Scratching tempered glass – myth or truth? (2025 guide)

Many people assume that tempered glass cannot be scratched because it is “9H tempered glass”. In reality, it is entirely possible for tempered glass to get scratched – and sometimes even normal. Here's an honest breakdown of what's myth and what's truth in 2025.

Is tempered glass really scratch-proof?

No. No glass material in the world is completely scratch-proof. “9H hardness” only refers to a pencil hardness test, not absolute scratch resistance.

Tempered glass is very resistant to keys and coins, but it can be scratched for the following reasons:

  • sand and quartz dust (hardness class above 9H)
  • hard minerals in your pocket or bag
  • small metal shavings (e.g. on construction sites)
  • cheap or thin oleophobic coating

Myth: “If the tempered glass gets scratched, it’s bad.”

This is not true. The purpose of tempered glass is to absorb everyday impacts and scratches, so that the actual screen of the phone remains intact. If the tempered glass gets minor scratches, it's doing exactly what it's supposed to do.

True: the quality of the coatings affects scratch sensitivity

The surface of the tempered glass consists of glass and an oleophobic coating. If the coating is weak, the surface may scratch more quickly. A high-quality coating slows down the formation of scratches and makes the glass more slippery in use.

Why does tempered glass sometimes look scratched after just a few days?

The cause is often sand at the bottom of the pocket – not the keys. Sand is harder than 9H and can even scratch a car windshield, so it's completely normal, that it leaves marks on the tempered glass.

How to reduce the occurrence of scratches?

  • Use your phone with a protective case – it reduces friction in your pocket
  • Clean the screen regularly
  • Avoid pockets with sand or dust
  • Choose high-quality tempered glass with a durable coating

Is it worth replacing scratched tempered glass?

Yes, if:

  • visibility is impaired
  • the touch feels uneven
  • There is a crack in the glass.

Not necessarily if:

  • The scratches are small and only visible against the light.
  • the glass protection still works

See recommended options

➜ Armored glasses collection
➜ Hydrogel armor films

The guide is based on 2025 customer surveys, feedback, and material test results.