How to change the camera on the phone Xiaomi: detailed instructions with photos and videos

Introduction: when you need to replace the camera on Xiaomi and what it will take

The camera in Xiaomi is one of the most vulnerable modules. Falling from a height, getting moisture, factory defects or wear over time can lead to malfunctions: blurred image, artifacts in the photo, complete failure of the module. If you notice that the front or main camera stopped focusing, gives out a black screen or photos are obtained with a purple shade, most likely you will need a replacement.

In this article, we’ll look at how to change your camera to Xiaomi with your own hands, from choosing a compatible module to the final build. The process is not as complicated as it seems, but requires accuracy and the right tools. You save on a service center (where a replacement costs from 1,500 to 5,000 rubles) and get invaluable experience in electronics repair, the main thing is to follow the instructions and take your time.

Before you start, make sure the problem is with the camera, not the software. Try resetting the camera settings to Settings → Apps → Camera → Storage → Clear the cache or stitch the phone again. If that doesn't work, start replacing.

How to know if the camera on Xiaomi is faulty: symptoms and diagnosis

Before disassembling the phone, it is important to confirm that the camera is faulty, not the plume, motherboard or software.

• 📸 Black screen when the camera is running (other phone functions are working normally).
• 🔍 Blurred or lack of focus – even after cleaning the lens.
• 🎨 Artifacts in the photo: stripes, spots, unnatural colors (for example, purple shade).
• 💥 Crackling or gnashing when trying to focus is a sign of a damaged autofocus mechanism.
• 🌧️ Fogging of the lens from the inside - indicates moisture.

If any of these symptoms are present, you'll probably have to change your camera, but first check:

1. Is the camera running in Safe Mode (press the power button → Safe Mode) If so, the software problem.
2. Try another app to shoot (like Google Play’s Open Camera).
3. Check if the camera plume is damaged (click carefully on the back cover in the module area – if the image appears, the contact is to blame).

⚠️ Warning: If the camera stopped working after falling into the water, do not turn it on and do not try to disassemble - immediately carry to the service!

Which camera to buy for replacement: compatibility and where to buy

Choosing the right module is half the success. Xiaomi cameras differ not only in the phone model, but also in the board revision. For example, for the Redmi Note 10 Pro, there are at least 3 versions of the main camera, and they are not interchangeable.

1. Find out the exact phone model in Settings → About Phone → Model (e.g. M2101K6G for Redmi Note 10 Pro).
2. Find the camera marking on the old part (usually applied to the plume or body of the module).
3. Check compatibility by audit number (e.g. V1.0, V2.1).

Where to buy:

• 🛒 AliExpress – a big choice, but a long wait (look for sellers rated above 98%).
• 🏬 Local service centers - you can take a used module with a guarantee.
• 🌍 eBay, Amazon – Original Parts, but More Expensive.
• 🔧 Radio parts stores (such as Chip and Deep) – for popular models.

⚠️ Warning: Don't buy modules marked "For Repair" or "As Is" -- these are non-working parts for donor parts. OEM" (new-found).

Tools to replace the camera on Xiaomi: what you need

You don't need professional tools to replace the camera, but you can't do without specialized tools.

• 🔧 Set of screwdrivers (cross-haul) PH00, flat 1.5 mm, five-pointed Y00 for some).
• 🧲 Screen suction cup (if you need to remove the display).
• 📱 Plastic mediators (for careful liding).
• 🔥 Hair dryer or thermo-air station (for softening glue).
• 🧴 Isopropyl alcohol (90%+) clean-up.
• 📦 Tape for fixing plumes (e.g, 3M 467).

In addition, the following may be useful:

• 🔍 Loop or magnifying glass (for working with small details).
• 🧊 Thermopaste (if you have to remove the metal cooling plate).
• 📏 Tweezers with curved ends.

If you don’t have experience disassembling phones, we recommend buying a kit for a specific model (for example, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro disassembly kit).

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Before you disassemble, you can take off the static electricity -- touch the grounded metal object -- and this will keep the board from being damaged.

Step-by-step: how to disassemble Xiaomi and replace the camera

The process of replacing the camera varies depending on the model, but the overall scheme is the same. We will look at the universal algorithm using the example of the Redmi Note 10 Pro (for other models, check the nuances in the manuals for a particular phone).

Step 1: Turn off and prepare the phone

Before the disassembly:

1. Turn off the phone and remove it. SIM-memory-card.
2. Heat the back cover with a hair dryer (a temperature of ~60°C) for 2-3 minutes to soften the glue.
3. Carefully tuck the lid with a plastic mediator, starting at the bottom edge.

Step 2: Shutting off the battery

This is a must-do step – working with a connected battery can lead to a short circuit!

1. Unscrew the screws that fix the metal plate over the battery.
2. Disconnect the battery plume using a plastic mediator.

Step 3: Dismantling the old camera

Now we have to get to the camera:

1. Remove the metal plate covering the camera (it can be glued or fixed with screws).
2. Disconnect the camera plume from the motherboard.
3. Unscrew the screws that lock the module and carefully remove it.

Step 4: Installation of a new camera

Before installing the new camera:

• Clean the contacts on the plume and board with isopropyl alcohol.
• Make sure that the new camera has a protective film on the lens (if not, stick it yourself).
• Make sure you connect the plug to the board (don’t overdo it!).

Step 5: Assembly of the phone

Collect the phone in reverse order:

1. Secure the camera with screws (do not pull!).
2. Connect the battery and check the camera's performance before final assembly.
3. Stick the back cover (use a new glue or double-sided scotch).

Checked the camera in test mode

The plume contacts are clean and dry

All screws are twisted (nothing is forgotten inside)

The security tape on the lens is intact.-->

If the camera doesn’t work after assembly, check:

• The density of the plume to the connector.
• Integrity of contacts (possibly damaged during cleaning)
• Correct connection of the battery.

Frequent Camera Replacement Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes that lead to re-repair, and here are the most common mistakes and how to prevent them:

• 🔌 Solution: Use a plastic mediator, not a screwdriver.
• 🔩 Tug-up screws, which leads to cracks on the board.Solution: twist the screws cross-cross with moderate effort.
• 📱 Forgetting to turn off the battery. Solution: Always check the power out before work.
• 🧴 They use too much glue to build. Solution: apply the glue in a thin layer, no excess.
• 🔍 Don't check the camera before final assembly. Solution: always test the module on a half-assembled phone.

Another common problem is that the module is incompatible, for example, if you bought a Redmi Note 9 Pro camera for the Redmi Note 10 Pro, it may fit physically but not work because of the firmware difference. Always check the partnamber number that is listed on the original module.

⚠️ Warning: If the camera is working after the replacement, but the photos are taken with a green or purple shade, this is a sign of damage. IR-There's no fixing that defect, just replacing it with a new module.

Calibration of the camera after replacement: whether it is necessary and how to do it

Some Xiaomi models (such as the Mi 11 Ultra, Redmi K40 Pro) require software calibration after the camera is replaced, without which there may be problems with autofocus, white balance or stabilization, calibration is carried out using engineering menus or special utilities.

How to check if calibration is needed:

1. Start the camera and try to focus on a nearby object.
2. If the focus is floating or the image is not stabilized for a long time, calibration is necessary.

How to calibrate:

1. Install the Manual Camera Compatibility or EngineerMode MTK (for MediaTek phones).
2. Go to Camera Calibration or AF Calibration.
3. Follow the instructions on the screen (usually focus on a specific target).

Qualcomm Snapdragon phones may require software like the QC Super Tool or a service center, and if you're not confident, you'd better leave the calibration to the professionals, because the wrong settings can make the shooting worse.

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Calibration is only needed for autofocus cameras. If you have replaced the front camera or module without AF (for example, depth or macro), no tuning is required.

FAQ: answers to frequent questions about replacing the camera with Xiaomi