Guide to Installing Zagg IPad Screen Protector

Your iPad is an amazing piece of hardware with one giant glass screen. The last thing anybody wants is to get a scratch or worse on their iPad's screen! We are very big on making sure our iPads are protected and remain in as pristine condition as is possible. That's why we always use the Zagg invisibleSHIELD for many of our devices. It's got a lot going for it, is optically clear (so you don't even know it's there), super resilient, and protects the iPad better than any other screen protector we've ever tested. We also use these babies on our iPhones and iPods too. That's why we recommend it as our #1 iPad accessory of choice on our iPad Cases and Accessories Review Blog.

If you want more information on why this is the ultimate iPad screen protector in our opinion, you can read our review of the Zagg InvisibleSHIELD iPad Screen Protector.

Now, the one complaint we often hear about the Zagg invisibleSHIELD is how stinking hard it is to install. Especially when you are dealing with a device as big as the iPad, it can be a challenge. Many have become frustrated and given up and as a result have lost out on some of the best protection they could have for their iPads. Hopefully this instructables will help those of you who have been a bit frustrated before!

Your first step in installing your Zagg shield is to set aside about 1 hour of time to do this. It's not something you want to rush. Make sure you have plenty of patience for this project and you will be rewarded! Also, the screen protector comes shipped in a rolled up tube (for whatever reason...) which makes it curl up, so we like to leave it under some books for a day to help flatten it out which makes applying and removing it from the paper backing so much easier.

Once you have done this, set up your work space. You want to be in a dust and lint free environment. We suggest doing it in your bathroom after you have taken a hot shower to remove any oils from your hands.The steam from the shower will remove any dust or lint in the air, making it the perfect place to install your iPad screen protector. This is an old photographers trick. Turn off your iPad well before you start as well. You don't want the moisture causing any damage to the inner workings.

Now you are ready to start.

Step 1: Wipe IPad Screen and Body Clean

Make sure your hands are washed and free of any oils or grit that could attach to the iPad.

Wipe your iPad down with a good lint free cloth to remove any oils, dust, grit, finger prints, or other foreign objects from the tablet. You don't want these getting stuck under your Zagg shield. Now turn your iPad over onto its screen because you are going to be starting on the back.

Step 2: Spray Fingers Liberally, Peel and Wet InvisibleSHIELD

Now comes the first tricky part- peeling the invisibleSHIELD off it's paper backing. Spray your fingers liberally with the spray bottle that comes with the kit. Carefully remove the iPad screen protector from the paper backing. You may have to spray your fingers several times to keep them moist as you peel the screen protector away. Make sure you do not let the screen protector touch itself because it will adhere and be almost impossible to get apart. It helps to wet the screen protector with the spray as you peel it off to prevent this from happening if you make a mistake.

Next hold the screen protector sticky side up and wet liberally with the spray. You want all the adhesive side to be wet, but not dripping. This will help you later as you adjust it.

Step 3: Placing the Zagg InvisibleSHIELD

Next comes placing the Zagg shield onto your iPad. Start by laying it down on the top edge and roll it down, carefully checking the alignment as you go. If it isn't quite right and doesn't slide around enough, you can peel it back up, re-wet it, and lay it down again. Make sure you get it perfectly centered since once you start to squeegee the moisture away you won't be able to adjust it anymore.

Step 4: Squeegee Away the Moisture

Now that the back shield is in place, you can start squeegeeing the moisture out starting in the center. But first spray the back of the film with the spray to wet it so the squeegee will slide easily. Start in the center and squeegee outwards, using a cloth once you reach the edge to soak up any moisture. Most of the bubbles should come out with the squeegee. If you get some microbubbles, peel the invisibleSHIELD up, and squeegee it back down firmly to remove any. Some of the really tiny ones will eventually disappear on their own, so don't worry overly much.

Step 5: Rinse. Wash. Repeat.

Ok, now you have completed half of your project! Take a break, get some air, breath a sigh of relief. The real fun starts now. Thankfully you had plenty of practice with the backside already.

So, turn your iPad over, clean the front side again to remove any lint, and repeat the process. Wetting your fingers first, peeling away the paper backing on the front side, wetting the invisibleSHIELD profusely, and then carefully placing it down on your iPad's screen starting from the top and working down. Carefully adjust the screen so that it is 100% perfectly centered.

Squeegee the moisture away starting in the middle and working with outward strokes. Soak excess moisture up with a towel when you reach the edge. Pay close attention to get all the bubbles out because the last thing you want is to see bubbles on the front of your iPad!

Step 6: You're Done!

Once you are done, let the screen set for a few minutes, and you are all done! Pat yourself on the back, that was stressful! Hopefully this instructable was helpful and we included all the hard learned tips we have gleaned from years of applying these finicky little guys. Believe us though, the protection the Zagg invisibleSHIELD offers is second to none, and it's worth the hassle!

You will have an optically clear iPad screen protector that has a handsome orange peel finish which doesn't show finger prints and prevents almost anything from scratching or damaging your precious new Apple tablet.

Now go forth and enjoy your newly protected iPad, safe and secure in the knowledge that it is covered by the best material money can buy!