Screen Protector Bubbles: How to Remove Them and Prevent Them

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Bubbles under a screen protector are usually trapped air, dust or a protector that has lifted at the edge. Small air bubbles often go away by themselves; the rest can be fixed.

Air Bubbles

  • Press gently from the centre toward the edge with a soft cloth or the squeegee card that came with the protector.
  • Small bubbles often disappear within a day or two as the adhesive settles.
  • Try a bit of gentle warmth (for example, leaving the phone in a warm room). Do not use a hair dryer on the phone.

Dust Specks

A speck of dust makes a bubble that will not flatten. Lift the protector with a piece of tape from the corner, use tape to lift the dust, and lay the protector down again.

Bubbles Around the Edges

Edge lifting is often caused by the case pressing on the protector. Use a case designed for the protector, or a slightly smaller protector, and make sure the screen is fully clean before applying.

How to Prevent Them

  • Clean the screen with the wipes supplied and remove every speck.
  • Apply in a clean, dust-free spot, such as a bathroom after a hot shower has settled the dust.
  • Align carefully before letting the adhesive touch the screen.
  • Press from the centre outward.

When to Replace It

If a protector will not stay flat, has a cracked corner or has trapped bubbles over the front camera, replace it. Cheap protectors often come in multi-packs. See my best screen and camera protectors.