iPad Without Screen Protector (iPad Pro Scratch Easy)


If you have an iPad, you want to keep it safe from all the daily hassles that can cause scratches and dents. However, screen protectors don’t always come cheap, and several materials are available in the market, sometimes prompting users to reconsider.

So, can you use an iPad without a screen protector? A screen protector is not a must-have for your iPad, but it is vital to keep your device safe from scratches and cracks. The extra layer protects the tablet from damage due to falling or contact with abrasive items. Therefore, it is an excellent idea if you want to maintain your iPad’s new look and performance. Besides, if you are skeptical about altering your iPad, you can always go for a removable shielding case.

Despite all the benefits of having a screen protector, some would argue that they are unnecessary. If you are a prospective iPad buyer, it is wise to factor in all the expected expenses and the accessories you need. iPhone users will tell you that they had to buy a screen protector to keep their devices safe, but does the same case apply to your iPad?

You can use your iPad without a screen protector, but it is critical to your device’s security. It helps protect your tablet from dirt, scuffs marks and, sometimes cracks, leaving the screen intact even months after the iPad’s purchase.

If you often keep your gadget in your bag with other items,  you should probably consider getting a screen protector to avoid instances of impact and surface destruction. If you don’t place your tablet in a case, it serves as an extra safety layer.

A protective screen is a thin sheet whose perfect design molds on the iPad screen, keeping it clean and unscratched. It is a go-to for pretty clumsy users, often dropping their devices or touching them with dirty hands.

The preferred material is tough glass that efficiently manages impact with hard surfaces to resist scratches and even cracks. Overall, the display maintains its sleek look leaving the iPad as new as you bought it.

However, you can still use your iPad without the screen protector, but you may be risking damage. Many users would rather have it to prepare for any eventualities like scratches and dirt and find it ideal for safeguarding the device, especially if they plan to resell it. The decision to get one for your tablet or phone is entirely personal, and you are free to decide whatever works best for you.

Users from each group have compelling reasons for their choices. While some find it critical to keep the screen intact, another deems it unnecessary. They maintain that it is expensive to make replacements after damage due to drops or excessive scratches and would instead make a small investment by purchasing an extra protective layer.

It may be the best way to go if your kids are the primary users of the iPad; you can never be too careful. On the contrary, those finding it unnecessary also have their logical reasons. The most common explanation is that the protectors are more practical for phones, not tablets. It makes sense because handsets are more frequently used, and owners tend to bundle them up with other things in bags or pockets, hence the need for a tough cover.

Others also explain that adding a layer ruins the iPad’s aesthetics and interferes with the fantastic display of the screen in its actual state. Some will also state that they want to avoid using sub-quality protectors that make the screen less responsive and reduce the glass-like feel when handling the Apple gadget.

If you support any of the reasons above, you may want to go without the layer but remember that your iPad will be more vulnerable to damage. The key is to treat the tablet with the utmost care, and if you don’t want to change how it looks, you can go for a removable protective case instead. Remember that it is okay to get an additional layer for any device, and it may go a long way to save you the stress involved with worrying about damage.

Do I Need a Screen Protector for an iPad Air 4?

It is imperative to be intentional about adding a shield on your device’s screen, primarily if you frequently use it. A typical iPad may be vulnerable to scratches because it is made of delicate glass, explaining why most users consider buying protective layers and covers. If you are looking to buy an iPad Air 4, you may have questions about whether you should make an additional purchase for its protection. 

You need a screen protector if you have an iPad Air 4 to prevent scratches and cracks due to abrasions and falls. Due to the oleophobic layer, the device may be scratch-resistant to most impacts but contact with metallic objects or drops on hard surfaces may destroy the screen.

The unique layer lets things slide against the surface without causing damage, but the coating wears over time, rendering your iPad vulnerable. Therefore, it is advisable to use a protector to keep it safe.

A screen shield is a handy addition to your device, depending on how often you use the iPad Air 4. It will be the ultimate cover if you frequently carry it around in a bag with other objects or share it with kids.

On the other hand, if your gadget mostly sits in one spot and doesn’t require too much handling, you may not need a screen guard and will find the display quite durable as long as you don’t keep dropping it.

It is also critical to observe a proper cleaning procedure to ensure that the oleophobic surface remains intact. If you settle on using the iPad’s screen without an additional layer, you may have to clean the surface using damp non-lint linen.

This way, the unique layer won’t rub off easily, allowing your tablet to serve you for longer. It is best to avoid using the typical cleaning agents that you would usually apply on glass surfaces since they may contain harmful abrasive substances.

Additionally, while cleaning the screen, be cautious not to drop the tablet and look out for any excess moisture that may enter openings like the charging port. Alternatively, it is a great idea to opt for an extra layer on the iPad Air 4, preferably a tempered glass. It will not only safeguard your iDevice when it falls on hard surfaces but will keep it safe from cracks and scratches.

It is wise to consult with professionals to find the right option for your iPad to avoid these instances. Using a good protector offers your device a longer lifespan and enhances your confidence, giving you peace of mind whenever you use the gadget. Besides, adding another protective material will conserve the oleophobic substance on the device’s display.

Generally, you don’t need a screen protector if you don’t often handle your iPad Air because

the chances of breakages and abrasions are very minimal. However, if you want a screen guard, it is crucial to go for a product recommended by the manufacturer. Otherwise, using the wrong layer on the iPad may cause more destruction; there may be bubbles latching on the screen, compromising the tablet’s touch capabilities and making it less responsive.

Does an iPad Pro Screen Scratch Easily?

Apple boasts that the iPad Pro has one of the best screens in the market with its Liquid Retina output on a 12.9-inch display. It offers better refresh rates and has better features than its predecessors. Despite all these incredible qualities, prospective buyers can’t help but ask how well the screen handles scratches.

The iPad Pro may easily scratch unless you handle it with care. Apple has not exclusively stated whether the screen is scratch-resistant and a section of owners have reported scuff marks on their tablets. Therefore, your device will be safer with a protective cover or a case. You can use a tempered glass or plastic version but be careful that you opt for one that doesn’t interfere with the screen sensitivity or ruin the picture quality.

If you consider the iPad Pro, you must incline to the widescreen display, allowing you to watch your favorite shows online or offline and perform other tasks. Although the massive screen is its selling point, new users are often worried about it scratching easily. Unfortunately, Apple has not clearly stated whether the gadget has scratch-resistant properties, meaning that it can also get damaged like any other iPad.

Since it has a fragile glass screen, it needs extra care, especially if you tend to drop things. Cracking presents several challenges, like blocking your view of the images and making it difficult to read.

There may also be color distortions and unexpected dark spots, ruining the experience. In the case of severe falls, there are chances of shattered glass piercing the screen and stopping the general running of the device.

Therefore, it is necessary to keep the iPad Pro intact now that it is possible to get scratch marks. Some durability tests show that the screen will be compromised when it takes pressure of more than six pounds or falls off a one-foot height to a rough surface.

The best way to protect the iPad’s screen is to use a robust protective layer, particularly tempered glass. However, ensure that the option is easy to maintain, guarantees the device’s sensitivity, and doesn’t make the display look faded.

How To Care for an iPad Screen

Users always strive to keep their gadget screens clean, responsive, and easy to use when typing or dialing. It is also essential to maintain their structural integrity; otherwise, you will have to invest more money for repairs or replacements. If you have recently bought your first iPad, the following are some tips to help you take better care of it.

Caring for an iPad screen involves regularly cleaning it to remove unwanted surface particles and keeping it safe from damage. You can use moist microfiber or lint-free clothing to clean the surface. It helps that the tablet display has an oleophobic layer allowing you to remove dirt effortlessly.

It is essential to do this gently, since excessive pressure may remove the protective layer, leaving the tablet vulnerable to scratches. Lastly, it is vital to handle the device carefully, or it may slip and fall, causing it to crack. Most users go a step further to add a protective layer on top or buy a case.

The iPad screen may be a unique design to resist scratches, but it doesn’t mean that the glass is safe from damage. Moreover, if you scrape off the oleophobic lining, the gadget becomes more susceptible to cracks and severe destruction.

Therefore, carefully handling your tablet will go a long way in increasing its  lifespan. The manufacturer recommends using a damp, lint-free cloth to care for the iPad’s screen. Users should gently wipe off dirt while avoiding rough clothes, towels, and other abrasive materials.

Moreover, stick to soft cloths and avoid liquids like alcohol and window cleaning agents that are dangerous to the protective layer on the iPad surface. Also, watch out for fluids that may flow into the iPad slits, causing chocks and short-circuiting. Before cleaning the tablet, you should first unplug the device from the power cable. If uncertain of what you are doing, you can ask a professional for help.

Finally, ensure that the screen is not in contact with hard or sharp objects when you carry the gadget in your backpack or store it; otherwise, you risk scratching or cracking the screen. Secondly, always handle the iPad with care and be watchful if kids are using it.

It is best to find an effective screen guard that will leave your tablet intact even in cases of nasty falls. Otherwise, if you don’t want to alter how the tablet looks, you can go for a removable protective case.

Wrap Up

Apple ensures that all the iPads have a sleek design with impressive displays and enhanced features. The last thing you would want is a nasty fall interfering with the tablet’s looks or function. If you are a clumsy user, you will find it necessary to cover the iPad’s screen with a protective layer; this way, the actual display will be safe from scratches and cracks.

Severe falls are inevitable, and the only way to have a peace of mind is when you are sure that nothing can destroy the tablet’s screen. There are several options to choose from, but the most preferred are the glass and plastic versions; whichever you go for, ensure that it is properly installed and doesn’t interfere with the gadget’s performance. Besides, a removable case will also guard your screen if you don’t want to install a protector.

Bal Kang

Bal Kang is a technology expert based in the UK, with experience across a number of technology areas from phones, tablets, computers to gaming.

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