How to Get Air Bubbles Out of Screen Protectors

Today, most modern smartphone screens are designed with durability in mind. They’re often made from strong materials, like Apple’s Ceramic Shield and Corning’s Gorilla Glass Victus, and also feature enhanced impact protection.

Unfortunately, glass displays remain vulnerable to scratches and cracks from accidental drops. They can even shatter if your phone hits a hard surface and lands on its corners.

A plastic or tempered glass screen protector is therefore an invaluable investment for your device, offering a film that protects its surface. If applied incorrectly, air bubbles can make seeing and operating the screen more challenging, not to mention compromising its protection. They’re also pretty unpleasant to look at and can ruin the aesthetics of your device.

But don’t panic if bubbles appear during or after installation – keep reading to find out how to remove and prevent air pockets for good.

What Causes Screen Protector Bubbles?

One of the most common causes of bubbles on the surface of glass or plastic screen protectors is gaps. This leaves space for air to creep in and create persistent bubbles, which inevitably become difficult to remove.

These gaps come from using a poor-fitting, low-quality screen protector that doesn’t properly adhere to the display or isn’t designed specifically for your device type. This is especially true for larger screens, which often make accurate alignment more difficult. 

They’re also created by cavities in the glue that binds the film onto the screen. These occur during installation or years later from general wear and tear.

Phones with curved screens, like the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, are even more at risk of bubble formation. Rigid screen protectors often don’t bend enough to match the display’s downward curvature, resulting in bubbles at the edges.

Along with air, dust particles and other debris also make bubbles form, which can be avoided by applying your screen protector to a clean surface. Anything from sweat to oily fingerprints impacts the glue and stops the protector from bonding completely to your device. We’ll explain this process in the next section!

Avoiding Air Bubbles with Effective Screen Protector Installation

Preventing air bubbles starts with purchasing a good-quality tempered glass screen protector. 

Ghostek’s tempered-glass protectors feature a 9H hardness for long-lasting display defence, plus a hydrophobic coating to reduce sweat and fingerprints. They also have a 28-degree privacy angle to keep sensitive data private, so you can browse in complete confidence.

Each protector comes with an easy glass installation applicator and full instructions tailored to your device’s unique specifications, from the Galaxy S25 Ultra to the iPhone 16.

After selecting the right protector, carefully read the manufacturer’s instructions. Most protectors follow the same application process, but some may come with directions specific to the brand or your phone – especially those featuring dual screens, like the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold.

Once you’re fully prepared, it’s time to install. You’ll need a new screen protector that’s completely clean, plus a non-oily plastic credit card, spatula, or dedicated applicator tool. Ensure your hands are washed before starting and work in a dust-free environment, following these steps:

1. Clean the Screen. Use a specialized glass cleaner or rubbing alcohol to thoroughly wipe the screen, then dry it using a lint-free microfiber cloth.

2. Take Out the Screen Protector. Carefully remove it from the packaging, being sure to grip from the edges to prevent dust from attaching to the surface.

3. Align to the Screen. Ensure the protector fits perfectly with the screen’s dimensions and is properly aligned. Leave the camera and charging ports clear.

4. Apply the Film. Gently push the sticky side of the protector against the top of the phone screen using minimal pressure. Then, work your way down to avoid air bubbles while creating a seal. 

5. Check for Bubbles. Use your credit card or applicator tool to smooth out all the bubbles by pushing them to the side, starting from the edge and working in just one direction if possible. Complete this step immediately, before the glue has chance to dry.

How to Remove Air Bubbles: Step-By-Step

If bubbles are already under your screen protector, the good news is that they can often be removed quickly. 

Simply grab the same credit card or applicator used to install the protector and push any trapped air toward the screen’s edge. Gently lift the nearest corner with your chosen tool rather than your fingers to get rid of any remaining bubbles and avoid transferring oil onto the glue.

However, the installation process may need to be performed again if the bubbles persist, starting with removing your old screen protector:

• Use a hair dryer or heat gun to loosen the adhesive. Switch it to the coolest setting and hold around 6 inches from the screen, moving the nozzle to avoid damaging your device with heat.

• Your protector should then gently come away from the screen with the credit card or tool after 15 seconds. Perform this process carefully, taking care not to damage the protector.

• Clean the display to avoid creating more air bubbles, then apply a new screen protector if yours has sustained scratches or cracks.
  

Maintaining a Bubble-Free Screen Protector

Keeping screen protector bubbles at bay after applying a new film is pretty simple. Just clean the screen regularly and ensure the edges don’t get damaged so gaps aren’t created.

Double the protection by using a rugged phone case that fits perfectly to the dimensions of your device. Not only will this defend your phone’s internal components, but it will also keep the screen protector in place, meaning a lower risk of trapped air.

At Ghostek, our Apple, Google, and Samsung cases are built to be completely shockproof, featuring R7x impact-absorbing technology and military-grade drop protection. Raised bumper edges further shield the screen and cameras, while anti-slip grip reduces the risk of accidents in the first place.

Discover a variety of models that combine best-in-class engineering and sleek design, from built-in wallets to those with vehicle mounts and kickstands for added functionality. Shop the Ghostek collection today!