Screenprotector verwijderen: de beste methoden

How to Remove Screen Protector: Best Methods

Written by: R2B Store

Do you want to remove a screen protector because it's full of scratches, has small bubbles, or because you want to apply a new glass screen protector? Especially with a broken screen protector or a tempered glass screen protector, people are afraid of damaging the display or touchscreen.

Fortunately, you can remove a screen protector without risk, as long as you work calmly and follow the correct steps. In this article, we explain how to remove a screen protector and how you can easily do this with a wooden toothpick.

What do you need before you start?

Before you start removing a screen protector, good preparation is important. I recommend placing your smartphone on a flat surface and making sure your hands are clean and dry. It's most convenient to have a microfiber cloth, a wooden toothpick, a plastic card, and possibly a piece of adhesive tape or tape ready.

This allows you to work carefully without affecting the special coating of the display. It's better not to use metal objects like a screwdriver, as this can quickly cause scratches or other damage.

You ideally need:

  • A wooden toothpick
  • A microfiber cloth or wiping cloth
  • A plastic card
  • A piece of adhesive tape or tape
  • A new protector if you want to replace it immediately

Step-by-step plan: removing a screen protector

Our experts recommend removing a screen protector with a wooden toothpick. This method works safely for both glass and plastic screen protectors and reduces the chance of damaging the screen. Follow the steps below to carefully remove the screen protector.


Step 1: Prepare your smartphone

  • Place your device on a flat and stable surface
  • Optionally use a microfiber cloth under the smartphone
  • Ensure the screen is clearly visible and clean
  • Check where the edges of the screen protector are

This prevents the device from shifting while removing the screen protector.


Step 2: Find a loose corner

  • See if a corner of the screen protector is already slightly loose
  • Always start at one point and not in the middle
  • Optionally use a toothpick to loosen a corner
  • Work carefully so that the entire screen protector doesn't break immediately

If the screen protector is broken, it's wise to first tape over the glass.


Step 3: Use a wooden toothpick

  • Gently slide the toothpick under the corner of the screen protector
  • Slowly lift the protector
  • Work calmly so the glass doesn't crack
  • Avoid hard pressure on the touchscreen

A wooden toothpick is safer than a screwdriver or metal object.


Step 4: Slowly peel off the screen protector

  • Grip the loosened corner with your fingers or nail
  • Slowly pull the screen protector upwards
  • Work from the corner to the rest of the edges
  • Do not pull hard on the protector all at once

This prevents shards from a glass screen protector.


Step 5: Remove any adhesive residue

  • Check for any adhesive residue
  • Use a microfiber cloth to clean the screen
  • Wipe gently without pressing hard
  • Ensure the screen is completely clean and dry

After that, you can immediately apply a new screen protector for the best protection.

What to do with a broken screen protector?

A broken screen protector requires extra attention, especially when removing a tempered glass screen protector. Due to cracks and small shards, the protector can fall apart more easily during removal.


Therefore, our experts recommend first placing a piece of tape over the entire screen protector. This helps keep glass pieces together and allows you to work more safely. Afterwards, you can again use a toothpick or plastic card to loosen a corner. This way, you can remove the broken protector more safely.

gebroken screenprotector

Common mistakes when removing a screen protector

The same mistakes are often made when removing a screen protector. This makes the work take longer or causes unnecessary damage to the screen. Pulling too quickly or working directly with hard objects, in particular, causes problems. Therefore, we recommend working calmly and checking what happens step by step.

Common mistakes are:

  • pulling hard on the screen protector immediately
  • using a metal object
  • not loosening a corner but starting in the middle of the protector
  • not using tape with a broken screen protector
  • applying a new screen protector immediately without cleaning first

View all screen protectors from R2B

Frequently asked questions about removing a screen protector

How to remove a glass screen protector without damaging the screen?

Our experts recommend always starting at a corner and using a wooden toothpick or a piece of tape. This way, you can carefully loosen the screen protector without directly applying pressure to the screen. Then, slowly peel off the protector instead of pulling hard in one go. This is especially important when removing a tempered glass screen protector, as glass can crack more easily. Work gently along the edges and use a plastic card if necessary to assist further.

What should you do if stubborn adhesive residue remains?

After removing a screen protector, any adhesive residue or stubborn glue residue may remain visible on the display. In most cases, you can remove this with a microfiber cloth or a small microfiber cloth. Gently rub the screen so as not to damage the coating. Then check that the display is completely clean and dry before applying a new screen protector. This prevents air bubbles and ensures the new protector adheres better.

Can you immediately place a new screen protector after removing the old one?

Yes, you can, as long as the screen is clean and there is no dust, adhesive residue, or small shards left. Our experts recommend first carefully checking whether the display is undamaged after removal. Then you can place a new one, such as a new glass screen protector or another new protector that fits your device. Make sure to apply the new screen protector on a clean surface. This way, you get more out of your protection and prevent having to start over.

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Rick bloemkolk

Rick Bloemkolk

Within R2B Store, I focus on technology, gadgets, and gaming accessories. I regularly test new products to discover which innovations make daily life smarter and more practical.

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