A screen protector is a thin layer of transparent material, typically made of tempered glass or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), designed to shield a device’s display from physical damage. It acts as a sacrificial barrier, absorbing the impact of drops and resisting scratches from keys or abrasive surfaces to maintain the screen’s structural integrity. Beyond protection, modern versions often include specialized coatings to reduce fingerprint smudges, minimize glare, or even provide privacy by narrowing the viewing angle.