The procedure for opening the case of the Xiaomi Mi A2 Lite smartphone (also known as the Redmi 6 Pro) requires accuracy and understanding of the device design. This device, released as part of the Android One program, has a classic budget layout, where the back cover is part of the case, not a separate module. Many users are looking for a way to open the lid to replace broken glass or battery without realizing the risks associated with adhesive joints.
Unlike the flagship models with moisture protection, it uses a lot of glue around the perimeter, which makes the dismantling process time-consuming. Wrong actions can damage the display plumes or, worse, bloat the battery when heated. Before starting work, you need to be clear that the tightness of the device will be violated forever, even if you use the new B-7000 glue.
The main challenge is that the back of the Mi A2 Lite is made of metal and has rounded edges, which makes it difficult to insert a suction cup. You will need not only physical strength, but also patience to warm the adhesive layer to the optimal temperature. Ignoring the preparation steps often causes chips on the frame or cracks on the display glass itself.
Tools and workplace preparation required
To perform a good disassembly, you will need a specialized set of tools that goes beyond the usual screwdriver. Standard household tools may not be suitable due to the specific screws used by the manufacturer. In particular, Xiaomi often uses Torx screws with a slime that can not be twisted with a cross screwdriver without the risk of tearing the hat.
A household hair dryer is not suitable because it cannot heat the adhesive to the desired temperature of 80-90 degrees Celsius. Using an industrial hair dryer requires caution: the air jet must be directed strictly to the edges, avoiding prolonged exposure to the center where the electronics components are located.
โ ๏ธ Note: Before starting the heating, be sure to remove SIM-card and memory card: Thermal exposure to plastic tray elements can cause them to deform and get stuck inside the case.
Workspace organization also plays a role. You'll need a magnetic mat or a container of screw-sorting cells. Rotors of varying lengths twisted in the wrong places can pierce the circuit board or damage the plumes when assembled. Also prepare isopropyl alcohol to clean the surfaces of old glue.
- ๐ง A set of screwdrivers with Phillips and Torx bits T4/T5
- ๐ฅ Industrial dryer or heating pad for screens
- ๐ด Plastic mediators and a suction cup with a handle
- ๐ง Isopropyl alcohol and pipette for application
- ๐งฒ Magnetic organizer for screws
The process of heating and separation of the back cover
The first step is to soften the adhesive layer. Put the smartphone screen down on a soft cloth or a special silicone mat to avoid scratching the display. Turn on the hair dryer and evenly warm the perimeter of the back cover for 3-5 minutes. The surface temperature should become noticeably hot for the finger, but not melting plastic.
After warming up, place the suction cup at the bottom of the back cover, closer to the Mi logo, but not at the very edge. Pull the suction cup up, creating tension, and in the resulting gap, carefully insert a thin plastic mediator. If the suction cup is not held due to lack of glass on the lid, you can use a thin line or a special string to cut the glue.
Move the mediator or string along the perimeter, trying not to go more than 2-3 mm into the body, inside are the plumes of the fingerprint scanner and the main camera, which can be easily damaged, the movements should be smooth, with constant heating of difficult areas.
Pay special attention to the areas around the main camera module. There's the glue that often holds the strongest. Don't put too much effort into it if you feel resistance, you'd better add a little more heat. A sharp jerk can cause the fingerprint scanner's plume to rip off, which is glued to the inside of the lid.
Dismantling internal components and protecting plumes
Once you successfully remove the back cover, you'll have access to the insides, but you don't have to rush to remove the board. The first thing you need to do is turn off the battery. The battery plume is under a metal plate or a plastic plug at the bottom of the device. Carefully bend the connector lock with a plastic blade.
Now you can move on to removing the safety plates, and they're attached by lots of small screws of different lengths, remember or photograph the location of each screw, and underneath one of the plates, there may be an interconnect cable connecting the motherboard to the lower charge board.
The fingerprint scanner in the Mi A2 Lite is often attached to the back cover, and when it is removed, it can remain hanging from the plume. Be very careful: the plume is very thin and easily breaks. If the scanner interferes with full opening, it must be carefully unstuck from the metal frame of the cover, heating the connection.
To extract the motherboard, you take the main camera module off, it's held on a glue cushion and locks, and then you gently raise the board, starting with the charging connector, and don't pull the antenna contacts, they might break off.
Replacing the battery and eliminating typical problems
A common cause of disassembly is to replace a bloated or worn-out battery. In the Xiaomi Mi A2 Lite, the battery is glued to a frame on double-sided tape, and it should be removed with extreme care using a plastic card or a special tool with a fishing line.
Under no circumstances do not use metal objects to smack the battery. A puncture of a lithium polymer cell will cause instant fire or chemical burn. If the battery is very swelled and interferes with opening, first carefully burn the gases, puncture the shell in a safe place (in the hood), but it is better not to bring it to this and warm it more carefully.
| Component | Difficulty replacing | Risks. | The necessary tool |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery | Medium | Fire, plume damage | Fen, plastic card |
| Back cover. | Tall. | Cracks, chips of paint | Suction, mediators. |
| Display module | Tall. | A rupture of the plume, a break in the frame. | Sets of screwdrivers, tweezers |
| Charging connector | Low. | Loss of small screws | Torx screwdriver |
When installing a new battery, make sure the contact pad is clean. Use a new double-sided tape or a special B-7000 glue for locking. Do not apply glue to the entire battery case, just around the perimeter or in the center, so as not to complicate future repairs.
โ ๏ธ Warning: After replacing the battery, be sure to check the voltage on the contacts with the multimeter before final assembly.
Device assembly and function testing
The assembly is done in reverse order, but with the addition of new materials, the old glue from the frame and the lids must be completely removed. To do this, use isopropyl alcohol and a scraper. The surface should be perfectly smooth and fat-free.
Apply a new glue (B-7000 or T-7000) in a thin layer on the frame of the case. Let it dry for 1-2 minutes to the state of "Velcro", then carefully combine the lid and press it. For better adhesion, you can use rubber harnesses, pulling them together the smartphone for 30-60 minutes.
Before you finally lock the lid, do a primary test, plug the battery and press the power button, check the touchscreen, vibration, speaker and microphone, and if everything works, you can twist the screws and lock the lid.
It's important to twist the screws right. They should sit tight, but not fanatically. A twisted screw can crack a plastic insert in the case or break the thread. Curl them cross-over for even pressure distribution.