Curved phones, where the screen bends around the edges of the phone, are getting more common because they provide a larger display area and sharper picture. However, they pose problems for protection because cases have a hard time attaching to the curved sections. To keep your curved screen safe, get covers and cases designed for these types of phones. Other than that, follow the other typical rules for smartphone protection to prevent damage to your screen.
Covering the Screen
Buy a case for a curved-screen phone to cushion it from impact.
In the past, cases had trouble attaching to curved phones because they couldn’t grip the edges. Now, newer cases are built to accommodate the curved screen. Look for a case designed for curved screens and put it on your phone to prevent cracks and other damage.
- Try to find a case made specifically for your phone model. This is the best way to ensure that the case fits properly.
- If you buy a case from a store, ask if you can try the case to make sure it fits. If you buy online, make sure you can return the case if it doesn’t fit.
Get a new tempered glass screen cover for the strongest protection.
Tempered glass provides the best protection and shock absorption for your screen. Like with cases, older glass covers had a hard time contouring to curved screens, but newer ones have improved. Find a new glass cover designed for curved screens to prevent scratches.
- Always check reviews for glass screens before you buy one to make sure it’s compatible with a curved phone. If people have complained about tracking or sensitivity issues, then get a different screen.
- Glass covers work as shock absorbers for the screen. If you drop the phone, the cover might shatter, but the screen will be undamaged.
Use a curved plastic screen cover for a cheaper option.
There are also plastic screen covers that you can use as an alternative to tempered glass. These covers don’t provide as much protection, but are much cheaper to buy and replace. Get one designed for curved screens for the best protection.
- Look for a screen designed for your specific phone model to ensure it will fit properly.
Install the screen cover so there are no bubbles or spaces under it.
If you install a screen protector improperly, then the phone won’t respond to your touches. Start by cleaning the screen with a microfiber cloth. Then, put the install tray onto the phone, if your protector comes with one. This lines up the protector correctly. Peel the clear tape off the protector, line it up with the tray, and press down along the edges to adhere it to the phone.
- Work your finger around the protector to push out any air bubbles.
- Different screen covers may have different instructions. Read and follow all the directions that come with the product.
Preventing Scratches and Cracking
Put the phone in a pocket without keys or other hard items.
These are the most common causes of scratches on phone screens. Always make sure hard or sharp items are in a different pocket from the one you put your phone in.
- Try using a specific pocket in your bag or jacket for your phone and out nothing else in there. That way, you know nothing will scratch the screen.
- Follow this rule even if you use a screen cover. Scratches on the cover can make the phone less responsive.
Leave the phone in a pocket that you won’t sit on.
Some people like putting their phones in their back pocket. However, sitting on your phone can bend or crack the screen. Leave your phone in a pocket that you won’t sit on to prevent accidental cracks.
- Sometimes it’s convenient to put the phone in your back pocket, like if you’re standing on a train. If you do put your phone in your back pocket for a moment, remember to take it out before you sit down.
Use a strong grip when you hold the phone.
This sounds obvious, but carelessness is a big reason for accidental phone dropping. Whenever you take your phone out, use a strong grip to make sure you don’t drop it. Look around for anything that might knock your phone out of your hand. When you put the phone away, make sure it’s securely in your pocket or bag before letting go.
- When you get a new phone, it’s a good idea to check how it feels in your hand. If the phone is too large for you to get a good grip on, try a different model.
- There are some attachments that you can use to get a better grip on your phone. A ring holder, for example, has a loop to put your finger through while you’re holding your phone. There are also rubber attachments to stop the phone from sliding out of your hand. Use one of these if you have trouble holding on to your phone.
Cleaning the Screen
Remove dust and fingerprints with a microfiber cloth.
If dust or fingerprints build up on the screen or cover, get a microfiber cloth like you’d use to clean your glasses with. Wipe down the screen with a dry cloth until it’s clear.
- You can also wipe the screen on your shirt if you’re wearing a very fine fabric. Coarse materials won’t clean well and could scratch the screen.
- Don’t use paper-based products like tissues or paper towels to wipe the screen. These can cause scratches and leave fibers behind.
Clean the screen
If you have dirt stuck on the phone, distilled water will work fine in most cases. Dip a microfiber cloth into the water and squeeze it out so it’s just damp. Wipe down the screen until all the dirt is gone. If you want to disinfect the phone, get a cleaning solution designed for smartphone use. Dip the cloth into it and wipe down the phone.
- Do not use rubbing alcohol or cleaners that contain alcohol to clean screens. These chemicals can wear away the protective covering.
- If you want to disinfect your phone without using cleaners, there are UV light devices that kill bacteria. These are expensive, but could clean your phone without any risk of damage.
Pull lint out of crevices with tape or a toothpick.
Over time, dust and lint can built up in the speakers and other openings on the phone. For easy removal, press a strip of scotch tape over the holes and pull it off. This should remove most debris. If more is left over, gently insert a toothpick to dig it out.
- Do not use compressed air to get rid of dust or lint. The pressure can damage fragile phone parts.
Warnings
- If you have to cut and size the tempered glass screen protector for your phone, you should do it wearing protective eyewear and gloves.