What a privacy screen protector does
A privacy screen protector is tempered glass with a very fine filter built in. The filter is made of tiny louvres, like the slats of a blind, that let light travel straight ahead and block it at an angle. You see the screen as normal from in front. Someone beside you sees it darken as they move to the side. Most start to darken at about 30 degrees either side, and some wider.
It suits anyone who reads messages, email or banking on a train, a bus, in a queue or in an open-plan office, and anyone who would rather the person in the next seat did not see their screen.
What to expect
- A dimmer screen. The filter takes some light even from straight ahead, so you may turn the brightness up, which uses more battery.
- The angle. The picture is best held straight in front of you. Two people sharing one screen will find it hard.
- The same protection. Privacy glass is still tempered glass, so it takes scratches and knocks like clear tempered glass.
How to choose a privacy protector
Your model
Like all glass, privacy glass is cut to one screen, so check the full model name, including Pro, Plus, Max or Ultra.
Cameras and sensors
The cut-out at the top matters. Apple says anything covering the TrueDepth camera can stop Face ID working. Samsung advises registering your fingerprints again after fitting a new protector, and says thick protectors can stop prints being read.
Privacy, clear or matte
If you mostly use the phone at home, clear glass is brighter. If reflections bother you outdoors, an anti-glare protector may suit better. If your screen curves at the edges, see full-cover glass. The guide to screen protectors compares them all.
Questions people ask about privacy screen protectors
Can I still read the screen in sunshine?
Yes, but the filter makes the screen dimmer, so in bright sun you may need it at full brightness.
Does privacy glass stop people seeing from behind me?
No. Someone looking over your shoulder from straight behind sees the screen much as you do. It works against people beside you, not behind you.
How do I fit one?
The same way as any glass protector: clean the screen, line the glass up and press from the middle out. A fitting frame helps keep it straight. The guide to fitting a screen protector goes step by step.
How long does delivery take?
Delivery is included in every price and tracked to your door. Each product page says when it usually arrives.
More to look at
