Removing the battery on Xiaomi smartphones is a challenge that users face when replacing the battery, repairing the motherboard or eliminating the effects of moisture. Modern models lack removable rear covers, and the battery is securely taped to double-sided tape or soldered to the board, which complicates the process, but makes it feasible even at home with the right approach.
In this article, we will analyze the step-by-step battery recovery algorithm for popular Redmi, POCO and Xiaomi flagship lines, pay attention to critical safety nuances (for example, the risk of short circuits if contacts are damaged), and list the tools that you can not do without.
When you need to take the battery off Xiaomi
The battery in Xiaomi is not just a power source, but a node that affects the operation of the entire device, and its dismantling may be necessary in several cases:
- 🔋 Replacement with a new battery – if the phone is quickly discharged, suddenly switched off or the battery is swollen (visually visible screen lifting).
- 💧 Getting liquid - for drying the board and cleaning contacts from corrosion.
- 🔧 Repair of the motherboard - when replacing connectors, chips or plumes.
- 📱 Screen replacement – on some models (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro) the battery prevents the display module from detaching.
It's important to understand that a non-removable battery is not a whim of the manufacturer, but a safety measure. Lithium batteries are sensitive to mechanical damage, and their improper removal can lead to fire or explosion, for example, a puncture of the battery with a sharp object causes an instant chemical reaction with the release of gases.
⚠️ Warning: If the phone has been submerged in water, don't turn it on until the battery is removed! A short circuit on a wet board can irrevocably damage the power controller.
Preparation: security tools and measures
Before starting the dismantling, prepare the workplace and tools. The minimum set includes:
- 🔧 Plastic mediators (2-3 pieces) - for careful lid slashing and battery disconnection.
- 🔥 Dryer or thermo-air station - for softening the glue (temperature 60-80)°C).
- ⚡ Captone tape or tape to seal the battery contacts after disconnection.
- 🛠️ Screwdriver. T3/T4 — rear-mounting screw.
- 🧤 Gloves and safety glasses in case of battery rupture.
It is also recommended to use an antistatic bracelet or periodically touch a metal object (for example, a heater radiator) to remove static electricity. A discharged battery is less dangerous, so before starting work, discharge the phone to 20-30%.
| Tool. | Appointment | The alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic mediator | Finishing the cover and battery without scratches | Guitar Mediator or Credit Card |
| Thermo-air station | Softening the glue under the battery | Normal hair dryer (maximum temperature) |
| Isolation | Battery contact isolation | Scotch or electrical seal |
| Screwdriver T3/T4 | Spinning of the screws of the cover | There is no alternative (the risk of breaking the slime) |
⚠️ Warning: Never use metal blades or knives to tamper with the battery! They can puncture the battery shell and cause electrolyte leakage.
Step-by-step: how to remove the battery on Xiaomi
The process of removing the battery is the same for most Xiaomi models, but there are nuances depending on the series. Below is a universal instruction, suitable for the Redmi Note 9/10/11, POCO X3/X4, Mi 11/12 and other popular devices.
Turn off the phone and remove it. SIM-map|Discharge the battery to 20-30%|Prepare tools and the workplace|Wear gloves and safety glasses-->
- Remove the back cover. Dry the edge of the phone (1-2 minutes) to soften the glue. Insert a plastic mediator into the gap between the lid and the case (start with the connector for the device). SIM-Carefully drive the mediator around the perimeter, separating the lid. On models with an aluminum body (for example, Mi 11), be careful - the lid may bend.
- Disconnect the battery plume. When you take the lid off, you'll see the battery pack covered with black film. At the top of the board, find a battery connector (usually white or orange). Carefully tuck it in with a plastic blade. Don't pull the wires! - this can tear off the contacts. Attention: On some models (e.g., POCO F3), the battery connector is hidden under metal protection. It needs to be unscrewed beforehand.
- Contact isolation. Once the plume is disconnected, seal the battery contacts with tape to prevent accidental circuiting, which is especially important if you plan to solder or heat the board.
- Heat and remove the battery. Gently heat the battery with a hair dryer (temperature no higher than 80°C) starting at one edge. The glue under the battery will become softer. Insert a plastic mediator under the battery and slowly rip it off, moving the mediator around the surface. Don't overdo it! - if the battery doesn't succumb, warm it longer. What to do if the battery is glued too much? On some models (for example, Redmi Note 8 Pro) super-strong aductive can be used. In this case, you can use a special solvent for the glue (for example, Iso, Iso, 99% - then try the battery for a few minutes, and then you can use a few drinks).
On soldered-battery models like the Xiaomi 12S Ultra, the process is complicated, requiring a soldering station and microelectronics experience, and if you're not sure about your skills, you'd better go to a service center.
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Heating the battery with a hair dryer is a must! Without it, the glue will not soften, and you risk tearing the battery or tearing contacts off the board.
Features for popular Xiaomi models
Xiaomi’s smartphone design varies depending on the series, and the following are key differences that are important to consider when removing the battery.
| Model | Type of battery attachment | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 9/10/11 | Glue + plume | Easy access to the battery connector, but a thick layer of glue. |
| POCO X3/X4 | Adhesive + metal protection | You need to unscrew 4 screws to access the connector. |
| Mi 11/12 | Glue + soldered contacts | Difficult dismantling, soldering station is recommended. |
| Redmi 9A/9C | Glue + fragile plume | Careful! The battery plume is easy to tear off. |
For example, in the POCO F3, the battery is not evenly glued — there is more glue at the bottom, so it is better to start squeezing from the top edge. And in the Mi 11 Lite, the battery connector is located under a metal plate that you need to unscrew first.
If you're working with a bloated battery, be very careful, because these batteries are prone to spontaneous combustion when mechanically exposed, and you'd better put the phone in a metal container while you're dismantling it.
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Before removing the battery, take a picture of the location of the plumes and screws, which will help to properly assemble the phone back and avoid "extra" parts after repair.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when removing the battery, and here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:
- 🔥 Battery overheating: If you heat the dryer longer than 3-4 minutes or exceed the temperature of 80°C, the battery may deform or ignite. Use the thermometer to monitor.
- ⚡ If you don't isolate the battery contacts after disconnection, accidentally touching a metal tool can burn the board!
- 🔧 The plume is damaged. The battery plume is very fragile. Never pull the wires, just the connector! If the plume is off, it can be soldered, but it requires skill.
- 💥 Battery rupture. If the battery is swelling, don't try to bend it or puncture it. It can cause a chemical burn or fire. It's better to cut it with scissors wearing safety glasses.
Another common problem is the glue residue on the board, which you have to remove, otherwise the new battery will not fit well, use isopropyl alcohol and a lilac wipe, and don't use acetone or other aggressive solvents, which can damage the board.
⚠️ Warning: If the phone stopped turning on after removing the battery, check the fuse on the board (usually located next to the battery connector) that could have burned due to a short circuit.
What to do after removing the battery
When you successfully remove the battery, don't rush to install a new one. First, take a few important steps:
- Clean the board. Remove the glue from the board and the case. Use a plastic scraper and isopropyl alcohol. Pay special attention to the area around the battery connector, which often accumulates dust and oxides.
- Contact check. Check the battery connector on the board. If the contacts are oxidized or bent, erase them or replace the connector. Xiaomi models often use a BMS-Battery connector in 0.5 mm increments.
- Install a new battery. Before installing a new battery, check its voltage with a multimeter (should be 3.7-4.2V); apply a new double-sided tape (e.g., 3M 9448A) or special battery glue; press the battery evenly, avoiding distortion.
- Testing. After you build the phone, turn it on and check the battery power. If the phone doesn't turn on, check the plumes and connectors. On NFC models (like the Redmi Note 11 Pro), make sure the antenna isn't damaged -- it's often glued to the battery.
If you're installing a non-original battery, be prepared for the fact that its capacity may differ from the declared one. For example, instead of 5,000 mAh, you'll get 4,500-4,800 mAh. To check the actual capacity, use applications like AccuBattery.
When is the best time to contact the service center
Although you can do battery removal on Xiaomi yourself, in some cases it is better to trust the professionals:
- 🔧 Complex models. If you have Xiaomi. 12S Ultra, Mix Fold or other flagship model with soldered battery, risk of damage to board too high.
- 💥 Bloated battery: These batteries are dangerous, they can explode when mechanically impacted. Service centers use special containers to dispose of them.
- 📱 If you take the battery off, or if you burn the battery, you're going to need a micro-soldier that you can't do without experience.
- ⚡ Warranty repairs: If the phone is warranty, self-repairs will cancel it. Xiaomi's official service centers will replace the battery for free when confirming a factory defect.
The cost of replacing the battery in the service varies from 1500 to 5000 rubles depending on the model. For example, for the Redmi Note 10 Pro, the price will be about 2000-2500 rubles, and for the Xiaomi 13 Pro - 4000-5000 rubles.
If you do decide to repair your phone yourself, but something went wrong, don't panic. Many errors can be fixed, for example, a broken battery plume can be soldered, and damaged tracks on the board can be repaired with jumper wires.