The mechanical curtain of the camera is one of the most vulnerable parts in Xiaomi smartphones with a retractable module (for example, Mi 9T, Mi 9T Pro, Redmi K20 or Black Shark 2). Over time, it begins to jam, creak or stop opening altogether, blocking access to the front camera. The causes of failure range from dust to wear of plastic gears, but in 90% of cases the problem is solved by replacing the mechanism.
This guide will help you replace your curtain on Xiaomi without going to the service center, saving up to 70% of the cost of repair, and we will figure out what tools you need, how to disassemble your phone without damaging the flexible plumes, and where to buy the original part, and also tell you what to do if the curtain does not sync with the software after replacing it, which is the most common mistake when you repair yourself.
Which Xiaomi models are equipped with a mechanical curtain?
The retractable mechanism of the camera with a curtain was installed mainly on the flagship and gaming models of Xiaomi 2019-2020.
- 📱 Xiaomi Mi 9T (codenamed davinci) is the first model with a curtain in the lineup.
- 📱 Xiaomi Mi 9T Pro (codenamed raphael) is an improved version with a more reliable mechanism.
- 📱 Redmi K20 (Indian version of Mi 9T, code davinciin).
- 📱 Redmi K20 Pro (similar to Mi 9T Pro, code raphaelin).
- 🎮 Black Shark 2 and Black Shark 2 Pro are gaming smartphones with a retractable camera.
If your model is not included in the list, but it has a mechanical curtain, check the code name of the device in the settings (Settings → About Phone → MIUI → Model). For example, the POCO F2 Pro (lmi code) does not have a curtain - it uses a pop-up camera without a protective mechanism.
Signs of malfunctioning curtains: when do you need a replacement?
Before you disassemble the phone, make sure that the mechanism is the problem.
- 🔊 Screaming or cracking when opening/closing the curtain is a sign of wear on the gears or getting debris.
- ⏳ Slow-motion (curtain opens longer than 1-2 seconds).
- 🚫 Semi-open locking – often associated with a spring or position sensor failure.
- 🔄 Unintentional opening/closing – may indicate a problem with the control chip.
- 📵 No response to commands (e.g., not opened when the camera is running).
If the curtain doesn't open at all, try resetting the camera first (Settings → Apps → Camera → Storage → Clear data). In 10% of cases, the problem is solved software. If it doesn't work, get ready to change the mechanism.
What happens if you ignore the fault?
Replacement tools and parts
To replace the curtain on Xiaomi, you will need:
| Tool/detail | Appointment | Where to buy | Cost (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plastic mediator (2-3 units) | Separation of the shell without scratches | AliExpress, tool shops | 50–150 ₽ |
| Cross screwdriver PH00 | Body screw twisting | Any electronics store | 100–300 ₽ |
| Tweezers with curved ends | Disconnection of plumes | AliExpress, FixPrice | 150–400 ₽ |
| Original curtain (the article depends on the model) | Replacement of a faulty machinery | AliExpress, eBay, service centers | 1 500–3 500 ₽ |
| Thermoclei or bilateral scotch | Fixing the new mechanism | Radio parts stores | 200–500 ₽ |
Important: When buying a curtain, check the compatibility with the model code. For example, for Mi 9T (davinci) and Mi 9T Pro (raphael), the mechanisms are different - they are not interchangeable! The article of the original curtain for Mi 9T - MDY10-EM-1906, for Mi 9T Pro - MDY10-EM-1907.
💡
Before buying a part, check the reviews of the seller. Counterfeiting often breaks down after 1-2 months due to poor quality plastic parts.
Step-by-step instructions for replacing the curtain
The replacement process takes 1-1.5 hours, and follow the instructions strictly in order to avoid damaging the flexible plumes or motherboard.
1. Turn off the phone and remove the SIM- card and memory card.
2. discharge the battery to 20-30% (to avoid short circuit)
3. Prepare the workplace: clean desk, good lighting, screw containers
4. Take photos of the body before disassembly (in useful for assembly)
-->
Step 1: Removing the back cover
1. Heat the back cover with a hair dryer (60–70°C) for 2-3 minutes to soften the glue.
2. Insert a plastic mediator into the gap between the case and the cover (start with the lower left corner where the SIM card is located).
3. Carefully drive the mediator around the perimeter, separating the lid. Do not force - if the lid does not respond, warm up again.
Step 2: Battery disconnection
1. Unscrew 8 screws fixing the metal plate over the battery.
2. disconnect the battery plume with tweezers (plug the connector up).
3.
⚠️ Warning: Don't touch other contacts on the board - static electricity can damage the chips.
Step 3: Remove the Old Curtain
1. Unscrew 4 screws that fasten the curtain mechanism (they are smaller than the others).
2. Carefully unplug the flexible plume of the curtain from the motherboard. It is fixed by the latch - lift it up with tweezers.
3. Remove the old mechanism. Notice the location of the spring and the gears, the new one should stand the same.
Step 4: Installation of a new curtain
1. Check the configuration of the new curtain - the box should have fasteners and a heat pad.
2. Set the mechanism in place, combining the holes under the screws and the plume connector.
3. Connect the plume to the motherboard and lock with a latch.
4. Twirl the screws (don't pull over - plastic can crack!).
Step 5: Assembly of the phone
1. Connect the battery and check the curtain without putting the lid on. To do this, turn on the phone and start the camera app.
2. If the curtain opens smoothly - turn off the phone and complete the assembly in reverse order.
3. glue the back cover to double-sided scotch or heat-glue (do not use superglue!).
💡
After replacing the curtain, be sure to calibrate the position sensor through the engineering menu (instructions in the next section).
Calibration of the curtain after replacement
Even if the mechanism is installed correctly, the curtain may not work properly without software settings.
- Enable Developer Mode: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 7 times)
- Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
- Connect your phone to your PC and run the command in ADB: adb shell am start -n com.android.settings/.DevelopmentSettings
- From the engineering menu, select Manual Testing → Motor Test → Front Camera Motor.
- Press Calibration and wait for the process to be completed (the phone will beep).
If calibration didn't work, try resetting your camera settings or updating your firmware. In 5% of cases, you need to run a persistent partition through Fastboot, which is a procedure that you should trust with the service center.
What to do if the curtain does not open to the end?
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Mistakes in changing the curtains can lead to additional breakdowns.
- 🔧 Twisted screws -- the plastic curtain case cracks, and the mechanism starts to slug. Solution: use a screwdriver with a torque limiter.
- 🔌 A damaged plume -- if you bend it or pull it hard, the camera will stop working. Solution: lock the plume with tweezers behind the edges without touching the contacts.
- 🔥 Overheating when soldering (if you solder a plume connector). Solution: Use a soldering iron with a power of no more than 30 watts and a thermo-air station.
- 📱 Incompatible firmware -- after the curtain is replaced, it doesn't respond to commands. Solution: run the phone to the official global version MIUI.
⚠️ Warning: If the curtain opens with jerks or gives off a metal grind, turn off the phone immediately! This is a sign that the gears of the mechanism do not match the drive, and further operation may damage the motherboard.
Where to buy the original curtain and how much does it cost?
The cost of the curtain depends on the model of the phone and the place of purchase. Here are the current prices for 2026:
| Xiaomi model | Articulum of curtains | Price (original), ₽ | Price (analogue), ₽ | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mi 9T (davinci) | MDY10-EM-1906 | 2 800–3 500 | 1 200–1 800 | AliExpress (Xiaomi Original Parts) |
| Mi 9T Pro (raphael) | MDY10-EM-1907 | 3 000–4 200 | 1 500–2 200 | eBay, service centers |
| Redmi K20 Pro (raphaelin) | MDY10-EM-1907 | 3 200–4 000 | 1 600–2 300 | AliExpress, local repairmen |
| Black Shark 2 | BSH-EM-2019 | 4 500–5 500 | 2 500–3 500 | Specialty stores (e.g. Kimovare) |
Buying tips:
- 🛒 Check the seller's rating (should be at least 98% positive reviews).
- 📦 Order a curtain complete with fasteners and heat pads.
- 🔍 Compare the product photos to the original mechanism (there should be a hologram of Xiaomi on the back).
Analogs (non-original curtains) are cheaper, but they are 2-3 times less – they last for 6-12 months. If you plan to use the phone for a long time, it is better to overpay for the original.