Damage to the protective glass of the main camera is one of the most common problems faced by owners of the popular smartphone Xiaomi Redmi Note 8. Four lenses located vertically in one block, often take the blows when the device falls on a hard surface. The crack not only spoils the aesthetic appearance of the gadget, but can cause dust and moisture to enter the module, which threatens to fail the matrix or focusing mechanism.
Many users mistakenly believe that to fix the defect, you will have to change the entire expensive rear cover module or the camera block itself. However, if the lenses are intact and the image does not have blurry or artifacts, it is enough to replace only the external protective glass. Repairing yourself is quite real, requires a minimal set of tools and saves a significant amount compared to going to the service center.
Before you start, you need to be aware of the risks and prepare the workplace. The process requires care, since the back of the device is glued to the sealant, and the camera unit itself is very sensitive to mechanical stress. In this article, we will discuss in detail how to safely remove the lid, dismantle the damaged glass and install a new one, keeping the tightness and functionality of your smartphone.
Diagnosis of damage and preparation of the workplace
The first step is to make sure that the cracks are present on the external protective glass, not on the lenses themselves. If you see black spots, blurs or rays spreading from the center, you may have damaged the optics, which requires more complex repairs. Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 is characterized by the use of common glass for all four cameras, so you will have to change it completely.
The organization of the workspace is a critical step that is often ignored by beginners: you need a desk with good, uniform lighting to see fine details and screws. The surface should be clean and preferably covered with a soft mat or fabric so that fallen screws do not get lost and scratched. It is also important to eliminate static electricity, which can damage electronic components.
⚠️ Warning: Before starting any work, be sure to turn off your smartphone. Working with the device on can lead to short circuit and irreversible damage to the motherboard.
To complete the operation successfully, you will need a specific set of tools: Do not try to use kitchen knives or needles, as they can damage the internal plumes.
- 🔧 Hair dryer (construction or household) for softening glue.
- 📱 Suction and plastic mediators (scapula) for opening the body.
- 🪛 Set of screwdrivers (cross-haired) P2 Torx T5) screw.
- 🧴 Clay. B-7000 or E-8000 lock-in.
- 🧤 Tweezers and needles for careful work with small details.
Removal of the back cover Xiaomi Redmi Note 8
The Redmi Note 8 has a glass back panel that is attached around the perimeter to double-sided tape and glue. To remove it without damage, the body must be preheated. Turn the hair dryer on to the average temperature and evenly warm the perimeter of the device for 2-3 minutes. Do not hold the hair dryer too close or at one point for a long time, so as not to overheat the display matrix or battery.
Once heated, immediately place the suction cup in the bottom of the back cover, closer to the charging connector, and gently pull up to create a small gap. Insert a plastic mediator into the resulting gap. Act slowly, swiping the scapula along all the faces, gradually separating the lid from the frame. If you feel strong resistance, warm up the problem area again with a hairdryer.
Inside, you'll see a few screws that hold the safety bar that holds the module plumes down, and you need to unscrew them before you turn off the plugs. You notice the screws are different in length, so you're going to use a magnetic mat or circuit so you don't get them confused when you're building them. Once you've removed the bar, you can disconnect the main camera and other modules.
☑️ Check before removing the lid
Exercise special care in the area of the fingerprint scanner if it is located on the back, although in the Redmi Note 8 it is on the side, which makes it easier. However, the plumes running from the buttons and other modules to the board can be stretched. Don't pull the lid sharply, make sure that all connections are free.
Dismantling the camera block and removing old glass
Once the back cover is removed, you will have access to the main camera module. The camera unit in the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 is secured with several screws and carefully inserted into the seat. Before removing the module, you need to disconnect the plume from the motherboard, if this has not been done previously, and unscrew the locking screws of the module itself.
Carefully remove the camera block by holding it to the metal base. Now the most delicate part of the job begins, removing the broken glass. The glass is glued to the metal frame of the module. To remove it, you can also slightly warm the module with a hairdryer to soften the adhesive layer under the glass.
Using a thin needle or scalpel, squirt the edge of the broken glass. Try not to damage the metal frame and, most importantly, do not press the lenses themselves. The movements should be sliding, gradually separating the glass throughout the area. Remove the glue and small fragments with tweezers and an alcohol napkin.
⚠️ Note: When cleaning the surface of the module from the glue, use a minimum amount of liquid.
The surface on which the new glass will be glued should be perfectly clean and fat-free. Use a lilac-free napkin moistened with isopropyl alcohol. Any speck of dust left between the glass and the module body will be visible in the photos as a black spot.
What to do if the glass does not come off?
Installation of new protective glass and assembly
The new glass for the Redmi Note 8 usually comes with an already applied adhesive layer, a closed protective film. Before installing, make sure the dimensions match perfectly with the original. Remove the bottom protective film and gently apply the glass to the metal frame of the camera module. You need to align the first time, as the adhesive is captured quickly.
Press the glass with your finger or soft tool around the perimeter to ensure that the air bubbles fit and exit evenly. After that, give the glue to "grab" for 10-15 minutes, during which time you can remove the workplace and prepare the back cover for installation.
Install the camera module back into the smartphone body, plug the plume and lock with screws. Check the camera's performance by turning on the phone before finally sticking the back cover. Make sure all four lenses focus, zoom and stabilization work.
To fix the back cover, use a special glue sealant, such as the B-7000 or E-8000. Apply a thin continuous line of glue along the perimeter of the frame of the case. Avoid getting glue on the internal components, the camera or the connectors. Apply the cover and press it tightly around the perimeter.
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To distribute the pressure evenly when gluing the lid, use stationery gums or special clamps. Leave the phone in this state for 1-2 hours until the glue is completely dry.
Checking the tightness and quality of work
Once the glue is fully assembled and dryed, you need to do a final check. Visually inspect the joints of the back cover and the area around the camera block. There should be no visible gaps, protruding glue or skews. The camera glass should sit in the same plane as the module body, not protruding or west.
Run a camera app and take some test shots. Check each of the four lenses separately. The photos should not show dust, blurred corners or rainbow glare, which often indicate leaky or debris under the glass. Also check the autofocus when switching between zoom and macro mode.
| Verification parameter | Normal condition | Signs of marriage |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Glass level with frame, no chips | Legs, gaps, glue visible |
| Photo quality | Clear image, no dust. | Black dots, fog, glare |
| Autofocus. | Fast and accurate tip. | Hooding, can't focus |
| Tightness | The lid is not a luftite | I hear a crunch, I feel movement. |
If you notice a buzzing hum when focusing, it may mean that the module is not installed to the end or squeezed, in which case you will have to repeat the procedure. A well-made glass replacement returns the smartphone not only appearance, but also protection of internal electronics from moisture.
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The main criterion for success is the absence of dust under the new glass and the sealed fit of the back cover, which provides protection from moisture.
Typical errors and precautions
In the repair process, beginners often make mistakes that can lead to re-repair. One of the most common problems is the use of inappropriate glue. Superglue (cyanacrylate) is categorically not suitable for camera glass and the back cover, as it becomes brittle and can give vapors that settle on the lenses, causing whitish plaque.
Another common mistake is ignoring small screws. Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 uses screws of different lengths to attach the board and modules. If you screw a long screw into a short hole, you can break through the tracks on the board or damage the body of the module, which will lead to expensive repairs.
⚠️ Warning: Never use metal tools (needles, scissors) to pluck plumes or pick inside the case.The metal conducts current and can close contacts, and easily tears thin plumes.
Static electricity is also worth mentioning: In dry rooms, especially in winter, the risk of static discharge is high. Before touching the internal components of a smartphone, touch a grounded metal object or use an antistatic bracelet, which will protect sensitive electronics from microscopic damage.
- 🚫 Do not use aggressive chemicals to clean your lenses.
- 🚫 Do not heat your phone for more than 5 minutes to avoid battery bloating.
- 🚫 Do not leave your phone unattended with the dryer on.