Replacing camera glass with Xiaomi: a detailed guide with photos and tips

Broken camera glass on Xiaomi smartphone is a problem that many users face. Even a small crack spoils the appearance of the gadget, and over time can lead to dust on the lens, deterioration of the quality of the photo and breakage of the module. The service center will take from 1,500 to 4000 rubles (depending on the model), but with the tools and patience, you can perform the procedure yourself.

This article will help you understand how to remove the old protective element, find a suitable replacement and install a new glass without risking damage to the camera, POCO, Mi, and we'll give you some advice on how to use glue and tools, and if you've never taken a smartphone apart, don't worry, if you're careful, you're going to have a chance of success. 85-90%.

1. When you need to replace the camera glass - signs and risks

Not every damage requires immediate intervention, for example, small scratches on the glass do not affect the camera unless they affect the lens, but cracks, chips or complete destruction of the protective element is a direct signal to action.

• 🔍 Visible cracks or broken fragments that cling to the cover.
• 📸 Artifacts in the photo: blur, glare, dark spots (indicate the entry of dust into the module).
• 🚨 The glass fell off completely, baring the lens and electronics.
• 💧 Moisture under glass (condensate or drops after rain).

If you ignore the problem, the consequences can be serious:

⚠️ Attention: Dust and moisture on the camera's lenses will eventually lead to loss of focus and corrosion of contacts, and in advanced cases, the entire camera module will need to be replaced, which will cost you a lot of time. 3-5 time-priced.

Models with protruding cameras (for example, Redmi Note 11 Pro) are especially vulnerable. POCO X4 Pro, where the glass often beats when it falls on the back, while Xiaomi has a 12T Mi 11 Ultra - the protective element is thinner and easier to crack even from a slight impact.

Preparation: tools and spare parts

To replace the camera glass on Xiaomi will need:

The most important thing is the right glass. Original parts from Xiaomi are difficult to find, but there are quality analogues:

• 🛒 Glass with a glue layer (already with an adhesive applied) - convenient for beginners.
• 🔄 Universal glass (requires self-cutting and gluing).
• 📦 Kit with tools (often sold on AliExpress for 300-800) ₽).

When buying, check compatibility with your model! For example, glass from the Redmi Note 10 Pro is not suitable for you. POCO X3 Pro, even if the cameras look the same:

• 📏 Size and shape (round, oval, with cutouts under the flash).
• 🔍 Thickness (usually 0.2–0.5 mm).
• 🎨 Color (black matted or transparent).

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Before buying glass, measure the diameter of the camera with the regular application Lineak (is in the case of the MIUI). This will help to avoid a size error.

3. Step-by-step instructions: how to remove old glass

The process of removing broken glass requires care, and the main task is not to damage the lens and the camera plume.

1. Turn off your smartphone and remove it. SIM-Memory card (if there is a slot on the back).
2. Stick paint tape around the camera to protect the case from scratches.
3. Heat the glass with a hair dryer for 2-3 minutes at a distance of 5-7 cm Temperature - 60-80°C (not higher, otherwise the plastic will melt!).
4. Put a mediator in the glass from any angle. If it doesn't, warm it up for another 1 minute.
5. Remove the glass by gently pulling it up. If it cracks, remove the fragments with tweezers.

After removal, be sure to clean the grooves of glue residue.

• 🧴 Isopropyl alcohol (at least 90%).
• 🧻 Microfibre wipe (without pile!).
• 🔥 Tooth cleaning for hard-to-reach places.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use metal tools to scrape the glue – they scratch the case and can damage the infrared sensor (if it is located next to the camera, as in the Xiaomi Mi 11).

Installation of new glass: glue and fixation

The key here is to apply the glue evenly and avoid bubbles.

Method 1: Clay. B-7000 (glueless)

1. Apply the glue in a thin layer along the edge of the chamber groove (not on the glass itself!).
2. Apply the glass carefully, starting at one edge, and press for 10-15 seconds.
3. Remove excess glue with a napkin dipped in alcohol.
4. Secure the glass with tape and leave for 2-3 hours for full polymerization.

Method 2: Clay. LOCA (professionally)

LOCA It requires a UV lamp to solidify:

1. Apply the glue on the glass, spreading it evenly (you can use a plastic card).
2. Apply the glass to the camera and remove the bubbles by slightly pressing the center.
3. Illuminate with a UV lamp for 2-3 minutes.
4. Rub the surface with alcohol to remove traces of glue.

After installation, check:

• 🔍 Absence of bubbles under glass.
• 📏 Smooth fit around the perimeter.
• 📸 Photo quality (take a test shot in bright light).

5. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

Even with careful operation, you can make mistakes that will lead to repeated replacement or damage to the camera.

Critical error: trying to remove the glass without heating, which causes the camera to break off from the plume 30 percent of the time, and if the glass doesn't respond, it's better to heat it up again than to force it.

Another common problem is the color mismatch of the glass. For example, on the Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite, the original glass is black with a matte texture, and cheap counterparts are often transparent. This spoils the appearance, so check the photo of the original part before buying.

6. Features for popular Xiaomi models

The camera design of different Xiaomi series is different, and let’s look at the nuances for the most common models:

Redmi Note 10/11/12

The glass is attached to double-sided tape, so it's easy to remove, and the main difficulty is the intact flash, which is very close to the glass: B-7000.

POCO X3/X4/X5 Pro

The camera protrudes strongly, so the glass often beats when it falls. In these models, the lens is sunk deeper than in the Redmi, so be careful when cleaning the grooves. Better use glass with a pre-adhesive layer.

Xiaomi 12/13 series

The glass is thinner and brittle.

• 🔥 Use the hair dryer at minimum power.
• 🎯 Apply the glue point-to-point so that it does not hit the laser autofocus.
• ⏱ Give glue to polymerize for at least 4 hours.

Mi 11 Ultra

The most difficult self-repair model is the double glass (exterior and interior) and the camera takes up half the back, so without experience, you should contact the service.

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For models with multiple cameras (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro)+) Buy glass in the set for all lenses – individual glasses may not match in height.

7. Alternative solutions: when replacement is not needed

If the cracks in the glass are not critical, you can do without replacing.

• 🛡️ Security film on camera (sold on AliExpress for 100-300) ₽). Suitable for small scratches.
• 🖌️ Lacquer coating (for example, Nail Polish) – fills in microcracks and prevents their growth.
• 📦 High-sided case (will protect the glass from further damage).
• 🔧 Polishing small scratches with paste GOI (optics).

These methods will not restore the original appearance, but will extend the life of the camera until it is fully repaired, for example, a protective film saves if the glass cracks, but does not break.

⚠️ If dust or moisture is already visible under the glass, temporary measures will not help - a complete replacement and cleaning of the module is required.

8.Where to buy spare parts and how much it costs

Prices for glass for Xiaomi cameras range from 150 to 1,200 rubles depending on the model and quality.

When buying, pay attention to:

• 📦 Complete (whether glue, mediator, wipes).
• ⭐ Seller rating (on AliExpress, choose with a score of 98%+).
• 📝 Photo reviews (check that the glass is suitable for your model).

Average prices by model (2026):

• Redmi Note 10/11: 250–450 ₽.
• POCO X3/X4: 300–500 ₽.
• Xiaomi 12/13: 500–900 ₽.
• Mi 11 Ultra: 1 000–1 500 ₽ (owing to the complex construction).

FAQ: Frequent questions about replacing camera glass