How to Safely Remove a Cracked Screen Protector

A cracked glass protector can have sharp edges and tiny shards. Follow these steps to remove it safely and avoid scratching your screen.

 

What You Might Need

  • Clear packing tape (or a lint roller) 

  • A plastic card (old gift card) or plastic pry tool 

  • Microfiber cloth 

  • Optional: gloves 

Safe Removal Steps

  1. Power off your phone and remove the case. 

  2. Tape the protector: place 2–3 overlapping strips of clear tape across the screen to hold shards together. 

  3. Lift one corner gently using a plastic card/pry tool. Avoid metal tools

  4. Peel slowly at a low angle (pull it back over itself, not straight up). Go slow to reduce splintering. 

  5. If it’s stubborn, add more tape and try a different corner—don’t force it. 

  6. Remove leftover adhesive with a microfiber cloth and a tiny bit of water or 70% isopropyl alcohol on the cloth (do not spray the phone). 

Don’ts

  • Don’t rip it off quickly 

  • Don’t use blades or metal picks 

  • Don’t press hard on cracked areas 

Need help? If it’s badly shattered, bring it in—we can remove it safely and install a new one in minutes.

 

Protector Recycling / Disposal

Used screen protectors can contain plastic film, adhesive, and sometimes glass. Here are safe, eco-friendly ways to handle them.

Before You Throw It Away

  • Wrap it first: Put the used protector (especially cracked glass) in clear tape or a small bag to prevent sharp edges and loose shards. 

  • Wipe off dust: A quick wipe helps keep bins cleaner. 

Can It Be Recycled?

In most cities, screen protectors are not accepted in regular recycling because they’re mixed materials (plastic + adhesive, or glass + adhesive). When in doubt, treat them as garbage, not recycling.

Better Options

  • Electronics drop-off / e-waste programs: Some depots accept small accessories. 

  • Our in-store take-back program: Bring your old screen protector to our shop and we’ll collect it for proper disposal

Best Practice

If your city doesn’t specifically accept it, dispose of it in the trash (wrapped), and recycle the packaging (paper/cardboard) separately when possible.

Tip: If you replace your protector in-store, we can remove the old one safely.





Frequently asked questions

Does the iPhone "Ceramic Shield" already protect against everything?

No. While Ceramic Shield is designed to be highly shatter-resistant, it is still glass. Interestingly, glass that is more resistant to cracking is often softer and more prone to scratching. A screen protector acts as a sacrificial layer for these everyday abrasions.

Will it affect my touch sensitivity or Face ID?

High-quality tempered glass (usually 0.33mm thick) is designed to be virtually invisible to the sensors. As long as the protector is applied correctly without dust or air gaps, your touch responsiveness and Face ID will function exactly as they do on a naked screen.

Does it help with fingerprints and smudges?

Yes. Most premium protectors come with an oleophobic (oil-repellent) coating. This mimics the iPhone’s original feel, making it easier to wipe away fingerprints and preventing that "sticky" feeling during use.

Can a screen protector actually prevent a screen from cracking?

Yes. Tempered glass is designed to absorb and disperse the energy of an impact. If you drop your phone, the protector is meant to shatter instead of your iPhone’s actual display, saving you from a repair that can cost hundreds of dollars.

How much does shipping cost?

Free in Canada! $5 to North America.

When will I get my order?

We will work quickly to ship your order as soon as possible. Once your order has shipped, you will receive an email with further information. Delivery times vary depending on your location.

How do screen protectors help with resale value?

Micro-scratches from keys, coins, or even sand in your pocket can significantly lower a phone's trade-in or resale value. Keeping a protector on ensures that when you're ready to upgrade, the screen underneath is still in "Mint" condition.

Are there health benefits like blue light filtering?

Some specialized protectors include Blue Light Filters or Anti-Glare coatings. These can help reduce eye strain during long periods of use and improve visibility when using your phone outdoors in direct sunlight.

What is "9H Hardness" and why does it matter?

9H refers to the Pencil Hardness Scale. A 9H rating means the glass can resist scratches from almost anything except industrial-grade materials. This ensures that household items like keys or even a knife won't leave a mark on the protector.

Can I use a screen protector from an older iPhone model?

It depends on the specific model. For example, iPhone 13, 14, and 16e often share the same screen dimensions. However, using a protector from a different generation (like an iPhone 11 on an iPhone 15) usually won't work due to changes in the Dynamic Island, notch size, or bezel thickness.

Are screen protectors compatible with all cases?

Not always. "Edge-to-edge" protectors cover the entire glass but can be "pushed up" by bulky or rugged cases (like Otterbox), causing bubbles. If you use a heavy-duty case, look for "Case-Friendly" protectors that leave a tiny gap around the perimeter.

What's the difference between Glass and Plastic (TPU/PET) protectors?

Tempered Glass: Offers the best impact protection and feels like the original screen.

  • TPU (Plastic): Thinner and "self-healing" for light scratches, but offers very little protection against cracks from drops.

Newly Arrived in the 6!

Pick up a phone screen protector today! Get it installed in minutes today, with a 30 day guarantee you are satisfied. Otherwise, we'll fully refund you back to your back in 24-48 hours.

Shop now