Xiaomi Redmi 8 is one of the most popular budget smartphones of the brand, released in 2019. Despite its simplicity of design, its disassembly requires care: wrong actions can lead to damage to plumes, break off battery contacts or even cracks in the rear panel. In this article, we will discuss in detail the process of disassembling Redmi 8, taking into account all the nuances, including the choice of tools, sequence of actions and typical errors of beginners.
It is important to understand that disassembling a smartphone will void the warranty (if it is still valid) and can be dangerous if you do not comply with safety precautions. If you have never disassembled a phone before, we recommend you first practice on a non-working device or watch video instructions from experienced craftsmen. At the end of this article you will find answers to frequent questions and tips for reverse assembly.
Preparation for disassembly: tools and security measures
Before you start disassembling the Xiaomi Redmi 8, make sure you have everything you need. Lack of the right tools is the main cause of damage to the body and internal components.
- 🔧 Plastic mediators or shoulder blades (2-3 (a) - for the careful slinging of the back cover and the disconnection of the plumes.
- 🔨 The screwdriver. PH00 — for screws attaching the motherboard (a common screwdriver can rip off the slats!).
- 🔋 Screen suction cup – will help lift the back cover if the glue is too strong.
- 🧴 Isopropyl alcohol (90%+) — Cleaning contacts and removing glue residues.
- 📦 Container for screws - so as not to lose small parts (you can use a magnetic mat).
Also, prepare your workspace: it should be well lit, free of dust and static electricity. Work on a table with a soft substrate (like a napkin) to avoid scratching the case. If you're planning to replace your battery or screen, order original parts in advance - cheap counterparts often have less resource.
⚠️ Warning: Don't use metal tools to tuck in the back cover! even a slight scratch on antenna lines (thin metal strips on the edges of the case) can degrade the network signal or Wi-Fi.
Step 1: Turn off the phone and retrieve SIM-map
Before disassembling, be sure to turn off Redmi 8 and remove the tray for the SIM-For this purpose:
- Press and hold the power button, then select Turn it off.
- Insert a paper clip or a special key into the tray hole (located on the top end of the phone).
- Take the tray out carefully and put it aside.
If the phone doesn't turn off (e.g., because the power button breaks), wait for the battery to run out completely. It's dangerous to disassemble the device with the battery on, you can short-circuit it! Also make sure that the phone has removed the pattern lock or password, and you can need to flash it again after disassembly.
The phone is turned off and the battery is removed (if possible)
All metal objects (bracelets, rings) removed
Prepared workplace with good lighting
All tools are checked for serviceability
Photos of the internal structure (for reverse assembly)-->
Step 2: Removal of the back cover
The back cover of the Redmi 8 is glued, so removing it is the most critical step, and if you act rudely, you can damage the antenna lines or tear off the fingerprint scanner plume.
- Heat the back cover with a hair dryer (~60°C) for 2-3 minutes, evenly leading around the edges. This will soften the glue.
- Stick the suction cup closer to the bottom edge of the phone (where the USB-C connector is located).
- Carefully pull the sucker up, while putting the lid on with a plastic mediator.
- Once the gap appears, slowly drive the mediator around the perimeter, separating the glue. Take your time - the corners of the lid hold tighter!
If the lid doesn't work, reheat the problem area. Don't use a knife or a screwdriver, they'll scratch the body.
- 🔋 Battery with power connector.
- 📱 Motherboard under metal screen.
- 📡 Antenna modules on the sides.
- 👆 Fingerprint scanner plume (stick to the cover!).
⚠️ Attention: The fingerprint scanner plume is very fragile! If it comes off, the scanner will stop working.
What to do if the back cover is broken?
Step 3: Battery disconnection
Before any manipulation of the motherboard, be sure to turn off the battery, which will protect the device from short circuit.
- Carefully tuck the black battery connector with a plastic spatula (located next to the motherboard).
- Unplug the connector by pulling it up.
- Check with a multimeter that there is no voltage on the contacts of the battery (optional, but recommended).
If the connector doesn't detach, don't force it -- it's probably glue-locked. Put a little isopropyl alcohol on the base of the connector and wait 10 seconds. Also note the battery status: if it's swelling (see the bulge of the lid), don't try to puncture or bend it -- it can cause fire!
| Sign. | What do you do? | What not to do |
|---|---|---|
| The battery swelled. | Remove it immediately using hand protection. | Puncture, heat or bend |
| The connector is oxidized. | Clean the contacts with alcohol and cotton swab | knife-scrap |
| The battery plume tore. | Replace the plume or the entire battery | Stick together |
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If the battery is held on double-sided tape, don't try to tear it off by force. Tap the edge with a plastic card and slowly pull, pouring alcohol under the glue.
Step 4: Removing the motherboard
The Redmi 8 motherboard is mounted on 10 screws and a few latches to extract it.
- Unscrew all the screws with the PH00 cross screwdriver (see photo below). Rotors of different lengths - remember where you were!
- Disconnect all plumes: 📞 Dynamics and microphone plume (lower left corner). 📷 Main camera plume (top left corner). 🔄 Power and volume button plume (right edge).
Carefully raise the charge for the edges, starting from the upper right corner (there are fewer plumes).
If the board fails, check if all screws are unscrewed. A common mistake is to forget the screw under the metal screen next to the USB-C connector. Also be careful with flexible antenna cables, they break easily when handled carelessly.
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Take a picture of the plumes and screws before disconnecting! This will save hours when you reassemble.
Step 5: Disassembly of additional modules
Once the motherboard is removed, you can start disassembling the remaining components, depending on the purpose of the repair, you may need to:
- 📷 Camera replacement: Unscrew the module's 2 screw mount and gently remove it along with the plume.The new camera should be the same model (GC5035 primary and GC02M1 frontal).
- 🔊 Speaker/microphone replacement: The module is attached to glue and 1 screw. Tap it with a plastic blade starting at the bottom edge.
- 🔋 Battery replacement: After the plume is turned off, carefully separate the glue around the battery perimeter (use alcohol).The new battery should have a capacity of 5000 mAh and a connector. JST 1.25mm.
- 📶 Replacement of antenna module: Antennas are glued to the back cover. When replaced, clean the contacts with alcohol and use a new double-sided tape.
If you're taking a phone apart to clean it from dust, pay attention to the charging connector, which is often clogged, clean it with a wooden toothpick (not a metal one!) and blow it with compressed air, and you'll need a soldering station and microelectronics experience to replace the connector.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when disassembling the Xiaomi Redmi 8. Here are the most common problems and ways to prevent them:
| Mistake. | Effects of consequences | How to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Use of metal tools | Scratches on the body, damage to antennas | Use only plastic mediators. |
| Dryer overheating of the cover | Deformation of plastic, detachment of paint | Keep the temperature below 60°C. |
| Loss of screws | Inability to collect the phone back | Use a magnetic mat or container |
| Dramatic disconnection of plumes | Contact break, module failure | Finish the plumes from the edges, do not pull the wires. |
Another common problem is that flexible antenna cables are damaged, they're on the sides of the case and they're glued to the back cover, and if the cable comes off, the network signal or Wi-Fi will deteriorate, and to avoid that, lift the lid slowly and don't bend it too much.
⚠️ Warning: If the phone doesn't turn on after assembly, check: Is the battery connector connected, is the motherboard's contacts closed (check for foreign objects), is all the plumes (especially power buttons) correctly installed, if the problem persists, the board may be damaged. In this case, contact the service center.