How to gently open the cover Xiaomi Redmi 5A: the secrets of disassembly without scratches

The Xiaomi Redmi 5A is one of the most popular budget smartphones, but even it is not immune to breakdowns. Most often, users face the need to disassemble the device to replace the battery, clean the charging connector or repair the camera. However, removing the back cover of this model has its own nuances: brittle plastic latches, adhesive tapes under the battery and the risk of damage to the plume of the fingerprint scanner.

In this article, you'll find a step-by-step photo guide, a list of tools you need, and a list of common mistakes that cause the body or internal components to break down. We'll tell you how to avoid chipping plastic, what to do if the lid doesn't respond, and how to properly disconnect the plumes so that you don't damage the motherboard. We'll focus on safety -- why you can't use metal blades and how to protect the screen from scratches.

If you've never taken a smartphone apart before, start by getting ready: read the tool section and watch video reviews of the disassembly. The Redmi 5A has one feature: a hidden latch near the headphone jack that many people overlook, which causes the lid to break when you try to remove it.

Preparation for disassembly: tools and precautions

Before you start removing the lid, make sure you have everything you need. Using the wrong tools is the main cause of damage to the body. For example, metal blades or knives can leave scratches on the plastic, and too thick mediators can break latches.

Here is the minimum set you will need:

• 🔧 Plastic mediators (2-3 pc.) or a specialized set for disassembling smartphones
• 🔥 Hair dryer (to soften the glue if the cover is glued)
• 🧲 Suction (optional, helps to lift the cover after heating)
• 📸 Loop or magnifying glass (to look for hidden latches)
• 🧴 Alcohol or isopropyl alcohol (to clean glue)

Also, prepare your workspace: Put your smartphone on a soft surface (like a microfiber wipe) to avoid scratching the screen. If you’re working with a battery, be sure to discharge it to 20-30%, which will reduce the risk of fire if you accidentally damage it.

⚠️ Note: Do not use magnetic-tipped screwdrivers – they can magnetize the internal components of the smartphone, which will lead to failures in the compass or speaker.

Step-by-step: how to remove the back cover

The process of dismantling Xiaomi Redmi 5A Start with the power out. Turn off your smartphone and remove it. SIM-card and memory card (if installed). Follow the algorithm:

1. Heat the case: Use a dryer at minimum power (temperature not higher than 60°C) and warm up the edges of the smartphone for 1-2 minutes. This will soften the glue if it is used to fix the cover.
2. Cap compartment: Insert the plastic mediator into the gap between the lid and the body (start at the lower right corner where the charging connector is located). Carefully drive the mediator along the edge, snapping the clamps.
3. Hidden latches: Pay special attention to the area near the headphone jack - there is an additional latch that is easy to miss.
4. Removal: Once all the latches are snapped, lift the lid at a 45° angle and remove it. Don't pull it too hard, because there may be plumes attached under the lid.

If the lid doesn't lend itself, don't put too much effort into it. You probably missed one of the latches or the glue won't warm up enough. Reheat and try again.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when disassembling the Redmi 5A. Here are the most common of them:

Another common problem is that the duct tape is damaged under the battery, so if you're planning to replace the battery, be prepared for the original tape to break, buy a new tape in advance, or use double-sided tape.

⚠️ Warning: If you see the fingerprint scanner plume is off after the cover is removed, don't try to solder it yourself.

What to do if the cover is not removed

Sometimes the Redmi 5A can get stuck because of old glue or latch deformation, and then you can use the following algorithm:

1. Reheat: Warm up the body with a hair dryer once again, paying attention to the corners. The glue becomes elastic when heated, which will make it easier to separate.
2. Suction cup use: If the lid is lifted but not removed completely, apply the suction cup to the center of the lid and pull up while simultaneously putting on the mediator.
3. Check the latches: Check the case for hidden latches. Redmi 5A can have up to 12 latches, and even one miss blocks the removal.
4. Alternative method: If nothing helps, try to gently cut the glue with a thin thread (for example, a guitar string), sliding it between the lid and the body.

If the lid is still not removed, it may have been glued to the factory more than usual, in which case it is better to contact a service center to avoid damage to the body.

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Before disassembling, take a picture of the location of all the plumes and screws - this will help to properly assemble the smartphone back.

Disassembly after removing the cover: what can be damaged

Once the lid is removed, you will see the insides of the smartphone: the battery, motherboard, camera and speaker, and it is important to act carefully to avoid damaging key components:

• 🔋 Battery: Don't push it or puncture it, it can cause fire. If the battery is swelling, don't try to remove it yourself.
• 📸 Camera module: Don't touch the lens - greasy marks will degrade the quality of the photo. Use gloves or only take the edges of the module.
• 🔊 Speaker and microphone: These are attached to duct tape, and if you're not careful, you can tear the contacts off.
• 🖥️ The plumes: The fingerprint scanner and the display are very fragile.

If you're planning to replace the battery, first disconnect the plume from the motherboard, and then gently put a plastic blade on the connector, and never pull the plumes, they can break away from the board.

Smartphone Assembly: How to Avoid Problems

Getting the Xiaomi Redmi 5A back together is often harder than making sense of it. Here are the key points to look out for:

1. Check latches: Make sure all plastic latches are in place and not broken. If even one is missing, the lid will dangle.
2. Adhesive tape: If you've taken off the battery, replace the old tape with a new one, which will prevent the battery from shifting when it falls.
3. Plugs: Connect all the plumes to the characteristic click. If the connector is not fixed, check if the contacts are bent.
4. Test before final assembly: Connect the battery and check if the smartphone is switched on. If not, look for the problem before full assembly.

Once built, turn on your smartphone and check all the features: camera, speaker, microphone, fingerprint scanner and charging. If something doesn't work, disassemble the device again and check the connection of the plumes.

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If the smartphone doesn't turn on after assembly, check the battery and the display plume connection first. 90% of the time, that's where the problem lies.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the Xiaomi Redmi 5A disassembly