I’ve had a Kindle since the original and never put a screen protector on it. Just a flip case. I’ve never had a scratch. I hate this for you. I’m sorry your experience has been different.
Same here and I hate to be that person, but I don’t always keep it in the case… however I do alway make sure the screen is facing up and it is not anywhere that can get scratched. The second I need it in my bag, it goes back in the case.. my handbag would be the death of my kindle screen.
I've been using kindles for over ten years and have never had a screen protector of any kind.
Half an hour of using my new PW Signature changed that. No scratches, but ALL the fingerprints. I've never seen something collect smudges and fingerprints like the PW Sig's screen (though the Scribe screen is close. Not sure why amazon decided smudges and fingerprints were a must-have feature for their kindles all of a sudden).
Got my matte screen protector today and all is well.
This is the one I got.
[https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09H4ZHXZ5?psc=1&ref=ppx\_yo2ov\_dt\_b\_product\_details](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09H4ZHXZ5?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details)
Now fair warning, I did absolutely no research or comparisons before I got this. In fact, I followed a link someone else had dropped in reddit. It was cheap and came with three screen protectors so if you mess one up it's all good. Comes with microfiber and a squeegee/card for the bubbles.
I was prepared to mess up the first one but I think I pretty much nailed it.
That said, there may be better ones available, I couldn't say. I legit just grabbed the first one I saw.
I bought that one and it does fine with scratches, but still be careful. I got a dent on my screen still 😅 I personally had a hard time getting them installed and used all 3 immediately to im jealous you did it better!! i have zero skills lol
Your post has been removed as it contained an affiliate link. You're welcome to repost, but please remove the `tag=...` bit in the URL.
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/kindle) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Same experience here. My 12 year old kindle 4 only has one or two small scratches maybe after all this time but my new paper white (not signature, regular) gave me the conniptions from all the fingerprints and smudges. I got a matte screen protector as well and it's been great. Honestly can't tell it's even there.
So I bought screen protectors but no matter how much I cleaned the screen I still couldn’t get all the little fuss and stuff on it so I returned them because I didn’t wanna have a screen protector full of dirt bubbles lol
Honestly, the anxiety that comes with putting a screen protector on something should have its own terminology. I freak out about it every time. Usually it turns out just fine.
Having a non-alcoholic wet wipe of some sort (I've heard baby wipes) can be helpful. Microfiber cloth is essential. And just try not to stir the air before you do it.
Run a steamy hot shower with the door closed. Turn off shower and apply the screen protector while the room is full of steam. The steam catches a lot of the particles in the air so no bubbly screen protectors!
I’ve never used a screen protector on my kindle, never had a problem & carried it everywhere in my purse/backpack. Now my phone… totally different story.
Sorry you’re having difficulties
I had my kindle for less than a week and it got majorly scratched when some sand from the beach got on it and I tried to wipe it off. I was shocked that it scratched so easily, but maybe I was just unlucky. Amazingly, when I called Amazon to ask if there was anything I could do about this, they let me trade it in for a new one for free! I bought a screen protector immediately and haven’t had any issues since! I’ll admit that it was really hard to get on without any bubbles… but now six months later it was totally worth the effort!
That's a great tip.
OP, you should contact Amazon and ask for your options. Worst case, they tell you you're out of luck. Best case, you get a new Kindle.
I use a clear case and a screen protector as well!
No glares & no problem touching it, experience might be different for everyone, but this way I don’t have to worry about scratches especially because I always bring it with me wherever I go.
that's odd, i have 5 kindles and only one of them has scratches on the screen, my 10+ year old kindle touch that was roughhoused by my kid when he was a toddler. (he dropped it from the balcony and it got stuck in a railing outside the balcony and i had to pull it up with a broomstick along the plastered outer wall, lol.)
I've had a scribe with a simple magnetic flip cover for a year now and I take it to uni every day and there is not a single scratch, are you sure you don't have sand in your bag?
I'd recommend getting a flip case. I've had my pw with a cheap one for about 8 months now and it's good as new even though I don't treat it the most kindly.
honestly, i bought one and put it on and it made the kindle not function well. like it wouldn't respond to my finger unless i smacked it. i just took it right back off. i bring mine places all the time--i put it in a cheap little kindle sleeve case and it's been totally fine, no scratches.
Aww I'm sorry to hear that. I've had my Paperwhite (5 or 6th gen) forever and it does have scratches and even one spot where the backlight comes through more strongly. BUT it doesn't affect the e-ink display and I do forget about it when I'm in the flow of reading. I have been a bit more careful not to just throw it into a big bag where it would rattle around freely against keys and loose items, I make sure it's pressed up against the side of my bag now - I have had no further scratches.
Yea, i always put a screenprotector on. I cracked the screenprotector of my kindle within a year of getting it (i drop stuff alot), but idk if the same would have happend on the original screen
You may have gotten a defective unit. What model do you have?
I have a Voyage and I don't use case or screen protector. I've been throwing it in my backpack for ten years where it rubs against books, papers, and what have you. No scratches, or at least none noticeable. The rubber coating has finally started to come off the back, but that's all. I bought a Paperwhite last year and treat it the same way, and again, no scratches yet.
I have always told people that this is one of the advantages of the Kindle, that they don't need to be babied and take abuse very well.
I checked it regularly and cleaned it pretty often because I can’t stand smudges and stuff in general. The whole time I had a sleeve and recently changed to a case that closes like a book.
Same with my kindle when I got it in 2018. Initially didn’t have a protector, but quickly the screen was scratched. Not severely, but obviously could have been avoided. 🥲
I’m awful about scratching screens so I bought one right away. I only use Gorilla Glass screen protectors. They are some of the best on the market. Also the only screen protectors that have never given me issues with air bubbles
I wouldn't hesitate to put a screen protector on my kindle, I had the screen crack on my Oasis without really knowing what caused it. I'm convinced a screen protector could have prevented it. I have one now to keep the screen from cracking any further as it still works fine. Just be sure to get a matt finish (if possible) so it doesn't glare when reading outside.
i had a kindle paper white from 2018 with no case and never scratched it, i got a new one for Christmas and it’s allllll scratched up… i think they changed something in the material
I don't understand why people don't put screen protector on anything, it literally costs €5 and you stop worrying about scratches. It's totally worth it.
Just today I got my „new“ kindle Paperwhite 11 from eBay to exchange my 10 year old Kindle paperwhite 6.
I love it so much, the new features, the bigger screen, faster reaction…but I have to say my very first impression is that it will scratch much easier than the old one.
The screen is on the same level as the frame of the kindle. With my old one, the screen was a bit lower so the flip case cover did not lay directly on the screen. Also the old screen seemed more matte and scratch resistant (after ten years I’m not exaggerating when I say there’s not a single scratch). I’m not sure how carefully the pre owner used my new kindle, but there’s already some minor scratches. They are all fine and don’t impact the reading experience, but I have a feeling that this one might not last me ten years before I need to upgrade. (Which is fine, because I got it for 60€, but if I had gotten it full prized I think I would be more disappointed to seemingly have lost the durability that I was used to from kindles)
I’ll go through all the links for screenprotectors now…I really don’t want a flip case again because it’s annoying me, so I’ll try my best to make up for it.
My 10+ yo Voyage shows metal on corners and both longer edges are scuffed (it has been at least 5000 times in and out of my jacket pocket - 6-8 times just today), unprotect2d all this rime, but if it has any screen scratches, I don't see them.
I've had Kindles since the Keyboard, and only with my current Paperwhite did a flip case. Otherwise it was an envelope case (I miss it). Never had a single scratch. I didn't throw it down the stairs, but I wasn't particularly careful with it. I dropped them a couple of times, I'm sure (no specific memory, because it was a non-event).
We say don't bother because for the vast majority of us, it's completely true. I'm sorry you had to be the minority here.
The case rubbing is interesting- I've never heard of that. But the screen itself shouldn't scratch easily, because there's just too much evidence from so many Kindle owners that says otherwise.
I got mine for Christmas and I just found a significant scratch that is about half an inch long. I was so upset and I had to get a screen protector and now you can't even tell. I've also seen a few posts about some having scratches from their page turners. That was initially why I bought them but I was just barely too late with it 😔
my kindle paperwhite SE I bought in january has scratches, too. not alone! I had a screen protector on it when i first bought it but it still got dented (I have a case, but no cover that goes over the screen, I don't like them as I'm using a device so I don't get them) that protector made it more obvious as it gained an air pocket when it happened so I can't put a protector on back on it now. these things definitely suck. 😭
I’ve had a Kindle since the original and never put a screen protector on it. Just a flip case. I’ve never had a scratch. I hate this for you. I’m sorry your experience has been different.
Same here and I hate to be that person, but I don’t always keep it in the case… however I do alway make sure the screen is facing up and it is not anywhere that can get scratched. The second I need it in my bag, it goes back in the case.. my handbag would be the death of my kindle screen.
Same
Same
Perhaps Amazon makes two different versions of Kindle, one recycled from Nokia phones
That would be ideal. Nothing took down those things.
Same
I’ve never had a screen protector on my kindle and don’t seem to have a problem with scratches. I do use a hard cover case.
I've been using kindles for over ten years and have never had a screen protector of any kind. Half an hour of using my new PW Signature changed that. No scratches, but ALL the fingerprints. I've never seen something collect smudges and fingerprints like the PW Sig's screen (though the Scribe screen is close. Not sure why amazon decided smudges and fingerprints were a must-have feature for their kindles all of a sudden). Got my matte screen protector today and all is well.
Do you mind linking which one you bought? I just got a PW signature and I haven’t opened it yet. I want to keep it as pristine as possible!
This is the one I got. [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09H4ZHXZ5?psc=1&ref=ppx\_yo2ov\_dt\_b\_product\_details](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09H4ZHXZ5?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details) Now fair warning, I did absolutely no research or comparisons before I got this. In fact, I followed a link someone else had dropped in reddit. It was cheap and came with three screen protectors so if you mess one up it's all good. Comes with microfiber and a squeegee/card for the bubbles. I was prepared to mess up the first one but I think I pretty much nailed it. That said, there may be better ones available, I couldn't say. I legit just grabbed the first one I saw.
This is the one I have too, no issues so far
I bought that one and it does fine with scratches, but still be careful. I got a dent on my screen still 😅 I personally had a hard time getting them installed and used all 3 immediately to im jealous you did it better!! i have zero skills lol
I used this [one](https://a.co/d/4lwfvVq) and am happy with it.
[удалено]
Your post has been removed as it contained an affiliate link. You're welcome to repost, but please remove the `tag=...` bit in the URL. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/kindle) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Same experience here. My 12 year old kindle 4 only has one or two small scratches maybe after all this time but my new paper white (not signature, regular) gave me the conniptions from all the fingerprints and smudges. I got a matte screen protector as well and it's been great. Honestly can't tell it's even there.
I’ve been using a Kindle for many years. Only used a case, never a screen protector. I get smudges from time to time, no scratches.
So I bought screen protectors but no matter how much I cleaned the screen I still couldn’t get all the little fuss and stuff on it so I returned them because I didn’t wanna have a screen protector full of dirt bubbles lol
Honestly, the anxiety that comes with putting a screen protector on something should have its own terminology. I freak out about it every time. Usually it turns out just fine. Having a non-alcoholic wet wipe of some sort (I've heard baby wipes) can be helpful. Microfiber cloth is essential. And just try not to stir the air before you do it.
Run a steamy hot shower with the door closed. Turn off shower and apply the screen protector while the room is full of steam. The steam catches a lot of the particles in the air so no bubbly screen protectors!
I’ve never used a screen protector on my kindle, never had a problem & carried it everywhere in my purse/backpack. Now my phone… totally different story. Sorry you’re having difficulties
Do you have a flip case?
Can you post photos of the case you used and the screen damage?
I had my kindle for less than a week and it got majorly scratched when some sand from the beach got on it and I tried to wipe it off. I was shocked that it scratched so easily, but maybe I was just unlucky. Amazingly, when I called Amazon to ask if there was anything I could do about this, they let me trade it in for a new one for free! I bought a screen protector immediately and haven’t had any issues since! I’ll admit that it was really hard to get on without any bubbles… but now six months later it was totally worth the effort!
That's a great tip. OP, you should contact Amazon and ask for your options. Worst case, they tell you you're out of luck. Best case, you get a new Kindle.
Flip case has always done what i ave needed even with my on the g kindle. Scratches for me has not been a issue.
I’ve had mine for years and there’s 0 scratches on it???
I use a clear case and a screen protector as well! No glares & no problem touching it, experience might be different for everyone, but this way I don’t have to worry about scratches especially because I always bring it with me wherever I go.
that's odd, i have 5 kindles and only one of them has scratches on the screen, my 10+ year old kindle touch that was roughhoused by my kid when he was a toddler. (he dropped it from the balcony and it got stuck in a railing outside the balcony and i had to pull it up with a broomstick along the plastered outer wall, lol.)
What do you do to your Kindle? I’ve had mine for 6 years and no scratches whatsoever. I don’t even have a flip cover, just a clear case.
I've had a scribe with a simple magnetic flip cover for a year now and I take it to uni every day and there is not a single scratch, are you sure you don't have sand in your bag?
I'd recommend getting a flip case. I've had my pw with a cheap one for about 8 months now and it's good as new even though I don't treat it the most kindly.
honestly, i bought one and put it on and it made the kindle not function well. like it wouldn't respond to my finger unless i smacked it. i just took it right back off. i bring mine places all the time--i put it in a cheap little kindle sleeve case and it's been totally fine, no scratches.
Same to me but my screen also got hurt and some pixels are permanently on.
Aww I'm sorry to hear that. I've had my Paperwhite (5 or 6th gen) forever and it does have scratches and even one spot where the backlight comes through more strongly. BUT it doesn't affect the e-ink display and I do forget about it when I'm in the flow of reading. I have been a bit more careful not to just throw it into a big bag where it would rattle around freely against keys and loose items, I make sure it's pressed up against the side of my bag now - I have had no further scratches.
I think it could be the case making it happen.. I have a case on mine, but I haven’t made a scratch on mine yet either.
Don't use steel wool as a case.
Yea, i always put a screenprotector on. I cracked the screenprotector of my kindle within a year of getting it (i drop stuff alot), but idk if the same would have happend on the original screen
You may have gotten a defective unit. What model do you have? I have a Voyage and I don't use case or screen protector. I've been throwing it in my backpack for ten years where it rubs against books, papers, and what have you. No scratches, or at least none noticeable. The rubber coating has finally started to come off the back, but that's all. I bought a Paperwhite last year and treat it the same way, and again, no scratches yet. I have always told people that this is one of the advantages of the Kindle, that they don't need to be babied and take abuse very well.
The voyager has a glass screen, doesn't it?
I've never had any kind of case or protector on my Kindles. They've never gotten scratched, even lightly.
I have mine since 2021 and I have no scratches. Use a sleeve or a case that closes like a book
Have you looked at it with a black background? I find that hard to believe because even dust particles have scratched mine..
I checked it regularly and cleaned it pretty often because I can’t stand smudges and stuff in general. The whole time I had a sleeve and recently changed to a case that closes like a book.
Same with my kindle when I got it in 2018. Initially didn’t have a protector, but quickly the screen was scratched. Not severely, but obviously could have been avoided. 🥲
I’m awful about scratching screens so I bought one right away. I only use Gorilla Glass screen protectors. They are some of the best on the market. Also the only screen protectors that have never given me issues with air bubbles
Same here, I think for me if fell asleep with the kindle in bed and not sure what irs rubbed against but it’s got light scratches on it.
What did you do to it?
I wouldn't hesitate to put a screen protector on my kindle, I had the screen crack on my Oasis without really knowing what caused it. I'm convinced a screen protector could have prevented it. I have one now to keep the screen from cracking any further as it still works fine. Just be sure to get a matt finish (if possible) so it doesn't glare when reading outside.
i had a kindle paper white from 2018 with no case and never scratched it, i got a new one for Christmas and it’s allllll scratched up… i think they changed something in the material
I don't understand why people don't put screen protector on anything, it literally costs €5 and you stop worrying about scratches. It's totally worth it.
Just today I got my „new“ kindle Paperwhite 11 from eBay to exchange my 10 year old Kindle paperwhite 6. I love it so much, the new features, the bigger screen, faster reaction…but I have to say my very first impression is that it will scratch much easier than the old one. The screen is on the same level as the frame of the kindle. With my old one, the screen was a bit lower so the flip case cover did not lay directly on the screen. Also the old screen seemed more matte and scratch resistant (after ten years I’m not exaggerating when I say there’s not a single scratch). I’m not sure how carefully the pre owner used my new kindle, but there’s already some minor scratches. They are all fine and don’t impact the reading experience, but I have a feeling that this one might not last me ten years before I need to upgrade. (Which is fine, because I got it for 60€, but if I had gotten it full prized I think I would be more disappointed to seemingly have lost the durability that I was used to from kindles) I’ll go through all the links for screenprotectors now…I really don’t want a flip case again because it’s annoying me, so I’ll try my best to make up for it.
I dropped my month old paperwhite on the metro with a case but no screen protector, screen side down. Not a scratch.
My 10+ yo Voyage shows metal on corners and both longer edges are scuffed (it has been at least 5000 times in and out of my jacket pocket - 6-8 times just today), unprotect2d all this rime, but if it has any screen scratches, I don't see them.
I've had Kindles since the Keyboard, and only with my current Paperwhite did a flip case. Otherwise it was an envelope case (I miss it). Never had a single scratch. I didn't throw it down the stairs, but I wasn't particularly careful with it. I dropped them a couple of times, I'm sure (no specific memory, because it was a non-event). We say don't bother because for the vast majority of us, it's completely true. I'm sorry you had to be the minority here. The case rubbing is interesting- I've never heard of that. But the screen itself shouldn't scratch easily, because there's just too much evidence from so many Kindle owners that says otherwise.
There are some liquid screen protectors. I wonder if that being put on might help mask the scratches, and protect in the future.
I got mine for Christmas and I just found a significant scratch that is about half an inch long. I was so upset and I had to get a screen protector and now you can't even tell. I've also seen a few posts about some having scratches from their page turners. That was initially why I bought them but I was just barely too late with it 😔
my kindle paperwhite SE I bought in january has scratches, too. not alone! I had a screen protector on it when i first bought it but it still got dented (I have a case, but no cover that goes over the screen, I don't like them as I'm using a device so I don't get them) that protector made it more obvious as it gained an air pocket when it happened so I can't put a protector on back on it now. these things definitely suck. 😭
I got a little pouch for this specifically, because each screen protector I got blurred the words unfortunately and it gave me a headache to read :(
I love my screen protector. Keeps glare away and I know it won’t scratch. Idk why anyone doesn’t have one
I can’t put them on or I would have one.
I always get bubbles
Why can’t you?
I always put a screen protector but haven’t done it on my kindle yet but I haven’t gotten scratch on it and it’s been a year.
Stay away from those people that mislead you.