The back cover of Xiaomi 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 user faces the task of removing it: whether it is replacing the battery, repairing the plume, cleaning from dust or installing additional modules. Unlike flagships Samsung or Apple, where the covers are often fixed on the latches, Xiaomi devices (especially in budget and medium-budget series) use combined mounting systems — glue + clips, which complicates the process.
The main problem is the risk of damaging fragile elements: disconnect the battery plume, break plastic latches or break waterproofing gaskets (if the model has IP53/IP68 protection). For example, in the Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi Note 12 Pro+, the lid is glued around the perimeter, and in the POCO X5, it is additionally fixed with screws under the pentagram. This article will help you figure out how to remove the lid without consequences, what tools will be required, and what to do if something goes wrong.
Preparing for removal of the lid: tools and security measures
Before you start disassembling, make sure you have everything you need. Lack of the right tools is the main cause of damage. For example, trying to lid a knife or screwdriver almost always ends in scratches on the body or broken clips.
Here is the minimum set you will need:
- 🔧 Plastic blade (or mediator) - for tidy liding. Metal tools leave traces!
- 🔥 Dryer or thermo-air station - for softening the glue (temperature 60-80)°C).
- 🔩 Screwdriver with a set of bits (Pentalobe, Torx, Phillips) - for screws under the lid.
- 🧲 Suction cup – helps to lift the lid after heating (especially relevant for Xiaomi) 12T or Redmi K50).
- 📦 Container for screws - so as not to lose small details.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use a household hair dryer at maximum power - the hot air flow can damage the display or battery. The optimal distance is 10-15 cm, the temperature is not higher than 80°C.
Also prepare the workplace:
- 🪑 Work at a table with good lighting.
- 🧹 Remove all unnecessary items – the lost screw can get into the charging connector.
- 🔋 Turn off your phone and wait until it is completely discharged (or remove the battery if possible without removing the lid).
Step-by-step: how to remove the cover on different models
The algorithm for removing the lid depends on the design of the particular model, and below is a universal instruction, taking into account the features of popular Xiaomi lines.
1. Heating of the adhesive layer
The glue that the lid is glued to becomes elastic when you heat it up. Warm up the back with a hair dryer for 2-3 minutes, evenly flowing a jet of air around the perimeter. Pay special attention to the corners, there is usually more glue. To check the temperature, you can touch the lid with your finger: it should be hot, but not burn.
2. Cover smacking
Insert a plastic blade into the gap between the lid and the body. Start at the bottom edge (near the charging connector) or at the corner next to the power button. Carefully drive the blade along the body, gradually lifting the lid. If you feel resistance, do not push harder, but warm up the place again.
Heated the entire perimeter of the lid | Scapular inserted into the slot without effort | No cod or resistance when underdog | Suction cup ready to fix the lid-->
3. Features for specific models
| Model | Type of attachment | nuance |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10/11/12 | Glue + 2 screws under the pentagram | The screws are hidden under stickers near the Type-C connector. The glue is weak, but the clips are brittle. |
| POCO X3/X4/X5 | Glue + 4 screws (Torx T3) | Suction cup is mandatory, the lid is tight, the battery is glued tightly. |
| Xiaomi 12/13 Pro | Glue + waterproofing gasket | It requires care -- the gasket breaks under extreme tension. Use a thin shoulder blade. |
| Redmi K50/K60 | Glue + metal latches | The lid is thicker than other models, and you need to heat it for longer (3-4 minutes). |
In models with IP53/IP68 protection (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Redmi Note 12 Pro+), after removing the cover, you need to replace the waterproofing gasket - otherwise the phone will lose moisture protection.
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If the lid does not lend itself, try to heat it again and use two blades at the same time - one for fixing, the other for tweaking.
What to do if the lid is not removed?
Sometimes even after heating, the lid doesn't lend itself, and the reasons can be different, from factory failure to excessively hard glue.
- 🔥 Increase the heating time to 4-5 minutes, but make sure the plastic does not deform.
- 🧲 Use a suction cup, which helps you spread the force evenly. Stick it closer to the edge of the lid.
- 🛠️ Try another instrument – sometimes a thin guitar mediator works better than a shoulder blade.
- 💧 Use isopropyl alcohol, a few drops around the perimeter will soften the glue, but don't overdo it, it can damage the pads!
⚠️ Warning: If the lid is not removed, do not apply excessive force - this can lead to cracks in the camera glass or damage to the battery plume.
In some models (for example, the POCO F4 GT), the lid can be further fixed with hidden screws under decorative plugs. Check the case for small plastic stoppers - they must be carefully removed with a needle or tweezers.
How do you know if the lid is about to be removed?
Removal of the cover on models with a battery glued to the cover
In some Xiaomi smartphones (such as the Redmi 9A or POCO M3), the battery is glued directly to the inside of the lid, which complicates the process, since if you slap it, you can damage the battery or tear off the plume.
Algorithm of action:
- Warm up the cover as described above.
- Carefully slap the lid on the side opposite the battery (usually on top, next to the speaker).
- If you feel the battery cap pulling, stop and warm up again. The glue under the battery softens longer.
- As soon as a gap of 1-2 mm appears, insert a plastic card or several blades into it to fix the position.
If the battery is still gone with the lid, do not try to tear it off by force! Use a thin thread or a special suction tool for the batteries to carefully separate it from the lid.
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In models with a glued battery, the main thing is not to rush, it is better to spend an extra 10 minutes on heating than to damage the battery and get a short circuit.
Cleaning and Assembly: How to Avoid Mistakes
After successfully removing the lid, take your time to start repairing.
- 🔋 Check if the battery is damaged.
- 📱 Make sure all flexible plumes (display, cameras, buttons) are in place.
- 🧹 Carefully remove dust with a soft brush or canister with compressed air.
When building, follow the inverse algorithm:
- Make sure all screws are in place (use a magnetic mat to avoid losing them).
- If you remove the battery, glue it back to double-sided tape or a special glue B-7000.
- Before fixing the cover, check the operation of all buttons and connectors.
- Close the lid and press it evenly around the perimeter. If the model has adhesive fixation, use clamps or screeds for 10-15 minutes.
For models with waterproofing (Xiaomi 13 Pro, Redmi Note 12 Pro+) after assembly, check the leakproofness with a waterproof test (for example, placing the phone in a bag with silica gel for several hours). If you notice condensation under the camera, the gasket is damaged and needs to be replaced.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when disassembling Xiaomi, and here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:
| Mistake. | Effects of consequences | How to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Use of metal tools | Scratches on the body, damage to plumes | Use only plastic shoulder blades or mediators |
| Excessive heat by a hairdryer | Deformation of plastic, detachment of glass panel | Control temperature (max. 80°C) and distance (10-15 cm) |
| Strong pressure on the cover. | Cracks on the camera glass or display | Fill the lid evenly, without jerking. |
| Loss of screws or clips | Unstable fixation of the lid, backlashes | Use a container for small parts |
Another common problem is that the battery plume is damaged, and it's often located next to the lid connector, and if you're not tidy, it's easy to pull it off, and to avoid that, before you take off the lid, you can see your model's disassembly on YouTube, which will help you understand where the danger zones are.
1. Is the battery plume connected?
2. Are the contacts closed (use a multimeter)
3. Is the motherboard damaged (sign - the smell of burning).-->
When is the best time to contact the service?
Not all breakdowns can be repaired on their own, but here are some cases where you can trust the professionals:
- 🔧 Fractured camera glass or display – replacement requires special equipment.
- 💦 Liquid intake - ultrasonic cleaning of the board is necessary.
- ⚡ Power problems (phone not charging, switches off spontaneously).
- 📡 Failure of the antenna or communication module (no network, no Wi-Fi).
The cost of disassembling in a Xiaomi service center or third workshops is usually from 500 to 1500 rubles (depending on the model), which is inexpensive compared to the risk of damaging the phone when self-repaired. For example, replacing the charging connector in the Redmi Note 11 will cost 1000-1200 rubles, but repairing the motherboard after a short circuit is already 5000-8000 rubles.
⚠️ Note: If your phone is warranty, self-disassembly will cancel it. In this case, contact only official service centers Xiaomi.