Replace it when a scratch catches your fingernail, distracts you while reading, or sits over an in-display fingerprint sensor. Hairline marks you only see with the screen off can stay. Don't try toothpaste or polishing: they damage the coating.
Protector or screen?
Tilt the phone under a light and follow the scratch to the edge of the protector. If it stops at the protector's edge, it's on the protector. If you're unsure, remove the protector: a clean screen underneath confirms it did its job.
Replace or keep?
| Scratch | Action |
|---|---|
| Only visible with the screen off | Keep |
| Catches a fingernail | Replace |
| Over the fingerprint sensor | Replace |
| Across the middle of the screen, distracting | Replace |
| Smears no longer wipe off too | Coating worn; replace |
Why DIY scratch removal doesn't work
Toothpaste, baking soda and scratch-removal pastes work by abrading the surface. On a protector, that strips the oleophobic coating and leaves a hazy patch, and deep scratches remain. A replacement protector costs less than the time spent.
Questions people ask
Can you remove scratches from a screen protector?
Not effectively. Polishing strips the coating and leaves haze; replacing is better.
Why does my screen protector scratch so easily?
Sand and grit are harder than glass. PET film also scratches much more easily than tempered glass.