Removing the battery in Xiaomi smartphones is a challenge that users face when replacing the battery, repairing or diagnosing the device. Modern models of Redmi, POCO and Mi have a non-shatterable body, which complicates the process, but with the right approach it can be done even at home.
In this article, we will take a look at step-by-step instructions for different Xiaomi series, list the necessary tools and tell you how to avoid typical errors. We will focus on models with adhesive battery mounts (for example, Redmi Note 12 or POCO X5 Pro), where special care is required. If you have never taken apart smartphones, do not worry: our recommendations will help to cope with the task without risk to the device.
Preparation for disassembly: tools and security measures
Before you start opening the case, make sure you have everything you need, and without the right tools, you run the risk of scratching the case, damaging the plumes, or even shorting the case, and here's the minimum set you'll need:
- 🔧 Plastic blades (mediators) - for careful lid slinging and battery disconnection.
- 🔥 Dryer or thermo-air station - for softening the glue (temperature 60-80)°C).
- ⚡ Isopropyl alcohol (90%+) — Removing glue residues and cleaning contacts.
- 🛠️ Screwdriver cross (PH00) — for screws in certain models (for example, POCO F4).
- 🧲 Magnetic mat or container – to avoid losing small details.
Also, prepare your workspace: it should be well lit, free of dust and static electricity. Never disassemble your phone on a carpet or soft surface, which can cause screw loss or damage to the board. If you're working on a Qualcomm Snapdragon model, remember that its components are more sensitive to static than those of Mediatek.
⚠️ Warning: If the phone has been in water or has been hit, disassembly can be dangerous! In such cases, the battery can be blown up or damaged - it is better to trust the service center to remove it.
How to determine the type of battery attachment in your model
Xiaomi smartphones use three main types of battery mounting:
- Adhesive is the most common (e.g., in the Redmi Note 11 or POCO X4 Pro) battery glued to the body, and it requires heating to remove it.
- On latches, it's found in budget models (like the Redmi A1), and the battery is fixed with plastic clips.
- Combined: glue + screws (for example, in the Mi 11 Ultra), where you first unscrew the screws, and then disconnect the battery.
To find out what type of mounting on your phone, you can:
- 🔍 Watch YouTube showdown for a specific model (look for a video marked "teardown").
- 📄 Check the service manual on sites like iFixit.
- 💬 Ask in thematic chats (for example, in Telegram-channels for repairing Xiaomi).
| Xiaomi model | Type of battery attachment | Difficulty disassembling (1–5) |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | Glue + screws | 4 |
| POCO X5 | Glue. | 3 |
| Mi 11 Lite | Glue. | 2 |
| Redmi A2 | Latches | 1 |
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If you're not sure what type of attachment you want, start disassembling with minimal effort, and if the lid doesn't lend itself, it's probably glue-on, and you need a hair dryer.
Step-by-step: how to remove the cover of the phone
The first and most important step is to decouple the back cover, which is glued to most Xiaomi models, so you have to be careful.
- Turn off the phone and remove it. SIM-memory-card.
- Heat the edges of the body with a hair dryer (60-70°C) for 2-3 minutes. This will soften the glue.
- Insert a plastic blade into the gap between the lid and the body (start at the bottom edge where the charging connector is).
- Carefully drive the shoulder blade along the perimeter, separating the lid. If you feel resistance, warm further.
- Remove the lid and put it aside. Be careful that it may be glued to plumes (such as a fingerprint scanner).
In some models (for example, the POCO F3), the lid is further fixed with latches. If it does not respond to heat, try to press the lid slightly on the inside side - sometimes this helps to release the clips.
☑️ Preparation for lid removal
⚠️ Warning: Do not use metal tools to lid the lid - they can damage antenna lines or leave scratches.If the glue is too strong, repeat the heating, but do not increase the temperature above 80°C (risk of damaging the screen or battery).
Battery recovery: glue fastening vs. latching
Once you remove the lid, you'll see the battery, and depending on the model, the next steps will be different.
If the battery is glue-on (most models)
The glue attachment requires caution. Here's how to proceed:
- Disconnect the battery connector from the motherboard (use a plastic spatula).
- Pull the battery from any angle and pull it up. If it doesn't lend itself, heat it with a hair dryer (no more than 60°C!).
- If the battery is glued strongly, use isopropyl alcohol: drop a few drops under the battery and wait 1-2 minutes - the glue will dissolve.
- Remove the battery without bending it (risk of short circuit!).
If the battery is latched (budget models)
It's easier here.
- Unplug the battery connector.
- Carefully press the edge of the battery - it should "jump out" of the grooves.
- Pick it up by a special pen film (if any).
In models with combined fastening (glue + screws), first unscrew the screws, and then act as with a glue battery.
What to do if the battery goes up?
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced users sometimes make disassembly mistakes, and here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:
- 🔋 Damage to battery plume - always disconnect the connector until you try to remove the battery. If the plume breaks, the phone won't turn on.
- 🔥 Battery overheating - don't direct the hair dryer directly to the battery.Great only the edges of the case!
- 🛠️ Losing screws – use a magnetic mat or container with cells. screws in Xiaomi are often of different lengths.
- 💧 Getting alcohol on the board - apply it only under the battery, avoiding contact with chips.
Another common problem is that antenna lines get damaged when you sloppyly remove the lid, and they're located around the perimeter of the body, and they look like thin copper tracks, and if you break them, the phone's network signal or Wi-Fi signal will deteriorate.
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If after assembly the phone does not turn on, check: is the battery connector connected, is not damaged plumes, is all screws correctly installed.
What to do after removing the battery
When the battery is successfully removed, further actions can be taken:
- 🔄 Battery replacement – if the goal was to replace, install a new battery (preferably original or from a proven manufacturer, for example, ATL sunwoda).
- 🧹 Cleaning the case - remove the remains of the glue with isopropyl alcohol and wipe the contacts with a lilaless napkin.
- 🔧 Check other components – inspect plumes, speakers and camera for damage.
- 📱 Build in reverse order – make sure all connectors are connected and screws are twisted.
If you have replaced the battery, the first charge cycle should be full (0% to 100%).This will help calibrate the power controller. It is also recommended to reset the settings → About the phone → Reset if the phone is unstable after the replacement.
⚠️ Note: After battery replacement in some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T) You might get a warning, "Unoriginal battery." That's not critical, but if you want to get rid of the message, you'll need to run a firmware on Fastboot.