A cracked or scratched security glass on Xiaomi is a problem that almost every smartphone owner faces. Even microcracks spoil the appearance, prevent a finger from slipping and over time can damage the display. It costs 1,500-4,000 rubles to contact the service center, and it will take hours to days to wait for repairs.
Meanwhile, even a beginner can replace glass on his own, provided that he is properly prepared and careful. In this article, you will find a step-by-step photo instruction, a list of necessary tools, and unique tips for working with adhesive base and removing bubbles, which are rarely disclosed in standard guides. We will analyze the nuances for different Xiaomi models (from Redmi Note 10 to Xiaomi 13 Ultra) and explain why some glasses “do not stick” the first time.
If you've never repaired a piece of equipment, don't worry: changing a glass is easier than replacing a display or a battery, and the key is to take your time and follow the algorithm. 90% of failures are due to improper surface cleaning or using poor-quality materials, and we'll show you how to avoid these mistakes and achieve results that are indistinguishable from the factory.
Before you start, assess the condition of your smartphone. If cracks in the glass are accompanied by artifacts on the screen (flickering, stripes, broken zones), the problem may be deeper - in damage to the matrix or the plume, in which case, replacing the glass yourself will not solve the problem, and you will have to contact the service.
What tools and materials will be needed
To replace the protective glass with Xiaomi, you do not need professional tools for thousands of rubles. A basic set that can be bought from AliExpress, Ozon or specialty stores (for example, FixPrice or 220 Volts) is enough.
- 🔧 New protective glass - choose a model with 3D-edge (for modern Xiaomi with curved screens) or 2.5D (Pay attention to compatibility with your model: for example, glass for the Redmi Note 11 Pro is not suitable for the model. POCO X4 Pro, even if they look similar on the outside.
- 🧴 Alcoholic solution (isopropyl alcohol 90%+) — Don't use vodka or cologne, they leave greasy marks.
- 🧻 Lickless wipes (microfibra) - 2-3 pieces. Wraps for glasses or photographs will do.
- 📏 Plastic mediators or cards to smear old glass. Metal tools (knives, screwdrivers) scratch the display!
- 💨 A hair dryer or heat gun is for softening the glue, and a normal hair dryer at maximum power is fine.
- 🧴 Glass glue, if it's not included in the glass. UV-glue (hardens under ultraviolet light) or LOCA-glue (for full adherence).
- 🔦 Ultraviolet lamp (if you use it) UV-glue – can be replaced by direct sunlight, but it will take 3-5 times longer.
- 🧲 Magnetic substrate or scotch - for fixing small parts (cogs, brackets).
The average cost of a set of tools is from 500 to 1,500 rubles. If you plan to replace glass regularly (for example, in the family several smartphones), it makes sense to buy a repair kit with tweezers, suction cups and shoulder blades.
Pay attention to the quality of glass. Cheap options (up to 300 rubles) often have poor light transmission and are quickly covered by a "web" of microcracks. The optimal budget is 400-800 rubles for glass with an oleophobic coating (repels fat and fingerprints).
Preparation of the smartphone: what to do before replacing
Incorrect preparation is the main reason why new glass leaves after a day or two.
Turn off the phone and remove it. SIM-memory-card
Remove the case and clean the case of dust
Charge the battery by 30-50% (in case you need to turn on the screen for check)
Backup your data (in case of unforeseen problems)
Prepare the workplace: flat surface, good lighting, no drafts-->
If there are already cracks on the screen, tape them (2-3 layers) before heating, which will prevent fragments from breaking apart and protect the display from scratches. AMOLED-screens (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T Black Shark 5: Be especially careful: their matrices are thinner and more sensitive to mechanical damage.
An important caveat: if your Xiaomi has an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor (built into the screen), make sure that the new glass is compatible with this technology. Some cheap glass blocks the sensor signal, and you have to use a pattern lock or a pattern lock. PIN-code.
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Before removing the old glass, take a picture of the screen on another phone with good resolution, which will help Later to align the new glass through the holes for the speaker and camera.
Step-by-step: how to remove old glass
Removing damaged glass is the most important step, and the key is not to damage the display or leave any traces of glue on it.
- Heat the glass. Turn the hair dryer on at maximum temperature and heat the screen at a distance of 5-7 cm for 2-3 minutes. Move the hair dryer in circular motions, paying special attention to the edges. The glue should become soft, but not liquid.
- Take a plastic mediator or a guitar card and gently tuck the glass from any angle, and if the glass doesn't lend itself, warm the area for another 30 seconds.
- Gradually, once the edge has risen, slowly move the mediator along the edge, separating the glass. Don't try to tear it off abruptly, so you risk damaging the plumes or the matrix.
- Removing the glue residues. Once the glass is removed, there will be a sticky layer on the screen. Remove it with alcohol and a lilac wipe. For persistent residues, use a scotch bright (soft abrasive sponge), but without pressing!
If the glass is broken into many small pieces, use a wide tape: paste it on the screen, press it and sharply rip it off. Repeat 2-3 times until you remove most of the fragments. Clean the remaining fragments with tweezers.
What if the glass doesn’t go away even after heating?
For models with curved screens (for example, Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra or POCO F4 GT) It gets complicated, and it's glued not only to the display, but also to the side frames, and in this case, it's recommended that you use a special glue gel that dissolves the adhesive without damaging it. OLED-matrix.
Installation of new glass: technique and secrets
Now, the most important thing is to install a new glass, and it's critical to keep it clean and accurate.
- Screen cleaning. Wash the display with alcohol, then a dry wipe. Blow the screen with a compressor or a can of compressed air to remove dust from the speaker and connectors.
- Test styling. Put the glass on the screen without the glue to check for matching camera holes and speaker, and if the glass is larger or smaller, return it to the seller.
- If you have a glass that is self-adhesive, remove the protective film. UV-glue, apply it thinly on the screen (not on glass!) with a spatula or card.
- Lock the glass. Apply the glass carefully, starting at one end, and gradually lower it, squeezing out the air bubbles. Use the plastic card to smooth the glass from the center to the edges.
- Hardening of glue, if you use it. UV-glue, illuminate the glass with an ultraviolet lamp for 2-3 minutes. LOCA-The glue will take 12-24 hours of complete drying.
The most common mistake is getting dust under the glass, so to avoid this, install it in the bathroom after a hot shower (the steam precipitates the dust) or use a dust shield (you can make it out of a large box and plastic film).
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If there are small bubbles left under the glass after installation, don't panic. Most of them will disappear after 24 to 48 hours when the glue is completely dry. Large bubbles can be removed by gently putting the glass under and re-smoothing it.
For models with high curvature screen (for example, Xiaomi Mix Fold 2) standard glass will not work. It requires a flexible polyurethane protector that repeats the curves of the display. Its installation requires skills, so beginners better contact the service.
Frequent problems and how to avoid them
Even with careful work, there can be difficulties, and we've collected typical problems and solutions in a table:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The glass leaves at the edges in 1-2 days | Poor screen cleaning or poor quality glue | Remove the glass, clean the screen with isopropyl alcohol and use UV-glue |
| There were “rainbow” divorces under glass | Too thick adhesive or moisture ingestion | Reinstall the glass with minimal glue, dry the screen with a hair dryer |
| The fingerprint sensor is not working. | Glass too thick or with a metallized layer | Buy glass marked "Ultra Thin" or "Fingerprint Supported" |
| The screen has become less sensitive. | Low transparency glass or improper calibration | Check the sensor settings in Settings → Display → Touch sensitivity |
| There were scratches on the new glass a week later. | There is no oleophobic coating or low-hardness glass | Apply liquid glass (like Belkin or Spigen) for extra protection |
Pay special attention to calibrating the sensor after changing the glass. Some Xiaomi models (such as the POCO F3 or Redmi K40) may require resetting the touch settings. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version and click on “Keronel Version” 5 times. In the menu that opens, select “Sensor Calibration”.
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If the glass is replaced, make sure there is no air underneath, and then light the flashlight at an angle, and the bubbles will appear as dark spots.
Comparison of methods of gluing: which is better
There are three main ways to fix the protective glass, and each has pros and cons. The choice depends on your Xiaomi model and budget:
- 🔹 Self-adhesive glass is the easiest to install, but it holds the worst. Suitable for temporary protection or flat-screen models (such as Redmi). 9A). Cost: 200-500 rubles.
- 🔹 UV-Glue is a reliable and fast method (hardens in 2-3 minutes under a lamp). AMOLED-It's a set of screens, but it needs to be applied accurately.
- 🔹 LOCA-The adhesive is a professional method, provides 100% fit, but is difficult to work and requires a long drying. Used in service centers for flagships (Xiaomi 13 Pro, Mix 4.
For most users, it is optimal. UV-It combines reliability and simplicity, and the lamp can be replaced with direct sunlight (although it will take 10-15 minutes instead of 2-3). If you've never glued glass, practice on an old charger or tablet.
For models with a subscreen camera (for example, Xiaomi Mi Mix 4), self-adhesive glass is not suitable - they make the camera image cloudy. LOCA-precision-painted.
Caring for a new glass: how to prolong his life
Even the strongest glass will last longer if you follow the simple rules:
- 📵 Avoid hitting – don’t put your phone in your pocket with keys or coins. use a case with protruding edges (like the Spigen Tough Armor).
- 🧴 Clean the screen regularly - use microfiber fabric and special wipes for electronics!
- 🔋 Don't press hard when you touch -- modern Xiaomi sensors respond to light touch.
- 🌡️ Avoid temperature swings - don't leave your phone in the sun or near a heater.The glue under the glass can lose properties.
- 🔄 Update the oleophobic coating – apply liquid glass once every 3-4 months (for example, Nillkin or Armorsuit).
If you notice that the glass has started to peel off at the edges, don't pull it with repairs. The longer the dust and moisture gets under the glass, the harder it will be to reglue it. For temporary fixation, use transparent tape around the perimeter, but don't leave it for long - it leaves sticky marks.
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To test the quality of the oleophobic coating, drop water on the glass. If the droplet spreads, the coating is worn out, if it is held with a ball, it is fine.
FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions
Can you replace the glass with a Xiaomi curved screen (like the Mi 11 Ultra) on your own?
How long does it take to replace the glass?
What if the glass is “playing” when pressed (bending) after replacement?
Will the glass fit another Xiaomi model if the dimensions are the same?
Can superglue (e.g., "Moment") be used to glue glass?
If you don't find the answer, check out the 4PDA or Mi Community forums, which have a section dedicated to Xiaomi repairs. For complex cases (such as plume damage when removing glass), you should contact the service center.
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Self-replacement of protective glass on Xiaomi costs 3-5 times cheaper than service repair, but requires patience. The main thing is not to save on materials and carefully clean the screen before installation.