Xiaomi Redmi 5, released in 2017, was a hit thanks to a combination of price, performance and metal body. However, time goes by and even reliable devices require maintenance, whether it is replacing a bloated battery, restoring a broken display or cleaning the speaker from dust. The main obstacle for the homemaker is a monolithic design, where the rear panel is not removable in the usual sense, like old phones with removable batteries.
The process of opening the case requires not only a set of specialized tools, but also an understanding of the physics of the adhesives that hold the lid. Wrong actions can damage the plumes, cracks in the glass, or even bloat the battery when overheated. In this article, we will discuss in detail how to open the Redmi 5 cover, minimizing risks and maintaining the integrity of all internal components of the device.
Before you start physically disassembling, you need to realize that the body is irrevocably leakproof, the adhesive layer that holds the back panel is designed for single use in the factory assembly, so when planning an autopsy, make sure you buy a new B-7000 adhesive or quality adhesive tapes for later assembly.
Tools and workplace preparation required
The quality disassembly begins long before you pick up the suction cup. To work with Redmi 5, you need a specific toolkit that is different from the standard PC kit. The main role here is not power, but accuracy and heat treatment of the adhesive.
The first and most important tool is the heating source, which can be a professional thermoribbon, a temperature-adjusted thermophen, or, in extreme cases, a household heating pad. 80-90 degrees Celsius, so as not to damage OLED-matrix or plastic elements inside.
The second critical element is the suction cup. Xiaomi is better off using metal stiffness ring suction cups, as they provide a more uniform distribution of the tearing force. Plastic suction cups can simply burst under tension.
- 🔥 Thermophen or heating pad for softening the adhesive layer around the perimeter.
- 💳 Plastic blade (mediator) for accurate snapping of latches.
- 🔧 Torx screwdriver T5 or T6 frame-twisting.
- 🧲 Magnetic mat or organizer for sorting screws of different sizes.
⚠️ Note: The use of metal tools (knives, blades) is strictly prohibited at the initial stage. You can damage the plume scanner or break through the battery, which will lead to a fire.
Prepare the workspace: the table should be well lit and the surface should be clean and flat. It is recommended to use an antistatic mat, although for household repairs it is enough just clean dry fabric.
Analysis of the structure and anchorage points of the shell
Understanding how the Redmi 5 works from the inside makes it much easier to disassemble. Unlike today's flagships, which use a complex system of screws under the display, the Redmi 5's design is relatively simple, but has its own nuances. The back cover here is made of metal with plastic inserts for antennas.
The attachment is done in two types of joints: chemical (glue) around the perimeter and mechanical (screws) in the center. The screws are hidden under a decorative lining or logo, which often confuses beginners. However, in the Redmi 5 model, the main fixation is the glue, and the screws hold the inner frame to which the motherboard is already attached.
It's important to distinguish between "remove the back cover" and "disassemble the phone." Removing the lid is just the first step. Once the metal panel is separated, you'll have access to the battery and the bottom of the board, but you'll need to take further disassembly to access the display sockets.
Features of the adhesive composition Xiaomi
Special attention should be paid to the location of the plumes. In Redmi 5, the main camera plume and display plume are at the top, and the fingerprint scanner plume (if the model is global) can pass through the center part or be integrated into the bottom board. Careless movement of a metal blade in the center can easily cut these thin conductors.
The process of heating and separation of the rear panel
The most important step is to detach the lid, and you can't rush it, and even perimeter heating is key to success, and you can put your phone down on the soft cloth, and start heating the edges around the perimeter.
Keep the dryer 3-5 cm from the surface, constantly moving the jet of hot air. Do not hold the heating at one point longer than 3-5 seconds. Total warming time is usually 2-3 minutes. The metal should become warm, but not scorching hot for the hands.
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Check glue readiness: touch the hot area with your finger. If the metal is hot, but the finger is resistant, and with a slight pressure on the suction cup, you can hear a barely noticeable crackling or you can feel a micro-movement, the glue is ready to work.
Once warmed up, place the suction cup at the bottom of the back cover, closer to the logo, but not at the edge. Pull the suction cup up, creating tension, and simultaneously inject a thin plastic card or mediator into the resulting gap. Move slowly, cutting through the adhesive layer, rather than tearing the lid off by force.
If you feel a lot of resistance, stop. That means that the glue in that area has cooled and hardened again. Repeat the heating procedure for that particular area. Force the process is guaranteed to cause the metal to deform or crack.
- 🔄 Heat the perimeter evenly, paying more attention to the corners.
- 📏 Enter the mediator at the lowest possible angle so as not to get stuck in the internal components.
- ✂️ The movement should be cutting (right-left), and not tearing.
When you go around the perimeter, the lid should be easy to separate. However, don't rush to completely remove it to the side. Make sure that nothing connects the lid to the body. In Redmi 5, there are no straight plumes on the lid, but the fingerprint scanner can be glued to the inside of the panel.
Dismantling of internal components and framework
Once you remove the metal back, you'll see the inside of the smartphone, and most of the space is occupied by the battery, and immediately visualize the state of the battery, and if it's swelling up and pressing against the display, you need to be very careful about what you're doing next.
The next step is to remove the plastic safety frame that covers the motherboard and the battery, which is mounted with multiple screws around the perimeter and possibly one in the center, all of which are the same size in this model, which makes it easier, but they're large.
After you twist all the screws (usually about 10-12 pieces), gently tuck the plastic frame with a mediator. It can sit tight because of the residue of glue or latches. Don't pull the frame sharply upwards - antenna contacts can pass under it.
☑️ Checklist before removing the frame
Once the frame is removed, you can access the main modules, and you can have the display connectors, the camera plumes, and the charging connector, and you need to turn off the battery to change the screen or to do a deep cleaning, and the battery connector is at the bottom of the board, often under a metal screen.
Use a plastic blade to snap the battery connector, make it a confident but careful bottom-up move, and once the power is out, you can safely work with the other components without fear of short circuit.
Table of the main modules and their location
For ease of navigation inside the case Xiaomi Redmi 5, here is a summary table of the location of key elements. This will help you not get confused in the layout of the device.
| Component | Location. | Type of attachment | Features of dismantling |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery | Central lower part | Adhesive tape + connector | Requires heating to peel off, guard the plume |
| Maternity fee | Top third of the hull | Screws + connectors | Hidden under a metal screen |
| Main camera. | Upper left corner (back) | Screw + plume | Fragile lens, do not touch your fingers |
| Charging charges | The bottom part | Screws + plume | Often requires replacement for microphone problems |
Notice the metal screen that covers the processor and memory, and remove it without emergency (e.g., replacing the processor or using the processor). BGA-Rebolling is not recommended. It is a complex process requiring soldering equipment and skills.
When working with the camera, remember that lenses are sensitive to fatty traces. If you accidentally touch the camera glass with your finger, be sure to wipe it with a microfiber before assembly, otherwise the photos will blurred spots.
Device assembly and elimination
The Redmi 5 is built in reverse order, but it has its own nuances. The main rule is not to twist the screws to the end at once. First, make all the screws, make sure that all the plumes are snapped to a characteristic click, and only then tighten the fastener.
Pay special attention to applying new adhesive. Apply a thin strip of the B-7000 around the perimeter of the body, avoiding cameras, speakers and connectors. Let the glue dry for 1-2 minutes to "Velcro", then press the lid.
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The quality of the gluing depends on the time of pressing. Once the lid is installed, lock the phone with money bands or place it under a light load for 30-60 minutes to polymerize the glue.
After assembly, turn on the device and check all the functions: touchscreen, sound, vibration, camera operation and Wi-Fi. If the phone does not turn on, check if the battery connector and display plume are fully inserted.
- ✅ Check the touchscreen across the entire screen area.
- ✅ Make sure the speaker doesn’t wheez and hear the sound in the headphones.
- ✅ Take a test photo on the front and main camera.
⚠️ Warning: If the phone is warmed up in downtime or discharges quickly after assembly, you may have squeezed the plume or damaged battery insulation.
A common problem after assembly is the gap between the lid and the frame, which occurs if the old adhesive has not been removed completely or the new layer is too thickly applied. Use isopropyl alcohol to finally clean the surfaces before gluing.