How to remove the back cover of the Xiaomi smartphone: detailed instructions with a photo

Why remove the Xiaomi cover and when it is necessary

The back cover of Xiaomi’s smartphone is not just a decorative element, but a protective barrier for internal components, which can be dismantled in a variety of situations, from replacing the battery to repairing plumes or cleaning from dust. However, improper removal often leads to damage to the latches, rupture of the fingerprint scanner plume, or even cracks in the glass panels.

Most often, users are faced with the need to analyze in the following cases:

  • πŸ”‹ Replacement of the battery (especially important for older models) 2 years where the capacity falls on 30-40%)
  • πŸ“± Repair or replacement of the display module (cracks, broken pixels, broken touchscreen)
  • πŸ”§ Diagnosis of malfunctions (overheating, sudden resets, vibration problems)
  • 🧹 Cleaning for dust and dirt (especially important for active cooling devices like Black Shark)
  • πŸ”„ Modding (installation of additional modules, replacement of thermopastes on the processor)

It is important to understand that Xiaomi warranty is automatically canceled when you open the case yourself. If your device is still in warranty service, you should contact the service center. For devices older than 1-2 years, disassembly with your own hands can save up to 70% of the cost of repair in the workshop.

πŸ“Š What Xiaomi model are you repairing?
Redmi Note 10/11/12
Poco X3/X4/X5
Mi 11/12/13
Black Shark
Another model

Tools for safe removal of the cover

Without the right tools, trying to remove the Xiaomi lid almost always ends in damage. Here's the minimum kit you'll need:

Tool.AppointmentWhere to buyCost (rupe)
Plastic mediator (0.5-0.7 mm)Separation of the body without scratchesAliExpress, Beru, Ozone50-150
Suction cup (βˆ…40-50 mm)Original lid separationElectronics stores80-200
Thin screwdriver (Torx T3-T5)Screws under the cover (if any)Any tool store100-300
Isopropyl alcohol (90%+)Cleaning of glue residuesPharmacy, hardware store150-300
Hair dryer (construction or household)Softening of glue (temperature 60-80 Β°C)There are houses already.β€”

⚠️ Warning: Never use metal blades or knives - they leave microcracks on the aluminum frame, which then lead to corrosion. Plastic mediators should be new and sharp, as blunt edges simply bend without separating the body.

For models with a glass back panel (for example, Xiaomi 12T or Redmi K50) additionally require:

  • 🧲 Magnetic substrate for screws (so as not to lose)
  • πŸ” Lupus with backlight (to search for hidden latches)
  • 🧴 Silicone lubricant (for processing sealing rubber bands)

πŸ’‘

Before starting work, remove all metal jewelry (rings, bracelets) from your hands - they can close contacts on the board with a casual touch.

Step-by-step: how to remove the lid on different Xiaomi models

The technology of mounting the lid depends on the series and year of release of the device. We will analyze the three main types of cases that occur in the Xiaomi line:

1. Classic plastic covers (Redmi) 4X, 5A, 6/6A)

The easiest way to parse it is there's no glue, just perimeter latches.

  1. Turn off the phone and remove the tray for SIM-map.
  2. Place the suction cup in the bottom of the lid (near the USB-C connector).
  3. Pull up with a force of ~3-5 kg - a gap should appear.
  4. Insert a plastic mediator and lead it around the perimeter, snapping the mounts.

Turn off the phone and take it out. SIM-map

Heat the edges with a hairdryer (30-40 seconds)

Prepare the workplace (soft surface, good lighting)

Check the availability of all tools

-->

Glass panels with adhesive attachment (Mi 9, 10, 11, Poco F3)

The main problem here is the glue around the perimeter, which, if taken carelessly, can break the plume of the fingerprint scanner.

  1. Heat the edges of the body with a hairdryer (temperature 70-80 Β° C, no higher!) for 2-3 minutes.
  2. Suction lift the lid on either side (usually starting from the lower left corner).
  3. Carefully enter the mediator and slowly lead it along the edge, without going deeper than 2 mm.
  4. When resisting, reheat the problem area.

⚠️ Attention: In Poco models F3 And Mi 11, the fingerprint scanner plume is glued to the lid. If you pull it too hard, it will break).

3. Aluminum enclosures with internal screws (Black Shark 4/5, Redmi K40 Gaming)

These devices are different:

  1. Remove the two rubber plugs at the bottom (the Torx T3 screws are hidden below them).
  2. Unscrew the screws and gently tuck the cover with a mediator from the top edge.
  3. Inside you will find additional screws that fasten the middle frame - they also need to be twisted.
What to do if the lid fails?
If the hair dryer does not separate, try the following methods: 1. Increase the temperature to 85 Β° C (but not above 90 Β° C - you can damage the battery). 2. Use a thin guitar string (0.2 mm) instead of a mediator - it better penetrates into the gaps. 3. Apply isopropyl alcohol around the perimeter - it dissolves the glue in 5-10 minutes. 4. If nothing helps, perhaps the cover is glued to industrial glue (found in the Mi Mix series) - you can not do without a specialist.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when parsing Xiaomi, and here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:

  • πŸ”₯ Overheating the case - a hair dryer at maximum temperature can melt plastic latches or damage the battery.Solution: Keep the hair dryer at a distance 10-15 cc and keep moving it.
  • πŸ”§ Loss of screws: Black Shark and Poco F series have different lengths of screws. Solution: Set them in order on a magnetic substrate.
  • πŸ“± Display plume damage -- often occurs when you try to remove the lid with your phone on. Solution: Always turn off the device and wait. 2-3 minutes (capacitors discharged).
  • πŸ’§ So, you can get alcohol on the board -- isopropyl conducts electricity. Solution: Just apply it to the edges of the case, not the inside.

Critical information: The Xiaomi 12S Ultra and Mi Mix Fold models use ultraviolet glue, which hardens when exposed to sunlight. If you disassemble such a device, immediately paste a new protective film on the lid, otherwise the glue will β€œgrab” again in 10-15 minutes.

What to do after removing the lid: diagnosis and preparation for assembly

When the lid is finally removed, don't rush to start repairing it right away.

  • πŸ”‹ Battery bloating (if the body is deformed, the battery needs to be replaced urgently)
  • 🌫️ Dust on the radiator (especially relevant for Black Shark gaming models)
  • πŸ”Œ Contact oxidation (green coating on charging connectors or speakers)
  • 🧲 Magnetic interference (if there is a metal shaving near the board)

Before the reverse assembly:

  1. Clean all contacts with a cotton swab soaked in isopropyl alcohol.
  2. Check the integrity of the sealing rubber bands (if they are torn, the device will lose moisture protection).
  3. Apply a new thermopaste to the processor (Arctic MX-4 or Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut is recommended).

πŸ’‘

If you notice a bloated battery, do not turn on the phone until it is replaced - the risk of fire when charging increases by 10 times.

How to properly install the cover back

Building is often more difficult to parse, and here are the key points to avoid problems:

  1. Surface cleaning: Remove old glue from the lid and body with acetone or alcohol.
  2. New glue: For glass covers, use the B-7000 or LOCTITE 406 (a thin layer applied around the perimeter).
  3. Click order: Start at the top, then gently press the sides. Lock the bottom part last.
  4. Pressurization check: After assembly, place the phone in a silica gel bag for 12 hours – this will help identify possible gaps.

⚠️ Note: In wireless charging models (Mi 11 Ultra, Xiaomi 13 Pro), an improperly installed cap can cause the coil to overheat. After assembly, check the temperature of the rear panel during charging - if it heats up above 40°C, unpack the device and re-adhere the cover.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I remove the Xiaomi cover without a hair dryer?
Theoretically yes, but the risk of damage increases by 3-4 times. Alternative methods: Use hot water in the bag (apply to the lid for 1-2 minutes) Apply acetone or perimeter varnish liquid (dissolves the glue in 5-10 minutes) Apply a special glue solvent (for example, 3M Adhesive Remover) However, these methods can damage the oleophobic screen coating or rubber seals.
How to know if the cover is glued to UV-glue?
UV glue signs: The cover doesn't separate even after being heated to 90 by a hair dryerΒ°C When you break off, you hear a characteristic "squeak" (like a tape) On the inside of the cover, you see a brilliant glue layer To remove such glue, you will need to UV-lamp (365 nm) and special solvent.
What if the fingerprint scanner does not work after the assembly?
Causes and Solutions: Train broken: Replacement required (cost) ~1500-2500 Bad contact: Take the phone apart and see if the plume connector is tightly pressed against the motherboard.Contamination of the contacts: Clean them with alcohol and press them carefully. Flexible cable damage: Sometimes it helps to glue the cable with captone tape.
How much does Xiaomi’s professional review cost in the service?
Price (ruble) Removal / installation of the cover 800-1500 Replacement of the battery 1500-3000 Cleaning from dust 1000-2000 Diagnostics after self-analysis 500-1000 In the regions, prices can be 20-30% lower than in Moscow or St. Petersburg.
Can you use superglue to fix the lid?
Absolutely no! Superglue (cyanoacrylate) has several critical drawbacks: It emits toxic fumes when heated (dangerous to the battery) Creates a rigid compound that cracks when impacted Virtually not removed without damage to the body Use only specialized adhesives for electronics: B-7000, LOCTITE 406 or 3M VHB.