Xiaomi’s current smartphones, especially the flagship Mi and Xiaomi series, feature complex camera modules that extend beyond the body, making them most vulnerable to mechanical damage from falls or sloppy handling. Scratches on an external lens can significantly reduce the quality of images by creating glare or “soap” in photos, which is especially noticeable at night or when shooting against light.
Many users mistakenly believe that replacing the external glass is impossible without completely replacing the camera module, but this is not the case. The protective glass is a separate consumable that can be replaced at home with a minimum set of tools and accuracy. The procedure does not require soldering or complex disassembly of electronics, but critically depends on the purity of the surface and the quality of the adhesive used.
In this article, we will discuss the entire process from the selection of components to the final seal check, you will learn why you can not use regular superglue, how to properly clean the seat of old glue residues and what nuances the installation of glass on models with OIS (optical stabilization).
Choosing high-quality protective glass and tools
The first step to successful repairs is to find the right spare part. Xiaomi camera glass often differs in shape, size and thickness depending on the particular model. Using the wrong glass can cause it to protrude over the body or, conversely, fall inside, collecting dust. When buying, pay attention to the labeling: flagships often require glass with an oleophobic coating and increased strength, such as tempered sapphire glass or a quality analog.
Besides the glass itself, you'll need a special glue sealant, unlike the screens that use it. LOCA-glue B-7000, chambers often recommend cyanacrylate-based formulations with increased elasticity or special two-component adhesives. It is important that the adhesive remains transparent after drying and does not evaporate, creating condensation inside the camera module.
⚠️ Warning: Never use a classic "Supergly" (liquid cyanacrylate) in large quantities. Its vapors can settle on the inside of the lens or sensor, creating an ineluctable whitish film that will permanently damage the quality of the photos.
To work, prepare the following toolkit: a thin metal scalpel or blade, tweezers with curved ends, lilac-free wipes, isopropyl alcohol (at least 90%) and toothpicks for applying glue. You may also need an ultraviolet lamp if you decide to use photopolymer glue, although this is rarely required for Xiaomi cameras.
Preparation of the workplace and dismantling of old glass
You start by completely cleaning the work area, and dust is the main enemy when you stick glass, because even a microscopic villi can create a gap through which moisture will penetrate. Provide good lighting, preferably with side lights, to see the remnants of old glue and small chips on the module frame.
If the phone has a rear window or cover installed, they usually don’t need to be removed completely if the camera module design allows access from the outside.However, in some Xiaomi models, such as the Mi 11 Ultra or Xiaomi 13 Pro, the camera module is integrated into the overall rear panel design, which may require neatly peeling off part of the cover or completely removing the rear panel through heating.
The process of removing old glass requires patience. Heat the chamber area with a hair dryer to 60-70 degrees Celsius to soften the adhesive layer. Don't overheat the module so as not to damage the matrix or optical stabilization system. Gently tuck the edge of the glass with a blade and, swaying the tool, gradually separate it from the body.
What to do if the glass is broken into a crumb?
Surface cleaning and removal of glue residues
The most time-consuming step is to prepare the seat, and once the old glass is removed, there will be a layer of viscous glue on the frame, which must be removed completely, to the metal or the plastic of the base, use a plastic spatula or a wooden toothpick to avoid scratching the inner walls of the chamber, and use metal tools with extreme caution.
To dissolve the glue, wet the napkin abundantly with isopropyl alcohol and apply it to the residues for a few seconds. Then, in circular motions, wipe the softened mass. Repeat the procedure until the surface is perfectly smooth and clean. Any unevenness will cause the new glass to not stick tightly.
Pay special attention to the inside of the chamber if dust gets in, blow the area with a pear to clean the optics or use a can of compressed air, and it is important not to touch the internal lenses and sensor with tools, as they are very easy to damage or leave greasy marks that will appear in the photo.
☑️ Checklist before sticker
Technology of applying glue and installation of glass
There are two main methods of fixing: applying the adhesive around the perimeter of the frame and using ready-made adhesive frames (preforms). For Xiaomi, the first method is most often suitable, since the geometry of the modules is complex. Apply the finest strand of adhesive B-7000 or T-7000 on a fat-free frame. Do not apply the adhesive too close to the inner edge so that it does not leak onto the lens.
Take the new glass tweezers by the edges, trying not to touch the inner surface with your fingers. Carefully align it with the seat. If you use liquid glue, you have a few seconds to correct the position before polymerization begins. Press the glass tightly, moving from center to edges to drive out possible air bubbles.
The glue that has been exposed to the edges needs to be removed immediately. Use a dry, lilaless napkin or cotton swab slightly soaked in alcohol, but act very carefully so as not to lubricate the glue under the glass. If the glue hits the side faces of the glass, it will be difficult to remove it after drying without damaging the oleophobic layer.
| Type of glue | Seizure time | Complete polymerization | Recommended application |
|---|---|---|---|
| B-7000 / T-7000 | 3-5 minutes | 24 hours. | Universal variant, elastic |
| E-8000 | 5-7 minutes | 24-48 hours | For heavier glass and frames |
| LOCA (UV glue) | Instantly (UV) | 5 minutes (under the lamp) | Only for experienced craftsmen, it is difficult to remove |
| Ready framework | Right away. | 1-2 hours (pressure) | Perfect thickness, but hard to find under the model |
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If you accidentally apply too much glue and it starts to spread out, stop the installation immediately, and it's better to remove the glass carefully, clean it all over again and repeat the procedure than to get a camera module filled with glue.
Fixation and drying time
Once installed, the glass must be fixed. Even if the glue seems sticky, it has not yet gained strength. Use special press clips for phones or carefully wrap the camera area with rubber bands for money (through a layer of soft fabric or paper so as not to scratch the body). The pressure should be uniform, but not excessive, so as not to crush the module.
The time to fully polymerize the adhesive is 12 to 24 hours, and during this period, it is best not to use the phone actively, especially to take flash pictures, since heating the module can disrupt the process of solidification.
Some experts recommend using an ultraviolet lamp to speed up the process if a special glue is used. However, for standard B-7000 adhesives, UV radiation is optional and may even be harmful to some plastic elements around the chamber, causing them to become cloudy over time.
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The quality of the final work depends on 90% of the thoroughness of cleaning the surface and the amount of glue used, and excess glue is more dangerous than lack of glue.
Quality checks and frequent errors
After drying completely, remove the locks and carefully examine the result. The glass should sit tight, without backlashes. Do a leak test: blow on the camera (don't spit!) or hold it to the ear - there should be no whistle of air. Also check the autofocus and stabilization, taking several test pictures at different distances.
One of the common mistakes is to ignore the thickness of the glass. If the glass is thicker than the original, it can rest against the protective cover, which will lead to it being unstuck or cracked under pressure. Always check compatibility with the covers after repair.
Another problem is that the villi get under the glass, and if you notice a small dot right after you put it in, you can sometimes try to push it out by pushing your finger through the napkin the opposite way, and if the villi are large or there are many of them, the glass, alas, will have to be reglued, because in the photo it will look like a black artifact.
⚠️ Warning: If the glass has been replaced, or if you have a constant focus on infinity, you may have hit the camera module plume or shifted the lens when cleaning.