How to open the back cover of Xiaomi phone: instructions with photos and tips

The back cover of Xiaomi’s smartphone is not just a decorative element, but a complex design that protects the internal components from dust, moisture and mechanical damage, and many users face the need to remove it: Whether it's replacing the battery, repairing plumes, cleaning dust or installing additional modules, however, the wrong actions can lead to cracks in the body, damage to flexible plumes or even loss of leakage (relevant to models with protection). IP53/IP68).

In this article, we will understand how to open the back cover on different Xiaomi models – from budget Redmi to flagship Xiaomi. 13/14, You'll learn what mistakes beginners make most, how to avoid damage, and what to do if the lid is stuck to the body. And if you've never taken a smartphone apart, don't worry, we'll give you step-by-step recommendations that take into account all the nuances.

Why you may need to remove the back cover

Before you start to use tools, you need to be clear about why you need them, and here are the most common reasons.

• 🔋 Battery replacement is the most common reason. Xiaomi batteries lose capacity through 2-3 It is a year of active use and it is cheaper to buy a new phone to replace them.
• 🛠️ Train repairs – for example, camera malfunction, speaker, or power buttons often require access to internal components.
• 🧹 Dust cleaning – over time, dust and pile accumulate under the lid, which can lead to overheating or failures in the operation of sensors.
• 🔧 Installing additional modules – some users upgrade their devices by adding, for example, wireless charging or NFC-chip (unless it has been pre-installed).
• 💧 Eliminating the effects of fluid intrusion – even if the phone doesn’t turn on after water, timely disassembly and drying can save it.

Important: if your Xiaomi is still under warranty, self-disassembly will cancel the manufacturer's warranty obligations, in this case, it is better to contact the service center.+ etc.) after disassembly may lose leakage - they will have to be re-glued.

What tools will you need

Without the right tools, it's almost impossible to remove the Xiaomi lid -- you'll either damage the body or you won't be able to peel it evenly.

• 🔧 Plastic spatula (suction cup) + The mediator is the main tool. Metal objects (knives, screwdrivers) can not be used, as they scratch the body and can damage the plumes.
• 🔥 Hair dryer or thermal air station - necessary for softening the glue (relevant for models with gluing, for example, Xiaomi) 12T Or the Redmi Note 11 Pro.+).
• 🧲 Magnetic screwdriver (cross-cross-haired, 1-2 mm) - for unscrewing screws (if any; new models often use rivets).
• 📏 Plastic separators (spoogers) - help to evenly lift the cover without damaging the plumes.
• 🧴 Isopropyl alcohol (90%+) — for cleaning glue residues and degreasing the surface before reassembling.

If you do not plan to repair regularly, you can buy a ready-made set for disassembling smartphones (costs from 300 to 1000 rubles on AliExpress or in electronics stores). For one-time use, even a guitar mediator and hair dryer are suitable (but be careful - a home hair dryer is weaker than a professional one, and the glue may not soften enough).

Preparing the phone for disassembly

Before you start removing the lid, you need to properly prepare the device, and neglecting these steps can lead to data loss, short circuit or damage to the display.

1. Turn off the phone — hold the power button and select "Switch off." If the device doesn't respond, try a forced reboot (clamp down Power). + Volume up on 10-15 seconds).
2. Extract. SIM-card and memory card, which will prevent them from being damaged or lost during disassembly. Use a paper clip or a special key for the tray.
3. Discharge the battery before 20-30% — If the battery is fully charged, it can ignite if accidentally damaged.
4. Remove the cover and film – they can interfere with access to the gaps between the lid and the case.
5. Place your phone on a soft surface – such as a towel or rubber mat – to avoid scratching and slipping.

If your Xiaomi has moisture protection (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Ultra or POCO F5 Pro, after disassembly, it will have to be restored, and this will require a new adhesive side (you can order on AliExpress from a phone model) and a sealant (for example, a new adhesive sideboard, LOCTITE Without this, the device will lose water resistance.

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Before disassembling, take a photo of the back cover of the phone – this will help to correctly position it when assembled back, especially if it has asymmetric elements (for example, a cutout for the camera).

Step-by-step: how to remove the back cover

The process of removing the lid depends on the Xiaomi model, but the general scheme looks like this:

1. Warming of glue (for models with gluing)

Most modern Xiaomi smartphones (starting with the Redmi Note 10 and later) have a glued lid. To remove it, you need to soften the glue:

• Turn on the dryer at medium power (temperature) 60-80°C).
• Heat the lid around the perimeter during 2-3 minutes, evenly waving a hairdryer along the edges.
• Don’t stay in one place for too long – you can damage the plastic or display.

2. Cover smacking

Use a plastic spatula or suction cup:

• If you have a suction cup, attach it closer to the bottom edge of the phone (where the connector is usually located). USB-C) and pull up.
• In the resulting gap insert a plastic spatula and carefully lead it along the edge, separating the lid.
• On models with an aluminum frame (for example, Xiaomi) 12S) Be careful, the metal may bend.

3. disconnection of the plumes (if the cover is not completely removed)

Some phones (for example, POCO X3 Or Redmi 9, the lid is not only attached to the glue, but also to the latches:

• Are there any hidden screws under the stickers (for example, near the slot) SIM).
• Whether the battery plume or antenna interferes, it must be carefully disconnected.

⚠️ Warning: If the lid is not amenable, do not use excessive force! inside can be fragile elements (for example, the glass panel of the camera at Xiaomi). 13T). Better to warm up the glue again or check if all screws are unscrewed.

Models with screws (old Xiaomi)

On phones before 2018 years (e.g. Redmi) 4X, Mi A1) The lid is often attached to the screws, and they need to be unscrewed with a cross screwdriver (usually). 6-8 And then the lid is removed without heating, but be careful, there may be some brittle latches underneath.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when disassembling Xiaomi, and here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:

• 🔥 Overheating of the lid - if you heat it with a hair dryer for too long, you can melt the plastic or damage the battery — 60-80°C, heating time - no more 3 minute.
• 🔪 Using metal tools -- knives, screwdrivers, or scissors scratch the body and can pierce the plumes. Use only plastic blades.
• ⚡ Disassembly when the phone is on is a risk of short circuit. Always turn off the device and remove the battery (if possible).
• 🧲 Loss of screws or latches – some models (e.g. Xiaomi Mi 10) have tiny screws that are easy to lose.
• 💦 Getting moisture after disassembly – if your phone had protection IP68, After removing the cover, it must be restored with a new adhesive side.

⚠️ Warning: If after removing the lid you notice that the battery plume is severed or there are traces of oxidation on the board, do not turn on the phone! This can lead to fire.

Another common problem is the squeak or squeak of the lid after assembly, which means it doesn't fit tightly.

1. Clean the remains of old glue with isopropyl alcohol.
2. Apply a new adhesive side (sold in repair kits).
3. Close the lid tightly and fix it with tape on 10-15 minute.

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If you’ve never disassembled a smartphone, work out on an old or broken device to avoid errors when working with your main phone.

How to Get Your Phone Back

Building the phone after repair is as important as disassembling, and if you do it wrong, you may have problems with leakage, sensors, or overheating.

1. Check all plumes and connectors, they must be clean and connected properly, and if you notice any contamination, clean them with alcohol.
2. Set the lid in place – start at the top (where the cameras are located) and gently press it around the perimeter.
3. Fix the cover: For models on glue, use a new adhesive sideboard or double-sided tape. For models on screws, twist them with a cross screwdriver (don't pull!).

Check the leakage.

IP68

Turn on your phone and test it.

• Check the camera, speakers, buttons.
• Make sure there is no overheating (use the app) AIDA64 temperature monitoring).

If the phone does not turn on after assembly, check:

• Is the battery connected (sometimes the plume leaves during assembly).
• Are there any clamped plumes (especially at the power button or display).
• Is it properly installed? SIM-map (some models are not included without it).

⚠️ Warning: If after assembly the phone began to warm up or discharge quickly, most likely, you damaged the battery or thermal paste on the processor.

Xiaomi models with unique features of disassembly

Some Xiaomi smartphones have a non-standard design, which complicates the process of removing the lid.

1. Xiaomi 13 Ultra / 13 Pro

These flagships have:

• Glass cover with an aluminum frame - with careless removal, the glass can crack.
• Standard sealing IP68 — After the disassembly, it must be restored.
• Complex system of plumes - under the cover immediately visible plume of the camera and antenna.

Recommended: Use a thermo-air station (temperature 80)°C) and special suction cups for glass surfaces.

2. POCO F5 / Redmi Note 12 Turbo

Features:

• Plastic cover with metal latches – if you pull too hard, the latches can break.
• The hidden screws under the stickers are easy to miss.

Recommendation: Before heating, check all angles for screws.

3. Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite / 11 Lite NE

These models are known:

• A thin cover that bends easily.
• Fragile camera plumes - they are easy to tear off with careless removal.

Recommendation: Use thin plastic blades and do not apply force to the center of the cover.

4. Redmi 9 / 9A / 9C

Budget models c:

• Plastic cover on latches - removed without heating.
• Fragile body - with strong pressing, cracks may appear.

Recommend: Start putting the lid on the bottom corner (where the connector is). USB-C).

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If you're going to sort out Xiaomi's wireless charging, be careful -- there's a coil underneath the lid that's attached to the glue, and if you're not careful, you can tear it off.

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing the Xiaomi lid