Slow wins. A little patience is cheaper than a screen repair.
• Stuck tight? Gentle heat can help loosen stubborn adhesive.
• Glass protector? Assume it could crack during removal and handle it carefully.

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You dutifully attached a screen protector—a thin sheet of plastic or glass—on your device to protect the screen from damage. But now you want to remove it. Before you go ahead and just take it off, there's a right way to do it without breaking the protector or, worse, breaking the screen on your phone or tablet.

At Asurion, we help millions of people troubleshoot, fix and maximize their tech. From speeding up your phone to troubleshooting a TV with no sound, we keep the devices you rely on most working all day, every day. Here are our tips for safely removing your screen protector.

Simple steps for removing your screen protector

It's important to detach your screen protector from your device as carefully as possible so you don't damage your screen or cut yourself on the glass. Here's what to do:

1. Turn your device off.
2. Using your fingernail—or a credit card—gently lift one corner of the protector and pry it away from the screen. If one corner doesn't work, try another.
3. Once a corner is lifted, slide the credit card under the screen protector and gently move it back and forth, loosening the edges and peeling it up as you go until the protector completely releases.
4. Carefully lift the protector away from your device and set it aside.

Tip: If your protector is made of glass, you may want to wear gloves in case it breaks while you're removing it.

How to remove a stuck-on screen protector

If this didn't work, your screen protector may be stuck to the screen. The culprit is likely a strong adhesive keeping the protector in place. Here's what to try:

1. Turn your device off.
2. Place a piece of duct tape on the corner of the screen protector.
3. Gently pull the tape upward and towards you to remove the protector.

If that doesn't work, try this:

1. Turn your device off.
2. Set a hairdryer to the lowest setting and hold it near your device—but no closer than 6 inches away—moving it up and down the length of the protector for 15 seconds. Be sure not to have the dryer set too high or hold it on the device too long as to avoid overheating it.
3. Try removing the screen protector by gently lifting and prying it at the corners.

Clean your device screen

After you remove the screen protector, clean your screen by gently wiping it with a microfiber cloth dabbed with a small amount of isopropyl alcohol or a mild cleaning spray made especially for electronics.

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FAQ

Can removing a screen protector damage my phone screen?

Not if it's removed carefully. The biggest risk comes from using too much force or sharp tools that can scratch or crack the display.

Why won't my screen protector come off?

Some protectors use stronger adhesives than others. If it's stuck, try lifting a corner with a card or using gentle heat from a hairdryer to loosen the adhesive.

Can I reuse a screen protector after removing it?

Usually not. Most screen protectors lose some of their adhesive strength once removed, making it difficult to reinstall them without bubbles or poor adhesion.

Should I remove a cracked screen protector right away?

Yes. A cracked protector can become harder to remove over time and may produce sharp edges or loose glass fragments.

How do I know if the crack is in the screen protector or the screen itself?

Run your fingernail gently across the crack. If you can feel it, it's often the screen protector. If you're unsure, remove the protector and inspect the screen underneath.