Why Do Screen Protectors Crack So Easily?
You trust your phone’s screen protector to shield your display, but it can still develop cracks. Typically, physical stress, regular use and impacts with other objects or the ground can lead to cracks webbing across the screen protector. While it’s better for your screen protector to crack than the phone’s display, it’s still inconvenient. This guide explains why they crack so easily and provides tips on finding good screen protectors you can trust.
Reasons screen protectors crack
Even if you don’t drop your phone, your screen protector can still crack or fail. All sorts of reasons can lead to needing a new protector, including:
- Incorrect installation: If uneven pressure is applied during application or air bubbles are left behind, it can become more prone to cracks.
- Incorrect size: Choosing the wrong size leads to excessive stress on the edges, leading to cracks and stress fractures.
- Stress fractures: If you have a flip phone that you fold or bend, the screen protector can stress and crack.
- Extreme temperatures: Extreme temperatures can lead to expansion and contraction beyond usual use, leading to stress cracks.
- Collisions and impacts: A particularly strong impact can lead to cracking along the edges.
- Normal wear and tear: Microscratches and stress points from general wear and tear can contribute to cracks.
- Improper handling: Uneven or excessive pressure on your screen protector can lead to stress fractures, especially on tempered glass.
- Product quality: Low-quality screen protectors often crack more easily than higher-quality options. That’s why you should OtterBox it! An OtterBox screen protector gives you a durable, quality product designed to withstand regular use.
How long does a screen protector last?
Generally, screen protectors can last from a handful of months to several years. However, how long it lasts depends on its materials, how frequently it’s used and application quality. A high-quality tempered glass protector used an average amount and applied perfectly often lasts longer than a plastic or silicone protector that sees heavy use.
Typically, you only need to replace your screen protector if it has lifting or peeling edges, scratches, cracks or chips. Even if the damage doesn’t seem bad, it loses protective integrity and has the potential to injure you.
How long a screen protector lasts depends on the material:
- Liquid: Up to 6 months
- Mirror: Around 6 months
- Nano: Between 6 months and 2 years
- Privacy: Between 6 months and 2 years
- Tempered glass: Between 6 months and 2 years
- Silicone: Between 6 months and 1 year
Is it okay to have two screen protectors?
While you can put a screen protector over a screen protector, it isn’t typically recommended. Contrary to popular belief, two screen protectors doesn't double your device’s protection, and it can instead introduce a host of new problems.
Layering a second protector can reduce the touch sensitivity and clarity of the screen while also inviting new opportunities for dust or air bubbles to stick between the layers. The extra thickness can also lead to problems with your phone case fitting, resulting in the peeled edges or cracks caused by pressure.
Do I need a protector if I have a case?
You should use a screen protector even if you have a phone case. It’s the best way to protect your phone from damage from all angles. While many phone cases have a slightly raised edge that can help keep your screen safe if it tumbles face-down, it may not survive if you drop it on an uneven surface. However, the decision to apply a protector and case depends on your preferences, needs and device use.
Some cases lend themselves to use without a screen protector. Folio cases, such as the OtterBox Strada Series, keep your phone’s screen covered when not in use. You still run the risk of scratches and cracks if your phone falls with the folio open.
If you don’t care about scratches and scuffs from general use, you could risk it with just a reliable screen protector. Some people prefer this because they don’t like the added bulk of a case. Keep your phone’s screen safe with an OtterBox PolyArmor protector for added durability and scratch resistance.
For those seeking enhanced clarity and drop protection, consider an OtterBox Glass or an OtterBox Premium Glass screen protector, which provides superior screen safeguarding with a sleek design.
Ideally, you should invest in a screen protector and a case, and OtterBox has phenomenal all-in-one options. The OtterBox Frē Series offers comprehensive waterproof protection, perfect for all your rugged adventures.
Good screen protectors to consider
The best screen protector depends on what you want to get out of it. You might care more about fingerprint resistance than an anti-glare screen or a privacy filter. Choose a screen protector that suits your preferences, uses and needs.
Regardless of preferences, the ideal protector provides:
- Scratch resistance and impact durability
- Transparency with minimal distortion to the screen
- A precise fit that perfectly aligns with your screen
Best screen protector for active users: Premium Pro Glass
OtterBox Premium Pro glass screen protectors defend your phone, even in tough environments.
- Best for: Overall protection
- Features: Drop-resistant up to 6 feet; scratch-resistant; fingerprint-resistant
Benefits: Available with blue light filtering and privacy guard
Best screen protector for privacy: Premium Pro Glass Privacy Guard
Keep your iPhone shielded from drops and unwanted viewing with a Premium Pro Glass Privacy Guard screen protector.
- Best for: Users worried about privacy
- Features: Two-way vertical privacy; anti-scratch and shatter-resistant tempered glass
- Benefits: Vivid screen clarity; drop protection