How to disassemble Xiaomi Redmi 7: remove the back cover correctly

Removing the back cover of the Xiaomi Redmi 7 is a challenge that owners face when replacing the battery, repairing plumes or cleaning internal components from dust. Despite its apparent simplicity, the process requires care: one wrong move can lead to cracks in the plastic, damage to the plume of the fingerprint scanner or even failure of the antenna modules. This model, released in 2019, has a glue mounting of the cover, which makes it difficult to disassemble compared to more modern devices on latches.

Many users mistakenly believe that it is enough to open the lid with a knife or plastic card, in practice this approach is fraught with rupture of flexible plumes (especially in the model Redmi 7 with a new model). NFC-In this article, we will discuss 3 safe disassembly methods, list the necessary tools and warn about typical errors that lead to expensive repairs.

If you’ve never taken a smartphone apart before, we recommend that you first read the FAQ section, which provides answers to frequent questions about warranty, risks, and alternative solutions. For experienced craftsmen, a table comparing tools and their effectiveness for specific stages of dismantling will be useful.

What tools you will need: full list

To remove the Xiaomi Redmi 7 lid accurately, you will need a minimal set of tools, but each one performs a critical function. The absence of at least one device can lead to irreversible damage – for example, using a metal mediator instead of a plastic one often leaves scratches on the inside of the lid, which later can cause problems with signal reception.

Here's what you need to prepare in advance:

• 🔧 Plastic mediator or suction cup for the initial separation of the lid from the housing, the mediator must be no thicker than 0.3 mm, otherwise it will not climb into the gap.
• 🔥 Hair dryer or thermo-air station for softening the glue. Optimal temperature: 60-70°C. Overheating over 80°C can damage the battery!
• 🧲 Magnetic screwdriver. T3 — For unscrewing 10 screws that hold a metal frame. The screws in Redmi 7 are of different lengths, so fold them separately.
• 📦 A nylon or polycarbonate blade to separate the lid and the body after heating!
• 🧴 Isopropyl alcohol (90%+) — You can't use acetone or solvents, because they erode plastic.

If you don't have a thermo-air station, you can use a household hair dryer, but keep it 10 to 15 cm away from the body so that the display doesn't overheat. Use an infrared thermometer to check the temperature, or touch the lid with the back of your hand, which should be warm, but not scorching.

Preparing a smartphone for disassembly: 5 mandatory steps

Before you start removing the lid, you need to properly prepare the device, and neglecting these steps can lead to short circuits when the power is turned on accidentally or data is lost.

Follow this checklist:

Pay special attention to the battery. Redmi 7 uses a 4,000 mAh lithium polymer battery, which can swell or even ignite when it overheats above 80°C. If the battery is already swelling (the lid is raised in the center), don't heat the device, go to the service center.

⚠️ Note: If your Redmi 7 is warranty, disassembly will cancel it. In official Xiaomi service centers for such cases, diagnostics are provided for 500-800 rubles (price is current for 2026).

Method 1: Removal of the cover with a hair dryer (recommended)

This method is considered the safest for Xiaomi Redmi 7, as it minimizes the risk of damage to the plumes. the glue that glues the cover, becomes elastic when heated, allowing you to separate it without undue effort.

Step-by-step:

1. Heat the hair dryer back cover around the perimeter for 2-3 minutes, keeping it at a distance of 10-15 cm Pay special attention to the corners - there is the glue most.
2. Place the suction cup at the bottom of the lid (near the USB-C connector) and pull up slightly. If the lid doesn't lend itself, heat up for another 1 minute.
3. Insert a plastic mediator into the gap, and slowly move it along the edge, separating the lid. Don't try to tamper with it completely, first release all the latches around the perimeter.
4. When the lid is removed, carefully remove it, holding it by the corners. Don't pull the center - there passes the plume of the fingerprint scanner!

If the lid doesn't respond the first time, don't apply force. Reheat again, increasing the time to 4-5 minutes. Redmi 7 uses two-part glue, which can require a longer softening.

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If you don't have a suction cup, you can use a wide scotch tape by gluing it cross-stick to the lid, but don't put the tape on the camera or the flash module to keep track.

Method 2: Unheating without heating (for experienced)

This is a good way to do it if you don't have a hair dryer or you're afraid of overheating your battery, but it requires more skill and you're 30 to 40 percent more likely to damage the plumes here.

Algorithm of action:

1. Insert a plastic mediator into the gap between the lid and the body at the headphone jack (top left corner), and there's a little bit more space.
2. Carefully drive the mediator along the left edge until you feel the latches open. In Redmi 7, there are only 6: 2 on each long side and 1 in the upper and lower corners.
3. Repeat the procedure for the right edge, then for the bottom, and leave the top corner for last, and there's a fingerprint scanner plume.
4. When all the latches are open, slowly lift the lid, starting at the bottom edge. If you feel resistance, check if all latches are free.

⚠️ Attention: This method is a high risk of breaking the plastic clips that hold the lid. If you hear a crunch, immediately stop disassembling and contact the service. Clips are not sold separately, and their replacement requires a complete dismantling of the device.

Method 3: Use of special glue (for reassembly)

If you plan to build your smartphone back, the regular glue will not work — it will not provide sufficient tightness. For the Xiaomi Redmi 7, it is recommended to use double-sided 3M 9448A tape or B-7000 liquid glue, which retains elasticity and does not damage the plastic in subsequent disassemblies.

Assembly instructions:

• 🧹 Clean the edge of the case and the inside of the cover of the old glue with isopropyl alcohol and cotton swab.
• 📏 Apply the new glue with a thin layer (no more than 0.5 mm) around the perimeter of the body, retreating 1-2 mm from the edge. Avoid getting glue on the connectors!
• 🔄 Carefully align the lid with the body, starting at the top edge (from the camera side). Press it evenly over the entire area.
• 🕒 Leave your smartphone under a press (like a stack of books) for 12 to 24 hours. B-7000 fully polymerized in a day.

After assembly, check the operability of all modules:

• 📶 Wi-Fi and mobile network signal (antennas are located under the cover).
• 🔋 Recharge the battery (check if it is not moving away) USB-plug-in).
• 📷 The camera and flash module.

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If the smartphone doesn't turn on after assembly, chances are you forgot to plug in the battery plume or damaged it during disassembly. Don't try to turn on the device again - this can cause a short circuit!

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when disassembling the Xiaomi Redmi 7, and here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:

If you damage the fingerprint scanner plume, it will cost 1,200-1,500 rubles (only for the part, without work) and the camera plume is cheaper - 800-1000 rubles, but replacing it requires a complete dismantling of the smartphone.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the Redmi 7 disassembly