How to open the back cover of Xiaomi phone: detailed instructions with a photo

Disassembling a Xiaomi smartphone is a challenge that owners face when replacing a battery, repairing a camera or cleaning up dust. However, improperly removing the lid can damage latches, plumes or even a display. In this article, we will learn how to open the rear panel on different Xiaomi models (from the Redmi Note 10 to the flagship Xiaomi 13 Ultra), what tools you will need and what to look for to avoid typical errors.

It is important to understand that the design of the lid on Xiaomi varies depending on the series: budget models (for example, Redmi 9A) often have a removable panel with clips, while premium devices (like Xiaomi 12S Pro) can be glued around the perimeter.

If you've never taken a smartphone apart before, don't worry, if you do it right, it's only 15 to 20 minutes, and you have to be patient and careful, and we start with preparation.

What tools will be needed to open the lid

Before you start disassembling, make sure you have everything you need, and not even one tool can make it difficult or damage.

• 🔧 Plastic blade (or mediator) - to lick the lid without scratching. Metal tools can not be used, they will damage the body.
• 🔥 Dryer or thermal air station – for softening the glue on models with a glued lid (for example, Xiaomi) 11T Temperature not above 80°C.
• 🧲 Suction cups help to separate the lid from the body in the first stages, even a glass suction cup from the iPhone will do.
• 🔍 Loop or magnifying glass – so as not to miss hidden latches (relevant for Redmi Note 8 Pro and similar models).
• 📦 Container for screws – magnetic substrate or box, so as not to lose small parts.

For models with a non-removable battery (for example, the POCO F4 GT) additionally requires isopropyl alcohol (90%+) to remove the glue residue. If you plan to completely disassemble, also prepare a T3/T4 screwdriver (depending on the model) and tweezers.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use knives, screwdrivers or other sharp objects to pull the lid. Even a small pressure can damage the plumes of the display or battery, which will lead to expensive repairs.

If you don't have a thermal air station, you can do with a normal hair dryer, but watch the temperature: overheating above 90 ° C can deform the plastic or damage the battery. The optimal distance is 10-15 cm from the body.

Preparing the phone for disassembly: what to do in advance

Before you open the lid, follow a few steps to minimize the risk of damage to data or components:

1. Turn off the phone and remove it. SIM-On some models (e.g. Xiaomi Mi 10), the tray can block access to the latches.
2. Discharge the battery to 20-30%, and a fully charged battery can ignite if the plume is damaged.
3. Back up your data via Settings → About Phone → Backup. Even if you don’t plan on touching the motherboard, it’s better to be safe.
4. Remove the cover and film (if any) that may interfere with access to the latches or heating the case.

If your Xiaomi has IP53 protection (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro+), note that water resistance will be impaired after disassembly, and it is recommended to replace the rubber gaskets after assembly.

Pay special attention to the glue under the lid. New models (for example, Xiaomi 13 Lite) often use double-sided 3M tape with high adhesion, which, if untidy removal can break the plumes. If you are not confident in your abilities, practice on an old phone or watch video disassembly of your model.

Step-by-step: how to open the lid on different Xiaomi models

The process of disassembly depends on the type of lid attachment, and we will discuss two main options: on latches (budget models) and on glue (flagships and mid-segment).

Option 1: Removable latch cover (Redmi 9A, 8A, 7A and the like)

These models have a plastic cover that is held on clips around the perimeter.

1. Insert a plastic blade into the gap between the lid and the body (usually start at the lower corner where the charging connector is located).
2. Carefully drive the shoulder blade along the edge, alternately snapping clips, and you'll hear the characteristic clicks.
3. When all the latches open, remove the lid. Don't pull it out, because there may be plumes attached inside (like the power button).

On Redmi 9C and Redmi 8 models, the battery is often hidden under the lid on the latches, and to remove it, pull the tongue (if any) or tuck the battery into the plastic card.

Option 2: Glued cover (Xiaomi 11/12/13, POCO F3/F4, Redmi Note 10 Pro)

You'll need a thermo-air station or a hair dryer.

1. Heat the edges of the body around the perimeter for 2-3 minutes, holding the hair dryer at a distance of 10-15 cm.
2. Suction the suction cup on top of the lid (where the camera is located) and pull up. Simultaneously swipe the shoulder blade along the edge, separating the glue.
3. As soon as the lid is lifted, continue to gently smack it with a spatula until all the latches open.

On the Xiaomi 12 Pro and POCO F4 GT models, there may be an extra layer of glue around the battery under the lid. Use isopropyl alcohol and a plastic card to remove it.

If the lid doesn't lend itself, don't apply force. You probably didn't warm up enough or you missed the latch. Reheat again, paying attention to the corners of the body.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when disassembling Xiaomi, and here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:

Especially careful with models that have a fingerprint plume under the lid (for example, Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite), if this plume is damaged, the scanner will stop working, and it will cost 30-50% of the cost of the phone to replace it.

⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi models (for example, Redmi Note 9 Pro) under the cover is hidden an additional screw under the sticker near the Type-C connector. If it is not unscrewed, the cover will not open, and the case may crack.

If you feel like the lid is not coming, you should not push harder.

• 🔹 Are all the screws twisted (if any)?
• 🔹 Is there enough glue to warm up?
• 🔹 Are there any hidden latches under the tray? SIM-map?

What to do if the cover does not open

Sometimes even after you warm up and use the suction cup, the Xiaomi lid stays in place, and here are the possible reasons and solutions:

• 🔧 Too strong adhesive – increase the heating time to 4-5 minutes or use a more powerful dryer (for example, building at minimum power).
• 🔒 Hidden screws – check for screws under stickers or near the headphone jack (relevant to the POCO M3 Pro).
• 📱 Deformed case - if the phone fell, the cover could jam.
• 🧲 Magnetic latches – some models (e.g. Xiaomi Mix 4) use magnets. Try using a stronger suction cup.

If nothing helps, you can try the string method:

1. Take a thin guitar string or fishing line.
2. Put it between the lid and the body at the Type-C connector.
3. Carefully lead the string around the perimeter, like a knife, cutting off the glue.

This method requires skill, but often saves in difficult cases.

If you have damaged a plume or connector, do not try to repair it yourself. Contact the Xiaomi service center or a trusted wizard. The cost of repairing the display plume on the Redmi Note 10 Pro is about 2 000-3 500 rubles, while replacing the entire motherboard will cost 10-15 thousand.

How to close the lid back: assembly tips

Putting your phone together after disassembly is as important as opening it properly.

1. Clean the surfaces of old glue and dust with isopropyl alcohol and a lilac-free wipe.
2. Check the latches on the lid – they should be intact and not deformed.
3. Apply a new glue (if the lid was glue-based) 3M 9448A double-sided tape or B-7000 special glue will do.
4. Set the lid in place, starting at the top (where the camera is), and press gently around the perimeter.
5. Turn the screws (if they were) with a force of no more than 0.3 N·m, so as not to break the thread.

After assembly, check:

• 📶 Is the network working (antennas may have shifted).
• 🔋 Is the phone charging (check the Type-C connector).
• 📸 Does the camera and fingerprint scanner work.

💡

If the phone doesn't turn on after assembly, check if the battery is connected correctly. Often the battery plume will fly off when the lid is installed.

On models with a waterproof body (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro) after disassembly, it is recommended to replace the rubber sealing pads. These can be bought at service centers or on AliExpress (see model number).

When is the best time to contact the service center

While it seems simple to break up Xiaomi, there are some situations where it’s best to trust the professionals:

• 🛠️ Damaged plume display or motherboard — self-repair can aggravate the problem.
• 🔥 The battery is swelling - it's dangerous! A bloated battery can ignite if damaged.
• 💧 The phone has been in the water – requires a complete dismantling, cleaning and checking contacts.
• 📡 Problems with antennas or communication module – need diagnostics with special equipment.

The cost of dismantling in the service center Xiaomi starts from 500 rubles (excluding spare parts). If you doubt your skills, it is better to pay for professional help than risk the health of the phone.

💡

Xiaomi’s self-disassembly is unwarranted if the phone was purchased less than a year ago. Before starting work, check the warranty status in the Mi Service app.

If you do decide to disassemble the phone yourself, take a picture of each step on camera, which will help you to properly assemble the device back and not forget where this or that part is attached.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi's disassembly