Broken glass on Xiaomi is a problem that almost every second smartphone owner faces. Even a small crack over time can cause sensor damage, dust to hit the screen or a complete failure of the touchpad. The service center will ask for a glass replacement from 3,000 to 10,000 rubles depending on the model, but with patience and the right tools, you can do it yourself - saving up to 70% of the cost.
This article is suitable for most popular models Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO In recent years, from the budget Redmi Note 12 to the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra. We will analyze the two main ways of replacing - with a complete disassembly of the phone (for models with a removable display) and using the device. LOCA-You'll also learn how to avoid the typical mistakes that lead to damage to the plumes or detachment of new glass in a week.
Training: tools and materials
Before you start repairing, make sure you have everything you need, and not even one tool can turn a simple replacement into a nightmare.
- π§ Screwdriver set (cross, five-point Pentalobe, flat 0.8-1.5 mm for Xiaomi).
- π§² Suction cups (2 pcs) for removing glass and matrix - it is better to take with metal rings.
- π₯ Dryer or heat tile (at least 1000 W) for softening glue.
- π Plastic mediators (0.1β0.3 mm) or guitar mediators for glass separation.
- π§΄ LOCA-glue, B-7000 or T-7000) + UV lamp (365 nm) for polymerization.
- π§Ό Isopropyl alcohol (90%+) and lilac-free wipes for cleaning.
- π‘οΈ Protective film for new glass (optional, but recommended).
If you are repairing a removable matrix model (e.g. Redmi 9A or POCO M3), you will need double-sided tape to fix the display. Flagships (Xiaomi 13T, Mix Fold 3) may require special glue tape (e.g. 3M 9448A) as they often use stronger adhesives.
β οΈ Warning: Do not use a household hair dryer instead of a building one! The air temperature should reach 80-100Β°C, otherwise the glue will not soften. Also avoid metal mediators - they can scratch the matrix or leave microcracks on the new glass.
Step 1: Demolishing Old Glass
This is the most critical stage, and if you do something sloppy, you can damage the matrix, the plumes, or even the board, and we start by preparing the phone.
- Turn off the phone and remove it. SIM-memory-card.
- Heat the glass with a hair dryer around the perimeter for 2-3 minutes, keeping it at a distance of 5-7 cm.
- Stick the suction cup closer to one of the corners (better to the bottom, where there is usually less glue).
- Carefully pull the suction cup up, while simultaneously putting the glass on with a plastic mediator.
If the glass fails, warm it up for another 1-2 minutes. Do not make excessive efforts - this can lead to a tear in the display plume (especially important for models with a high-speed display). AMOLED-To simplify the task, you can use a floss to remove the glass (sold in repair kits): run it under the glass and saw back and forth, as in the video below.
Video instructions for removing glass
Once the glass is separated, clean the matrix of glue residues with isopropyl alcohol. Use a lilac-free napkin or microfiber β paper towels can leave fibers. Pay special attention to the edges: even a small piece of glue can interfere with the tight fit of new glass.
β οΈ Attention: On models with OLED-And the screens (like the Xiaomi 12 Pro) are often polarized film underneath the glass. Don't confuse it with the protective film. It's glued to the matrix and only removed when the display is completely replaced.
How to replace glass: which one to choose?
There are three main methods of replacing glass with Xiaomi, and the choice depends on the phone model and your experience:
| Method | Suitable for models | Pluses | Cons | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LOCA-glue + UV lamp | Anywhere the matrix is intact | No need to break the phone, cheaper | UV lamp, bubbles possible | Medium |
| Double-sided scotch | Budget (Redmi 8A, POCO C31) | Just don't need glue. | Less secure, it can peel off. | Easy. |
| Complete disassembly + replacement of the display module | Flagships (Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Mix Fold) | Most reliable, suitable for damage to the matrix | Expensive, high risk of damage to plumes | Tall. |
For most users, the first method is optimal β with LOCA-It's a factory-grade gluing technique, if you follow the technology, and the second is for temporary repairs or budget models where durability is not critical, and the third is best left to the professionals, because it requires soldering and special equipment.
Remove all residues of old glue from the matrix|Check new glass for chips and cracks|Warm up LOCA-room-temperature|Secure the phone in a holder or rack|Prepare a UV lamp (check batteries)-->
Step 2: Installation of new glass (LOCA method)
This process requires care and patience, and here's a step-by-step guide.
- Applying glue: Carefully squeeze the LOCA around the perimeter of the matrix (not on the glass itself!). A thin line is enough - the adhesive will be evenly distributed. Avoid getting glue on the speaker or front camera.
- Installation of glass: Place the glass on the matrix, combining the camera holes and the speaker. Start at one edge and gradually lower to avoid bubbles.
- Press: Put the phone under a load (such as a thick book) for 10-15 minutes, which will help the glue evenly distribute.
- Polymerization: Illuminate the UV lamp on the glass for 3-5 minutes from a distance of 5-10 cm.
Once polymerized, check the touchpad sensitivity in all areas of the screen, and if there's a sensor that's not responding, it's air or glue that's under the glass, and then you'll have to repeat the process by first cleaning the matrix with alcohol.
π‘
If you have small bubbles left after gluing, warm them up with a hair dryer (not higher than 60 Β° C) and re-enlighten with a UV lamp. The glue will become more fluid and fill the voids.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even skilled craftsmen sometimes make mistakes that lead to marriage.
- π₯ Overheating matrix. If you hold the hair dryer too close, you can damage it. OLED-panels (sensitive to temperatures above 110)Β°C. Use a thermocouple sensor or infrared thermometer for monitoring.
- π§ Excess glue. LOCA, If you get on plumes or speakers, you can corrosion or disrupt sound. Apply glue only at the edges, receding 1-2 mm from the holes.
- π± Incorrect pressing. If you press your fingers on the glass, you can leave fingerprints. Use a flat surface and a uniform load (for example, a stack of books).
- π¦ Inadequate UV drying. If you don't light up the glue, the glass will peel off in a few days. Minimum polymerization time is 3 minutes. B-7000.
Another common problem is glass incompatibility, such as the Redmi Note 11 glass won't work for the Redmi Note 11 Pro because of different camera cutouts. Always check the model number (under the battery or in the About phone settings).
π‘
If the glass is pressed and it's replaced, it's not enough glue or it hasn't polymerized, and then you have to reglue the glass.
What to do if the sensor is not working?
If after changing the glass, the touchpad refuses to respond to touch, the reasons may be as follows:
- Display plume is damaged, and this is the most serious problem that requires replacing the plume or the entire display module, most often when the glass is not removed neatly.
- Bad contact, check if the plume fits tightly into the motherboard connector, and sometimes reconnection helps.
- Getting glue under the sensor. LOCA-The glue can block the signal, and in this case, you need to remove the glass and clean the matrix.
- Incompatible glass. Cheap Chinese glass sometimes doesn't support multi-touch. Buy only original or certified glass.
To diagnose, connect your phone to your computer and check the sensor response in the Touch Screen Test (available on Google Play). If part of the screen doesn't respond, it's likely a problem in the plume or matrix. If the sensor is working, but with delays, it's the glue or bad pressing.
β οΈ Note: On models with ultrasonic fingerprint scanner (e.g. Xiaomi 13), glass replacement may cause sensor failure, requiring a reconfiguration of the scanner through an engineering menu or the replacement of the entire display module.
How much does it cost to replace glass in vs. service on your own?
Xiaomiβs glass replacement price varies by model and region, and here are the 2026 price estimates:
| Model phone | Cost in service (β½) | Cost of glass (β½) | Savings in self-repair |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 12 | 3 500 β 5 000 | 800 β 1 200 | 75% |
| POCO X5 Pro | 4 000 β 6 000 | 1 000 β 1 500 | 80% |
| Xiaomi 13 | 7 000 β 10 000 | 2 500 β 3 500 | 65% |
| Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 | 15 000 β 20 000 | 5 000 β 7 000 | 70% |
When self-repairing, also consider the cost of tools (if they are not available):
- Set of screwdrivers - 300-500 β½.
- LOCA-glue + UV lamp: 1,000-1,500 β½.
- Fen - 1,500-3,000 β½ (unless there is a construction).
So, the savings can be negligible for a one-off repair, but if you plan to repair multiple devices (or help friends), buying tools will pay off after 2-3 replacements.