How to gently open the case Xiaomi: instructions for beginners and experienced users

Disassembling the body of a Xiaomi smartphone is a challenge that every owner faces sooner or later: whether it’s replacing the battery, cleaning from dust or repairing after a fall, opening the back cover correctly determines the success of the entire operation. Unlike older button phones, modern Xiaomi is built on latches and glue, which requires caution: one wrong move - and you risk damaging the plumes or leaving scratches on the body.

This article will help you understand how to open the case without consequences for the device. We will look at the universal methods that are suitable for most models (from Redmi Note 10 to Xiaomi 13 Ultra), list the necessary tools and warn about typical errors. And if you have never held a mediator to parse the equipment, do not worry: there are step-by-step photos and video recommendations for beginners.

Preparation: what will be needed to analyze

Before you start opening the case, make sure you have everything you need. Without the right tools, you run the risk of breaking the latches or scratching the glass.

• 🔧 Plastic mediator (or guitar mediator) – for separation of the body without scratches.
• 🔨 Pentalobe screwdriver P2 (For some models, for example, Xiaomi Mi 11).
• 🔥 Hair dryer or thermal air station - for softening the glue (relevant for waterproof models).
• 🧲 Suction - helps to lid the lid without damaging it.
• 📦 Container for screws - so as not to lose small details.

If you disassemble Xiaomi with a waterproof body (for example, Xiaomi 12S Ultra or Redmi Note 12 Pro+), you can not do without a hair dryer: glue around the perimeter of the lid requires heating to 60-80 ° C. For models without moisture protection (for example, POCO X3), a mediator and suction cups are enough.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use metal screwdrivers or knives to lid the lid! Even the neat pressure will leave traces on the aluminum case or glass.

Step 1: Turn off and prepare the smartphone

Before disassembling, be sure to turn off the device and remove SIM-Memory card (if installed) will prevent short circuits from accidentally contacting the board:

• 🔋 Discharge the battery to 20-30% - a bloated battery is more dangerous when heated.
• 📱 Remove the cover and protective film (if any) – these may interfere with access to the latches.
• 🧹 Clean the working surface of dust and debris – the entry of particles into the housing is fraught with damage to the speakers or camera.

If you disassemble a model with an amoleed screen (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro), avoid heating the display with a hairdryer - this can damage the matrix.

Step 2: Heating the case (for models with glue)

Xiaomi waterproof models (IP53/IP68) have a glue layer around the perimeter of the lid. To soften it, evenly warm the body with a hairdryer:

1. Set the temperature of the hair dryer at 60-80 ° C (not higher!).
2. Keep the hair dryer at a distance of 5-10 cm from the body, constantly moving it around in a circle.
3. Heat each side for 1-2 minutes.

Critical error: overheating to 100°C+ will lead to the detachment of the plumes or deformation of the plastic. If you do not have a thermocouple to control temperature, focus on the tactile sensation - the body should be warm, but not hot.

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If you don't have a hair dryer, use an alternative method: put your smartphone on a warm battery or in a bag of warm (not hot!) water for 5-10 minutes, which will partially soften the glue.

Step 3: Rear cover separation

After heating (if you need one), start opening the case.

1. Apply the suction cup to the bottom of the lid (near the USB-C connector).
2. Pull it up carefully - a small gap should appear.
3. Insert a plastic mediator into the gap and slowly lead it along the body, snapping the mounts.
4. Repeat the procedure on all sides until the lid is completely separated.

On models with glass back panels (such as Xiaomi 11T Pro), be especially careful: the glass is fragile and can crack under excessive pressure. If the lid does not respond, warm it up again with a hair dryer.

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g. Xiaomi Civi), the fingerprint scanner plume is glued to the lid. A sharp compartment may tear it! Before removing the lid, check if there are any plumes underneath.

Step 4: Unscrew screws and remove protective plates

When you take the lid off, you'll see the insides of the smartphone, protected by metal plates, and you need to unscrew them carefully.

• 🔧 Use the cross screwdriver. PH00 pentalobe P2 (model-wise).
• 📋 The screws may vary in length – remember or take pictures of which one is from.
• 🛠️ Some plates are held on latches - prick them with a mediator, not a screwdriver.

On wireless charging models like the Xiaomi 12 Pro, there's a coil hidden under the plates. Don't press it, it's a fragile element!

Typical screw locations in Xiaomi:


- 2 battery screws (long)




- 4 screws at the motherboard (short)




- 1 screw at the camera (medium)

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All the screws in Xiaomi are of different lengths and threads. If you confuse them with places, you risk damaging the board or the case when you build!

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when parsing Xiaomi.

• 🔥 Overheating of the case - leads to detachment of plumes or deformation of plastic. Solution: use thermocouples and do not exceed 80°C.
• ⚡ Sharp lid - rips the plumes of the fingerprint scanner or camera. Solution: check for plumes before taking them out.
• 🔧 Losing screws makes it difficult to build. Solution: use a magnetic mat or a container of cells.
• 💦 Moisture intake using the "water" method of softening the adhesive. Solution: dry the body with a hair dryer after the procedure.

Another common problem is that the sealing gum on waterproof models is damaged, and if you break it, it loses its moisture protection once it's assembled (IP-In this case, the seal must be replaced with a new one (sold in remixes for specific models).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions