Xiaomi Redmi 8 series smartphones have proven to be reliable devices with excellent value for money, but over time, any lithium-ion battery loses its capacity. If your phone starts to run out in a couple of hours, suddenly turn off at 20% charge or charge for a long time, these are sure signs that it is time to replace the battery. Battery replacement is a procedure that can be performed on your own, if you have the right tool at hand and a clear understanding of the device of the smartphone.
Unlike modern flagships with glass cases, the Redmi 8 has a plastic back panel, which greatly simplifies the dismantling process, but requires caution when working with the adhesive layer. The main feature of the Redmi 8 design is the absence of screws under the plug of the charging port, since the entire rear cover is removable and is attached exclusively on adhesive basis around the perimeter. Before starting the dismantling, make sure that the device’s charge level is below 25% to minimize the risk of fire or short circuit in case of accidental battery damage.
In this article, we will take a look at every step of the process, from the work place preparation to the final test of the system's health. We will look at the tools, techniques for safely opening the case and the nuances of connecting a new battery. Even if you have never done electronics repair before, following these instructions will help you successfully cope with the task and prolong the life of your gadget.
Tools and workplace preparation required
A good battery replacement is not possible without a properly organized workspace and specialized tools. You will need a clean, well-lit desk, preferably with antistatic coating or simply free of dust and moisture. Safety is the number one priority, so make sure that the room is free of flammable materials and there is a fire extinguisher on hand just in case.
To work with Xiaomi Redmi 8, you will need the following set of tools:
- 🔧 A set of screwdrivers (including the Phillips cross #00 and the Torx spool screwdriver if they meet in the design).
- 🔥 Hair dryer or thermophen (building hair dryer is not recommended because of too high temperature, it is better to use a household hair dryer at maximum power or a special heating pad).
- 💳 Plastic mediators, suction cup and thin metal blades (for neat peeling off the cover).
- 🧴 Isopropyl alcohol or special solvent of glue B-7000 surface-cleaner.
- 🧲 Magnetic mat or organizer for screws, so as not to lose small details.
The market is full of fakes, so buy the battery only from trusted suppliers, paying attention to the labeling and capacity (standard for the Redmi 8 is 5000 mAh).
⚠️ Warning: Before starting any work, be sure to turn off your smartphone. Working with electronics under voltage can lead to irreversible damage to components.
☑️ Preparation for battery replacement
The process of heating and removing the back cover
The most difficult step for beginners is to carefully remove the rear plastic panel Xiaomi Redmi 8, as it is attached to double-sided tape around the perimeter. To soften the glue, you need to evenly warm the edges of the device. Turn on the hair dryer and set the average temperature by directing the flow of hot air to the ends of the smartphone. Keep the hair dryer at a distance of 5-7 centimeters and constantly move it to avoid overheating the plastic, otherwise it may deform or change color.
The heating process usually takes 3 to 5 minutes. Periodically check the temperature of the case with your finger - it should become hot, but not burning. Once the case is warm enough, install a suction cup at the bottom of the back cover, closer to the center, and slightly pull up, creating a small gap between the frame and the cover.
Move the mediator along the perimeter of the device, cutting the adhesive layer. Do not try to force the lid off if you feel strong resistance - you better warm up this area again. Exercise special care in the upper part of the smartphone where the plumes are located, although in Redmi 8 they are protected by a metal plate, the risk of damage to them if you open them neatly still exists.
What to do if the lid is not removed?
Disabling the plume and removing the old battery
After successfully removing the back cover, you will see the internal device of the smartphone. In Xiaomi Redmi 8, the battery takes up most of the internal volume and is closed with an additional protective frame or warning sticker. The first thing you need to do is to disconnect the battery plume from the motherboard. Find the connector usually located at the top of the device and gently apply it with a plastic blade or nail.
Important: Never pull the plume itself, just the hard connector. Damage to the connector contacts may require soldering at the service center. Once the plume is turned off, you can start removing the battery itself. It's also fixed to the adhesive base, so you can't just pull it out.
Use plastic cards or special tapes, laying them under the battery. Move the tool carefully, trying not to pierce or deform the battery case. If the battery is swelling, be extremely careful - a puncture can cause ignition. To facilitate the process, you can slightly warm up the battery area with a hairdryer, but the temperature should not exceed 60 degrees Celsius.
- 🔋 Carefully separate the old battery from the case using a plastic card.
- 🧹 Cleanse the seat of the remnants of old glue and dirt.
- 🧪 Degrease the surface with alcohol for better adhesion of new glue.
- 📱 Make sure there are no foreign objects left under the battery.
⚠️ Note: It is strictly forbidden to use metal tools (knives, screwdrivers) to pick under the battery, guaranteed to short circuit and possible fire.
Installation of a new battery and assembly
Before you stick a new battery in, compare it to the old one. They should be identical in size, contact location and capacity. Insert the new battery connector into the motherboard, but don't glue it yet. Turn on the smartphone by pressing the power button to make sure the device responds, charges are going on and the screen lights up. This will avoid the situation where you assemble the phone and it won't turn on because of a defective battery or bad contact.
If the test is successful, turn off the phone. Put a thin layer of special glue (like the B-7000) on the frame of the case or use pre-prepared adhesive strips. Spread the glue evenly and press the battery tightly. Now, put the back cover on the perimeter of the plastic panel, combine the holes of the cameras and speakers, and press the lid against the body.
To fix the glue, it is recommended to use stationery gums, wrapping them around the perimeter of the smartphone, or put a small load on top (not too heavy to not crush the screen). Leave the phone to dry for 2-4 hours. Full polymerization of the glue takes up to 24 hours, but primary fixation is faster.
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Use rubber harnesses or special clips to fix the back cover during drying of the glue, this will ensure a tight fit and no gaps.
Comparison of original and compatible batteries
When choosing a replacement part for the Redmi 8, the question often arises: take the original or analogue? the Original (OEM) guarantees compliance with all Xiaomi technical specifications, including the exact calibration of the power controller. Compatible batteries can cost less, but their resource and real capacity often differ from the stated ones.
Below is a table to help you understand the differences between battery types:
| Characteristics | Original (OEM) | Quality analogue | Cheap copy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cycle resource | 500+ cycles | 300-400 cycles | 100-150 cycles |
| Indicator accuracy | 100% | 90-95% | Low (down%) |
| Security | Tall. | Medium | Risk of bloating |
| Price. | Tall. | Medium | Low. |
When choosing a battery, pay attention to holograms and QR-Original Xiaomi components often have protective stickers that can be checked on the manufacturer's official website.The savings on the battery can lead to the need for re-repair in six months.
Calibration and primary start
Once the smartphone is assembled and the glue is dry, you need to calibrate the new battery, which will help the system correctly display the charge level and avoid sharp percentage spikes. First, completely discharge the phone before automatically turning it off. Then, without turning it on, charge with the original cable and power supply.
Charge the device to 100% off. After reaching full charge, leave the phone on charge for another 1-2 hours. Only after that, turn on the device. If the indicator shows not 100%, repeat the procedure again. This "training" helps the power controller remember the real limits of the capacity of the new battery.
In the early days of use, watch for heating of the case. Easy heating in the area of the camera or the bottom of the charger is normal. However, if the phone warms up in plain or gets too hot, this may indicate installation problems or defect of the battery itself, in which case the replacement procedure may need to be repeated with a new detail.
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Proper calibration of the battery in the first days of use prolongs its life and ensures the accuracy of the display of charge.