How to glue glass to Xiaomi phone: from the choice of materials to the final polishing

Broken glass on Xiaomi is a problem that almost every second owner faces, even the most durable models like the Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Redmi Note 12 Pro.+ They're not immune to falls, and the cost of official repairs in service centers often exceeds 50 percent of the price of the device, and self-replacement of glass can save up to 70 percent of the budget if you approach the process competently.

In this article, we will discuss all stages of repair - from the diagnosis of damage to the final polishing of the new glass, taking into account the features of different Xiaomi models. AMOLED-How to avoid dust falling under the module, and why UV-The lamp reduces the gluing time from 24 hours to 2 hours, and we will also analyze the typical errors that cause new glass to leave after a week or appear "web spiders" when pressed.

It is important that your Xiaomi has OLED-a matrix (e.g. Mi 11 or POCO F4), The repair technology will be different from the devices IPS-We'll talk about these screens, like Redmi 10.

Diagnosis of damage: when you can glue the glass yourself, and when not

Before you run for new glass, appreciate the scale of the disaster. Not all cracks are home-repairable:

• 🔍 Only the top glass is cracked -- the matrix is intact, the sensor is working, the image is not distorted -- this is the perfect case for self-replacement.
• 💥 Cracks with a "web" on the entire surface + It's shimmering. It's probably damaged. It's useless to glue glass. You need a full display module.
• 🩹 The sensor doesn't respond to part of the screen, but the image is normal. The plumes may have gone away.
• 🔥 The screen is completely black, but the phone vibrates when it's turned on, and it could be either a matrix damage or a plume connector failure.

To check the matrix, connect the phone to the computer through ADB and execute the command:

adb shell dumpsys display

If there is a line in the conclusion "display_state=ON", But the screen doesn't light up -- the problem is the lights or the plumes "display_state=OFF" — matrix.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi models with ultrasonic fingerprint scanner (e.g. Mi) 10T Pro) glass replacement may cause the sensor to fail, requiring the original scanner to be transferred to a new glass in the service centre.

2. Choosing glass and glue: what is suitable for different models

Not all windows are the same. It's important for Xiaomi to consider:

• 📱 Screen type: 2.5D Glass – rounded edges (most of Redmi) 3D glass - curved side faces (flagships Mi and POCO)
• 🔄 The presence of holes for the front camera, speaker, sensors. For example, Xiaomi 13 Pro has a cutout under the camera at the top.
• 🎨 Oleophobic coating. Cheap glass loses it in a month -- check reviews before you buy.

The glue is even more complicated. Here's a comparison table.

For OLED-screens (e.g. Xiaomi 12 or Xiao) POCO X5 Pro must be used LOCA — It provides optimal transparency and does not turn yellow over time. IPS (like Redmi. 9A) we can do B-7000, but with mandatory drying under the press.

💡

Before buying glass, check its compatibility with the phone model. + version (Global/China). For example, glass for Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G (Global may not be suitable for the Chinese version due to different hole locations.

3. Necessary tools: what cannot be replaced by “improvised means”

Minimum set for glass replacement:

• 🔧 Plastic blades (metallic scratches the frame)
• 🔥 Hair dryer or heat tile (to soften old glue)
• 🧴 Isopropyl alcohol 99% (for cleaning)
• 🧲 Magnetic substrate (so as not to lose the screws)
• 💡 UV-365 nm lamp (if you use it) LOCA)

What can't be used:

• ❌ Superglue – it crystallizes and spoils the matrix.
• ❌ A knife or screwdriver for shaking glass - the risk of damage to plumes.
• ❌ Cleaning acetone – corrodes plastic parts.

For models with in-screen fingerprint scanner (e.g. Xiaomi) 11T) need to:

• 📏 Micrometer (to check the thickness of new glass - must match the original to 0.01 mm).
• 🔍 Lupus with backlight (for precise positioning of the scanner).

Step-by-step instructions: how to remove old glass and install new

Step 1: Heating and removing broken glass

Heat the screen with a hair dryer (temperature) 60-70°C) during 3-5 You can start to smack the glass with a plastic blade on the bottom edge (there are usually fewer plumes). If the glass doesn't lend itself, warm up more. 2 minute.

Step 2. Cleaning the matrix

Remove the glue residue from the matrix with a wooden stick (not metal!). Rub the surface with a walnut soaked in isopropyl alcohol. Even microscopic dust particles will cause bubbles after gluing.

Step 3: Applying glue

For LOCA:

1. Apply the glue to the matrix with a thin layer (0.1-0.15 mm).
2. Apply the new glass carefully, avoiding displacement.
3. Put the phone under it. UV-lamp-light 10-15 minutes, then turn over and repeat.

For B-7000:

1. Apply the glue around the perimeter of the matrix.
2. Press the glass and place it under the press (a heavy book can be used) for 24 hours.

Step 4: Checking and polishing

After gluing, check:

• 📱 Touch response (use the test in Settings) → The phone. → All specifications → Sensor test).
• 🎨 Color rendering (on OLED A yellowish tint is possible with poor quality LOCA).
• 🔍 Absence of bubbles (if any, repeat the cleaning procedure).

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi models with high screen refresh rates (120/144 Hz, after the glass is replaced, you may experience a jelly effect when you scroll, because it's a change in the thickness of the glass, and the solution is to calibrate the sensor through the engineering menu (##36446337##).

5. Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even the most experienced craftsmen make mistakes sometimes, and here are the most common ones:

• 🌡️ Phynomic overheating matrix (>80°C) → risk of polar filters being separated by OLED. Use a heat tile with temperature control.
• 💧 Excess glue → It flows out of the edges, it hits the speaker or the microphone.
• 🔄 Hole mismatch → The glass doesn't fall flat. Always check the template for your model.
• 🕳️ Dust hitting → You get black dots. You work in a clean room without drafts.

Pay special attention to models with built-in fingerprint scanner, if after replacing the glass, the scanner does not work:

1. Check if the new glass is the same thickness as the original glass (should be the same as the original glass). ±0.03 mm).
2. Update the scanner firmware through Settings → Passwords and security → Fingerprint sensor. → Update.
3. If nothing helps, you will need to transfer the original scanner to a new glass (this can only be done in the service).

💡

For models with OLED-screens (Xiaomi) 12/13, POCO F4) Use only LOCA-glue UV-lamp. B-7000 or scotch will lead to detachment through 1-2 Weeks due to difference in thermal expansion.

6. Alternative methods: when glass cannot be glued

If the matrix is damaged or the plumes are torn off, sticking the new glass won't solve the problem.

• 🔄 Replacement of the display module (matrix) + glass + Cost: 3,000 to 15,000 ₽ model-wise.
• 📱 Using a phone with an external monitor USB-C → HDMI (Xiaomi supports DisplayPort Alt Mode).
• 🛠️ Installation of protective glass over cracks (temporary solution if sensor is working).

For older models 3 years (e.g. Redmi Note) 8 Pro or Mi 9) It's often cheaper to buy a used phone in good condition than to repair the screen. Check the prices for Avito or Yulu - flagships 2019-2020 years now 8 000-15 000 ₽.

If you decide to sell your phone "in parts", indicate in the ad:

• Status of the matrix (working/non-working).
• Sensor performance (partial/complete).
• Model and version (Global/China).

7 Care after replacement: how to extend the life of new glass

To make the new glass last longer:

• 🛡️ Apply a hydrophobic coating (such as Nano-Coating) to protect against moisture.
• 📱 Use a case with reinforced sides (for example, Spigen Tough Armor).
• 🔋 Avoid fast charging in the first 24 hours after gluing – heating can weaken the glue.
• 🧼 Use microfiber fabric and distilled water (not alcohol) to clean!).

If 1-2 For weeks, the glass began to move around the edges:

1. Carefully put it on a plastic card.
2. Add the drop. LOCA or B-7000.
3. Press it with a clamp for 12 hours.

⚠️ Note: On models with an aluminum frame (for example, Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite), re-clearing of the glass can lead to deformation of the case.

FAQ: Frequent questions about replacing glass with Xiaomi