Why do Redmi 9A owners have to take off the lid?
The back cover of the Xiaomi Redmi 9A is not just a decorative element, but a barrier that protects the internal components from dust, moisture and mechanical damage. However, there are situations when it has to be removed: replacing the battery, cleaning from dust, repairing plumes or even trivial removal of dirt that has got inside. The manufacturer does not provide easy access - the lid is glued around the perimeter, and the clips are hidden under a layer of glue.
Many users are faced with the dilemma of going to a service center (where a simple procedure will cost 1,500-3,000 rubles) or risk doing everything yourself. This article will help avoid the typical mistakes of broken clips, damaged battery plume or scratches on the case, we will understand what tools you need, how to prepare the phone and what to do if the lid “does not respond.”
It's important to understand that the Redmi 9A (M2006C3LG) is a very specific design, and it doesn't have a removable battery like the old Redmi 4A, and it's a combination of glue and plastic latches, and if you've never taken a smartphone apart, you'd better practice on an old phone or watch video disassembly before you start.
What tools will you need to remove the lid?
Without the right tools, trying to open the Redmi 9A will damage the body or internal components.
- 🔧 Plastic mediator or suction cup, to gently lick the lid. Metal blades leave scratches!
- 🔥 Dryer or thermo-air station - to soften the glue (temperature 60-80)°C).
- 🧲 Magnetic screwdriver. T3 or T4 — motherboard-mounting screws.
- 📏 Plastic separators (spoogers) – to keep the lid ajar.
- 🧴 Isopropyl alcohol (90%+) — glue-residue.
If you don't have a thermophen, you can use a normal hair dryer, but you need to keep it at a distance of 10-15 cm to avoid overheating the screen. Alternatively, put your phone on a warm battery for 5-7 minutes. Don't use an open fire or microwave!
The cost of a full set of tools for disassembly (for example, iFixit Pro Tech Toolkit) starts from 2,500 rubles, but if you do not plan to repair regularly, you can do with budget analogues from Chinese stores (500-800 rubles).
Preparing the phone for disassembly: 5 mandatory steps
Before you start removing the lid, you need to properly prepare the device, and neglecting these steps can lead to data loss, short circuit or damage to the display.
☑️ Checklist before disassembly
Pay special attention to the battery. If it is discharged below 20%, when the power plume is turned off, the phone can suddenly turn on (due to residual charge in the capacitors), which can damage the motherboard. The optimal charge level is 30-50%.
It is also recommended to back up data via Settings → About Phone → Backup or Mi Cloud. Even if you don’t plan to touch the board, there is always the risk of accidental plume breakage.
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If you have a microSD card installed, remove it before disassembling it, and it can get dust or static electricity during the removal of the lid, causing data damage.
Step-by-step: how to remove the cover without damage
Now, to the most critical stage, follow the instructions strictly by step, any deviation can lead to the failure of the latches.
- Heat the body. Turn on the hair dryer and warm the back cover evenly for 2-3 minutes, paying special attention to the edges. The glue should be soft, but not liquid.
- Put a plastic mediator in the gap between the lid and the body at the charging socket (there is less glue there), carefully drive the instrument along the edge until you hear the characteristic click of the first clip.
- As soon as a gap of 1-2 mm appears, insert a plastic separator (poodger) into it so that the lid does not close back.
- Gradually open. Keep pushing the mediator around the perimeter, moving from the charging connector to the volume buttons. Don't try to pull the lid off abruptly, so you break the clips!
When all the latches are free, gently lift the lid. It can still hold on the fingerprint scanner plume (if you have one in your modification) or on the glue residue. Don't pull the lid upwards, first disconnect the plumes!
What to do if the lid does not lend itself?
Inside, you'll see a battery, a motherboard, and a few plumes. Don't touch the contacts with your bare hands, static electricity can damage the chips. If you need to disconnect the battery, use a plastic tool to plug the connector.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when disassembling the Redmi 9A. Here are the most common of them and ways to prevent them:
| Mistake. | Effects of consequences | How to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Use of metal tools | Scratches on the body, damage to plumes | Use only plastic mediators |
| Overheating of the shell (>90°C) | Deformation of plastic, detachment of the screen module | Control the temperature with a thermometer |
| A sharp lid-break | Breakage of the fingerprint scanner or battery plume | Disconnect the plumes before the complete removal of the cover |
| Disassembly without battery shutdown | Short circuit when touching the board | Turn off the battery first. |
It is especially dangerous to ignore the fingerprint scanner plume, which is very thin and often glued to the lid, and if you tear it off, you can't restore the sensor to work, you have to turn it off in the firmware or buy a new lid with the sensor (~1,200 rubles).
1. Is the battery plume connected?
2. Is there any damage to the motherboard (blackened components, the smell of burning).
3. Are all connectors properly installed.-->
How to glue the lid back: the choice of glue and technique
Once the repair is complete, the lid needs to be fixed back, and the original Xiaomi adhesive won't work, it's applied by a robot in the factory, but there are a few proven alternatives:
- 🧴 Double-sided scotch 3M 9448A — It holds securely, but is difficult to remove at the next disassembly.
- 🔥 thermals B-7000 — elastic, but requires precise application.
- 🛠️ Special glue for smartphones (for example, Tesa 61395) – the best option in terms of price and quality.
Sticking technique:
- Clean the edges of the case and cover from the old glue with isopropyl alcohol.
- Apply a thin layer of new glue around the perimeter of the cover, retreating 1-2 mm from the edge.
- Carefully apply the cover and press it for 1-2 minutes.
- For reliability, warm the edges with a hair dryer (60°C) for 30 seconds.
Don't use superglue or moment! They crystallize and can damage the plastic the next time you disassemble. Also avoid Second glue - it leaves traces and holds poorly when heated.
When is the best time to contact the service?
Despite its apparent simplicity, the Redmi 9A requires care and experience, and in some cases, self-repair can be more expensive than asking a professional.
- ⚡ The phone will not turn on after a failed disassembly.
- 🔧 Broken clips of the cover (replacement of the back panel will be required).
- 📱 Display or camera plume damaged (microscope needed for soldering).
- 🔋 The battery is raised (the risk of fire when self-replacement!).
The average cost of replacing the lid in the service is 1,500-2,500 rubles, the battery is 1,200-1,800 rubles. If you doubt your abilities, it is better to pay for repairs than risk the phone's performance.
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Before visiting the service, check the reviews about the workshop on Yandex.Maps or 2GIS. Some "services" use non-original spare parts that fail in 2-3 months.