Xiaomi Redmi 9 is one of the most popular budget smartphones, but even it is not immune to breakdowns. Most often, users face the need to remove the back cover to replace the battery, repair the charging plume or clean up the dust. However, the design of modern smartphones involves adhesive mounting of the panel, not screws, as in older models. This complicates the process, but does not make it impossible.
In this article, you will find step-by-step instructions with photos and videos, a list of tools you need, and critical warnings to help avoid damaging the display or motherboard. We will examine both the classic suction cup and mediator method and alternative methods for those without professional equipment.
Preparation for disassembly: what you need to know before the beginning
Before you start removing the back cover, make sure you really understand the risks of the procedure.
- 🔋 Damage to the battery (blown or puncture with careless use of the mediator).
- 📱 Cracks on the glass panel (especially if the cover has already been damaged).
- 🔌 Breakage of battery or camera plume (if you pull the lid with excessive force).
- 🚫 Loss of warranty (if the device is still in warranty service).
If your Redmi 9 is still warranty, you should contact Xiaomi Service Center. Self-disassembly will void warranty obligations. Also note that after removing the cover, the dust and moisture protection (IP53) will be violated, even if you carefully collect the smartphone back.
Essential tools: what to buy and what to replace
A minimum set of tools will be required to safely remove the back cover, most of which can be found in smartphone remakes (costs between 300 and 1,000 rubles) or replaced with improvised tools.
| Tool. | Appointment | The alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic mediator (1-2 units) | Separation of the adhesive layer without scratches | Guitar mediator or plastic card |
| Suction cup (∅ 40-50 mm) | Initial separation of the lid from the body | Stationery tape, folded in several layers |
| Thin screwdriver (T3, T4) | Spinning screws (if any) | Scissors with a thin blade (caution!) |
| Fryer-dryer | Softening of glue (temperature 60-80 °C) | A hot water bottle or hot water in a bag |
| Tweezers | Removal of small parts (e.g., a protective speaker grid) | Manicure pinch |
Important: Don't use metal objects (knives, blades) to separate the lid, they leave scratches on the aluminum frame and can damage the plumes. If you don't have a suction cup, you can try gently tucking the lid with your nail around the SIM card connector, but this increases the risk of breaking the latches.
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Before disassembling, completely discharge the battery (up to 0%) and leave the smartphone off for 10-15 minutes. this minimizes the risk of short circuit in case of accidental battery damage.
Step-by-step: how to remove the back cover without damage
Follow this algorithm to minimize the risks, and the whole process will take 15 to 40 minutes, depending on your experience.
- Turn off your smartphone and remove the SIM card tray, which will prevent accidental switching on during the disassembly.
- Heat the back cover with a hair dryer for 2-3 minutes, holding it at a distance of 10-15 cm The temperature should be comfortable for the hand (not higher than 80 ° C).
- Set the suction cup closer to the bottom edge of the smartphone (near the USB-C connector). Press to create a vacuum.
- Pull the suction cup up with moderate force. If the lid doesn't lend itself, heat it up for another 1 minute.
- Insert the mediator into the gap and carefully guide it along the edge, separating the glue. Do not immerse the mediator deeper than 2-3 mm, so as not to damage the plumes!
- Repeat the procedure on all sides. Pay special attention to the corners, where the glue usually holds tighter.
- Remove the lid when all the latches are freed, and if it doesn't separate, check if there are any undeveloped areas left.
The cover is separated from all sides.|No resistance on the climb|The plumes are not stretched.|The battery is not swelled or deformed-->
Critical: If the lid suddenly "bounced" with a characteristic crack, most likely, the battery or camera plume has come off. In this case, do not turn on the smartphone until you check the integrity of the contacts!
⚠️ Attention: On Redmi 9, the fingerprint scanner plume passes under the battery. If you remove the battery cover, first disconnect the scanner connector (it is located to the right of the battery), otherwise you can break thin wires.
What to do if the cover does not lend itself: alternative methods
Sometimes the glue is so strong that the standard method doesn't work.
- 🔥 Increase the heating temperature to 90°C (maximum!), but shorten the time to 1-1.5 Make sure the plastic doesn't deform.
- 🧴 Use isopropyl alcohol (90%+). Apply a few drops along the seam of the lid, it dissolves the glue. Then repeat the procedure with the mediator.
- 🪛 Carefully tuck the lid in the corners with a thin plastic card. Often the glue is less dense there.
- 🔄 Try the "thread method": slash a thin capron thread (for example, from kipper tape) under the lid and saw it with glue like a saw.
If nothing helps, it is possible that the lid was glued to double-sided tape of high strength (often found after unskilled repairs), in which case it is better to contact the service - independent attempts can lead to rupture of flexible plumes or damage to antenna lines.
How to distinguish factory glue from artisanal
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes that lead to costly repairs.
- Too much effort when lifting the cover → The result is cracks in the glass or a break in the display plume. Solution: heat the glue longer and use multiple mediators at once.
- Ignoring latches → The lid may appear loose, but held back by plastic clips. Solution: Check all angles for resistance.
- Working without a battery switched off → The risk of short circuits when you accidentally touch the board. Solution: disconnect the battery connector immediately after you remove the lid.
- Use of sharp instruments → - A scratch on the body or a puncture in the battery!
⚠️ Attention: On the Redmi 9, the charging plug plume is very close to the bottom edge of the lid. USB-C port, first disconnect the battery, and then carefully raise the fee - the plume is attached to it from the back side!
If you accidentally tore a plume of a touchscreen or display, don't panic. In most cases, it can be replaced separately (the cost of a plume for the Redmi 9 is from 500 to 1500 rubles), the main thing is not to turn on the smartphone until you fix the problem, otherwise you can burn the motherboard.
Backup: How to Stick the Cover Correctly
Once the repair is complete, the lid needs to be re-mounted.
- Use the original glue (if it has retained stickiness). To do this, just clean the glue residues from the frame and lid with alcohol, then tightly press the parts.
- Apply new glue: 🔘 Double-sided scotch 3M (0.2 mm thickness – budget option, but less reliable. 🔘 Liquid glue B-7000 — It is tight, but requires 24 hours of drying. 🔘 Special glue for smartphones (for example, Tesa 61395) – the best choice.
Procedure:
- Clean the frame and cover of the old glue with alcohol or acetone.
- Apply a new glue with a thin layer, retreating 1-2 mm from the edges (so as not to squeeze the prece).
- Line the cover over the USB-C connector and press gently, starting from the center.
- Place your smartphone under a press (for example, between two books) for 10-15 minutes.
- Do not turn on the device for 1-2 hours to allow the glue to be fully polymerized.
Redmi 9