The Xiaomi Mi 5, launched in 2016, is still a popular device among fans of classic design and compact dimensions. However, time takes its toll, and owners often face the need to replace the battery, clean the speakers or restore a broken rear window. The back of this device is made of glass and glued around the perimeter, making the process of opening the case quite difficult and requires special care.
Many users are wondering how to open the lid Xiaomi Mi 5 without damage, so as not to spoil the appearance of the gadget. Unlike modern models with removable panels, here the adhesive layer plays the role of the main fixture. Wrong actions can lead to cracks in the glass or damage to the internal plumes, so it is important to strictly follow the proven methodology and use a specialized tool.
In this article, we will take a look at the entire dismantling process, from the preparation of the workplace to the final assembly, which tools are needed, how to safely warm the case and which hidden screws to pay special attention to.
Tools and workplace preparation required
Before disassembling, you need to organize space. The work surface should be clean, flat and well-lit. Small parts, such as screws, are easily lost, so it is recommended to use a magnetic mat or container with cells. The absence of dust minimizes the risk of debris falling under the screen or inside the case when assembled open.
To do this successfully, you need a specific set of tools, and without them, you're at a much higher risk of damaging the glass panel, and don't try to use a wide sting knive or screwdriver, because it can break the glass or damage the frame.
- 🔥 Hair dryer (construction or household) - necessary to soften the adhesive layer under the cover.
- 🛠️ Suction cup – the main tool for creating a primary gap between the glass and the frame.
- 🎸 Mediator or thin plastic blade - for careful cutting of glue around the perimeter.
- 🔩 Torx screwdriver set (T5) — will be required to remove the internal protection.
- 🧴 Clay. B-7000 or E-8000 — Mandatory for sealing the body after completion of repair.
⚠️ Note: The use of metal objects (blades, needles) for putting the lid is strictly prohibited, as this is guaranteed to lead to chipping on the faces of the Xiaomi Mi 5.
Pay special attention to the state of the battery before you start work. If you plan to replace it, make sure that the new battery is fully compatible with the model. Older devices often have bloated batteries, which puts additional pressure on the cover and makes it difficult to remove it.
☑️ Preparation for disassembly
The process of heating and creating a primary gap
The key step is to heat the perimeter of the body. The adhesive used by the manufacturer becomes elastic at about 80-90 degrees Celsius. Insufficient heating will cause the glass to crack when it tries to break away, and excessive can damage the screen matrix or internal components.
Turn on the hair dryer and warm up the ends of the smartphone evenly. Keep the device at a distance of 3-5 centimeters from the heat source. Keep moving the flow of hot air constantly, without lingering long at one point, especially in the center where the electronic components are located. The heating process usually takes from 2 to 4 minutes depending on the power of the hair dryer.
Once the body is heated, you need to create a microscopic gap. Apply the suction cup to the bottom of the back cover, closer to the MI logo, but not at the very edge. Pull the suction cup up, creating tension, and carefully insert a mediator into the resulting gap. If the lid does not respond, repeat the heating procedure.
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Warm up the body in cycles: 30 seconds warm, 10 seconds try to tamper with, which will help you find the optimal temperature without overheating the display matrix.
When the blade has entered the gap, take your time. Move it along the edges, feeling the resistance of the glue. Your task is to layer the adhesive seam, not to tear the glass by force. The movements should be smooth, sliding parallel to the plane of the smartphone.
Dismantling the back panel and access to the insides
Once the mediator passes around the perimeter, the back cover should separate from the main body, but there is an important nuance in the Xiaomi Mi 5 model: under the glass is a fingerprint scanner that is connected to the motherboard by a thin plume, and a sharp jerking motion can break this contact.
Carefully lift the glass a few millimeters and look inside, and you'll see the plume connector, which you need to turn off before you completely remove the lid, and use a plastic blade or dielectric-coated tweezers to do that.
- 👀 Visually assess the condition of the plume for damage or damage.
- 🔌 Carefully click the connector from the connector with a movement up or sideways.
- 🧹 Clean the inner surface of the glass from the remnants of old glue before assembly.
Now that the plume is disconnected, you can take the back panel completely off, put it in a safe place, preferably on a soft cloth to avoid scratching, and you'll have access to the main board, the battery and the camera module.
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The most critical part of the disassembly is to unplug the fingerprint scanner plume, so don't remove the lid completely until you make sure the connector is free.
Working with an internal protective plate
And underneath the back, there's a big metal plate that covers the battery and the bottom of the motherboard, and it's also perimeter-sticked and screw-mounted, and you'll need a Torx T5 screwdriver to remove it.
Look carefully at the perimeter of the plate. The screws can be hidden under stickers or rubber plugs, although in the Mi 5 they are most often open. Unscrew all the visible screws by folding them into a separate container. It is important not to confuse their length, as it can vary at different points of attachment.
Once the screws are removed, the plate is still held on to the glue. Use a hair dryer again to briefly heat the metal surface. Be careful: the metal heats up faster than the glass and can burn your fingers. Use a suction cup or spatula to separate the plate from the frame.
| Component | Type of attachment | Risk of damage | Tool. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Back window | Perimeter glue | Tall (cracks) | Fryer, sucker. |
| Protective plate. | Screws + Glue | Medium (scratches) | Screwdriver T5, shoulder blade |
| Scanning plume | Connector | Critical (cliff) | Plastic spatula |
| Battery | Adhesive tape | High (puncture) | Scapula, hairdryer |
When you remove the plate, you have full access to the battery, and if the purpose of the repair was to replace it, the main step is passed, and remember that the battery is also planted on glue, and it may require additional heating to extract it from the bottom of the case.
Nuances of assembly and sealing of the body
The device is assembled in reverse order, but with one important difference, it has to restore tightness. Old glue loses its properties, so the use of a new adhesive is mandatory. Without this, dust and moisture will enter the case, which will quickly disable the electronics.
Put a thin layer of B-7000 glue or adhesive for screens on the frame. Don't overdo it: excess glue can bleed out when pressed or get inside on the contacts. Spread the composition evenly around the perimeter.
⚠️ Warning: Give the glue a little dry (1-2 minutes) before the final connection of the parts, which will prevent the extrusion of surplus and ensure more reliable fixation.
Place the metal plate in place, twist the screws and plug the fingerprint scanner plume in. Then carefully align the back window with the body. Press the perimeter for tight fit. For better fixation, it is recommended to use stationery gums or a special clamp, leaving the device to dry for 2-4 hours.
How to remove excess glue?
Typical errors and precautions
When you repair yourself, it's easy to make a mistake that can be fatal to the device. Most often, problems arise from haste or underestimation of the complexity of the design. Xiaomi Mi 5 is a compact phone, and the tolerance here is minimal.