The camera curtain on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro is a small but important element that prevents dust and scratches from entering the lens. Over time, it can wear out, lose transparency or even fall out, which leads to a deterioration in the quality of photos. If you notice divorces in pictures, permanent glare or physical damage to the curtain, it is time to replace it.
In this article, we'll go through the whole process in detail, from choosing a new curtain to finalizing your smartphone. You'll learn what tools you'll need, how to carefully disassemble the Redmi Note 8 Pro without damage, and what mistakes beginners most often make. We'll also give you tips on how to care for a new curtain so it lasts longer. If you've never repaired your phones, don't worry: with the right approach, even a beginner can do the job.
Why the camera curtain fails and when to change it
The curtain (or camera glass) on the Redmi Note 8 Pro is made of tempered glass or anti-reflective plastic, and it undergoes several types of wear over time:
- 🔹 Mechanical damage: scratches from keys in your pocket, phone falls face down or careless cleaning.
- 🔹 Chemical exposure: corroding of coating with alcohol-containing liquids or aggressive detergents.
- 🔹 Loss of transparency: accumulation of micro scratches that scatter light and create a “muddy” lens effect.
- 🔹 Detachment of the adhesive layer: the curtain begins to "hang" or falls off completely.
How do you know if it's time to change the curtain?
- 📸 All photos appear blurry circles or rainbow glare, even with a clean lens.
- 🔍 On visual inspection, a grid of small scratches is visible that are not removed by cleaning.
- 💥 The curtain cracked or broke off a piece, baring part of the lens.
- 🌀 The flash reflects off the curtain, creating parasitic lights in the pictures.
If you ignore the problem, dust and moisture will penetrate the curtain, which over time can damage the camera module itself, replacing the curtain will cost many times less than repairing the camera.
Which curtain to choose: original vs analogues
There are three types of curtains available on the market for the Redmi Note 8 Pro:
| Type of curtain. | Advantages | Deficiencies | Price (roughly) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original (Xiaomi) | Perfect match in size, optical properties as in the factory | Expensive, hard to find at retail | 800–1200 ₽ |
| High-quality analogue (for example, Olxar, Nillkin) | Good transparency, often with oleophobic coating | Maybe a little different in thickness. | 300–600 ₽ |
| Budgetary analogue (no-name) | Low price, fast delivery | Poor transparency, scratches quickly, can distort colors | 100–250 ₽ |
We recommend choosing the original curtain or certified counterparts from proven brands. Cheap no-name options often have a low light transmission ratio (less than 90%), which leads to darkening of the images and loss of detail in the shadows.
- 📏 Exact dimensions: the curtain should completely cover the lens, but not protrude beyond the edges of the module.
- 🔬 Coverage: it is desirable to have oleophobic (repulsive fat) and anti-reflective layers.
- 📦 Set: the set must have glue or bilateral tape for fixation.
- 📄 Certificates: quality analogues have proof of compliance with standards (e.g. RoHS).
Where to buy? Best options:
- 🛒 Official Xiaomi Service Centers (Guaranty of Original Parts).
- 🌍 Verified online stores: AliExpress (sellers with a rating above 98%), Beru, Wildberries.
- 🔧 Local phone repair shops (often selling parts in bulk).
⚠️ Note: Some vendors give universal curtains for "special for Redmi Note 8 Pro." Check reviews and photos of real buyers - versatile options are often smaller in size and do not close the lens completely.
Preparing for replacement: security tools and measures
To replace the curtain, you will need:
Removal suction cup|Plastic blades (mediator) or spaugers|Thin tweezers with curved ends|Hair dryer or thermo-air station (for softening glue)|New curtain camera with adhesive layer|Alcohol wipes (70% isopropyl alcohol)|Microfiber cloth|Screwdriver. T3 (squirt-off)-->
Also prepare the workplace:
- 🪑 Work at a table with good lighting (better to use a desk lamp).
- 🧲 Remove all metal objects – they can stick to the magnets inside your phone.
- 📱 Place your phone on a soft substrate (like a silicone mat) to avoid scratching the body.
- 🔋 Turn off your phone and wait until the battery is 25-50% depleted!
If you don't have experience with disassembling smartphones, practice on an old phone or watch video instructions.
- 🔥 Do not overheat the body with a hair dryer - maximum temperature 60-70°C. Overheating can damage the battery or display.
- 🧲 Do not use metal tools to slap the lid – they scratch the body and can close the contacts.
- 📏 Take a picture of the screws before unscrewing. In the Redmi Note 8 Pro, they're of different lengths!
⚠️ Warning: If you have never disassembled phones, you should contact the service. Incorrect disassembly can damage the plumes of the display or camera, and their replacement will cost 3-5 thousand rubles.
Step-by-step instructions for replacing the curtain
Now, let's get to the process. Follow the instructions carefully, every step is important.
Step 1: Removing the back cover
1. Heat the hair dryer edge of the back cover for 2-3 minutes, holding it at a distance of 5-7 cm. the glue will become softer, and the cover will be removed easier.
2. Suction hook on the bottom of the phone (near the connector) USB-C) And pull it up. When you get a crack, put a plastic shoulder blade in it.
3. Carefully swipe the perimeter, separating the lid. Be careful around the volume and power buttons - there are plumes!
Step 2: Shutting off the battery
1. Unscrew 5 screws that fix the metal plate over the battery (use a screwdriver). T3).
2. Put the plate in the shoulder blade and remove it. Under it you'll see the battery connector.
3. Be sure to turn off the connector with a plastic blade, which will prevent short circuits in further operation.
Step 3: Dismantling the camera module
1 Unscrew 4 screws that attach the metal frame of the camera module. Be careful - screws of different lengths!
2. Carefully pull the frame and remove it. Under the frame is the camera plume - don't pull it!
3. disconnect the camera plume from the motherboard, tucking it by the black tongue of the connector.
Step 4: Removing the old curtain
1. The old curtain is glued to the camera module, and you can slap it on the edge with a thin tweezer or a spatula.
2. If the curtain fails, heat the module with a hairdryer lightly (no more than 10 seconds!). Do not use force - the glass may crack.
3 Remove the glue residue from the camera module with an alcohol wipe. Rub the surface dry with a microfiber.
Step 5: Installation of a new curtain
1. Remove the protective film from the glue side of the new curtain.
2. Carefully apply the curtain to the camera module, combining the holes. Press on the center so that the glue is evenly distributed.
3. Make sure the curtain sits flat and doesn't protrude beyond the edges. Correct it with tweezers if necessary.
Step 6: Build the phone
1. Connect the camera plume back to the motherboard. Make sure the connector is snapped.
2. Set the metal frame of the camera module in place and twist the screws (do not pull!).
3. Connect the battery and check the camera's performance by temporarily assembling the phone without a back cover.
4 If everything works, stick the back cover. You can use a new adhesive layer for reliability (e.g., for example, B-7000).
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Before final assembly, wipe the inside of the back cover with alcohol – this will remove fingerprints and improve glue adhesion.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even with careful work, you can make mistakes that lead to new problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:
- 🔧 Twisted screws: Redmi Note 8 Pro has screws of different lengths. If you screw a long screw into a place for a short one, you can damage the motherboard. Solution: spread the screws in groups and photograph their location.
- 🔌 Camera plume damaged: Often breaks when sloppy disconnect. Solution: just pull the plume over the black tongue of the connector, don't pull the wires.
- 🔥 Battery overheating: With prolonged heat-dryer heating, the battery can swell. Solution: heat in short intervals (10-15 seconds) and let the phone cool down.
- 📸 Dust under a new curtain: If you don't clean the camera module before installation, the dust will stay inside.Solution: use compressed air or an antistatic brush to clean.
- 🧲 Magnetic interference: Metal tools can magnetize the speaker or sensors.Solution: use plastic or wooden shoulder blades.
If the camera does not work after assembly:
- Check if the camera plume is connected to the motherboard.
- Make sure that the screws of the module frame are twisted evenly (understretched screws can cause distortion).
- Restart your phone – sometimes the system doesn’t recognize the camera immediately after disassembly.
⚠️ Attention: If the curtain has been replaced, it means that the curtain is crooked or there is debris between it and the lens.
Caring for a new curtain: how to extend its service life
To make the new curtain last longer, follow these recommendations:
- 🧼 Cleaning: Use only a microfiber cloth and special wipes for optics. Do not apply alcohol, wet wipes or paper towels - they scratch the coating.
- 📱 Storage: Do not put your phone in your pocket with keys or coins.If you carry it in your bag, use a separate camera case.
- 🚫 Prohibited activities: Don't blow on the curtain -- saliva contains acids that corrode the coating. Don't wipe with dry cloth -- that creates micro scratches. Don't use folk remedies like toothpaste to polish.
- 🛡️ Additional protection: Consider installing a camera safety ring (sold on AliExpress) that lifts the phone above the surface and prevents scratches when falling.
If you often take photos in difficult conditions (dust, moisture, frost), check the condition of the curtain every 2-3 months. At the first signs of wear (sweat, loss of transparency), it is better to replace it immediately - it is cheaper than repairing the camera.
What if the curtain falls off again in a week?
Alternative solutions: when replacement is not needed
It is not always necessary to replace the curtain completely, and in some cases, the problem can be solved by less radical methods:
- 🧹 Deep cleaning: If the curtain is simply contaminated, try cleaning it with an ultrasonic bath (used in workshops) or a special spray for optics (for example, LensPen).
- 🔧 Polishing: Small scratches can be removed with paste GOI Or diamond paste (1-3 microns) but remember, polishing reduces the thickness of the curtain, which can distort light.
- 📱 Software correction: If the curtain defect is weak, some effects (such as glare) can be manually reduced in applications like Lightroom or Snapseed.
- 🛡️ Protective film: Sticking a hydrophobic film over the curtain will protect it from scratches and moisture.
These methods are suitable if the curtain is intact but has lost its optical properties, but if it has cracks, chips or falls off, replacement is inevitable.
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Always try less radical methods before replacing the curtains (cleaning, polishing). But if the defect affects the quality of the photo, do not skimp on new parts so as not to spoil the camera module.