How to remove S21 pre installed screen protector

How to remove S21 pre installed screen protector

Has anyone removed the pre installed screen protector from the S21 yet? I came from a Note 9 and miss the smooth glass feeling, and also swiping from the side is horrible because my thumb catches on the edge of the protector.

Just wanted know if anyone has done it and if so how do you do it (just pull it off and wipe clean?) and what does the glass underneath feel like, does it have an oleophobic coating for example.

How to remove S21 pre installed screen protector

level 1

Mine had a looser scratch projector for shipping which I peeled off and another tightly fitted protector which I thought was just another shipping protector so I peeled that off aswell. It came off easy, a little force required, with no residue. Glass underneath feels much nicer to swipe so ultimately I'm glad I did. Really wish there was some information on or inside the box indicating that there is a screen protector pre-installed. Oleophobic coating is present and feels great, nice and slippery. The coating won't last the lifespan but you can get kits to reapply. Never tried them though. A 3rd party screen protector is another option.

level 1

Also wondering if removing the pre-installed screen protector makes the screen sharper?

My screen is nowhere near as sharp as my girlfriends iPhone 12 but the displays are both made by Samsung?

level 1

I removed mine straight away (I don't like the feel personally), so I just used a thin guitar pick to lift one edge and peel away easily.

level 1

How do you like the s21 compared to the note 9? I'm thinking of taking advantage of that tmobile trade in deal with my note 9.

level 2

The Note 9 was one of the best phones Samsung have ever made, it was so good it was hard to justify the upgrade even after 2 1/2 years. Ultimately it came down to the trade in deal for me too. I like the lighter weight, smaller form factor and smooth scrolling. I initially missed QHD screen but I've got used to it. Speakers are not as good but I rarely use them. Will miss the storage, the s pen and the head phone jack but these are all going the way of the dodo anyway.

level 1

I ordered an S21U, live in the US. I heard there were no screen protectors on them from the factory.

level 2

I just went into the store to purchase mine yesterday (I got the base model) and she did say none of them have screen protectors. But I won't need it once my waterproof case gets here.

level 2

I never understood this logic - if you have a screen protector then you get zero benefit from the oleophobic coating anyway. It doesn't make sense that this would be a reason not to remove the screen protector.

I always have a screen protector on my phones, but it isn't to preserve the coating, it's to prevent scratches. If the protector gets scratched, I just swap it out, but I will never experience the oleophobic coating because it's under my screen protector.

level 1

I am pretty sure my phone came with a screen protector. I can see an indent around the front camera and along the sides of the screen when I take the case off. I hope it is a screen protector too because there are some scratches on the S21 and my S9 with no screen protector never scratched as easily as my S21 has. I bought mine in Canada. It sounds like US ones don't come with pre-installed screen protectors.

Hi @Ashleigh2 

It's recommended to remove the factory fitted tpu screen protector before applying another type of protector.

Under Settings and then Display look for a toggle On saying Touch Sensitivity.

This increases touch sensitivity after applying a screen protector.

There are quite a few glass screen protectors on the market.

I wouldn't recommend the options that only have adhesive around the edges as they can pop off and leave a space between the protector and the phone's display sometimes causing dead spots. 

I personally use the Whitestone Dome Glass Screen Protector as it adheres to the whole screen with a type of silicone adhesive and works very well with the finger print scanner.

The factory fitted screen protector is fine and pretty good quality, and protects the phone from scratches etc.

It could help to protect the display from a drop to stop scratches,  however even with a case and screen protector applied the phone can still be damaged depending on how high its dropped from and the angle it hits the surface and what type of surface it hits. 

However I prefer the feel of glass when replacing my screen protector.

Once the factory fitted screen protector needs replacing then it's a simple affair to peel it off, and the phone can then be used without one, however I wouldn't recommend to leave the display unprotected. 

There are other plastic tpu screen protectors available to buy and are pretty simple and easy to fit onto the screen or perhaps consider the Whitestone Dome Glass Screen Protector or similar. They are not the cheapest the option to choose but in my opinion are one of the best. 


Daily Driver > Samsung Galaxy s²² Ultra 256Gb in Phantom Black.

The advice I offer is my own and does not represent Samsung’s position.
I have no affiliation with Samsung.

Should you remove pre installed screen protector S21?

Yes, you do need to remove the existing screen protector before applying the new one. Once your new glass one is on its recommended to register your fingerprints again.

Can a pre installed screen protector be removed?

It's important to detach your screen protector from your device as carefully as possible so you don't damage your screen or cut yourself on the glass. Here's what to do: Turn your device off. Using your fingernail—or a credit card—gently lift one corner of the protector and pry it away from the screen.

Does the S21 come with a screen protector already installed?

yes it does, or at least my S21 Ultra has a pre installed screen protector, so I would imagine all 3 models do. ok thanks.