Removing the back cover of the Xiaomi Redmi smartphone is the first step when replacing the battery, repairing plumes or cleaning from dust. But careless actions can lead to cracks in the case, damage to flexible cables or even break the display. In this article, we will discuss safe ways of disassembling for different generations of Redmi (from Redmi Note 4X to Redmi 13C), discuss the necessary tools and typical errors.
The manufacturer doesn't recommend self-repair, which is a disclaimer, but if your machine is no longer warranty-worthy or requires urgent intervention, our instructions will help minimize the risks, and we've taken into account the design features, from adhesives to hidden latches, which often break when you open it neatly.
Important: The procedure for Redmi with removable battery (e.g. Redmi 3S/4A) and non-removable (all models after 2018) is radically different. If you are not sure about the model, check it by the label on the sticker under the lid or in the settings (Settings → Phone → Model).
Preparation for disassembly: tools and security measures
Before you start, make sure you have everything you need, and if you don't have at least one tool, you can damage the body or the internal components, and here's the minimum set.
- 🔧 Plastic mediator or spatula (metal tools scratch the body!).
- 🔥 Hair dryer or thermo-air station (for softening glue on models after 2019).
- 🧲 Suction cup (helps to lift the lid after heating).
- ⚡ Screwdriver. T3/T4/T5 (depending on the model - see the table below).
- 📦 Container for screws (so as not to confuse the mounts of different lengths).
Also prepare the workplace: a clean surface without a pile (ideally a silicone mat), good lighting and an antistatic bracelet (or at least periodically touch the grounded object to remove static electricity).
⚠️ Warning: If the phone battery is swollen, don't heat the case or try to remove the lid yourself! The risk of lithium-ion batteries burning is extremely high.
| Xiaomi Redmi Model | Type of lid attachment | Required screwdriver | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 4/4X, Redmi 5/5A | Latches + 2 screws | T3 | The cover is removed without heating, but fragile clips |
| Redmi Note 8/9 Pro, Redmi 10 | Glue + latches | T4 | Requires heating to 60-70 ° C, the battery glued |
| Redmi Note 11/12, Redmi 13C | Glue + hidden latches | T5 (Y00) | Complex design, high risk of damage to the plume of the fingerprint scanner |
Step-by-step: remove the cover from Xiaomi Redmi (universal method)
This algorithm is suitable for most Redmi models with a non-removable battery (2018 and later), and if you have an old model with a removable battery, skip the steps with heating and glue.
- Turn off the phone and remove it. SIM-If the battery is swelling, don't continue (see warning above).
- Heat the back cover with a hair dryer for 2-3 minutes, keeping it at a distance of 5-7 cm The temperature should not be higher than 70 ° C (check with your hand - the cover should be warm, but not burning).
- With a suction cup, gently pull the lid up. If it doesn't lend itself, warm up for another 1 minute. Don't exert excessive force!
- Insert a plastic mediator into the gap and slowly move it around the perimeter, snapping clips. Start at the bottom edge (there is usually less glue).
Is the phone off?|Whether extracted SIM-memory-card?|All the tools are ready?|Whether the lid is heated to 60-70°C?|Is there a spare cover in case of breakdown?-->
If the lid doesn't lend itself, don't try to pull it off by force, so you'll damage the fingerprint scanner plume (on side scanner models) or the camera, and you'll better repeat the heat and use more mediators to evenly distribute the pressure.
What to do if the cover is broken when removed?
Features of dismantling popular models Redmi
The design of the lid varies depending on the series, and let's look at the key nuances for the most common devices.
Redmi Note 8/9 Pro and Redmi 10
These models have additional clips near the camera. When removing the lid, be careful - plastic fixtures often break here. Also in the Redmi Note 9 Pro, the fingerprint scanner plume is glued to the lid - it must be carefully detached after removal.
Redmi Note 11/12
This is a two-layer glue, the first layer holds the lid, the second one holds the battery, and when you heat it, make sure it stays below 70°C, otherwise the graphite film of the cooling processor can detach.
Redmi 13C and new models
In recent versions, Xiaomi uses ultra-thin latches and high-strength adhesives. Disassembly may require a special tool (for example, an iFixit set with ultra-thin blades). Also in the Redmi 13C, the camera plumes and speaker are located very close to the cover - the risk of damage is higher.
💡
If you're taking Redmi down with NFC-With an antenna (like the Redmi Note 10 Pro), remember that the antenna is glued to the inside of the lid, and if it is damaged, the contactless payment will stop working.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced repairmen sometimes make mistakes that lead to additional costs.
- 🔥 Overheating of the body - if the temperature exceeds 80°C, the screen or battery may be damaged. Use a thermometer or check your hand heating.
- 🔧 Using metal tools -- they scratch the body and they can close the contacts on the board!
- 📱 Removing the lid abruptly causes the plumes to break. Move the mediator smoothly, without jerking.
- 🔋 Ignoring a bloated battery is dangerous, and it can ignite whenever it gets damaged.
Another common problem is the loss of screws. Redmi uses screws of different lengths (for example, in the Redmi Note 9 Pro there are 3 types!). If you confuse them during assembly, you can damage the board. Advice: spread the screws on the containers with signatures or photograph their location before extraction.
⚠️ Note: In the Redmi models with IP53 Protection (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro)+) There are rubber pads under the lid, and when you disassemble them, they're easy to lose or tear, and if the pad is damaged, the leakage will be compromised, and the phone will lose its dust and splash protection.
What to do after the lid is removed?
When the lid is finally removed, you'll see the inside of the smartphone, and here's what you can do.
- 🔋 Battery replacement is the most popular repair. The new Redmi has a battery glued to it, so it needs to be carefully tucked in and disconnected from the power plume.
- 📸 Camera cleaning - dust on modules degrades the quality of the photo. Use a soft brush and a can of compressed air.
- 🔊 Replacement of speaker or microphone – these parts often fail after moisture is ingested.
- 🛠️ Train repair – if the touchscreen or buttons don’t work, the problem may be in the departed contacts.
If your goal is to replace the battery, remember that new batteries for Xiaomi often come without glue. Use double-sided 3M tape or special glue for batteries (for example, the T7000). Do not stick the battery dry - this can cause it to shift and damage the plume.
💡
After any repair, check the phone for performance before it's fully assembled. Connect the charger, check the sensor, camera and speakers. If something doesn't work, deal with the problem immediately while all components are open.
How to put your phone back together: Assembly tips
Building is often more difficult than disassembling, and here are the key points to avoid problems:
- Check all the plumes -- they should be tightly connected, without inflections. In the Redmi Note 11 and later, the fingerprint scanner plume is particularly fragile.
- Apply the new glue to the lid. Use the B-7000 or T-7000 (sold in radio parts stores). Apply in a thin layer, no lumps.
- Twisting the screws cross-cross to avoid skewing the body. Start with the corner screws.
- Warm up the glue with a hair dryer after assembly (1-2 minutes at 50 ° C) - this will improve adhesion.
After assembly, turn on the phone and check:
- 📶 Does the network work (SIM-map recognized?).
- 🔋 Is the battery charging?
- 🎤 Does the microphone and speakers work?
- 📷 Photo and video quality (does there not appear to be dust on the camera?).
If something doesn't work, take the phone apart again and check the appropriate plumes are connected, most often due to poor contact or damaged cable.