Modern smartphones are created with an emphasis on aesthetics and ergonomics, which often leads to the use of glass elements in the design of the case. Xiaomi Redmi 8 was no exception, having a stylish but vulnerable rear panel. Accidental fall or a strong impact can lead to cracks or complete destruction of glass, which not only spoils the appearance, but also violates the sealedness of the device.
Restoring the integrity of the enclosure is not just a cosmetic procedure; a damaged lid opens up direct access to dust, moisture and fine debris from the internal components, which can cause contact oxidation, battery problems, or motherboard failure in the long run.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the process of replacing the back cover with the Xiaomi Redmi 8. You will learn what tools will be required for careful disassembly, how to properly remove the remnants of old glue and what nuances exist when installing a new part. It is critical to understand that the Redmi 8 model has a fingerprint scanner integrated into the rear panel, which requires special care when working with the plume.
Workplace preparation and necessary tools
Before you start repairing, you need to organize a comfortable and safe workspace, you need a table with good lighting to see small screws and connectors, and the absence of dust in the repair area will also play a positive role, as dust can get under the new cover or inside the smartphone during the procedure.
A quality replacement of the glass case will require a specific set of tools that can be purchased in radio stores, the main tool will be a hair dryer (construction or household with a narrow nozzle) to soften the adhesive layer, suction cup, mediators or plastic cards for peeling off parts and a set of screwdrivers with a cross sting are also indispensable.
You will need a special glue for electronics, often called the B-7000 or T-7000, or a ready-made adhesive circuit (frame), cut exactly the size of the Xiaomi Redmi 8. The use of superglue is strictly prohibited, as its vapors can damage the optics of the cameras and the on-screen matrix.
Gather everything you need in one place so you don’t get distracted by the work, and here is a list of what you should have at hand before starting the disassembly:
- 🔧 Set of screwdrivers (cross Pentalobe is not needed, a regular cross is enough) PH00 or PH0)
- 🔥 Hair dryer for heating the body (temperature near 80-100 degree)
- 🃏 Plastic shoulder blades, mediators or old bank cards
- 🧲 Magnetic mat or screw sorting container
- 🧼 Isopropyl alcohol or glue removal agent
⚠️ Warning: Never use metal blades or knives to jack the lid. high risk of damaging the battery or plumes, which may cause a fire or short circuit.
☑️ Ready for repair
Dismantling the old back panel
The process of removing a broken lid begins with heating it. Glass and plastic do not conduct heat well, so warm up should be carried out evenly throughout the perimeter of the device. Turn the dryer on average power and drive a jet of hot air along the faces of the smartphone for 2-3 minutes. Do not hold the hair dryer at one point for too long, so as not to overheat the battery or display on the back side.
Once the body is sufficiently warmed, the adhesive layer becomes elastic. Apply the suction cup to the bottom or top of the back cover (where there are no cracks, or use tape if the glass is completely broken) and pull up slightly, creating a small gap. In the resulting gap, carefully insert a plastic blade.
Move the shoulder blade along the perimeter, gradually separating the lid from the frame. The movements should be sliding, not stabbing. If you feel strong resistance, stop pulling and warm up the area again with a hairdryer. The adhesive composition in Xiaomi smartphones is quite viscous, and a sharp jerk can cause the plume of the fingerprint scanner to tear off.
When the lid is separated around the perimeter, don't rush to remove it completely. Inside, at the top, is a plume connecting the fingerprint scanner to the motherboard. Carefully lift the lid and unplug the plume connector with a plastic blade or nail.
What to do if the lid is cracked in your hands?
Cleaning the frame and preparation for installation
Once you successfully dismantle the damaged part, you will see the inside of the case, and the first thing you need to do is to thoroughly clean the end of the middle frame of the old glue, which is the most time-consuming step, requiring patience and accuracy, and if you unevenly clean the surface, the new cover will be skewed or have gaps.
Use isopropyl alcohol and a plastic card to remove the sticky layer. If the glue is too hard, you can gently tweez it with a nail or tweezers, trying not to scratch the aluminum frame. For the ideal result, you can use special wipes to clean the electronics.
In parallel with cleaning, inspect the insides of the smartphone for chipping or damage. Make sure that the camera module, flash and Xiaomi logo on the lid itself (if it is carried separately or is part of a new part) are intact. Often, it is the glass insert around the flash that suffers from impacts.
Degreasing the surface is the final step in preparation, wipe the end of the frame with an alcohol napkin to remove fatty fingerprints and dust, which will ensure maximum adhesion of the new adhesive layer. Do not touch the cleaned surface with your fingers before applying the glue.
⚠️ Warning: Avoid getting alcohol or liquid inside the case, especially into charging connectors, speakers and microphones. Use a minimum amount of cleaning agent.
Installation of a new back cover
Now, we're going to put a new part in the mount, and if you're using liquid glue (B-7000), apply a thin, uniform strip around the perimeter of the frame, and the layer doesn't have to be too thick, or the glue will come out when you press it, and if it's too thin, the lid won't stick securely.
If you have a finished adhesive frame (double-sided tape along the contour), remove the protective layer on one side and glue it to the cleaned end of the case. Then remove the second layer of protection, an option often preferred for beginners, since it eliminates the risk of glue getting inside.
Before installation, make sure the fingerprint scanner plume passes through the hole in the lid (if the design requires) or is ready to connect. Carefully combine the new back panel with the smartphone frame. First lock one side, then smoothly lower the rest, checking for all facets to match.
Once the lid is in place, connect the fingerprint scanner plume to the motherboard. Make sure the connector snaps to the characteristic clicks. Only then can you press the lid around the perimeter hard to fix the glue.
Fixing and performance check
To securely grasp the adhesive, the smartphone needs to be fixed. Use stationery gums, special repair clamps, or simply put something heavy and flat on top (like a book) by wrapping the device in a soft cloth. The fixation time depends on the type of adhesive, but is usually between 30 minutes and 2 hours.
While the glue is drying, you can wipe the new fingerprint lid and check the basic functions. After drying, turn the device on. First, check the fingerprint scanner, it must respond to touch and successfully unlock the screen.
It's also worth checking the wireless modules. Plastic or glass back covers don't shield the signal, but if the assembly was done carelessly and there are gaps, the connection may deteriorate. Test Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and mobile network.
Visually inspect the joints. There should be no visible gaps or steps between the frame and the new lid. If the lid is walking or luftite, the glue layer has been unevenly applied or the frame has been poorly cleaned.
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The quality of the new cover has a direct impact on dust protection and durability of the repair.
Typical errors and table of comparison of materials
When you repair yourself, it's easy to make a mistake that can cost you the functionality of the device, and most often, problems arise from rushing or using inappropriate materials, such as trying to stick the lid on the "Moment" will make it almost impossible to remove it without damage on the next repair.
Another common mistake is ignoring the plume. Many people forget that the Xiaomi Redmi 8 scanner is built into the lid, and they try to simply rearrange the old module, damaging thin tracks, and it is also dangerous to overheat the body with a hairdryer, which can blow up the battery.
When choosing a new lid, it is important to pay attention to the quality of the execution. Cheap copies can have poorly matching camera holes or differ in color from the original.
For clarity, compare the characteristics of the original and compatible rear covers:
| Characteristics | Original (OEM) | Quality copy | Cheap copy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size accuracy | 100% coincidence | 95-98% coincidence | Possible gaps |
| Glass/plastic quality | Tall, oleophobic | Good. | Blurb, dull |
| Color rendering | Perfect. | Minimum differences | Strong shade difference |
| Scanner compatibility | Complete. | Complete. | There could be problems. |
⚠️ Note: If the fingerprint scanner stopped working after the cover was replaced, check if you damaged the plume during installation and if it is tightly inserted into the connector.
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Keep the old broken lid just in case. Sometimes new details come with a marriage, and the old one may be needed to rearrange the individual elements (logo, camera insert).