How to gently open the back cover of Xiaomi Redmi 5A: tools, steps and warnings

Xiaomi Redmi 5A is one of the brand’s most popular budget smartphones, released in 2017. Despite its simplicity of design, disassembling this device requires caution: a plastic lid is attached to latches, and fragile plumes are located inside. This article will help avoid the typical mistakes when opening the case, from the selection of tools to the final assembly.

Do you plan to replace the battery, clean the charging socket or get to the motherboard? We'll go through all the steps in detail: how to lid the lid without scratches, which latches hold it the most, and what to do if the case is "not amenable." And you'll also learn which tools are absolutely not worth using (spoiler: knife and screwdriver are not assistants here).

Preparation for the disassembly: what will be needed

Before you start removing the lid, make sure you have everything you need. Redmi 5A does not require professional tools, but the wrong choice can damage the plastic or plumes.

• 🔧 Plastic mediator or guitar mediator (thickness 0.5-0.7 mm) – the best option for putting the cover without scratches.
• 🔥 A hair dryer or thermo-air station (optional) – will help soften the adhesive on the battery if you are planning to replace it.
• 🧲 Suction (diameter 3-5 cm) - simplifies the initial lift of the cover, but not necessary.
• 📦 The screw container - at Redmi 5A They are few, but easy to lose.
• 🔍 A magnifying glass or a magnifying glass will help to see microcracks on the plumes.

If you don't have a mediator, you can use a plastic card (bank or discount), but you should wrap the edges of it with tape to avoid scratching the case, but metal objects — knives, screwdrivers, scissors — are strictly forbidden: they leave traces on plastic and can puncture the battery.

Step-by-step: how to remove the cover without damage

The Redmi 5A takes 10-15 minutes to disassemble, if you take care.

1. Turn off your smartphone and remove it. SIM-This will prevent short circuits from accidentally touching the board.
2. Heat the edges of the body (optional). If the lid is too tight, you can slightly warm it up with a hair dryer (temperature not higher than 60 ° C) for 1-2 minutes, this will soften the adhesive bases of the latches.
3. Start at the bottom edge. Put the mediator in the gap between the lid and the body at the Micro-USB connector and gently lead up along the side edge. You'll hear the characteristic clicks, which are the snaps that are disconnected.
4. Disconnect the top, and when the side latches are released, the lid will only hold on to the top edge, and then you can pull it up at the camera and slowly lift it up.

If the lid is not amenable, don't force it! You probably missed one of the latches. Check if all the clicks are heard (there should be about 10-12). In Redmi 5A, the most stubborn latches are located near the volume buttons and the headphone jack.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when disassembling the Redmi 5A. Here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:

Pay special attention to the fingerprint scanner plume, which is glued to the lid and can come off when you're not careful, and if you notice that the plume has started to move away, stop disassembling immediately and secure it with tape.

What to do after removing the cover: further actions

When the lid is successfully removed, the Redmi 5A’s interior design will open up in front of you.

• 📸 Main camera module (13 MP) with metal mount.
• 🔋 Battery (3000 mAh) – glued to the body, but the connector is easily detached.
• 📱 Motherboard with Qualcomm Snapdragon 425 processor.
• 🔊 Dynamic and vibration motor – located at the bottom.
• 📶 Antenna contacts – thin metal stripes on the sides.

If your goal is to replace the battery, first disconnect the connector from the board (it is under a black protective film). To do this, tuck the film with a nail or a plastic spatula, then gently snap the connector with a flat screwdriver. Don't pull the wires!

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Before you disconnect the battery, take a picture of the location of the plumes on the board, which will help you connect them back to the correct assembly.

Building a phone: how to avoid mistakes

Putting the Redmi 5A back together is often harder than disassembling, and the main problem is that the latches are not properly positioned, so the lid is not sitting tight.

1. Make sure all plumes (especially the fingerprint scanner) are not twisted and lie in their grooves.
2. Start the assembly at the top edge - it should click first.
3. Press the lid evenly around the perimeter, not just the center.
4. Make sure the volume and power buttons are not recessed – they should be pressed freely.

After assembly, turn on the phone and check:

• 🔋 Does the charging work (connect the cable).
• 📶 Is there a network (check the signal indicator).
• 🔊 Is the sound coming from the speaker.
• 📸 Is the camera working (take a test shot).

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If the phone doesn't turn on after assembly, check the battery and the display plume connection, and in 90% of cases, the problem is a loosely inserted connector.

Where to buy parts for Redmi 5A

If you damage the lid, the battery, or any other components during the disassembly process, you can replace them.

When buying a battery, pay attention to capacity and production date. The best option is a battery no older than 6 months (the date is usually indicated on the YY/MM label). Avoid "no-name" batteries - they often swell or quickly lose capacity.

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Before buying a lid, check its color code: black - MB1166, gold - MB1167, pink - MB1168. The lids from Redmi 4A do not fit!

When is the best time to contact the service center

Not all breakdowns can be repaired by yourself.

• 💥 The battery is swelling - it is dangerous to health, as it can lead to fire.
• 📱 The motherboard cracked - a soldering of chips is required, which cannot be performed without experience.
• 🔧 The touchscreen is not working – the problem may be in the plume or display controller.
• 🌡️ Phone overheats after assembly - possibly the thermopast on the processor has dried up.

Average cost of dismantling Redmi 5A in the service center - 500-1500 ₽ (If you are in doubt, it is better to pay for professional help than to risk the operation of the device.

⚠️ Warning: If the phone doesn't turn on after disassembly, but you're sure you've connected it correctly, don't try to turn it on again. This can lead to a short circuit.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Redmi 5A disassembly