Stickers can be a fun way to customize and personalize your Android device. However, over time stickers may start to peel, become damaged, or you may just want to remove them and try something new. Removing stickers from your Android does take a bit of effort, but it can be done with common household items and without damaging your device.
Use Dental Floss
One of the easiest methods for removing stickers from your Android is to use dental floss. Simply take a piece of unwaxed dental floss and slide it under the edge of the sticker. Keep sliding the floss back and forth under the sticker, sawing gently, until the sticker starts to lift up. Keep sawing with the floss until you can grab and peel up the rest of the sticker. The floss helps cut through the sticker adhesive.
You may need to use some elbow grease and repeat the process several times for stubborn stickers. Try to be patient and take your time sawing with the floss rather than pulling hard, which could damage the device surface underneath.
Use Rubbing Alcohol
Another household item that works extremely well for removing stickers from Android devices is plain rubbing alcohol. Simply pour some rubbing alcohol onto a soft cloth or paper towel. Start dabbing at the edges of the sticker, saturating the adhesive underneath. Slowly work the rubbing alcohol under the sticker until it fully releases from the surface.
The alcohol helps dissolve the adhesive. Be careful not to pull too hard when the sticker is partially dissolved or it may tear and leave adhesive residue behind. Just keep dabbing with alcohol until the whole sticker can slide off intact. The alcohol should not damage your device’s finish.
Apply Heat
You can also use a hair dryer or heat gun to help remove stubborn stickers from your Android. Turn the hair dryer on to a low or medium setting and aim the heat at the sticker. Slowly move the heat source back and forth over the entire sticker for 30-60 seconds. This helps soften the adhesive so the sticker will come off easier.
Be very careful not to hold the heat in one spot for too long, as heat can damage your device. After heating, try to gently peel up a corner of the sticker. If it doesn’t lift easily, apply a bit more heat. The sticker should slowly start to pull off as the adhesive softens. Remove any sticker residue with rubbing alcohol.
Use Goo Gone
Goo Gone is a commercial adhesive remover designed for removing stickers, gum, glue, and other sticky residue. To use it safely on your Android device:
- Apply a small amount of Goo Gone onto the sticker and let it soak in for 1-2 minutes.
- Rub the Goo Gone over the entire sticker surface to penetrate the adhesive.
- Slowly peel up a corner of the sticker and continue pulling it off.
- Wipe the surface clean with a soft cloth dampened slightly with Goo Gone.
- Finish by wiping the area with a clean damp cloth to remove any Goo Gone residue.
Test Goo Gone on a small, inconspicuous area first, as some device finishes may be sensitive to the chemical solvents. Avoid getting it near any openings or buttons.
Remove Sticker Residue
If any sticky sticker residue is left after removing the sticker itself, there are a few additional steps you can take:
- Rub the residue gently with your finger or a soft eraser to ball up the remaining adhesive.
- Apply rubbing alcohol to a cloth and wipe over the residue to dissolve it.
- For extra sticky residue, spray with WD-40 lubricant and let it sit for 1-2 minutes before wiping.
- Scrape at the residue gently with a plastic scraper or old credit card.
Repeat the rubbing alcohol, WD-40, or scraping steps until the residue is completely removed. Take care not to scratch the device surface while scraping.
Prevent Sticker Damage
To help prevent stickers from damaging your Android device in the future:
- Apply stickers only to smooth, flat surfaces – avoid buttons, ports, cameras, etc.
- Don’t use excessive force or pull too quickly when removing stickers.
- Heat stickers with a hairdryer before pulling them off.
- Clean the surface thoroughly before and after sticker removal.
- Consider a vinyl skin or removable skin instead of permanent stickers.
When to Avoid DIY Removal
While the household methods listed above are generally safe for removing stickers, there are certain situations where you may want to avoid DIY removal or take your device to a professional instead:
- The sticker covers any part of the screen or display area.
- The sticker tearing or adhesive damage could impact sensors or camera lenses.
- There are multiple layers of stickers built up over time.
- The sticker has been on for many years.
- The sticker wraps around curved or uneven surfaces.
- You already tried removing it and caused damage.
Damaging the display, camera, or other components while removing stickers could be an expensive repair. For stickers in high risk areas or that pose removal challenges, consult a repair specialist.
Conclusion
Removing stickers from your Android device takes finesse, but can be accomplished with household items like floss, rubbing alcohol, heat, Goo Gone, and plastic scrapers. Test products on small areas first and take your time slowly dissolving the adhesive. With patience and the proper technique, you can get rid of old stickers without harming your device.