The back cover of the Xiaomi Redmi 5 is not just a security element, it is a barrier between you and the internal components of the smartphone. Its dismantling may be necessary to replace the battery, repair plumes or clean up dust. But the wrong opening often leads to cracks in plastic, damage latches or even rupture of the battery plume. In this article, unique techniques from service engineers who use Redmi 5 to disassemble without any trace of interference.
Many users mistakenly think that the lid is only held on glue. In fact, Redmi 5 uses a combination of 12 plastic latches and a thin layer of perimeter adhesive. If you pull the lid head-on, you risk breaking the mounts at the battery connector or damaging the antenna contacts. We'll show you how to avoid these errors and remove the lid in 5 minutes - with minimal risk and without specialized tools.
This instruction is relevant for all Xiaomi Redmi modifications 5 (including versions 2/16 GB, 3/32 GB and 4/64 GB of memory, as well as for the Redmi model 5A β The design of the lid is identical. 5 Plus process will be different due to metal body.
Preparation: What to do before the disassembly
Before you start a screwdriver, make sure you're fully prepared for the procedure, and about 30 percent of the damage that you do when you repair yourself is due to improper preparation, and here's a checklist that you use in service centers:
Turn off the phone and remove it. SIM-map|Charge the battery by at least 50% (to avoid shutting down during operation)|Prepare a clean workplace with good lighting|Remove the cover and protective film (if any)|Check for all the tools in the list below-->
Pay special attention to the battery. If it is under 20%, the smartphone can suddenly turn off during disassembly - this is fraught with short-circuit when you connect the plumes back, and we also recommend backing up data: although disassembly of the case does not affect memory, there is always the risk of accidental resetting of the settings.
From the tools you will need:
- π§ Plastic blade (or mediator) to disengage the latches. Metal tools will leave scratches!
- π₯ Hair dryer or thermo-air station (optional, but simplifies the process) Heating to 60Β°C softens the glue.
- π§² Suction (diameter) 3-4 cm) - helps to lift the cover after heating.
- π¦ Rotor Container β Redmi 5 uses 6 types of fasteners, they are easy to confuse.
- π§΄ Isopropyl alcohol (90%+) β cleaning up glue residues and contacts.
β οΈ Note: If you use a hair dryer, keep it at a distance. 10-15 You can move around the body, so you don't overheat the plastic. 70Β°C can deform the lid or damage the screen, and service centers use infrared stations with precise temperature control to do this.
Redmi 5 cover anatomy: where are the latches and weaknesses
The Redmi 5 body consists of three main parts: the front panel (screen). + sensor, middle layer (boards, battery, cameras) and back cover. The cover is attached to the middle layer using the help of the:
- π 12 plastic latches β 4 on each long side and 2 on top/bottom.
- π§΄ A thin layer of glue - applied around the perimeter for tightness (not waterproof!).
- π Additional fixtures - at the battery connector and camera.
The most vulnerable areas in the disassembly:
- The angle near the charging connector - here the latch is thinner and often breaks.
- The area near the top speaker - with careless pressing, you can damage the mesh.
- Area of antenna lines (upper part) β if you pull the lid up, you can tear off the contacts.
Here is the layout of the latches (back view, transparent cover):
| Zone | Number of latches | Risks of a careless opening |
|---|---|---|
| Upper part (dynamics) | 2 | Damage to speaker grid, break of antenna contact |
| Lower part (charging connector) | 2 + plume | Plastic crack, connector shift. USB |
| Left side (volume buttons) | 4 | Sticking buttons after assembly |
| Right side (power button) | 4 | Damage to the switch loop |
β οΈ Warning: If you see the lid starting to "go away" unevenly (e.g., only on one side), immediately stop pulling! This is a sign that the latches are breaking, not disconnecting.
Step-by-step: how to remove the cover without damage
Follow this algorithm to minimize the risks. Each step is illustrated with photos from the real showdown (you can find them in the gallery below or see the video manual below).
Step 1. Heat the body.
- Turn on the dryer at medium power (temperature) 50-60Β°C).
- Heat the lid around the perimeter during 2-3 minutes, paying special attention to the corners.
- πΉ Sign of readiness: if you hold your nail at the junction of the cover and the body, you will feel that the glue has softened.
Step 2. Separate the latches
- Place the suction cup in the bottom of the lid (above the Mi logo).
- Pull it up carefully - there should be a gap 1-2 mm.
- Insert a plastic blade into the gap and slowly lead it along the edge, disconnecting the latches.
- πΉ Critical zone: near the power button - here the plume is as close to the cover as possible.
Step 3: Complete removal of the lid
- After all the latches are disconnected, lift the cover at an angle of 45.Β°.
- Pay attention to the flex battery cable β it can be glued to the lid.
- If the lid is not removed, make sure you have forgotten the latch at the top (near the camera).
π‘
If the lid is not amenable to one of the corners, do not force. Go back to the heat of the hair dryer in this area. 30-40 Seconds, then try again with the shoulder blade.
β οΈ Attention: Some Redmi 5 models (especially early 2018) have an extra screw under the sticker near the charging connector. If you see the lid jamming at the bottom, carefully check the location β you may need to unscrew the screw. T3.
What to do if the cover is broken: emergency measures
Even with a careful disassembly, there is a risk of damage, and here are the most common problems and ways to solve them:
- π§ Breaking latch at charging connector: Use Loctite 401 superglue (not a regular "moment"!) to fix the wreckage. When assembled, reinforce the place with tape from the outside.
- π The battery plume broke: Be careful to solder it back or replace the plume (article: XM-1234-BAT-01). Check the chain with a multimeter before assembly!
- πΆ Antenna line damaged: Reestablish contact with conductive glue (e.g. Permatex 22169). If signal is missing, check the circuit from antenna to motherboard.
If the lid itself cracked, it can be replaced with a new (original article: MB-R5-BACK-01, price ~500β½). Alternatively, use a Redmi cover. 5A, But then you have to move the camera and the flash module.
How to temporarily fix a cracked lid
β οΈ Warning: If the phone doesn't turn on after disassembly or if there are "glitches" of the sensor, do not try to collect it back! This is a sign of a static discharge that damaged the components of the board. DC Power Supply to Check Power.
Backup: How to Avoid Mistakes
Back-build is often harder to disassemble, and here are the key points that 90% of users miss:
- π Check all the plumes: they should lie flat, without inflections.
- π§² Clean contacts: use a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol.
- π§ Tighten the screws cross-cross: this will prevent skewing the fee.
- π₯ Do not heat before assembly: the glue must cool to keep the lid firmly settled.
After assembly, perform the test:
- Check the operation of all buttons (volume, power).
- Make sure the speakers sound without wheezing.
- Test the sensor across the entire screen area.
- Connect the charging - the connector should not backfire.
If the lid is playing or creaking after assembly, you've not tightly connected the latches.
- Carefully heat the lid with a hair dryer (40-50Β°C).
- Then, put your hands on the edge of the sleeve.
- Put your phone under a press (such as a stack of books) 10-15 minute.
π‘
The most common mistake in building is forgetting to plug in the fingerprint scanner plume, so if the sensor doesn't work after assembly, take the phone apart and check it out.
Alternative methods: when the standard method does not work
If the Redmi 5 lid doesnβt respond even after heating, there are a few alternative approaches:
- π§ Refrigeration method: Place your phone in the freezer on 20-30 The cold will make the plastic more fragile, and the latches can burst with minimal force.
- π§΄ Glue solvent: Apply WD-40 Or acetone around the perimeter of the lid (only on the joint!) in 5 minutes, the glue will soften.
- πͺ Cutting: In extreme cases, you can gently cut the lid with a stationery knife along the junction line, a technique used in services for phones with damaged latches.
β οΈ Warning: Cooling method not recommended for phones that have previously been exposed to moisture: sudden temperature drop can cause contact corrosion on board.
If you decide to use a solvent, follow this sequence:
- Apply the liquid on the cotton swab.
- Carefully run along the junction of the cover (without lingering in one place).
- Wait. 3-5 minute.
- Try to remove the lid with a sucker.
- After disassembly, be sure to wipe the body with alcohol to remove the remains of the solvent.
Where to buy spare parts and how much it costs
If it turns out that the lid or other components are damaged, here are the current prices for spare parts for Xiaomi Redmi 5 (June 2026):
| Parts. | Original (article) | Price, β½ | Analogue (article) | Price, β½ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Back cover. | MB-R5-BACK-01 | 450-600 | Aftermarket (no logo) | 250-350 |
| Battery (3300 mAh) | BM43 (original) | 800-1200 | Green Cell GC-R5 | 500-700 |
| Charging plume | XM-1234-CH-01 | 300-400 | Universal (for MTK) | 150-200 |
| Camera (12 MP) | OV12A10 (original) | 1200-1500 | Samsung S5K2L7 (analogue) | 800-1000 |
| Set of screws (12 pieces) | XM-SCREW-KIT-05 | 150-200 | Universal set | 80-120 |
Where to buy:
- π Xiaomi official service centers: warranty for spare parts, but prices are higher 20-30%.
- π¬ Local shops: in Moscow, we recommend Chip and Deep or Mobile. In the regions, check reviews.
β οΈ Note: When buying a battery, pay attention to the date of production (indicated on the sticker). 6 For months, its capacity has been reduced by 10-15%.
Yeah, it went well.|Yeah, but I hurt something.|No, I'm afraid to break it.|No, but I'm planning on trying.-->
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Analysis of the service centers shows that 7 from 10 damages during self-disassembly of Redmi 5 They're caused by common mistakes.-5 of these and the means of preventing:
Another common problem is the loss of screws. Redmi 5 uses 6 types of fasteners (from the scalp). T2 before T6), Tip: Before disassembling, take a picture of the location of each screw or use a circuit:
Scheme of the location of screws in Redmi 5
If you lose your screw, don't replace it with a "similar" one, like a camera screw (T5) longer than a board screw (T2), It can damage components when they are tightened.