Hello,
I've just waiting on my new Z fold 3 and been reading into these screen protector issues and where we stand when or if they fail.
The startup screen says you can't remove the screen protector as it's part of the screen. Then you go on the Samsung support page and warranty for the phone, and it's says when your screen protector is damaged, the answer is you're able to replace it yourself, if you need any more support contact us ?
So why put the disclaimer on if they are now saying it can be removed and replaced by yourself ? Does this still cause warranty issues ?
Just after clarity before deciding whether to carry on with normal phone insurance or Samsung care +
Any help or experience would be appreciated
Here's what it says
The stock screen protector can be removed from the main screen. I've done it myself and replaced it with a better one since I was getting hairline cracks. There's also postings on Samsung's forums stating that it does not void the warranty to remove the stock screen protector.
The problem that can arise from removing and replacing is damage to the actual display. So they're discouraging it. But in all actuality, you can easily remove it yourself. There's a lot of videos in walkthroughs online.
its not an issue replacing it, just seems like Samsung says one thing and means another. to be honest, I love this phone more than my s22 ultra, so I've bought Samsung care + so between that and the warranty I should be able to use it care free and just enjoy it, because its an amazing bit of technology, and reminds me of the of the first time I saw the original galaxy note ( and bought it)
Mine started lifting up on the fold and Samsung sent a home repair van round. He said it would need a complete new inner screen as you can't remove the protector without the screen cracking. Now I know some here have removed the inner screen protector but I didn't bother pointing this out as I also had an issue with it not folding flat anymore...
flakmunky said:
Mine started lifting up on the fold and Samsung sent a home repair van round. He said it would need a complete new inner screen as you can't remove the protector without the screen cracking. Now I know some here have removed the inner screen protector but I didn't bother pointing this out as I also had an issue with it not folding flat anymore...
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So was that done under warranty then or care +
I just booked repair to my inner screen protector and that's the information I got. I have care+ and if they charge me for screen protector replacement I will never buy samsung phone again.
Sure, no worries we don't cancel your inspection and repair on your Z Fold 3. It's okay if the symptoms input here is about the broken screen. Just in case that our engineer will include it, to your Samsung care+. It depends on their inspection on your device. Once we have the device and done with the inspection, our engineer wil send you an email regarding the full information. Upon checking here the replacement may not be covered by the warranty and additional costs for replacement will be charged if the screen protector has been damaged.
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I don't have care+, just the standard warranty... I'm UK based.
flakmunky said:
I don't have care+, just the standard warranty... I'm UK based.
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Oh okay, that's good to know, I'm UK based too. I took out care + as well so technically there shouldn't be any questions over the phone being repaired or replaced
Related
Dear XDA users!
I have bought this phone 2 weeks ago, with the Huawei hard case. I was using my phone with the case installed, with the pre-installed screen protector, as my hardened glass did not arrive yet.
Today I dropped my phone for the first time and the screen got cracked on the top right corner. I guess, no warranty for this, I have to replace the screen by myself. I found several replacement on aliexpress around 80 euros, but I am a bit sceptic on the quality..
Any recommendations, experiences?
Thank you!
You have 30 days to register for HiCare VIP membership status via the app (preinstalled) which gives you a 3 month screen warranty. Once activated, contact Huawei via their website/online chat to take advantage of it. I did this myself. Unfortunately I did more damage than just a broken screen so I wasn't covered and used my insurance, but for just replacing a broken screen you should be covered.
On a side note, the supplied hard case is not fit for purpose in my opinion - Particles of dust and dirt get in behind it and mark the rear housing easily. Unless you take it out daily to clean them out you will almost certainly get the same. My phone was replaced under my insurance and I bought a new case (official Huawei flip case with the view window) and I have had no problems like this since.
Good luck!
Anyone else have hairline cracks on the fold of the inner screen? Mine feel like they are on the screen protector, my screen display is fine. Anyone else experiencing this?
Talking to support now, supposed to take to an authorized repair place. They say it covered by warranty due to normal use causing the cracks. Being sent to an authorized Samsung repair place.
Just inconvenient.
Adhesive failure. Probably due to excessive stretching of the plastic protector during assembly.
blackhawk said:
Adhesive failure. Probably due to excessive stretching of the plastic protector during assembly.
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Likely, but luckily it's covered by the warranty.
dirtybudha said:
Likely, but luckily it's covered by the warranty.
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Did you end up getting this fixed under warranty? Mine did the same thing (and the entire screen protector along the fold ripped up all at once).
I did a chat and they told me to take it in to get it fixed, but I'm curious as to what they'll do.
Squeaky369 said:
Did you end up getting this fixed under warranty? Mine did the same thing (and the entire screen protector along the fold ripped up all at once).
I did a chat and they told me to take it in to get it fixed, but I'm curious as to what they'll do.
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Squeaky369 said:
Did you end up getting this fixed under warranty? Mine did the same thing (and the entire screen protector along the fold ripped up all at once).
I did a chat and they told me to take it in to get it fixed, but I'm curious as to what they'll do.
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Yes I did. They sent me to a certified repair shop.
They essentially replace the whole interior screen. The process worked, but the guys at the location were not that knowledgeable. We plugged it into a computer and it didn't see the USB access. Once I got it home, it worked on my computer. Who doesn't have the drivers for a device that they repair?
Anyway, it works great now.
That's good to hear it worked out for you. My inner screen also failed in the same manner with hairline fractures and black line down the middle turning it in to a Microsoft Duo. I've been on the phone with Samsung three separate times and have had nothing but resistance from them. They sent me to a local repair shop and the manager told me I must have gotten a piece of sand in the hinge or something....huh? He said go ahead and start a claim, but the final word was with him. He also said he got rid of his Fold 3 because he didn't want the same thing to happen to him. So there's definitely a problem with some of the units out there. I'll be sending mine to Samsung soon. I have no confidence that Samsung will actually cover this under warranty in my case due to the treatment I've received from their customer service. It's upsetting.
What a bummer... I got my phone Sept 24, and now on March 24, I just noticed that I have a small crack right where the phone folds. I am going in to Verizon tomorrow. The "Samsung Care+" wanted me to send it in with $249... This is definitely a warranty issue.
I went to my local corporate Verizon store this morning. They will treat it as warranty and my replacement phone arrives tomorrow. The area manager was there, took pics of the screen, and the phone to document current condition (which I appreciate) before approving the swap. Plus she says they are monitoring how many come in like this. Mine wasn't the first. They suspect, like many here, that it's the screen protector. (I guess the Flip 3 has issues too, but my daughter has one that is so far so good).
Now, as long as Verizon doesn't declare my phone as "damaged" by me it will be a free swap. If not, they'll try to bill me. But the area manager agrees that it looks like a defect (and it really is a defect).
One last gripe: I guess I was too eager to get my Fold 3 to realize that the "protection plan" carries a potential $249 fee for a broken screen. Thank goodness this is a defect.
emtownsend said:
. They suspect, like many here, that it's the screen protector. (I guess the Flip 3 has issues too, but my daughter has one that is so far so good).
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do you mean that they suspect the screen protector is broken or that the screen protector is causing the UTG screen to break?
The thought was that the screen protector is cracking, but not the screen. I've not lost any functionality over the area that is "cracked".
Yeah, when I ran my finger nail over the cracks it would snag. It was absolutely my screen protector...which is factory installed and therefore falls under the manufacturer.
Yes, I think this will be an issue. I don't think this will totally kill the market or much of the sales. My replacement is still going strong, and I haven't heard too many others experiencing the cracks.
I'm sure the Fold 5 will have it all together. Hahaha
100% screen protector, I just replaced mine myself and small crack in the crease is gone!
Yeah, my nail would catch on it. At least it's not the screen...oy. That would be a nightmare.
Checked online, there is a few threads on the Sammy forums, and removing the inner screen protector does NOT void warranty. If the display/screen is damaged in the process, then iti is void.
My replacement protector, OEM, got it's first hairline crack. Gonna remove the OEM one and replace it myself. That way I can just replace it when it goes bad.
NOW I'll say I wouldn't recommend this phone to anyone because of this issue. Samsung failed here, but there's a chance to learn from it and improve it.
dirtybudha said:
Checked online, there is a few threads on the Sammy forums, and removing the inner screen protector does NOT void warranty. If the display/screen is damaged in the process, then iti is void.
My replacement protector, OEM, got it's first hairline crack. Gonna remove the OEM one and replace it myself. That way I can just replace it when it goes bad.
NOW I'll say I wouldn't recommend this phone to anyone because of this issue. Samsung failed here, but there's a chance to learn from it and improve it.
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getting the same OEM Samsung screen protector was a bad decision and you should've known that already since it broke once. Samsung's screen protector is an ultra thin plastic layer that's why it breaks. I removed it myself and knew its nature. That's why I installed the Whitestone Dome Film instead (myself) and this protector is elastic and bends easily with the fold. You get definately no cracks because it's a film layer.
try it and you won't regret it. By the way it's so easy to install, and costs only $10- $15
A: How should I have known?? They could have replaced it with better materials.
B: Thanks for the insight into the Whitestone Dome.
My inner screen protector has started coming up right along the crease. It started just at the edge and has started going down along the fold for the last week or so. Has anyone else had this problem? I was thinking I would probably get one of the WD replacement ones and swap them out. I'd probably have someone do it for me so I don't mess it up. Anyone else experience this and is that the best screen protector to get?
pside15 said:
My inner screen protector has started coming up right along the crease. It started just at the edge and has started going down along the fold for the last week or so. Has anyone else had this problem? I was thinking I would probably get one of the WD replacement ones and swap them out. I'd probably have someone do it for me so I don't mess it up. Anyone else experience this and is that the best screen protector to get?
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Pretty common I think, lots of posts around Reddit about it etc. Whitestone don't do their glass one anymore but I think their PET one is good for it.
Mine started with a couple bubbles near the middle. Next day worse. Removed it, going without for now and may replace. Reviews on Amazon say they only last so long.
same here
Thanks for the replies. Just glad to know that it is fairly common. I was just going to remove it but I'm too chicken to go sans protector on the inner display.
Same here. It is unnoticed when the screen is on, but when it is of or dark scene, I can see the protector is starting to get loose at the bottom of the crease.
I took mine off and replaced it with the Whitestone Dome Film which is waaay better
Here is my Reddit post on installing the WSD Film:
https://www.reddit.com/r/ZFold3/comments/tji7a9
The reviews on Amazon aren't that great for WSD
catman51 said:
The reviews on Amazon aren't that great for WSD
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it's not good for the ultra thin glass protector. We used the film protector
Samsung UK ended up replacing my entire screen to fix this...
flakmunky said:
Samsung UK ended up replacing my entire screen to fix this...
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How did you do this? My screen protector is coming up, so went to their support chat.
After a long conversation, it was determined that the screen protector is a consumable so not covered by warranty or care+ which I have.
I could have an engineer visit, but as its a consumable they would charge £40 to replace.
In the end, the CS advised I remove the screen protector myself. This would not void any warranty.
Then, if I had any subsequent damage, to make a claim on care+
I used the Samsung Members App --> Support and then Text Chat.
I just read through the transcript and I actually started asking about another issue I had, which was that it wouldn't open completely flat and had lost the snap when you close it. I also mentioned in the chat the issue with the screen protector.
I had to send them pictures of the issues, and they arranged for the engineer visit. I got the same messages that it would cost me £40 if there wasn't a fault. When they guy came out he looked at the screen and said that it would need a new screen because "when you remove the screen protector they crack down the middle" which I thought was BS and I asked him if they was really the case. He ended up transplanting the motherboard from my phone into a new chassis with new screens and new batteries.
He said it needed a new screen, I didn't think it did...
As for the phone not opening fully, it wouldn't hold open like it did when it was new, not did it snap open the last 5 degrees when opening. Night and day difference when I got it back. Took about an hour to fix.
Maybe, if yours won't open fully, you could get the same repair done under warranty?
I started asking about the screen protector lifting as I didn't think they were going to do anything about the phone opening fully, as it was only a few degrees away from being flat, so I threw in the screen protector as well to cover my ass for the £40 as I read on Reddit that this was a warranty repair...
I actually thought the screen protector was the reason I got the warranty repair but after reading what you posted, it must have been the folding issue. I've just looked at I've deleted the photos I sent them, but the folding issue was very minor, which is why I thought the screen protector was my ace card.
flakmunky said:
I used the Samsung Members App --> Support and then Text Chat.
I just read through the transcript and I actually started asking about another issue I had, which was that it wouldn't open completely flat and had lost the snap when you close it. I also mentioned in the chat the issue with the screen protector.
I had to send them pictures of the issues, and they arranged for the engineer visit. I got the same messages that it would cost me £40 if there wasn't a fault. When they guy came out he looked at the screen and said that it would need a new screen because "when you remove the screen protector they crack down the middle" which I thought was BS and I asked him if they was really the case. He ended up transplanting the motherboard from my phone into a new chassis with new screens and new batteries.
He said it needed a new screen, I didn't think it did...
As for the phone not opening fully, it wouldn't hold open like it did when it was new, not did it snap open the last 5 degrees when opening. Night and day difference when I got it back. Took about an hour to fix.
Maybe, if yours won't open fully, you could get the same repair done under warranty?
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Apart from the screen protector coming up (it's only 3-4mm at the moment, but it's getting bigger) the phone has performed and behaved brilliantly. No issues with the hinge or folding/unfolding
I've just been on chat with them as mine has started lifting at the top and bottom of the fold. Was told it's not covered by the warranty, I could send it back to them and they would charge me for it, although couldn't tell me how much and they "might" be able to get it back to me in ten days. I told them I wasn't going to send it back without knowing how long or how much and that's where it ended.
frogdr1ver said:
I've just been on chat with them as mine has started lifting at the top and bottom of the fold. Was told it's not covered by the warranty, I could send it back to them and they would charge me for it, although couldn't tell me how much and they "might" be able to get it back to me in ten days. I told them I wasn't going to send it back without knowing how long or how much and that's where it ended.
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Yes. They offered me the same - with the same vagueness around timescales.
That's why I asked for an on-site engineer.
m_w_clarke said:
Yes. They offered me the same - with the same vagueness around timescales.
That's why I asked for an on-site engineer.
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Yep asked for that as well and they said no, I could either go to Stoke or send it in, checking online it looks like we don't have a door repair technician in Yorkshire.
Just an update; in the past 24 hours the bubble/peeling/rainbow effect has reached the whole length of the crease. So this morning, I decided to remove the screen protector.
Still a little nervous of having a naked screen - and at the moment my finger doesn't seem to glide as well on it.
I'll wait and see how things go
I peeled mine off yesterday and fitted the whitestone dome one, went on perfectly much to my surprise, feels great, my mate who has a fold as well commented that the screen looks sharper than his with the original one on.
For those who have bubbling with their main/inner screen protector, replacing it yourself will void warranty. I checked with the Samsung Experience store in Palo Alto. They can book an appointment for you to replace it for free. It takes about 1 hour. The manager says there is a special lamination process involved with the inner screen. If you don't have a store near by sending it in is fine.
Thank you SO much for reporting this.
I can also confirm this is the case in UK, I went the other day because I noticed my inner screen protector has a little bubble on the hinge and I asked about getting it fixed and they said ill have to book it in. If i remove it myself it voids the warranty....
This is not true I am in the UK and got mine fixed without the protector on it and it was covered under warranty
cooldude20000 said:
This is not true I am in the UK and got mine fixed without the protector on it and it was covered under warranty
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Obviously, you may get someone nice enough to do that for you, but the official statement is that removing it voids warranty.
gordec said:
Obviously, you may get someone nice enough to do that for you, but the official statement is that removing it voids warranty.
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No, I agree totally with the OP. The bubbling screen protector is a consumable and can be removed without voiding your warranty. I have this on record from Samsung UK.
Once removed, you run the risk of accidentally damaging your screen (which wouldn't be covered by a warranty claim unless you have care +) so that's a rsik you take. If you apply your own screen protector, and damage then that is your liability. If samsung do it (and they offered at cost) they cover it.
I did point out to Samsung UK that on first start the warning states that removing your screen protector voids the warranty. But the two service engineers I had conversations with said this wasn't the case.
Like I said, I have this on recorded transcript.
m_w_clarke said:
No, I agree totally with the OP. The bubbling screen protector is a consumable and can be removed without voiding your warranty. I have this on record from Samsung UK.
Once removed, you run the risk of accidentally damaging your screen (which wouldn't be covered by a warranty claim unless you have care +) so that's a rsik you take. If you apply your own screen protector, and damage then that is your liability. If samsung do it (and they offered at cost) they cover it.
I did point out to Samsung UK that on first start the warning states that removing your screen protector voids the warranty. But the two service engineers I had conversations with said this wasn't the case.
Like I said, I have this on recorded transcript.
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So it seems the final verdict is equivocal. If you can easily have it replaced, there is no need to risk it. It sounds like Samsung employees aren't even sure. I trust what the manager at the Samsung store has to say. He specifically says the process of replacing inner screen protector has a different process as the foldable screen is not glass. Just trying to help out fellow Z Fold 3 owners and minimize risks.
Mine is needing replaced, can someone at the local Best Buy store be able to do this?
So been looking for an answer to this wondering questions for awhile now, basically can i add a screen protector on top of the already existing one installed by Samsung, or do i have to remove before installing another one, and let's assume i can install a new one on top of the one installed already, when removing the one that i placed will it cause the screen protector that was installed by Samsung to peel or you know 10.0.0.0.1 192.168.1.254?
Haven't heard of people putting another screen protector on top of the factory one. I had to have the original replaced about two weeks ago from Asurion. The girl really didn't do a good job because there a few specs of dust and bubbles underneath but she told me prior that it wouldn't be as great as the one from Samsung. Mine had come up all down the crease, replaced under warranty. I ordered the ZFold4 so it will be going back in trade-in. I would think having two screen protectors, might have to press more on the screen to use it.
Don't. Putting one on top of the sucky one that comes from the factory will do NOTHING. As soon as the inner one starts peeling, anything on top of it will peel too. Not to mention that you can ruin your inner screen with the extra bulk.
NEVER, no matter what kind of phone, folding or not, so NOT NOT NOT stack screen protectors on top of one another.
bakarnoma said:
So been looking for an answer to this wondering questions for awhile now, basically can i add a screen protector on top of the already existing one installed by Samsung, or do i have to remove before installing another one, and let's assume i can install a new one on top of the one installed already, when removing the one that i placed will it cause the screen protector that was installed by Samsung to peel or you know ?
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I would suggest to never ever do that. I guess, it is called a "Screen" Protector for a reason - to protect the screen and definitely not a protector. Also with folding screens, even the minutest addition of thickness into the folding region will ruin/damage the screen forever.
Had a very bad experience while I was using a Moto Razr 5G last year where in I added a membrane/film screen protector (on the inner folding screen directly of-course not on a protector ). It was a little thicker than usual protectors and this eventually damage the screen at the folding region. No better teacher than a bad experience, so please don't.
bakarnoma said:
So been looking for an answer to this wondering questions for awhile now, basically can i add a screen protector on top of the already existing one installed by Samsung, or do i have to remove before installing another one, and let's assume i can install a new one on top of the one installed already, when removing the one that i placed will it cause the screen protector that was installed by Samsung to peel or you know ?
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Damm. Believe me or no i just asked the same question on fold 4 forums lol. Case my fokd 3 factory protector oleophobic coating got weared off in first 3 months its self and it felt rough to touching or scrolling. So this time i want install a new one on top of factory one so that i can change it every 4 months or so. But after reading all these replies i worried to do it now. Such a bummer
bakarnoma said:
do i have to remove before installing another one
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No No NO. don't do that! do you remember the z fold there it was a peelable screen protector they thought? It completely destroyed the whole phone/tablet! And I feel like something has to happen badly if you put another one on...
YES YES and YES. You CAN and SHOULD remove the old peeling screen protector. No harm will happened to your phone screen if you remove it, but if you leave it and some sand grains or dust will catch between the screen and protector, you will have scratches for sure.
i thought u couldnt.
Evie103818 said:
i thought u couldnt.
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Okay, this is a mess of a subject. You are going to read a LOT of posts where people say that Samsung Reps told them that removing the inner screen protector voids the warranty. This may have been the case with the Fold 1, but not anything after that. If you read the fine print... nowhere, does it state that removing the factory installed protector voids the warranty, and if it does, please show me.
I left mine on for months before it started bubbling and peeling. I went and removed it and installed the White Stone Dome PET Film (under $20 USD on Amazon) and it feels just as good as the original and has lasted MUCH longer than the original.
If removing this inner protector voids the warranty, then why can we remove them off ANY OTHER PHONE and install one we like without issue?
Idk
Talderon said:
Okay, this is a mess of a subject. You are going to read a LOT of posts where people say that Samsung Reps told them that removing the inner screen protector voids the warranty. This may have been the case with the Fold 1, but not anything after that. If you read the fine print... nowhere, does it state that removing the factory installed protector voids the warranty, and if it does, please show me.
I left mine on for months before it started bubbling and peeling. I went and removed it and installed the White Stone Dome PET Film (under $20 USD on Amazon) and it feels just as good as the original and has lasted MUCH longer than the original.
If removing this inner protector voids the warranty, then why can we remove them off ANY OTHER PHONE and install one we like without issue?
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I was told by Samsung customer care that removing the inner protector does not void the warranty. It is our risk - but it doesn't void a warranty claim. It does increase our own risk of screen damage, which isn't covered by warranty by default. I have a transcript of the online chat.
m_w_clarke said:
I was told by Samsung customer care that removing the inner protector does not void the warranty. It is our risk - but it doesn't void a warranty claim. It does increase our own risk of screen damage, which isn't covered by warranty by default. I have a transcript of the online chat.
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OH ok. I like seeing the progress even I don't have the phone.
I rang samsung support and they said removing the screen protector does NOT void the warranty but if you cause any damage to the display while trying then that's not covered....
tigsandmitch said:
I rang samsung support and they said removing the screen protector does NOT void the warranty but if you cause any damage to the display while trying then that's not covered....
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The adhesive on the factory screen protector is so bad that it's not hard to pull off the inner screen. Especially once it starts to peel anyway.
However, do take care and don't just rip it off like band-aid. Just be mindful and take your time. This isn't a rigid glass screen like we are used too. As stated above, taking it off does not void the warranty, but damaging the screen while doing so does.
If you need to add new screen protector, then remove the old one.