How to safely open the cover Xiaomi Redmi 8: instructions with photos and warnings

Why to Disassemble Redmi 8 and When It’s Safe

Removing the back cover of the Xiaomi Redmi 8 is a procedure that owners face when replacing the battery, repairing plumes or cleaning from dust. However, the design of the 2019 smartphone has features: there is no removable battery, and the body is glued around the perimeter, which means that improper opening can damage the fingerprint sensor, antenna contacts or even cracks in the glass.

In this article, we will review three officially approved methods of opening the lid (using a suction cup, a mediator and heating), list the necessary tools and warn of typical errors. Special attention will be paid to the unique feature of the Redmi 8 - hidden latches near the Type-C connector, which often break when you open the lid. If your smartphone is still under warranty, remember: self-repair will cancel it.

Before you start, evaluate your skills. If you have never taken a smartphone apart, it is better to contact the service center - the cost of replacing the lid (from 1,200). ₽) It may be less than the cost of repairs after a failed attempt.

What tools will be needed for the autopsy

To safely remove the lid of the Xiaomi Redmi 8, you will need a specialized set of tools. Using improvised tools (knives, screwdrivers or credit cards) almost always ends in damage to latches or scratches on the body.

🔧 Plastic mediator (0.2–0.3 mm thick) – for separation of the body without scratches.
🧲 Suction cup (∅ 40–50 mm – helps create an initial force to separate the cover.
🔥 Dryer or thermo-air station - for softening the glue (temperature 60-80)°C).
📏 Thin Torx screwdriver T3 — to unscrew the screws under the cover (if you plan to complete the analysis).
🧴 Isopropyl alcohol (90%+) — for cleaning glue residues during reverse assembly.

If you don't have a thermal air station, a normal hair dryer is fine -- but make sure the airflow is uniform and doesn't exceed 80°C. Overheating can damage the battery or screen, and prepare a plastic spatula (not metal!) and a microfibre wipe to protect the display.

📊 You’ve already tried to make smartphones yourself?

Yes, many times.

Yes, but without success.

No, it's my first experience.

I prefer service centers.

Step-by-step: how to open the lid without damage

The opening process of Redmi 8 consists of four steps: heating, detaching the lid, working with latches and fixing. Follow the instructions in strict order - skipping steps can lead to a break in the plume of the fingerprint scanner or damage to the antenna contacts.

Preparation and heating of the shell

Turn off your smartphone and remove it. SIM-Place it on a flat surface with the screen down. Using a hair dryer, warm the back cover evenly around the perimeter for 2-3 minutes, holding the nozzle at a distance of 5-7 cm. Pay special attention to the corners, there is the most durable glue.

The body temperature should be warm to the touch (about 60°C. Do not overheat the area around the chamber, this can damage the module. After heating, immediately proceed to the next step until the glue cools.

2. Separation of the lid with a sucker and a mediator

Place the suction cup at the bottom of the body (above the Type-C connector). Smoothly pull up, creating a small gap. Insert a plastic mediator into it and slowly swipe along the side faces, separating the lid from the frame.

Redmi 8 has 5 hidden latches: two near the charging connector, two at the top (near the speaker) and one to the left of the camera. When resisting, don't push harder, you better reheat the problem area.

Heat the entire perimeter of the hull |

The suction cup is snugly attached to the surface |

Mediator inserted at an angle of 15–20°|

No pressure on the antenna line area (upper and lower edges)|-->

3. Work with latches and plumes

Once the perimeter lid is separated, don't remove it completely, it's still held on two plumes: a fingerprint scanner and an antenna contact. Carefully lift the lid on the left side (on the volume button side) and unplug the plumes by pulling the black locking tongues.

If the lid fails, check:

❌ Latch near Type-C connector (often broken when a rough opening occurs).
❌ Footprint scanner plume (at a break will require a replacement module).

What to do if the latch breaks?

If you hear the characteristic cracking when the lid is separated, most likely, a plastic latch near the Type-C connector broke. In this case: 1. Do not try to close the lid back - it will not fit tightly. 2. When reassembling, use double-sided tape. 3M (0.2 mm thick) for fixation. 3. In the service center, it will cost 300-500 times to replace the latch. ₽, It is often easier to buy a new lid (from 1200 to five). ₽).

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when disassembling the Xiaomi Redmi 8. Here are the most common problems and ways to prevent them:

Mistake.	Effects of consequences	How to avoid
Use of metal tools	Scratches on the frame, damage to antenna lines	Use only plastic mediators.
Overheating of the shell (>80°C)	Deformation of plastic, detachment of the fingerprint sensor	Control the temperature with a thermometer
Sharp compartment of the lid	Fracture of the fingerprint scanner plume	Disconnect the plumes until the lid is completely removed.
Dust hitting the lid	Interference in the operation of the sensor, creaking when pressed	Work in a clean room, use wipes.

⚠️ Note: If after opening the smartphone stopped seeing SIM-The card probably has gone off the antenna contact, press it back carefully, or clear it with alcohol, and don't use superglue to fix it, it conducts current and can cause a short circuit!

What to do after a successful autopsy

If you have managed to remove the lid without damage, follow these recommendations before reassembling:

Clean the insides of the dust with a soft brush or a spray of compressed air, and pay special attention to the area around the speaker and charging connector.
Check the status of the battery. If it's swelling (as seen from the bulge of the lid), don't put it back in, it's dangerous! The battery needs an urgent replacement.
Apply new adhesive. The original Xiaomi adhesive is disposable. Use 3M 9448A double-sided tape (0.25 mm thick) to reassemble.

When you reverse the lid, start at the top (near the speaker) and gradually press it against the frame as you move down. Use a plastic roller to evenly distribute the pressure.

📶 Network operation (whether there is a signal loss due to antenna contacts).
🔋 Charging (has not the Type-C connector plume left).
👆 Sensor of fingerprints (must be triggered with the first touch).

💡

If the lid is slightly "playing" when pressed after assembly, warm it up with a hair dryer (60°C) and press it with a heavy book for 10-15 minutes, which will help the glue to better grasp.

When is the best time to contact the service center

Not all Xiaomi Redmi 8 breakdowns can be repaired by yourself.

🔧 Broken latch near Type-C connector (requires soldering or replacement of the cover).
🔋 Battery swelled or deformed (risk of fire!).
📡 After assembly, the network signal or Wi-Fi (damaged antenna contacts) is lost).
👆 The fingerprint sensor is not working (a plume break or module damage).

Cost of repairs in Xiaomi service centers (2026):

Service	Price (₽)	Date(s)
Replacement of the back cover	1 200–1 800	1–2
Battery replacement	1 500–2 200	1
Repair of the fingerprint scanner plume	800–1 500	2–3

⚠️ WARNING: If you've been disassembling a battery replacement smartphone, don't buy cheap ones on AliExpress! Low-quality batteries can swell in 2-3 months and damage the motherboard. The original battery for the Redmi 8 is labeled BM47 (5,000 mAh).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I open Redmi 8 without a hairdryer?

Theoretically, yes, but the risk of lid damage increases 3-4 times. The adhesive on the Redmi 8 is very strong, and without heating you will have to exert excessive force, which often leads to cracks. The alternative is to use a special adhesive solvent (for example, Loctite 7649), but it can damage the plastic with prolonged contact.

What to do if the vibration does not work after the autopsy?

The vibrator's plume is likely to have moved away or damaged, and it's located at the bottom of the smartphone, next to the Type-C connector. Carefully check its connection to the motherboard. If the plume is torn, the motor will need to be replaced (part cost is about 300). ₽).

How to check if the antenna is damaged after disassembly?

Run a network test: dial ##4636## → select Phone Information → look for Signal strength. If the value is below -100 dBm or the connection is often cut, the antenna contact is damaged. Also check Wi-Fi and Bluetooth - they use the same antenna lines.

Can I use Redmi 8 without the back cover?

Short term (e.g., testing) -- yes, but long term use without a lid will result in: Dust hitting the motherboard (risk of short circuit); CPU overheating (cover acts as radiator); loss of water protection (IP53 - only with the whole body); If the lid is broken, seal the case with food film before repair.

Where to buy the original back cover for Redmi 8?

Official covers for sale: In Xiaomi branded stores (price) ~1 500 ₽). On AliExpress from trusted sellers (search by code) MZB7464IN). In service centers (sometimes there are used parts after repairs) pay attention to the color code (for example, Onyx Black — B01, Sapphire Blue — B03). Redmi caps. 8A not fit!

💡

The main rule when disassembling Xiaomi Redmi 8 is not to rush. 80% of damage occurs due to an attempt to speed up the process. Warm up the glue, use the right tools and unplug the plumes until the lid is completely removed.