What Does A Privacy Screen Protector For Your Phone Do?

Ever heard of privacy screen protectors? If not, that’s quite apt. Privacy screen protectors are a thoroughly unglamorous accessory, and the best ones barely get noticed at all. They’re designed to make using your phone a more private experience, especially in public. 

Privacy screen protectors prevent onlookers from reading your screen without your knowledge. Here at Ghostek, we’ve got a wide selection available. And as we get asked about them a lot, we decided to put together this short guide. 

Here’s everything you need to know about privacy screen protectors. 

What Are Privacy Screen Protectors?

Privacy screen protectors are thin, transparent shields that attach to the front of a phone. Once fitted, they’ll prevent anyone but you from seeing what is on the screen. Screen protectors come equipped with filters that allow light to enter only from a specific angle. 

If that makes no sense, think of them as the equivalent of putting window blinds on a phone. They’ll still let light in and you’ll be able to see through them with no trouble. But everybody else won’t, unless they're looking directly over your shoulder. To give a real world example, if you were sitting on a train or bus and your neighboring passengers tried to look at your phone, they’d only see a black screen. 

Are Privacy Screen Protectors A Great Product? 

We would have to say yes. Regardless of whether it’s a Google phone, a Samsung Galaxy, an iPhone 15 or some other brand entirely, they’re a worthwhile purchase. 

A privacy screen protector is effectively a safety net and can stop prying eyes from reading your messages or stealing sensitive data. They are relatively inexpensive and are usually one-off purchases, so don’t put any serious strain on your finances. They’re also easy to install.

If you’re considering buying one, here are a few factors that may affect your decision:

• There are multiple types

• They affect brightness levels

• They contribute to better sleep

• They don’t damage your eyesight

• They offer extra protection against damage

Let’s look at each of these points in greater depth.  

Two-Way Privacy Screens Vs Four-Way Privacy Screens

First, remember that there are multiple types. They are all largely similar, but there is one notable distinction between two-way and four-way protectors. The two-way variants block light from entering horizontally, whereas four-way screen protectors block it from the vertical angles too. 

This means that if you were to turn a phone with a two-way screen protector left or right, it would turn dark and become unreadable. Tilt it up or down, though and the screen would still be visible. It would perhaps be less likely that a data thief would be looking up or down at your device, but it is possible (they could be in an elevated position for example). Four-way screen protectors are marginally more expensive, but they also remove that risk. 

Privacy Screen Protectors Will Affect Brightness

One other factor to remember is that privacy screen protectors will have an immediate and notable impact on the brightness level. A phone fitted with one will look darker than one without, and at present, this is inescapable. 

Consequently, once your screen protector has been fitted, you’ll have to turn the brightness up. This means that the battery will run down faster, and there’s a chance of the screen degrading faster too. Plus, if you use your device outside on an especially sunny day, reading smaller text or making out fine details might be tricky. 

Blue Light Filters

Certain privacy screen protectors include blue light filters. It’s been demonstrated that exposure to blue light can inhibit the release of sleep hormones, so this will be good news if you check your phone before bedtime. 

Despite our best intentions, it can be easier to recommend taking a screen break than actually doing it. However, if you’ve got into the habit of browsing Instagram or reading emails and messages last thing at night, a privacy screen protector is a good idea. You’ll be exposed to reduced levels of blue light, and (hopefully) it’ll be easier to fall asleep. 

Are Screen Protectors Bad for Eyesight?

This is a common question, but no. There is no evidence that screen protectors can harm your eyesight. If you use a screen protector and notice that the resolution seems lower, don’t worry. It’s unlikely there’s anything wrong with your eyes.

Extra Screen Protection For Smartphones

Alongside these benefits, privacy filters provide an extra layer of protection for the phone itself and reduce the risk of damage from everyday hazards. If you accidentally drop your beloved iPhone 14 on the kitchen floor, a privacy screen will help protect it. 

They’re not as robust as regular phone cases, but they are largely compatible with them. For example, if you’re shopping around for a new iPhone case and want to supplement it with a privacy filter, there’s no reason you can’t have both. 

What is the Best Screen Protector?

Once you weigh up all the pros and cons, it becomes apparent why privacy screens are worthwhile. Invest in one, and you’ll get:

• Reduced risk of data theft

• Less chance of scratches

• Protection against impact damage

But what is the best one? It depends on your personal choice. For instance, Samsung Galaxy privacy screens are just as good as iPhone privacy filters instance, and there isn’t really a bad choice. They’re more of a functional than a decorative accessory, so it comes down to practicality. 

But if you want to add a splash of personality, there are some very cute phone cases worth exploring. 

Follow Ghostek For News, Privacy Filters, Phone Cases, And More

We’re dedicated phone enthusiasts here at Ghostek, and if you want to stay up to date on all the latest industry news, you’re in the right place. We regularly track technological developments, release dates, and other gossip, so follow us to stay on track. 

And yes, we have an extensive range of privacy screen filters available, along with cases for total phone protection. Check out the accessories page and see if anything catches your eye.