How to carefully remove the back cover from the Xiaomi phone: instructions for all models

Introduction: Why Xiaomi’s Disassembly Needs a Special Approach

Xiaomi’s smartphones, including the Redmi, POCO and Mi lineups, are known for their value for money, but their design often baffles users when trying to repair themselves. Unlike older phones with removable covers, modern models are glued around the perimeter, and their body is held on a combination of latches, glue and sometimes even screws under decorative stubs, which makes the disassembly process unobvious to beginners.

The main problem is the risk of damage to the plumes, the battery or the body itself if you do not perform neat actions. For example, in the Redmi Note 10 Pro or POCO X3 Pro models, the fingerprint scanner plume runs directly under the back cover and is attached to it with double-sided tape, its cliff is one of the most common breakdowns during disassembly. In this article, we will learn how to avoid such errors and remove the case as safely as possible.

Before you start, consider that self-disassembly will void the warranty (if it is still valid). If your Xiaomi warranty is in place, you should contact the service center. For everyone else, go ahead!

What tools will be needed to disassemble

Without the right tools, it’s almost impossible to remove the lid from Xiaomi. Here’s the minimum set you’ll need:

• 🔧 Plastic mediators or shoulder blades (2-3 pieces) - for careful putting of the cover. Metal tools can leave scratches!
• 🔩 Screwdriver with a set of bits (cross, star, trivial) - for screws under stubs.
• 🧲 Magnetic mat or pallet - so as not to lose small details (screws, latches).
• 🔥 Dryer or thermo-air station - for softening the glue (temperature 60-80)°C).
• 🧴 Isopropyl alcohol (90%+) — cleansing.
• 📱 Suction (optional) - helps to lift the cover after heating.

For models with IP-certification (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi Note 12 Pro)+) You need a special glue for the back assembly - regular tape will not ensure leakage. Also prepare a plastic card (for example, a bank card) - it will be useful for separating the lid in hard-to-reach places.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use knives or screwdrivers to lid the lid! Metal will easily slip and damage plumes or battery. Plastic mediators can be bought in phone repair kits (costs from 200 rubles).

Preparing the phone for disassembly: steps before removing the lid

Before you start, do some critical actions:

1. Turn off the phone and remove it. SIM-If the battery is fixed (and 99% of the time it is), the risk of short circuits in disassembly remains.
2. Remove the cover and film (if any) that may interfere with access to the latches.
3. Discharge the battery to 25-50%, a fully charged battery is more dangerous if accidental damage occurs.
4. Take a photo of the phone from all sides – this will help with the reverse build (especially if you are disassembling this model for the first time).

If your Xiaomi has a factory seal (like a screw sticker), it will have to be ripped off, which will completely void the warranty. In some models (like the POCO M4 Pro), the seals are hidden under decorative plugs, you need to carefully fit them with a needle.

Also check if there are hidden screws on the body. For example, in the Redmi Note 9 Pro, one screw is hidden under a plug next to the charging connector. If you don't unscrew it, the lid won't come off!

Step-by-step: how to remove the back cover from Xiaomi

Now, to the most important stage, follow the instructions in strict order to avoid damage:

1. Heat the edges of the phone with a hair dryer for 2-3 minutes, holding it at a distance of 5-10 cm. The glue should become soft, but not melted. The temperature is not higher than 80 ° C, otherwise damage the display or battery.
2. Push to the bottom of the lid (near the USB-C connector) and pull up. If the lid doesn't lend itself, repeat heating.
3. Put a plastic mediator in the gap and gently swipe it around the perimeter, separating the latches. Don't push too hard, there may be plumes inside!
4. Pay special attention to the corner next to the power button – there are often additional latches.
5. When the lid is separated, do not remove it completely - first check if a plume is attached to it (for example, a fingerprint scanner or a print scanner). NFC-antennae).

In Xiaomi 12T or Redmi K50 models, the lid can bounce back with a characteristic click, which is normal. As long as you don't pull it hard. If you feel resistance, warm up the problem area again.

When you take the lid off, you'll see the insides of the phone. Don't touch the plumes and contacts with your hands, because static electricity can damage them. If you need to disconnect the battery, use a plastic blade to plug the connector.

Features of disassembling popular Xiaomi models

The case design of Xiaomi’s different lineups is very different, and we’ve collected key nuances for the most common models:

For models with a glass back panel (such as the Xiaomi Mi 11), be especially careful - the glass can crack when heated unevenly.

⚠️ Attention: B POCO X3 Pro and Redmi. K40 There's a metal plate attached to the body underneath the lid, and don't try to remove it unnecessarily, because it protects the internal components from overheating.

What to do after removing the lid: safety tips

When the lid is finally removed, don't rush right inside. Here's what you need to do first:

• 📸 Take a picture of the location of all the plumes and screws - this will save you when you reassemble.
• 🔋 Disconnect the battery (if you need to work with the board). To do this, put a plastic blade on the connector.
• 🧹 Clean your insides with a soft brush. Don't use wet wipes!
• 🔍 Check the integrity of the plumes – if they are torn, the phone may not turn on.

If you're disassembling a battery replacement phone, remember: in new Xiaomi models, the battery is glued to the body with double-sided tape. To remove it, pull a special black tape (if any) or gently tuck the battery into a plastic spatula, preheating it with a hair dryer.

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If you accidentally ripped the fingerprint scanner plume, don't panic! Most Xiaomi models can use a PIN or a pattern lock to unlock, but you can't restore the fingerprint function without replacing the plume.

When working with flexible plumes (such as a display or cameras), never pull them by the wires — only take on rigid connectors. The plumes in Xiaomi are very thin and break at the slightest jerk.

How to put your phone back together: nuances and mistakes

Back-assembly is often harder to disassemble, and here are the key points I'll help you avoid problems:

1. Check all the latches, they should click clearly when the lid is closed. If the latches are broken, the lid will dangle.
2. Use a new adhesive (e.g. B-7000 or Tesa 61395). The old adhesive loses its properties after heating.
3. Do not pull the screws - this can damage the thread in the plastic case.
4. Check the operation of all sensors after assembly (fingerprint scanner, NFC, camera).

For models with a waterproof body (such as Xiaomi 13 Ultra) after assembly, check the tightness by lowering the phone into the water for a few seconds (only if you used the original glue!).

⚠️ Warning: If the phone does not turn on after assembly, check: - Is the battery connected (sometimes the connector is not fully inserted). - Will the plumes (especially the display or power) - Are all the screws in place (the missing screw can cause a short circuit).

If you've been replacing a battery, calibrate it after assembly: completely discharge the phone, then charge it to 100% without interruption, which will help the power controller correctly determine the capacity of the new battery.

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The most common mistake when reassembling is to forget to connect the fingerprint scanner plume or NFC-Always double-check all connectors before the final lid fixation!

FAQ: answers to frequent questions about the dismantling of Xiaomi