How to gently open the lid of the Xiaomi smartphone: instructions for all models

Removing the back cover of a Xiaomi smartphone is a challenge that owners face when replacing a battery, repairing a camera or cleaning up dust. However, the wrong actions can lead to cracks in the case, damage to the plumes or loss of leakage. In this article, we will understand how to open the lid on different models of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO without risk to the device.

It is important to consider that modern Xiaomi smartphones often use glue to fix the lid, and in some models (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi Note 12 Pro).+) We'll look at the tools that you'll need, and the nuances for the devices that you'll use. IP-If you've never taken a smartphone apart, take your time: first, learn all the steps and evaluate your strength.

Preparation: What to Know Before Disassembly

Before you start removing the lid, make sure that this is really necessary. In most cases, the Xiaomi warranty is canceled when you open the case yourself. If the device is warranty, contact the service center. Also check if your model is not collapsible (for example, some versions of the Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra have a complex design with internal mounts).

If you decide to act on your own, prepare:

• 🔧 Plastic blades (mediators) - for careful liding.
• 🔥 Dryer or thermo-air station - for softening the glue (temperature not higher than 80)°C!).
• 🧲 Suction cups – will help to lift the cover on models with a smooth surface.
• 📦 Container for screws - so as not to lose small details.
• 🧴 Isopropyl alcohol - to remove glue residues (do not use acetone!).

⚠️ Warning: Do not use metal tools (screwdrivers, knives) - they scratch the body and can damage the plumes. 12T Pro) a coil is located under the lid and easily damaged.

Also note that after disassembly, the protection against moisture may deteriorate (if the model is IP53/IP68 certified), in which case you will need to replace the sealing gaskets or re-paint.

Tools for opening the lid: what to choose and where to buy

The quality of the tools has a direct impact on the outcome, because cheap plastic blades can break down in the process, and the wrong hair dryer can overheat the battery.

For models with an aluminum frame (for example, Xiaomi Mi 10) will need a stiffer blade, but still not metal. If you plan to disassemble equipment often, look for professional kits from iFixit or Xiaomi Toolkit — they include all the necessary accessories.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use a household hair dryer - it does not regulate temperature and can melt plastic.The optimal range for softening the glue is 60-80°C.

If you're taking your handset apart for the first time, practice on an old device or watch a particular model's video disassembly, for example, for the POCO X3 Pro and Redmi Note 10 Pro, the process is different because of the location of the latches.

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Take it off before heating. SIM-Memory card and card – high temperatures can damage them.

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

The disassembly algorithm depends on the design of the body, and we'll look at three main types:

1. The lid on the latches (old models Redmi 4X, Redmi 5A).
2. Cover on glue (most modern smartphones).
3. The cover with screws under plugs (Xiaomi Mi 9, POCO F1).

Let’s start with the most common option – glue fixation (relevant to Redmi Note 11, Xiaomi 12 Lite, etc.):

Turn off your smartphone and remove it. SIM-map|

Heat the edge of the body with a hair dryer (30–60 seconds)|

Secure the suction cup at the top of the lid |

Carefully pull up by inserting the shoulder blade into the slot |

Swipe the shoulder blade around the perimeter, separating the glue

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Step 1: Turn off the device and place it on a flat surface with the screen down. Dry dryer the upper body (where the camera is located) for 30 to 40 seconds. Do not stay in one place for more than 5 seconds, so as not to overheat the battery.

Step 2. Attach the suction cup to the top of the lid (near the camera module) and pull up slightly. Insert a plastic blade into the resulting slit. Don't put too much effort -- if the lid doesn't lend itself, heat it up again.

Step 3. Slowly drive along the side face, separating the glue. On non-contact charging models (such as Xiaomi 11T Pro), there is a coil at the bottom of the lid - be especially careful in this area.

Step 4: Once the lid is separated around the perimeter, remove it carefully. Don't pull the plumes -- in some models, they are attached to the motherboard and can come off.

For models with plug screws (e.g. POCO F1), you first need to:

1. Remove the plugs in the lower part of the body (use tweezers or needles).
2. Unscrew the screws with a PH00 cross screwdriver.
3. Push the lid with a spatula, starting at the bottom edge.

On older models (Redmi 3S, Redmi 4A), the lid is removed without heating — just put a nail or a mediator on the side, but be careful: the plastic becomes brittle over time.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

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

• 🔋 Battery damage - occurs when you heat up too much or pressurize the shoulder blade. Solution: Do not heat one zone for longer than 10 seconds and insert a shoulder blade deeper than 2 mm.
• 📶 The break of antenna plumes is relevant for models with a metal frame (Xiaomi Mi 10).Solution: before completely removing the lid, check if the plume is stretching behind it.
• 💧 Loss of tightness - after disassembly IP68-Models (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Pro) lose water protection. Solution: replace the sealing pad or use a special glue.
• 🔧 Loss of screws or plugs - small parts are easily lost.Solution: Use a magnetic mat or container with cells.

Critical error: trying to remove the lid without heating on adhesive-fixed models (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro+) leads to cracks in the body or the camera mounts torn off.

If you accidentally damage a plume or connector, don't try to repair it yourself -- call the service. The average cost of repairing the plume is 1,000 to 3,000. ₽, While replacing the entire motherboard will cost 10,000 to 20,000 ₽.

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In the models with AMOLED-The display plume is often glued to the lid with a screen (for example, Xiaomi 12), and when it is disassembled, it is easy to damage it - act extremely carefully!

Features of disassembling popular Xiaomi models

The design of the lid can be very different even for devices of the same line.

For Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra and Xiaomi 13 Ultra disassembly is complicated by the presence of an additional screen on the back (to display notifications).

On the POCO X3 NFC and Redmi Note 9 Pro models, the lid is especially tight because of the reinforced latches near the volume buttons, in which case it is recommended to heat the body not evenly, but point-to-point - at the corners and near the buttons.

If you're looking at Xiaomi with wireless charging (like the Xiaomi 12 Pro), remember that there's a coil under the lid that can come off when you're not taking it off, and you'd better use two blades -- one to fix the coil, the other to slap the lid.

How to seal the lid back: assembly tips

After repair or cleaning, the lid needs to be fixed back, and if you haven't replaced the glue or the gaskets, the device will lose its dust protection and may start to warm more because of the bad fit.

Here’s what you need to build properly:

• 🧴 Double-sided scotch 3M or special glue B-7000 — lock-in.
• 🔧 Screwdriver with magnetic tip - so as not to lose screws.
• 🧹 Brush or compressed air balloon – to remove dust before gluing.
• 📏 Plastic spatula - for uniform pressing of the cover.

Procedure:

1. Clean the edges of the case and cover from the old glue with isopropyl alcohol.
2. Apply a new glue with a thin layer along the perimeter of the cover, retreating 1-2 mm from the edge (so as not to squeeze when pressed).
3. Carefully combine the cover with the body, starting from the top (where the camera is located).
4. Press the lid evenly using clamps or a heavy book (for 10-15 minutes).
5. Make sure all buttons and connectors are working correctly.

For IP-certified models (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Pro), it is recommended to use an electronic sealant (e.g. LOCTITE 406) and replace rubber gaskets.

⚠️ Warning: Do not turn on your smartphone immediately after gluing – let the glue dry for 1-2 hours. Otherwise, the cover may move away when heated during operation.

If after assembly, the device became worse to catch the network or overheat, most likely, the antenna plumes or thermopaste shifted, in which case you will need to redisassemble.

When is the best time to contact the service center

Not all breakdowns can be repaired by yourself.

• 🔧 You need to replace the display module or motherboard – this requires soldering equipment.
• 💦 The smartphone got into the water – even after drying, oxides can remain on the board.
• 🔋 Battery swollen - its replacement at home is dangerous (the risk of fire!).
• 📡 After disassembly, the network signal or Wi-Fi is lost - antenna contacts may be damaged.
• 🔐 The device is locked after repair (e.g., Mi Account is triggered).

The cost of dismantling in Xiaomi service centers starts from 1,500 ₽, But it's a safe device, and if you're in doubt, don't take any chances. For example, replacing the battery with the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro will cost you 2,000 to 2,500 dollars to replace the battery. ₽, While self-repair can lead to a breakdown of 10 000+ ₽.

Also, note that some service centers refuse to work with devices that have already been disassembled on their own, so if you are planning warranty repairs, do not open the case.

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Infra-red port models (e.g, POCO X3 Pro) if it is not disassembled, it is easy to damage the IR sensor, which will cost 800-1 500 to replace. ₽.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi's disassembly