How to carefully remove the back cover Xiaomi Mi 5A: tools, step-by-step analysis and warnings

Removing the back cover of the Xiaomi Mi 5A is a challenge that owners face when replacing the battery, repairing the speaker or cleaning the internal components from dust. Despite the apparent simplicity, the procedure requires caution: improper actions can damage latches, plumes or even the display module. In this article, we will discuss safe methods for opening the case, list the necessary tools and warn about the typical errors that beginners make.

The Mi 5A (codenamed ugg) is a low-end Xiaomi smartphone, Released in 2017, and is perimeter-glued and fixed with plastic latches, making it harder to disassemble without a dedicated device. If you've never disassembled a smartphone before, we recommend that you read the video manuals first or practice on a broken device, otherwise the risk of damage to the case or internal components increases to 70%.

Preparation for disassembly: tools and conditions

Before you start removing the lid, make sure you have everything you need, and missing even one tool can cause permanent damage — for example, using a knife instead of a mediator often ends up scratching plastic or cutting latches.

Here is the minimum set you will need:

• 🔧 Plastic mediator (or guitar mediator) - for gently disengaging the body!
• 🔥 Hair dryer or thermal air station - for softening the glue around the perimeter of the cover (temperature 60-80)°C).
• 🧲 Suction cups (optional) - help lift the cover after warming up, but are not mandatory.
• 📦 Containers for screws - so as not to lose small parts during disassembly.
• 🔋 Screwdriver. T3 or T4 — for unscrewing screws under the lid (if a complete disassembly is planned).

Also, make sure you have a clean, light-filled workplace, a white tablecloth that's perfect, and you can see even the smallest details, and if you're taking your handset apart for the first time, take a picture of each step, and that's going to help you get the device back together.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use a household hair dryer at maximum power! The hot air flow can melt plastic elements of the case or damage the display. The optimal distance is 10-15 cm from the surface of the smartphone.

Step-by-step: how to remove the cover Xiaomi Mi 5A

The process of disassembling the Mi 5A consists of several steps: follow the instructions strictly in order to avoid errors. If there are difficulties in any step, do not put too much effort — better reheat the case or check the tools.

Step 1: Turn off and warm up the body

1. Turn off your smartphone and remove it. SIM-card and memory card (if installed).
2. Turn on the dryer at medium power and evenly warm the back cover for 2-3 minutes, paying special attention to the edges.
3. Check the temperature of the body with your hand - it should be warm, but not burning.

Step 2: Disconnecting the cover with a mediator

1. Insert a plastic mediator into the gap between the lid and the case at the charging connector.
2. Carefully drive the mediator along the edge, gradually disengaging the latches. Do not immediately try to tear off the lid - this will lead to breakage!
3. If the lid does not lend itself, reheat the problem area.

Step 3: Complete removal of the lid

1. After all the latches on the perimeter are disconnected, lift the lid with a suction cup (if any).
2. Put the lid aside, do not pull the plumes (if they are connected to the motherboard).

Heated up the body with a hair dryer (60-80 ° C |)

Using a plastic mediator |

I'm not making too much effort |

I turned off my smartphone and pulled it out. SIM-map-->

If the lid is not warm enough, it may be too strong, and you can use isopropyl alcohol (90% or higher) by applying it around the perimeter of the seam, and the alcohol dissolves the glue, but you have to be careful not to hit the internals!

⚠️ Attention: On the Mi model 5A The fingerprint scanner plume is glued to the lid, and if you don't take it off, you can tear it off, and if you don't need access to the motherboard, you just have to lift the lid 1-2mm, without completely disconnecting the plume.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when disassembling the Xiaomi Mi 5A. Here are the most common of them and ways to prevent them:

The critical feature of the Mi 5A is that the fingerprint scanner plume is glued to the lid and very fragile, and if it is damaged, the scanner will stop working, and it will cost 30-50% of the cost of the smartphone to replace it.

Another common problem is that the antenna contacts around the perimeter of the housing are damaged, and they're responsible for communication (Wi-Fi, LTE, Bluetooth) and if you unscrupulously remove the lid, they can move away from the board, and if you lose your signal after assembly, check the integrity of those contacts.

💡

If you're disassembling a smartphone to replace a battery, pre-discharge it to 20 to 30 percent, which will reduce the risk of fire in an accidental short circuit.

What to do after the lid is removed?

When the lid is successfully removed, you will be able to access the internal components of the Mi 5A. Depending on the purpose of disassembly, the next steps may vary:

• 🔋 Battery replacement: Disconnect the battery plume from the motherboard (use a plastic shoulder blade), then gently tuck the battery.It's glued, so additional warming up or isopropyl alcohol may be required.
• 🔊 Speaker repair: The speaker is located at the bottom of the case. Disconnect its contacts and check the integrity of the membrane.
• 📶 Dust cleansing: Use a soft brush or compressed air balloon. Don't blow with your mouth - moisture from the breath can damage components!
• 🛠️ Replacement of plumes: The plumes of the display and the fingerprint scanner are very fragile.

If you're planning a complete disassembly, the next step is to unscrew the motherboard screws (usually 8-10 pieces), be careful: screws of different sizes, so remember where the screw was twisted from. For convenience, you can use a magnetic mat or a container with cells.

When you're done, don't rush to reassemble your smartphone.

• Are all the sleeves connected correctly?
• Are there any foreign objects inside the body?
• Integrity of antenna contacts and sealing rubber bands.

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Before final assembly, turn on the smartphone with a connected charger and check the operability of all functions: sensor, speakers, camera and communication.

How to build Xiaomi Mi 5A after disassembly?

Building a smartphone is as important as disassembling, and it's important to follow the reverse sequence of steps and make sure all components are installed correctly.

• 🔌 Are all plumes connected to connectors (display, fingerprint scanner, speaker);
• 🔩 Are all the screws twisted (but not pulled!);
• 📱 Is there a gap between the lid and the lid.

Assembly order:

1. Lay the plumes so that they do not overflex and do not touch the sharp elements of the body.
2. Carefully combine the cover with the case, starting from the top (where the fingerprint scanner is located).
3. Press the perimeter on the lid so that the latches fall into place. You should hear the characteristic clicks.
4. If the cover is not fixed, check if the plumes or dust interfere.

After assembly, turn on the smartphone and check:

• Does the touch screen work (are there any dead zones)?
• Are the speakers and microphones correct?
• Wi-Fi and mobile network are connected;
• Does the fingerprint scanner work?

If something doesn't work, re-assemble the smartphone and check the connections of the corresponding plumes or contacts, 90% of the time the problem is a loose plume or damage to the contacts.

When is the best time to contact the service?

While it seems easy to disassemble the Xiaomi Mi 5A, there are some situations where you can trust the professionals, and here are some signs that self-repairing can be even more challenging:

• 🔧 You’ve never learned electronics and aren’t sure about your skills;
• 💥 During the disassembly, plumes or contacts were damaged;
• 🔋 Battery swells or deforms (risk of fire!);
• 📱 After assembly, the smartphone does not turn on or works unstablely;
• 🛠️ Requires soldering or replacement of chips (for example, a power controller).

The cost of dismantling in a service center is usually 500-1500 rubles, depending on the region and the complexity of the work, which is disproportionately less than the price of a new smartphone or repair after a failed self-disassembly.

If you do decide to use the service, choose proven workshops with good reviews.

• A guarantee for the work performed;
• Use of original spare parts (especially for battery and display)
• Experience working specifically with Xiaomi models.

Alternative Disassembly Methods (for experienced users)

If the standard mediator and hair dryer method didn't work, alternative methods can be used, but they require more experience and carry additional risks.

Method 1: Use of strings or fishing lines

A thin guitar string or a capron line can help cut the glue around the perimeter of the lid.

1. Warm up the body with a hair dryer.
2. Push the string into the gap between the lid and the body.
3. Carefully "saw" the glue, leading the string along the edge.

This method is effective, but requires accuracy - if you move carelessly, you can damage the plumes or antenna contacts.

Method 2: Disassembly without warming up (for emergency cases)

If you don't have a hair dryer, you can try to remove the cold cover, but that increases the risk of damage to the latches.

• Use two plastic blades at the same time, on both sides of the case.
• Gradually loosen the cover without making a sharp effort.
• If the lid does not lend itself, do not continue - it is better to find a hair dryer or contact the service.

Method 3: Application of special liquids

To dissolve the glue, you can use isopropyl alcohol (90% and above) or specialized tools like the iFixit Opening Tool. Apply a few drops around the perimeter of the cover and wait 5-10 minutes, then try to remove it with a mediator.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use acetone, gasoline or other aggressive solvents! they can damage the plastic of the case and rubber seals, as well as cause corrosion of contacts.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the Xiaomi Mi 5A disassembly