How to Open the Xiaomi Redmi 5A Phone Cover: The Complete Guide

Modern smartphones, including the popular budget Redmi 5A, are designed to protect the internal components from dust and moisture, which often makes it difficult to repair themselves. Device owners often face the need to replace the battery, which eventually loses capacity, or restore charging connectors. The process of opening the case requires not only accuracy, but also understanding the design of the gadget, so as not to damage the fragile plumes.

Before you start dismantling, it's important to realize that the back cover here is made of plastic and is attached to a special adhesive layer around the perimeter. Wrong actions can lead to cracks in the frame or damage to the display module, which is tightly attached to the body. In this article, we will discuss in detail what tools you need and how to properly perform all the steps of dismantling.

It's worth noting that self-interference with the device can take away your warranty if it's still in place, so weigh the risks. However, if you're confident and willing to act carefully, replacing components will be a great experience. Next, we'll look at workplace preparation and the tools you need to do the job safely.

Tools and workplace preparation required

For high-quality disassembly Xiaomi Redmi 5A is not enough just to have a knife or screwdriver at hand. You will need a specialized toolkit that minimizes the risk of damage to the case and internal boards. Preparation of the space also plays a key role: the table should be clean, well-lit and free of unnecessary items, so that small screws do not get lost.

Pay special attention to the heating tool, because the adhesive layer that holds the lid only softens at a certain temperature. Without this step, trying to remove the panel will cause it to deform or break plastic latches. Also remember to degrease the surface and clean your hands so that dust or static electricity does not get on the internal components.

  • πŸ”₯ Hair dryer construction or household heating pad (for heating glue).
  • πŸ”§ Set of screwdrivers (cross-haired) P2 and P0 small-rotor).
  • 🎴 Plastic blade or mediator (to open the body).
  • 🧲 Magnetic mat or organizer for screws.
  • 🧴 Isopropyl alcohol or liquid B-7000 (glue-residue).

The use of metal tools in the initial stages is strictly prohibited, as you can damage the glossy surface or hit the battery. Plastic blades included in the repair kits are ideal for neatly snapping panels. If you do not have a building hairdryer, you can use a regular household hairdryer, but you will have to warm longer and more carefully.

⚠️ Warning: Never use an open fire (lighter or candle) to heat the case, as this can cause plastic to ignite or the battery to bloat.

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Before starting work, be sure to turn off the smartphone and remove the tray. SIM-cards to prevent short circuit and facilitate access to screws.

The process of heating and separation of the back panel

The first and most important step is to heat the perimeter of the back cover. The adhesive composition used by the Redmi 5A manufacturer becomes elastic at about 80-90 degrees Celsius. Warm up the edges of the device evenly for 2-3 minutes, constantly moving the hair dryer so as not to overheat one point, especially in the battery area.

Once the body is sufficiently heated, you need to insert a thin tool into the gap between the frame and the lid. The best place to start is at the corner where the speaker is located, or at the bottom of the smartphone. The movements should be sliding, not stabbing, so that the blade goes along the plane of the connection, cutting the glue.

πŸ“Š What do you plan to heat the body?
Construction hair dryer
A normal hair dryer
Heater
I'm not gonna heat it up, I'm gonna break it.

As you move around the perimeter, you'll hear the characteristic crackling of the adhesive coming off. Don't rush or use excessive force: if the lid doesn't lend itself, then the adhesive is still cold and the heat needs to be repeated. A plastic map or a special sucker will help create the initial gap without the use of sharp objects.

  • πŸŒ€ Warm up all 4 sides of the body evenly.
  • πŸ‘ Use a suction cup to create an initial gap.
  • πŸͺ“ Carefully drive the shoulder blade along the ends, without going inside.
  • πŸ›‘ When resisting, stop and add heat.

A sharp jerk can damage the internal connections, so after passing the shoulder blade around the perimeter, the cover should be lifted very slowly.

Dismantling the protective panel and access to components

After successfully removing the back plastic cover, you will see an internal metal or plastic frame covering the main board and battery. In the Xiaomi Redmi 5A, this frame is often attached to many small screws that need to be twisted in strict sequence or at least remember their location.

To access the motherboard, you'll need to unscrew all the visible screws around the frame perimeter, and those that might be hidden under stickers or plugs. Beware: screws can be of different lengths, and if you confuse them when you build them, you can damage the thread or break through the board.

β˜‘οΈ Checking before removing the framework

Done: 0 / 4

When you remove the safety panel, you have full access to the battery, the plume connectors and the camera modules. At this point, it is critical to avoid hitting the display plumes that run along the side face. Any careless movement can lead to a break in the contacts, which will require complex soldering or replacement of the display module.

ComponentLocation.Type of attachmentFeatures
BatteryCentral partAdhesive tapeRequires careful unhooking
Maternity feeUpper partScrews + plumesLots of small contacts.
Main camera.Upper cornerScrew + connectorFragile lens
DynamicianLower cornerScrews + pinchIt's important to keep tight.

When working with internal components, avoid touching your fingers with open contacts and camera lenses, as skin fat can impair the quality of communication or photography. Use dielectric tweezers to manipulate small details.

Disconnection of the battery and work with plumes

The most important rule in any electronics disassembly is to turn off the power before disconnecting any connectors. In the Redmi 5A, the battery connector is located next to the main display plume, and you need to access it first, which will prevent short circuits and possible failure of the device.

The plumes are turned off using a plastic blade or nail, but by no means a metal screwdriver. The connectors in modern smartphones are very fragile, and if you apply a force in the wrong direction, you can break the plug on the board, the repair of which will require a microscope and a blow dryer.

⚠️ Attention: If the battery connector is "stuck", do not pull it by the wires - carefully attach the base of the connector to the plastic tool.

What to do if the plume is broken?
If you damage a display plume or touchscreen, you can only repair it by replacing it completely, and you rarely get a lasting result from trying to glue it with conductive glue.

Once the power is out, you can safely remove other components, such as the camera module, the vibrator motor, or the charging board. Pay attention to the location of the antenna contacts, which are often pinned by screws to the body. When assembled, they need to be installed in exactly the same places, otherwise the phone may stop catching the network.

  • πŸ”Œ First thing you do is turn off the battery.
  • 🧀 Use antistatic gloves or bracelets.
  • πŸ” Check the scaling for oxidation.
  • πŸ“Έ Take a picture of the location of the plumes before removing.

Battery replacement and device assembly

If the purpose of the disassembly was to replace the battery, the old battery must be carefully removed. In the Xiaomi Redmi 5A, the battery is often held on two strips of double-sided tape. You can use a thin line or plastic card to extract it, carefully cutting the adhesive layer under the battery, but you need to do this extremely carefully so as not to pierce the lithium polymer cell.

The new battery should be installed on fresh double-sided tape, which usually comes with a new battery.Do not use superglue or other aggressive chemicals, as they can damage the case or the battery itself when heated during operation.

The reverse order is used: all the plumes are connected first, the safety frame is installed, and the screws are twisted. Only after checking all the connections can the back cover be glued. Use a special glue B-7000 or original adhesive tapes to fix the lid.

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The quality of glue for the back cover directly affects the protection against dust and the density of the fit, so save on consumables is not worth it.

After the full assembly, take your time to turn on the device. Let the glue grab for 30-60 minutes, putting the phone under a small load (for example, a book), but without undue pressure on the screen, this will ensure that the case is tight and there are no gaps.

Frequent errors and expert recommendations

When self-repairing, users often make common mistakes that can lead to additional costs: one of the most common is trying to open a cold case, which leads to the breakage of plastic latches; another is the loss of small screws or their installation in the wrong places.

Also often forgotten is the calibration of the battery after replacement, which is recommended that after installing a new battery, the phone be completely discharged before switching off, and then charge to 100% when switched off, which will help the power controller correctly determine the capacity of the new battery.

  • ❌ Do not ignore heating the body before opening.
  • ❌ Don’t use force where the details don’t go.
  • ❌ Do not leave fingerprints on your internal lenses.
  • βœ… Always check all functions before the final gluing.

⚠️ Warning: If the phone doesn't turn on after assembly, don't panic. Check to see if the battery connector and display are fully snapped, sometimes just reconnecting them is enough.

Compliance with the technology of disassembly and the use of quality tools will allow you to successfully replace the lid or battery with the Xiaomi Redmi 5A. If you feel insecure at any stage, it is better to contact the service center to avoid final breakage of the device.

Where to buy original parts?
Original parts for Redmi 5A are better to look for official Xiaomi partners or in specialized stores with a good reputation, avoiding cheap counterparts from the markets.
Can I open Redmi 5A without a hairdryer?
Theoretically, you can use a thin line and isopropyl alcohol, which is run under the lid with a syringe, but this increases the risk of damage to the screen and requires a lot of experience, heating remains the safest method.
Which glue is best used for the cover?
The best choice is the B-7000 or T-7000 glue, which remains elastic after drying, allowing the phone to open again if necessary, and seals the joints reliably.
What to do if the back cover is cracked when removed?
If the crack is small, it can be carefully sealed with a transparent glue or decorative sticker. In case of severe damage, the lid will have to be replaced with a new one, since it acts as a bearing element of the structure.
Do I need to remove the fingerprint scanner plume?
In the Redmi 5A, the fingerprint scanner (if you have one in your version) can be integrated into the back cover or plugged in. If the plume goes to the board, it must be turned off before the lid is completely removed so as not to break.
How long does it take to disassemble?
In an experienced craftsman, the process takes 15-20 minutes. In a beginner, acting carefully and according to instructions, it can take from 40 minutes to an hour, including time to heat and cool the glue.