So, I decided it was time to get one of those privacy screens for my iPhone 15 Pro Max. You know, the kind that stops the person next to you on the train from reading your messages. Felt a bit weird about someone maybe looking over my shoulder all the time.
Got the screen protector kit. Looked pretty standard, like others I’ve used over the years. Came with the usual bits: the screen itself, some wipes, a dust sticker, and one of those plastic guide frames. Supposedly makes it easier, we’ll see.
Getting Started
First thing, I cleared off my desk. You need a clean space for this, otherwise dust just gets everywhere. Washed my hands too. You don’t want fingerprints under the screen protector, that’s just annoying.
Then I grabbed the phone. Gave the screen a good wipe down with the wet wipe provided. Smelled like alcohol, standard stuff. After that, I used the little microfiber cloth they included to dry it off completely. Had to hold it up to the light to check for any streaks or smudges. It’s gotta be perfectly clean.
The Fiddly Part
Next up was the dust sticker. This thing is key. I carefully dabbed it all over the screen. You think it’s clean, but there’s always tiny invisible dust specks waiting to ruin things. Spent a good minute just tapping away with the sticker. Felt a bit silly, but better safe than sorry.
Okay, time for the alignment frame. Snapped it onto the phone. Fit okay. Then I peeled the backing off the screen protector itself. Always a slightly nerve-wracking moment. Holding it by the edges, trying not to touch the sticky side.
Lined it up using the frame and gently placed it down. Started from the top and let it sort of adhere downwards. Watched it stick to the screen. Of course, there were bubbles. Always bubbles.
Smoothing Things Out
The kit came with a little squeegee card thing. I started pushing the bubbles out towards the edges. Most of them went away pretty easily. There were a couple of stubborn ones near the middle, though. Had to lift the edge of the protector slightly – very carefully – and then push the bubble out again. Took a few tries for one particularly annoying bubble, but I got there in the end.
Peeled off the top protective film and took off the alignment frame. Gave the whole thing a final wipe with the cloth.
The Result
Looks pretty good now it’s on. Straight, no bubbles, no dust trapped underneath. Success this time.
- Privacy aspect: Yeah, it works. Looking straight on, the screen is clear. But shift it to the side, and it goes dark pretty quick. Does the job I wanted it for.
- Screen look: Maybe slightly dimmer? Hard to tell for sure, could just be me. Doesn’t bother me much, I just bumped the brightness up a tiny bit.
- Touch & Face ID: Touch sensitivity feels the same. No issues swiping or typing. Face ID also seems to work just fine, didn’t need to redo it or anything.
So yeah, that was the process. Took maybe 10-15 minutes altogether, mostly spent on cleaning and getting rid of those bubbles. It’s always a bit of a ritual putting these things on, but worth it for the peace of mind, I guess. Another phone accessory successfully installed.