How to put on an iPhone screen protector

Step 1 of 12: The Sellotape method

We're going to use what we're calling the Sellotape method. For this you'll need a standard off-the-shelf screen protector kit (make sure you buy the right one for your specific model of phone or iPad - see our roundup of the best iPhone screen protectors for further advice), plus a roll of clear sticky tape - although we guess that, at a push, masking or PVC/electrical tape will also work.

We're applying a screen protector to an iPhone SE so standard clear tape is the right size here, but if you're applying a protector to an iPad then you might like to use wider clear tape such as that used for wrapping parcels. Read next: How to repair a broken iPhone screen

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how to apply iphone screen protector 1600 1

We're going to use what we're calling the Sellotape method. For this you'll need a standard off-the-shelf screen protector kit (make sure you buy the right one for your specific model of phone or iPad - see our roundup of the best iPhone screen protectors for further advice), plus a roll of clear sticky tape - although we guess that, at a push, masking or PVC/electrical tape will also work.

We're applying a screen protector to an iPhone SE so standard clear tape is the right size here, but if you're applying a protector to an iPad then you might like to use wider clear tape such as that used for wrapping parcels. Read next: How to repair a broken iPhone screen

Step 2 of 12: Apply tape

The very first step - after removing any case on your device, of course - is to apply a piece of the sticky tape to the left edge of the top side of the screen protector. That is, the side that faces you, and not the side that bonds with the screen.

As you'll see in the next step, this tape will act as a hinge, enabling precise application of the screen protector.

Step 3 of 12: Line up holes

Place the screen protector over the phone or iPad. DO NOT remove any of the adhesive protective covers from the screen protectors at this stage! Ensure that you precisely match the holes in the screen protector with the speaker grille, Touch ID button and camera (as applicable).

Step 4 of 12: Create tape hinge

Once you've got everything perfectly lined up, hold the screen protector in place carefully and then push the sticky tape down on the side of the phone or iPad so that it forms a hinge and effectively fixes the screen protector in place so it can no longer move.

Really work the tape into the nooks and crevices of the screen to ensure you get a good, secure bond to hold the screen protector without movement.

Step 5 of 12: Clean the screen

Using your new tape hinge, fold the screen protector out of the way and then use the cleaning cloths provided with the kit to thoroughly clean the iPhone or iPad's screen. Remember: at this stage DO NOT remove any of the plastic protective covers from the screen protector!

Step 6 of 12: Remove remaining dust with tape

A neat little trick to get those last little motes of dust following cleaning is to wrap some sticky tape around your finger and then dab it on the screen to lift off any debris.

Step 7 of 12: Peel off protective layer

Now it's time to peel off the back protective plastic layer from the screen protector. Be careful not to accidentally touch your nice clean screen while doing this!

Step 8 of 12: Fold protector on to screen

Carefully place the screen protector back over the phone or iPad screen. The sticky tape hinge will ensure it lands precisely where it's supposed to go.

Step 9 of 12: Work out bubbles

Work out any bubbles under the glass by pushing reasonably firmly on the screen protector. Work the bubbles either to the edge of the screen, or to the holes for the Touch ID button and/or the speaker grille.

Step 10 of 12: Remove tape

Remove the tape and the top-most plastic protective covering for the screen protector, if there is one (our kit didn't have one).

Step 11 of 12: Clean protector

Using the cleaning cloths from earlier, give the screen protector a good clean to ensure it's shiny!

Step 12 of 12: You're done!

And there you have it: a perfectly applied screen protector, placed precisely over the TouchID and speaker holes so it doesn't even partially obscure either. If you do it right, as seen here, the screen protector will be virtually invisible to the naked eye.

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