The back cover of the Xiaomi Redmi 5 is attached to plastic latches, not screws — it's both plus and minus. On the one hand, disassembly seems easier than flagships with a metal body, on the other hand, the risk of breaking fragile locks with a sloppy opening is extremely high, especially if you're doing it for the first time.
Many users are faced with having to remove the lid to replace the battery, clean the dust or repair the connectors. But even in service centers, Redmi 5 often returns with cracked latches or a damaged seal. In this article, a detailed analysis of the process, taking into account typical errors, as well as tips on choosing tools and preparing the workplace.
If you've never taken a smartphone apart before, be patient: it'll take 20 to 40 minutes to complete the process, take your time and follow the instructions Step-by-step, and if you're in doubt, you'd better go to Xiaomi's service center (especially if the warranty is still in place).
Preparation for the disassembly: what will be needed
Before you start, make sure you have everything you need, and without the right tools, you risk damaging the body or the internal components.
- 🔧 Plastic blade (or mediator) - for careful putting of the lid. Metal tools should not be used categorically!
- 🧲 Suction cup (optional) - helps to lift the lid after warming up, even from an old case.
- 🔥 Hair dryer or thermo-air station - to soften the glue (if the cover is glued) Temperatures no higher than 60-70°C!
- 📦 The screw container is to keep the small parts from getting lost.
- 🧴 Isopropyl alcohol (90%+) — Cleaning contacts and removing glue residues.
Also prepare the workplace:
- Cover the table with a soft cloth (such as a microfiber) to avoid scratching the screen.
- Make sure that the room is well lit – it is better to use a table lamp.
- Turn off your smartphone and remove it. SIM-card with a memory card (if installed).
- Take a picture of the original condition of the lid – this will help with the assembly.
⚠️ Warning: If the Redmi 5 battery is swollen, do not try to open the lid yourself - the risk of fire or damage to the screen is too high.
Step 1: Warming up the cover (if it is glued)
On some Redmi 5 models (especially after 2019), the back cover is further secured with glue, and the glue must be softened to remove it carefully.
- Turn on the dryer at minimum power and direct the flow of warm air to the edges of the cover.
- Keep the hair dryer at a distance of 5-7 cm from the body, constantly moving it so as not to overheat the plastic.
- Warm up for 10-15 seconds each edge (upper, lower, left, right).
Don’t use a building hair dryer – it’s too powerful! The optimum temperature is 60–70°C. If you don’t have a hair dryer, you can put your smartphone on a warm battery (wrapped in a towel) for 5–10 minutes.
⚠️ Warning: Do not overheat the area near the camera and the charging connector - there are thermal gaskets that can deform.
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If the lid does not respond after warming up, try gently sticking a thin guitar string or line between the body and the lid to cut the glue.
Step 2: Disconnect the latch on the perimeter
Now the most important step is to gently slap the lid. Start at the bottom edge (on the charging connector side), because there is a smaller latch and the risk of damage is minimal.
- 📱 Insert a plastic blade into the gap between the lid and the case at the charging connector.
- 🔄 Turn the shoulder blade carefully to create a gap. Don't push hard. Plastic is fragile!
- 🔀 Swipe the shoulder blade along the bottom edge, alternately snapping the locks. You'll hear the characteristic clicks.
Once the bottom edge is gone, move to the side, and the latches are more frequent, so move slowly, lifting the lid 1-2 mm at a time. If you feel resistance, don't pull, go back and see if all the latches are disconnected.
Pay special attention to the area around:
- 📷 Cameras – there are plumes that are easily damaged.
- 🔊 Dynamics - the latches are more fragile there.
- 🔋 Battery – if it is swollen, the lid can “bitten".
The lower edge retreated without resistance|
Side latches are snapped all over the perimeter |
The upper edge (from the camera side) is not clamped |
No coding or creaking when the cover moves-->
Step 3: Complete removal of the lid and inspection of the insides
When all the latches are disconnected, gently lift the lid, starting at the bottom edge. Don't pull it sharply, because it may be glued inside:
- 📶 Antenna contacts (thin metal strips).
- 🔋 Battery heater (black sticky tape).
If the cover is not removed until the end, check:
- Are there any unstoppable slats (especially in corners) left?
- Is the lid stuck to the battery (take care of the spatula).
- Does the fingerprint scanner’s plume catch on (if you have one in your model)?
Once the lid is removed, take a picture of the location of all the components, which will help with the reverse assembly.
- 🔧 Screws – they may differ in length (do not confuse when assembled!).
- 🔌 Trains - do not pull them by the wires, only by the connectors.
- 🧲 Metal screen linings – they are easy to lose.
What to do if the latch breaks?
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when disassembling Redmi 5, 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 or wooden blades |
| Dryer overheating of the cover | Deformation of plastic, detachment of antenna contacts | Keep the hair dryer at a distance of 5-7 cm, the temperature is not higher than 70 ° C. |
| Abrupt removal of the lid | Breakage of the fingerprint scanner plume or speaker | Lift the cover gradually, starting at the bottom edge |
| Loss of screws | Inability to reassemble the smartphone | Use a magnetic mat or container with cells |
| Dust hitting the motherboard | Short circuit, overheating of the processor | Work in a clean room, use a vacuum cleaner if necessary. |
⚠️ Warning: If you notice that the battery is swelling after removing the lid (its surface is uneven or there is white plaque), do not turn on the smartphone and do not connect to charging!
How to assemble Redmi 5 back: step-by-step instructions
Assembly is often more difficult than disassembly. To avoid problems, follow this algorithm:
- Check all the plumes, they must be connected to the end (you will hear a click). Pay special attention to the plume of the screen and the fingerprint scanner.
- Lay the antenna contacts, they should be flat, without bends. Use tweezers if necessary.
- Hold the battery back, if it's removable, make sure the contacts are clean (wipe with alcohol).
- Line the cover - start at the top edge (from the camera side), then gently snap the sides.
- Check the latches, press the perimeter lid after assembly, and if you hear a creak or a slug, disassemble and repeat the process.
After assembly, turn on the smartphone and check:
- 📶 Is the network working (have antenna contacts fallen off).
- 🔋 Is the battery charged (check the connector).
- 📷 Does the camera and fingerprint scanner work.
- 🔊 Is there a sound in the speaker.
If something doesn't work, take the smartphone apart again and check the plumes are connected, and most often, the problems are due to incomplete contact of the connectors.
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The most common reason for a screen to fail after assembly is a loosely connected display plume. Check it first!
When is the best time to contact the service
Despite the apparent simplicity, the Redmi 5 takes care and experience to disassemble.
- 🔧 You don’t have the right tools (especially plastic shoulder blades).
- 🔋 The battery is swollen or deformed.
- 💧 The smartphone got liquid (even if it worked after that).
- 📱 You've tried to open the lid before, but it doesn't give in.
- 🛠️ You need to replace the chips or solder components (for example, a charging connector).
The cost of dismantling in the service is usually 500-1500 rubles, but you will get a guarantee for work. If you decide to act on your own, but something went wrong, do not try to fix mistakes - this can aggravate the problem.
Remember, Xiaomi warranty does not cover damage caused by self-repair, and if the smartphone is warranty, it is better not to risk it.