How to safely open the back cover of the Xiaomi Redmi phone: instructions with photos and videos

The back cover of the Xiaomi Redmi smartphone is not just a decorative element, but a complex design that protects the internal components from dust, moisture and mechanical damage. However, sooner or later, the owner faces the task of removing it: whether it is replacing the battery, repairing the charging plume or cleaning from dust. Unlike flagship models with metal cases, most Redmi use plastic or composite panels that are attached to latches and glue. This makes it easier to disassemble, but requires accuracy – one wrong movement can lead to cracks or damage the waterproofing proclading.

In this article, we will discuss all the ways to open the lid for different Xiaomi Redmi series (including Note, POCO and budget models), list the necessary tools and tell you how to avoid typical errors. Particular attention will be paid to IP-certified models (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro+), where improper disassembly can violate water protection. If you have never taken apart smartphones before, do not worry: our step-by-step instructions with photos and videos will help you cope even without experience.

What tools will be needed to open the lid

Before you start disassembling, prepare the workspace and tools, without which you risk damaging the body or internal components, and here is the minimum set that most Xiaomi Redmi models will require:

  • πŸ”§ Plastic blade or mediator - for careful putting of the cover (metal tools can leave scratches).
  • πŸ”₯ Hair dryer or thermoair station - for softening the glue (especially important for models with IP-certificate).
  • 🧲 Suction - helps to separate the lid from the body at the initial stage.
  • πŸ” Loop or magnifying glass - so as not to miss the hidden latches.
  • πŸ“¦ Container for screws - if you have to unscrew the mounts (for example, in Redmi). K50).

Aluminum-framed models (such as the Redmi Note 11 Pro+) may require a TORX T3 or PH00 screwdriver β€” they are often used to fasten the mid-frame. If you have a POCO F4 or other model with a glass back panel, be sure to use a protective film on the screen and body to avoid chipping.

⚠️ Note: Do not use knives or screwdrivers without insulation - they can close contacts on the board or scratch antenna lines (thin metal strips under the lid).

πŸ“Š What Xiaomi Redmi model do you understand?
Redmi Note 10/11/12
Redmi 9/9A/9C
POCO X3/X4/X5
Redmi K40/K50
Another model

Preparing the phone for disassembly: what to do in advance

Even if you are anxious to get repaired, don’t miss this stage.Proper preparation will save time and protect your phone from accidental damage.

First, turn off the device completely and remove it. SIM-card and memory card (if installed) this will prevent short circuits from accidentally touching the board. 20-30% β€” This will reduce the risk of fire if the battery is damaged.

We also recommend:

  • πŸ“Έ Take a picture of the location of screws and plumes (if you take your phone apart for the first time).
  • 🧴 Apply isopropyl alcohol to adhesive areas - this will make it easier to separate the cover (but do not overdo it so as not to damage the gaskets).
  • πŸ”‹ Wait 10-15 minutes after shutdown – some capacitors may remain charged.

Turn off the phone and remove it. SIM-map

Discharge the battery to 20-30%

Prepare tools and workplace

Take a picture of the original state of the phone

Apply alcohol to the glue areas (if necessary)-->

⚠️ Note: If your Redmi has a certificate IP53/IP68 (For example, Redmi Note 12 Pro+), After disassembly, the water protection will be broken.

Step-by-step: how to open the cover Xiaomi Redmi

The disassembly algorithm depends on the model, but the general scheme looks like this:

  1. Heat the lid (if there is glue). Use the dryer at minimum power, keeping it 10-15 cm from the body. Heat the edges of the phone in a circle for 2-3 minutes.
  2. Separate the lid with a suction cup. Apply the suction cup to the bottom edge of the phone (where the USB-C connector is usually located) and pull up. If the lid doesn't lend itself, repeat the heating.
  3. Careful scapula squashing, insert a plastic shoulder blade into the gap, and slowly lead it along the edge, snapping the clamps, start at the bottom, which usually has fewer plumes.
  4. After the cover is removed, make sure that the tracks of the touchpad, camera or fingerprint scanner (in models with a subscreen sensor) are not torn.

For models with a glass back panel (such as the POCO F3 or Redmi K40), the process is more complicated: the glass is thinner than plastic and can crack when heated unevenly.

  • Use a special glass suction cup with a wide base.
  • Heat the cover to 60-70 Β° C (no higher, otherwise the glue under the battery will damage).
  • Use a spatula only in places without antenna lines (they are visible as thin metal tracks).

If the lid doesn't lend itself, don't put too much effort into it -- you better repeat the heat. Most Redmis use two-part glue that softens at 50-80Β°C.

What to do if the lid is cracked?
If there are cracks on the lid, but the phone is not yet disassembled: 1. Stop disassembling and let the glue cool. 2. Apply cyanocrylate glue (superglue) to the cracks and press with tape. 3. Wait for the complete drying (2-3 hours) and continue disassembling, avoiding pressure on the damaged area. If the cracks are deep and affect the internal components, contact the service center.

The design of the lid can be very different even for phones of the same line, and below we have collected the key nuances for the most common models.

ModelType of capDifficulty disassemblingFeatures
Redmi Note 10/11/12Plastic.Easy.Perimeter latches, glue only in the bottom, risk damage to the fingerprint scanner plume.
Redmi 9/9A/9CPlastic.MediumPerimeter glue, thin back panel, often breaks the latches at the USB-C connector.
POCO X3/X4/X5Plastic/glassDifficult.The glass cover is in Pro versions. In the POCO X3 NFC, there are hidden screws under the stickers.
Redmi K40/K50Glass.Very complicated.Aluminum frame, high-strength adhesive, heat to 70Β°C and suction cup.

For the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ with IP53, it’s important to remember that under the lid are rubber pads that provide dust protection. When disassembling, they’re easy to damage or lose. If you don’t plan to replace them with new ones, avoid completely disassembling β€” limit the lid to only one side.

In POCO F-series models, there is often extra glue under the battery, and if you need to get to the motherboard, be prepared to carefully separate the battery with a plastic scraper and isopropyl alcohol.

πŸ’‘

If you're disassembling a Redmi with NFC, check before you remove the lid to see if the antenna is glued to the inside of the panel, and in some models, it's attached to double-sided tape and can come off.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when disassembling Xiaomi Redmi, and here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:

  • πŸ”₯ Overheating the lid, which causes plastic to deform or detach the glass. Solution: Use a dryer at minimum power and keep it at a distance. 10-15 centimeter.
  • πŸ”§ Using metal tools -- scratches the case and can close the board. Solution: plastic or wooden blades only.
  • πŸ“± Sharp lids -- rips plumes or damages flexible cables. Solution: Move the blade slowly, check resistance.
  • πŸ’§ Getting alcohol on a screen or camera can damage the oleophobic coating. Solution: apply alcohol only to the edges of the lid.

Another common problem is that antenna lines are damaged, and they look like thin metal tracks under the lid and they're responsible for communication (Wi-Fi, 4G, GPS) and if you scratch them, the phone can lose the network, and to avoid that, always look where the antennas are before you pull the lid.

If after disassembly the phone stopped turning on, check:

  1. Is the battery plume connected (sometimes it departs when the lid is removed).
  2. Is the power button damaged (in some Redmi it is attached to the middle frame).
  3. Are the contacts closed on the motherboard (look for foreign metal particles).

πŸ’‘

If the touchscreen or camera doesn't work after the disassembly, the train probably broke off. Don't try to fix it yourself: 90% of the time, you need a soldering iron and microelectronics experience.

How to close the lid back: assembly tips

Putting your phone together after repair is as important as disassembling it, and if the lid doesn't fit well, it can cause dust to get in, overheat, or even lose water protection (for IP-certified models).

  1. Clean the edges of the case of old glue and dust with isopropyl alcohol and cotton swab.
  2. Check the plumes, they should be flat, without inflections. In models with a subscreen fingerprint scanner (for example, the Redmi K50), the plume is especially fragile.
  3. Apply new glue (if the old one is lost stickiness) for this, double-sided 3M tape or special glue for smartphones (for example, Tesa 61395) is suitable.
  4. Press the lid evenly. Start at the top and gradually move down to avoid air bubbles.

IP-certified models (such as the Redmi Note 12 Pro+) will require replacement of sealed gaskets, available in AliExpress repair kits or in specialty stores, and without them, water protection will be compromised even if the lid appears to fit tightly.

After assembly:

  • πŸ”‹ Charge your phone by 50% and check if the battery is warming (this may indicate a short circuit).
  • πŸ“Ά Test the network and Wi-Fi – if the signal is weak, antenna lines may have been damaged.
  • πŸ“· Take a photo on all cameras – sometimes the main camera plume goes away when assembled.

⚠️ Warning: If the phone doesn't turn on after assembly, but when you connect to charging, it shows the battery icon, the problem is the power button or its plume.

Video instructions and additional resources

If you are more visually aware of the information, we recommend you to watch video disassembly for your model, below we have collected verified channels and playlists with detailed instructions:

  • πŸ“Ί YouTube's "Repair World" channel - there are showdowns for most Redmi and POCO (including new models 2023-2026 garland.).
  • πŸ“Ί "Xiaomi Repair β€” specializes in Xiaomi phones, there is a video with translation into Russian.
  • πŸ“– Forums 4PDA β€” in topics on specific models often post photo reports about the disassembly with comments.

To search for videos, use a query like "disassemble [your model] back cover." For example, "disassemble Redmi Note 11 Pro back cover." Pay attention to the date of publication - the design of phones can change even within the same line.

If you haven’t found a video for your model, consider disassembling a similar phone (for example, Redmi Note 12 will suit the video on Redmi Note 11, as their designs are similar).

  • Type of mounting of the cover (latches + glue or glue only).
  • The presence of hidden screws (for example, under stickers).
  • Location of plumes (in some models they are attached not to the board, but to the middle frame).

πŸ’‘

If you're disassembling a battery replacement phone, pre-order a battery adhesive tape (like the 3M 9088) to keep the new battery from hanging around inside the case.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi Redmi disassembly

Can I open the Xiaomi Redmi lid without a hairdryer?
Yes, but it's risky. Without heating, the glue remains strong, so you can break the latches or scratch the body. IP-certification (e.g. Redmi) 9A) you can try to gently cover the lid with a spatula, starting from the angle of the connector USB-C. For the Redmi Note 12, or POCO X5 The hair dryer is mandatory - otherwise the lid will not give in.
What to do if the touchscreen does not work after disassembly?
Most likely, the plume of the digitizer (touch layer) broke off or damaged, 80% of the time it is due to a sharp separation of the lid. Solutions: Take the phone apart again and check the plume (it goes from screen to motherboard). If the plume is torn from the connector, gently plug it back in (sometimes a light press helps). If the plume is torn, you will need a replacement (cost: 1000-3 000). β‚½ Do not try to solder the plume yourself - this requires special equipment.
How do you know if the lid is glued to the latches and not on the latches?
Signs of glue attachment: The lid doesn't respond even when you press the latches hard, and there's a thin layer of sealant on the edges of the body (especially in IP-certified models). When the hair dryer heats up, the lid starts to "play" (a little bit away from the body). Most Redmi uses a combined mount: flanks on the sides + glue on the bottom and top, except for budget models like the Redmi 9C, where the lid is held only on the latches.
Can you use superglue to fix the lid?
No, it's a bad idea. Superglue (cyanoacrylate) crystallizes over time and can damage plastic or glass the next time you disassemble. Instead, use: Double-sided 3M Scotch (e.g., 3M 9448A) is suitable for most models. Special glue for smartphones (e.g., Tesa 61395 or B7000); Sealanter for IP-certified models (sold in repair kits); You can use paint tape for temporary fixation, but it will not provide sealing.
Where to buy spare parts for Xiaomi Redmi after disassembly?
Recommended sites: AliExpress β€” cheap original and non-original parts (delivery 2-4 weeks); Look for sellers with a rating above 98%; 4PDA Market β€” a forum where you sell used and new parts with a guarantee; Local service centers β€” often sell parts "with disassembly" (prices are higher, but you can check before buying); specialized stores (for example, Fixez, RepairUniverse) β€” expensive but high quality. When buying a battery, pay attention to capacity (should match the original) and the presence of a controller (without of it quickly).