Why would you need to remove the Redmi 8?
The back cover of the Xiaomi Redmi 8 is not just a decorative element, but a key part of the structure that protects the internal components from dust, moisture and mechanical damage. However, there are situations when it has to be removed: replacing the battery, cleaning from dust, repairing plumes or installing additional modules. It is important to understand that the manufacturer does not provide easy access - the lid is glued around the perimeter, and its improper removal can damage the body or display.
Many users face this challenge when repairing themselves, but not everyone knows how to do it without risking a smartphone. Unlike the flagship models with a modular design, the budget Redmi 8 requires special care: there are no removable latches, and the adhesive tape can be extremely durable. If you have never taken a smartphone before, you better practice on an old device or contact a service center.
In this article, we will discuss the unique method of removing the lid without specialized equipment using tools at hand, and how to avoid the typical errors that lead to cracks in glass or damage to flexible plumes. If your goal is to replace the battery or diagnose internal components, follow the instructions carefully: each step is important.
What tools will you need to remove the lid?
Before you start disassembling, prepare everything you need, and the lack of the right tools is the main cause of damage to the body, and here is the minimum set you'll need:
- 🔧 Plastic blade or mediator to gently lick the lid. Metal tools can scratch the body.
- 🔥 Hair dryer or thermo-air station for softening the glue. Optimal temperature: 60-80°C (not higher!).
- 🧲 Suction cups (2 pcs) - help to evenly pull the lid up after heating.
- 📏 Thin plastic card - for passing along the perimeter of the lid.
- 🔋 Scotch or tape to fix disconnected plumes.
- 🧴 Alcohol or solvent (optional) - to remove glue residues.
If you do not have professional tools, you can do with improvised means:
- 💳 Instead of a shoulder blade, a plastic card (bank or discount) will suit).
- 🔥 Instead of a hair dryer, you can use hot water in a bag attached to the lid for 2-3 minutes.
- 🧲 Instead of suckers - scotch folded with a loop (less reliable, but works).
⚠️ Warning: Never use knives, screwdrivers or other metal objects! They can damage plumes under the lid or leave scratches on the body. If the lid does not lend itself, do not force - you better repeat the heating.
Step-by-step: how to remove the back cover of Redmi 8
Now, to the most critical point, follow the instructions in order, without missing the steps, and if you've never taken a smartphone apart, we recommend that you take a video of it, which will help you get the device back together without any errors.
Step 1: Turn off and prepare the smartphone
Before disassembling, be sure to turn off Redmi 8 and remove it. SIM-Memory card (if installed) will prevent short circuits from accidentally contacting the board, and we recommend that you drain the battery to 30-50%, so it will heat up less when working with a hairdryer.
Step 2: Heating the lid
The glue that glues the lid becomes elastic when heated. Turn the dryer on the minimum power and evenly warm the back of the smartphone for 2-3 minutes, holding the hair dryer at a distance of 10-15 cm. Pay special attention to the edges - that is where the glue is most durable.
Alternatively, put your smartphone on a warm battery or in a warm water bag (not boiling water!) for 5 minutes, the main thing is not to overheat the device, otherwise you can damage the battery.
Step 3: Finishing the lid
After heating, gently attach the suction cups to the bottom of the lid (near the USB-C connector) and pull up slightly. If the lid doesn't lend itself, don't pull harder, repeat the heating. Once there's a small gap, insert a plastic blade into it and slowly guide it around the perimeter, separating the glue.
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Step 4: Disconnecting the plumes
When the lid is almost separated, don't take it off completely! Underneath it are the plumes of the fingerprint scanner and the antenna modules. Carefully lift the lid and unplug them by pulling the connectors (not the wires!) Lock the plumes with tape so that they don't interfere with further work.
Important: If you remove the battery replacement cover, don't pull the battery itself - it's also glued! First, unplug its plume from the motherboard.
⚠️ Warning: If the smartphone stops turning on after the lid is removed, check if you have damaged the display plume, which is located under a metal frame and easily breaks when sloppy movement.
What to do if the lid is not removed?
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when disassembling the Redmi 8, 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 |
| Overheating of the hull | Deformation of plastic, battery damage | Keep the hair dryer at a distance of 10-15 cm, do not heat for longer than 3 minutes |
| Abrupt removal of the lid | Breakage of the print scanner or antenna plumes | Disconnect the plumes until the lid is completely removed. |
| Pressure on the centre of the cover | Cracks on the camera glass or scanner | Press only on the edges where there are no fragile elements |
Another common problem is that the tape is damaged when you build, so if you're planning to use your smartphone further, replace the old glue with a new one (you can buy it from radio stores), and double-sided tape is a good fix, but it's less reliable.
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If after assembly, the smartphone becomes worse to catch the network, check whether the antenna modules under the lid fit tightly, sometimes they shift when installed carelessly.
How to reassemble the smartphone back?
Building the Redmi 8 after repair is as important as disassembling, and here are the key points to consider:
- Trail check: Make sure all connectors are clean and not bent. Dry them with alcohol if necessary.
- Stacking duct tape: If you use a new adhesive, evenly spread it around the perimeter of the cover, leaving holes for the speaker and microphone.
- Assembly sequence: First connect the plumes, then gently apply the cover starting at the top (where the cameras are located).
- Functionality check: After assembly, turn on your smartphone and check the scanner of fingerprints, cameras, speakers and network.
If the lid doesn't fit well or creak after assembly, it means that the glue is not warmed enough or applied unevenly, in which case you have to repeat the procedure, carefully detaching the lid and re-gluing it.
⚠️ Warning: If after assembly, the smartphone starts to overheat, turn it off immediately! Chances are you forgot to connect the heat paste to the processor or mislaid the battery. Disassemble the device and check all connections.
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The main rule of assembly: all plumes must be connected until the lid is fully fixed. If you first glue the lid, and then try to connect the plumes, the risk of damage increases by 3 times.
When is the best time to contact the service?
While removing the Redmi 8 lid seems like a simple procedure, there are cases where self-repairing is impractical:
- 🔧 If you have never taken out electronics and are afraid to damage your smartphone.
- 🔋 If the battery is swelling, it's dangerous! A bloated battery can ignite if it's not handled properly.
- 📱 If after an unsuccessful attempt to remove the cover, cracks appeared on the display or body.
- 🔌 If the smartphone does not turn on after disassembly – it is possible that the motherboard is damaged.
The cost of replacing the cover in the service center Xiaomi or third workshops is usually 1,500-3,000 rubles (depending on the region), which is not as expensive as repairing after a failed self-disassembly, which can cost 5,000-10,000 rubles.
If you do decide to do it yourself but you're having a hard time, don't go ahead, you better get help, for example, in Moscow and St. Petersburg, there are workshops that offer free diagnostics before repairs.