iPhone 5 invisibleSHIELD Review: How to Install

ZAGG is known for making high quality products that protect your mobile electronics without bulk. We've done in-depth reviews of the invisibleSHIELD for iPhone in the past. iPhone 5 owners are now concerned about Scuffgate and the anodized aluminum possibly scratching to expose bare metal.

One way to protect the iPhone 5 and avoid the extra size and weight of a case is to install an invisibleSHIELD from ZAGG. Not only are these premium screen and body protectors durable, they are actually made of the same material used to protect military helicopter blades.

Some invisibleSHIELD users believe the installation process is more difficult than other screen protectors, however over the years members of our staff have found the end result to be truly superior. The longevity and polish of the invisibleSHIELD is hard to beat on any device. Here we run through the steps of installing the iPhone 5 back invisibleSHIELD. There are now several varieties available but we opted for the original military-grade scratch protection for $14.99.

ZAGG likes to ship the invisibleSHIELD in a lot of packaging. Not necessarily a bad thing, as you'll find the product along with a microfiber cloth, application solution, installation squeegee and instructions safely shipped.

Pictured above are the key items needed for installation. The first step is to make sure both your hands and the back of the iPhone 5 are clean and dust free. This will ensure proper application. Turn off your iPhone 5 before you start the process. Spray the application solution onto your fingertips and remove the top decal marked "REMOVE" from the invisibleSHIELD.

Now spray more application solution on the invisibleSHIELD as you peel it off the white paper backing. Don't be shy with the spray, ample amounts evenly spread on both sides of the invisibleSHIELD will make the process easier.

Carefully place the invisibleSHIELD on your iPhone 5. Keep a towel handy to collect extra solution as you position the protector. This part will be easier if you have used the right amount of solution. If the invisibleSHIELD is too dry it will stick to your fingers or the iPhone 5 before you get it properly aligned to the back of the device.

Now take the squeegee and carefully press the excess liquid and air bubbles out. Slide slowly and evenly across the entire back of the iPhone 5. A towel can be used to collect the excess fluid as it drips off the edge of the device. This part of the invisibleSHIELD installation does require patience and can take some time to get right. If the invisibleSHIELD is not placed properly you can wet your fingers and peel it up. Re-spray the protector and apply again.

Once installed ZAGG recommends leaving your iPhone 5 off for 12 hours while the invisibleSHIELD sets. The application solution evaporates quickly and we've never kept our devices off for more than an hour (do this at your own risk). Using a towel to collect drops of solution helps ensure that liquid won't enter your device. As it dries any small bubbles will disappear and the protector will shrink slightly. One thing we like about the original invisibleSHIELD is its slightly tacky texture. Even though it looks clear, the invisibleSHIELD provides just a little bit of extra grip on the slippery iPhone 5 back.

We recommend the invisibleSHIELD despite its more involved installation process. The end result is worth the trouble. Your invisibleSHIELD for iPhone 5 will last longer and perform better than many other screen and body protectors on the market. All this without getting in the way of Apple's sleek and light iPhone 5 design.

For more information see the ZAGG website or check out our in-depth invisibleSHIELD review.