Replace it when it cracks, when scratches catch a fingernail, when smears stop wiping off (the coating has worn, usually after 8–18 months), or when an edge has lifted and collects dust. If you fit it yourself, replacement costs only the price of the next sheet.
The four signs it's done
| Sign | Action | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Cracked or chipped | Replace now | Grit works through cracks and reaches the screen |
| Scratches you can feel | Replace | A nail-catching scratch will only deepen |
| Smears won't wipe off | Replace when it annoys you | The oleophobic coating has worn; see coatings |
| Edges lifting | Fix or replace | Often the case; see lifting edges |
Most phone protectors last 12–18 months of normal use. Handhelds and tablets you write on wear faster, because thumbs and nibs sit on the surface constantly.
Swapping one over
- Buy first, fit later. Don't remove the old one until the new one is in your hand and the bathroom is steamy.
- Lift a corner with a fingernail or thin plastic card; tape over cracked glass first so it comes away in one piece. Full steps: removing a protector.
- Clean off old adhesive with the alcohol wipe from the new kit, then dry with microfibre.
- Inspect the bare screen in bright light while you have the chance.
- Fit the new one following the installation guide, and re-register fingerprints afterwards if your phone reads them through the screen.
What replacement costs
Only the price of the next sheet, which is why multipacks are good value: a three-pack bought once usually covers two or three years. Shops that fit protectors generally charge a small fee if you bring your own. The full picture is on our costs page.
Keep the spare somewhere sensible
A spare in a drawer at home is worth more than a perfect choice made in a hurry on a train. That matters most for phones whose protectors are getting hard to find, such as OnePlus models now that no new ones launch in the UK.
Questions people ask
How often should you replace a screen protector?
Most last 12–18 months of normal phone use. Replace sooner if it cracks, scratches deeply, or the coating stops wiping clean.
Can you reuse a screen protector after removing it?
Rarely well. Glass picks up dust the moment it leaves the screen, so expect bubbles. Film is slightly more forgiving but still usually a one-way trip.