Paperlike 2.1 Screen Protector (2X) for iPad Mini 8.3" (2021/24) for an Authentic Paper-Feel

I’ve been using Paperlike screen protectors since the original Kickstarter in 2017, and I just installed one on my new iPad Mini a17 Pro. This product remains rock solid. I’m honestly surprised by the lower rating here on Amazon—most of the negative reviews seem to misunderstand what this product is intended to do.Let’s break it down:1. Installation: Yes, it takes patience—but the process is straightforward and clearly explained via the QR code. I followed the video tutorial and had no issues getting a bubble-free finish. Some reviewers seem frustrated by the lack of printed instructions or tools like a card to push out bubbles. Personally, I appreciate the minimalism. Paperlike is a German-designed product, and the efficiency shows—no waste, no clutter, just a clean install if you follow the steps.2. Screen Appearance: Yes, the screen clarity changes. That’s the point. The slight matte texture is what gives you that incredible paper-like resistance when using the Apple Pencil. If you want to preserve a glass-clear Retina display, this isn’t the product for you—and that’s okay. But this protector is made for artists, designers, and folks who draw and write on their iPad. That subtle texture is what turns the iPad into a realistic sketchbook or journal.3. Cost: You’re paying for a premium product designed in Germany and manufactured in Switzerland. It’s not a mass-produced item from a bargain brand. The quality is consistent, the feel is unmatched, and it comes with two protectors—so you're set for the long haul. The price is absolutely fair for what you're getting.Bottom line: if you’re using your iPad for drawing, writing, or note-taking, this is the best screen protector on the market. It’s not meant for people looking to “protect” their screen in a traditional sense or maintain glass-like clarity—it’s meant to transform the iPad into a creative tool that feels natural in your hands.Know what you’re buying, and you’ll love it.

I was really looking forward to writing on my iPad and feeling like I was writing on paper. The reviews, for those few, who can get it on,are great, so I took the bullet. I wasted 40$ and 2 paperlike protectors. First steps of the installation are easy enough, like any other protector. But once you go to remove "2" aka "paperlike side" you are done, the whole thing comes off, paperlike and "foil"I took my time, was not in a rush, watched the video 3x before attempting it on my own. The paperlike came off both times. It's not worth it if you can't get it installed. You waste money, energy and end up with the same glass screen to started with. I wish I could have gotten it on, but the other reviews are right. Installation is hard, and may be 1/3 of them work out for a great experience. So disappointedUPDATE: I updated from 1 star to 5 stars. This is why...1. Customer service is amazing, they contacted me after my initial review and sent me a replacement for free. It arrived in 2-3 days, so fast and efficient at no extra cost.2. I realized it's not paperlike's fault. It comes down to storage/Amazon/heat. I believe the first one I got from Amazon wasn't stored properly and the two films were practically melted together, so they came off together.The paperlike I got from the company itself was a bliss of an installation. I followed the same steps as before, but ran into absolutely zero issues.3. It really feels like you are writing on paper! And also like you are flipping real pages in a way? It has a different feel when scrolling through pages (left/right) that's similar to paper ..you just have to try it, hard to explain lolOnly con is the slight opacity it brings to the screen. About 5-10% opacity, but Ill get used to it cause the trade off it's absolutely worth it.Biggest lesson here, order directly from paperlike, follow the video and you'll have no issues ...and if you do, they got your back ;)

Paperlike was kind enough to reach out and provide a replacement. I was able to successfully install the screen protector this time and it works great.-----------------------------This was a horrible waste or money and experience. I wish they used a plastic tray for installation like Spigen instead of all this sticker garbage. I tried to get the first one on and when I went to remove the “shield” on the PaperLike side, it pealed the screen protector of the iPad and then dust got under it. Trying to install using the second PaperLike one was even worse because, even though I wiped the screen down with the wet cloth, it was still stickier because of the first attempted install and I couldn’t keep the screen clean. It just sucked up dust before I could even apply the protecter. $40 down the drain… so disappointing.Again, at this price point, PaperLike should really be using an application tray like other brands like Spigen. This was SO frustrating.

I’ve always had problems applying screen protectors, with particles trapped underneath. The PaperLike screens aren’t cheap, and even after watching their videos I had questions and concerns.I reached out to customer support and they gave a few additional tips (e.g. apply the screen after running the shower as the moisture helps decrease airborne particulates, wipe down the plastic screen covers before applying, keep the adhesive side facing down as you apply it).The result? A flawless application. The few bubbles under the screen were easy to get out, and it really does feel as if you’re writing on paper.With the quality, along with the amazing and friendly customer service, I highly recommend this product.,