Ipad Screen protector installation guide

The Zagg invisible SHIELD iPad screen protector really has a lot going for it. It gives nearly impenetrable iPad screen protection while keeping Apple’s great styling intact. This is all wrapped up with a free lifetime replacement guarantee to create a combo of quality and value. The one downside can be the installation process. While it’s true that it is a bit touchy, we here at iPad Accessories have done it enough to have gathered tips and tricks to enable you to get a perfect install the first time. Once over this hurdle your iPad will be clad in military strength protection until it goes the way of 8-tracks and mullets. Read on for the ultimate Zagg invisible SHIELD installation guide for the iPad…

Note: We’ve got lots of pictures at the bottom of this post!

Preparation For Zagg Installation

Materials Needed:

• Zagg invisibleSHIELD sheet(s)
• Shield Spray (included)
• Rubber Squeegee (included)
• Lint Free Cloth (not included)
• iPad (not included)

It’s important prior to starting that you set aside an hour or so for the installation process. Being in a rush will show in the final product so be sure to take your time. I like installing the Zagg iPad screen protector in the morning while still fresh and patient. I also leave the Zagg SHIELD under some heavy books overnight to help flatten it out since they are shipped rolled up in a tube. This makes removing it from the paper backing much easier.

Make sure to choose a clean place to perform the installation. Pet hair, dust, and dirt are the enemy so choose wisely! Wipe down your chosen installation surface first. Turn off the iPad by holding down the power button for a few seconds and swiping the slider and make sure it’s unplugged from the wall so there is no danger of shorting out the electronics or yourself! It IS a bit disconcerting having to mix liquids and electronics but don’t worry about it, so long as you keep your device off and unplugged for the recommended 12-24 hours the installation process won’t harm it at all.

Get your Zagg pieces set out and lined up in the right direction. The alignment direction depends on what Zagg invisibleSHIELD kit you bought. If you bought the “Full Body Easy Install” then just remember that the front sheet has the home button cutout and that the back sheet is slightly larger. If you got the “Full Body Maximum Coverage” then make sure you know where each of the little tabs go prior to starting. If you just bought a one piece kit then hopefully it’s obvious. Once you remove the invisible SHIELD from the paper backing you will want to minimize the amount of fussing around you do with it. Starting with the back piece first is recommended both for practice and to get used to the steps. The aluminum back will hide flaws much better then the glossy glass screen.

Zagg Invisible SHIELD Installation Directions

Notes for the “Full Body Maximum Coverage” Kit:

• It helps to line up all the tabs prior to starting. There are a few different pieces so knowing where they go prior to starting will help.
• Keeping you fingers moist helps in the handling of the tabs and helps to prevent fingerprints in the adhesive.
• Using a desklamp or a blowdryer set on cool can help speed up the drying of the tabs. Once they are tacky they will stick in place better. DO NOT keep your iPad under the heat source for an extended amount of time though as it can damage the electronics.
• You can also press your palm against the tabs for 30 seconds to 1 minute to speed drying due to your body heat. This may need repeated a few times to get the tabs to stick into place.

The first step is to wash your hands with hot soapy water. Anything that is on the screen will stay there and the tacky side of invisibleSHIELD will take up fingerprints so your fingers need to be oil free. Better yet, take a hot shower!

Next, give your iPad a good wipe down with a lint free cloth paying particular attention to the whole front, the apple logo, and if you have the 3G iPad, the black antennae window on top. Anything on the screen when you install it will still be there after the installation so cleanliness counts.

Spray your fingers with the included shield spray liberally. Remember that fingerprints are the enemy! Carefully remove the iPad scratch protector from the paper backing. I found it helpful to peel a bit off then respray my fingers and repeat those steps until it’s completely removed. I kept my thumb and pointer moist so they didn’t stick to the adhesive.

Next, hold the sheet adhesive side up cradling it using your palm and upper wrist and apply the shield spray. You want it wet without dripping. Make sure to get everywhere including the sides. The shield spray makes it possible to align the screen protector and remove all the air bubbles during installation and is the same trick that professional window tinters use on car windows.

Place the Zagg on the iPad and carefully center it. Check the alignment carefully and slide it into place. If it doesn’t slide around easily you can remove it, spray it again, and place it back in place. Once you start with the squeegee it’s not recommended to remove the screen protector. While it is possible it could stretch. If you do need to remove the screen protector get your fingers wet again and slowly and carefully peel the shield away from the iPad. If it does stretch it should return back to it’s normal shape within 10 to 15 minutes so just start the installation process over again. Once it fully dries overnight the only way to remove it will ruin the invisibleSHEILD and you will need to obtain a replacement through Zagg’s warranty program (don’t worry, it’s free).

Once it is aligned properly then spray the backside of the film to help the squeegee glide over the invisible shield. Use the squeegee to push out bubbles starting from the center and moving out to the nearest edge using a cloth to soak up the expelled liquid. It helps to keep a finger or two on the back with your offhand while squeegeeing, at least for the first few swipes. Whenever possible, avoid the ports, buttons, and speakers so that the liquid does not get inside. Slight streaks and imperfections, like tiny bubbles (smaller then a pencil tip), should disappear as it dries and cures.

With the back under your belt the front is the exact same process. Extra care will be needed during the alignment phase to get the home button in the right spot. It’s up to you if you want to put the home button on or not.

Now That That’s Done…

It’s true that the installation process is a bit touchy, especially if you’re a perfectionist like myself, but I hope that these detailed instructions make it possible for your first attempt to be a successful one. If you have any hard won tips, or if this guide was helpful (or not…) please leave a comment! I’ll be updating this document with other helpful tips as they come in. You can order your own Zagg InvisibleSHIELD kit here.

Step by Step Pictures in Slideshow Form

Click on an image to bring up the step by step gallery.
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Step 1 - Gather Materials

Step 2 - Start With The Back

Step 3 - Wipe Back w/ Lint Free Cloth

Step 4 - Wet Fingers With Spray

Step 5 - Peel Back Sheet Off Paper

Step 6 - Back Sheet w/ Adhesive Side Up

Step 7 - Wet Back With Spray

Step 8 - "Roll" Sheet Down The Back

Step 9 - Back Side Before Alignment

Step 10 - Aligning The Back

Step 11 - Spray Back For Squeegee

Step 12 - Squeegee Starting From Center

Step 13 - Work Your Way Around

Step 14 - Use Cloth For Expelled Liquid

Step 15 - Back Is Complete

Step 16 - Wipe Front w/ Lint Free Cloth

Step 17 - Wet Fingers With Spray

Step 18 - Peel Front Sheet Off Paper

Step 19 - Front Sheet w/ Adhesive Side Up

Step 20 - Wet Front With Spray

Step 21 - "Roll" Sheet Down The Front

Step 22 - Carefully Align Front Side

Step 23 - Really Carefully...

Step 24 - Spray Front For Squeegee

Step 25 - Squeegee Starting From Center...

Step 26 - To The Edge To Remove Bubbles

Step 27 - Continue Until Complete

Step 28 - No Problem and Good Luck!