Why would you need to disassemble a Xiaomi smartphone?
Removing the back cover of Xiaomi is an operation that every smartphone owner of this brand will face sooner or later. The reasons can be very different from a banal battery replacement to repairing the camera or speaker. However, improper disassembly often leads to damage to the plumes, cracks in the body or even a failure of the fingerprint sensor, especially for models with an aluminum frame (for example, Xiaomi 12 or POCO F4), where the cover is attached not only to clips, but also to glue.
In this article, we will discuss the universal methods for most modern Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones, and point out the key differences between plastic and metal models. You will learn what tools you need, how to avoid typical errors and what to do if the lid is stuck dead. If you have never taken your phones apart before, don’t worry: with the right approach, even a beginner can cope in 15-20 minutes.
Warning: the warranty on the device is removed with any independent intervention. If your Xiaomi is still on warranty, you better contact the service center. For the rest, go ahead!
What tools will you need?
Without the right tools, it's almost impossible to remove the Xiaomi lid - you'll either damage the case or break the clips. Here's the minimum kit you should have on hand:
- 🔧 Plastic blade (or mediator) to lick the lid. Metal tools leave scratches!
- 🔥 Hair dryer or thermal air station - for softening the glue (required for models with waterproof, for example, Redmi Note 11 Pro)+).
- 🧲 Suction – helps to separate the cover from the frame (especially useful for smooth glass back panels).
- 🔩 Screwdriver. T3/T4/T5 — for the purpose of removing the screws (in some models, for example, POCO X3 Pro, used screws with a five-point head).
- 📏 Plastic separators (or guitar mediators) – to keep the lid ajar.
- 🧴 Isopropyl alcohol (90%+) — to remove glue residues (do not use acetone - it corrodes plastic!).
If you have a model with an IP53/IP68 protection degree (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Redmi Note 12 Pro+), you can not do without a hair dryer - the adhesive is used there. For budget devices (Redmi 10A, POCO M4 Pro), a spatula and suction cups are enough.
⚠️ Warning: Never use a knife or screwdriver to lid the lid! Metal will easily slip through and damage the battery plume or antenna contacts. Plastic tools cost pennies, but save you hundreds on repairs.
Preparing the phone for disassembly
Before you start removing the lid, you need to properly prepare the device, neglecting this step can lead to short circuit or loss of data.
Turn off the phone and remove it. SIM-memory-card
Charge the battery by at least 30% (to avoid deep discharge)
Make a backup of the data (in case of damage to the fee)
Remove the cover and protective film (they interfere with access to the clips)
Prepare the workplace: clean surface, good lighting-->
Pay special attention to the battery. If the battery is swollen, it is better to trust the dismantling to professionals - the risk of fire if lithium-ion cells are damaged is very high. Also check if there are any factory stickers left on the case (for example, on POCO F3 they can hide the screws).
If you're disassembling a contactless charging model (such as the Xiaomi 12 Pro or Redmi K50 Pro), be careful: there's a coil under the lid that's attached to double-sided tape.
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Before heating with a hair dryer, stick paint tape on the screen - this will protect it from accidental scratches when slipping tools.
Step-by-step: how to remove the back cover Xiaomi
The disassembly algorithm depends on the type of case of your smartphone, and we will discuss the two most common options: a plastic case on clips (budget models) and a glass / metal case on glue (flagships and the middle segment).
Option 1: Plastic cover (Redmi 9A, POCO M3, Xiaomi A series)
These are the easiest models to understand.
- Insert a plastic blade into the gap between the lid and the frame (start at the lower corner where the charging connectors are located).
- Carefully drive the blade along the body, alternately snapping clips, you will hear the characteristic clicks.
- When all the clips open, remove the lid. Be careful - it can be connected to the fingerprint sensor plume!
In some models (for example, Redmi 8A) the cover is additionally fixed with screws under plugs, which must be pre-screwed with a T3 screwdriver.
Option 2: Glass/metal cover (Xiaomi 11T, Redmi Note 11, POCO F4)
You can't do without heating here.
- Heat the back cover around the perimeter with a hair dryer (temperature ~60–70°C, no higher!). Keep the hair dryer at a distance of 5–7 cm so as not to overheat the battery.
- Suction the lid, and pull it up a little bit. If the lid doesn't lend itself, repeat the heat.
- Insert a plastic blade into the resulting gap and carefully lead it along the contour, cutting the glue.
- When the cover is separated, do not remove it completely - first disconnect the fingerprint sensor plume (if any).
On waterproof models (such as the Redmi Note 10 Pro), the adhesive can be particularly durable, in which case use isopropyl alcohol to dissolve the residue.
What to do if the lid does not move?
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when disassembling Xiaomi, and here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:
| Mistake. | Effects of consequences | How to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Use of metal tools | Scratches on the body, damage to plumes | Use only plastic shoulder blades |
| Overheating by a hairdryer (>80°C) | Deformation of plastic, battery damage | Control the temperature with a thermometer |
| Sharp compartment of the lid | Breakage of the fingerprint sensor or antenna contacts plume | Remove the cover slowly, checking for plumes |
| Liquor on the charge | Corrosion of contacts, failure of microcircuits | Apply alcohol only on glue around the edges |
| Disassembly without battery shutdown | Short circuit when touching the board | Disconnect the battery first! |
Especially careful with models where the fingerprint sensor is built into the screen (for example, Xiaomi 12 or POCO F5), where the sensor plume often goes through the middle of the case, and it is easy to damage if you carelessly move.
⚠️ Warning: If you see that the water protection seal ring has broken after removing the cover, the device will no longer be protected from moisture, in which case you will have to replace the ring or duct tape (for example, the ring or tape, 3M 8672 for the Redmi Note 11S).
Features of disassembling popular Xiaomi models
Despite the general principles, each Xiaomi model has its own nuances, and we have collected key differences for the most common smartphones:
- 📱 Redmi Note 10/11 Series: Cover on glue + 2 screw under plugs at the Type-C connector. fingerprint sensor on the plume - do not pull the lid sharply!
For models with a retractable front camera (for example, Xiaomi Mi 9T or Redmi K20), be extremely careful: the camera mechanism is connected to the board with a thin plume that is easy to tear off.
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Before disassembling flagship models (Xiaomi 13, POCO F5 Pro) be sure to watch the disassembly video for your modification - the location of clips and plumes may differ even within the same series!
What to do after the lid is removed?
When the finalmente lid is removed, don't rush to start repairing it right away.
- Unplug the battery (unscrew the screws on the metal plate and disconnect the battery connector) and this will save the board from short circuit.
- Take a picture of all the plumes and screws, and when you assemble them, it's not going to confuse anything.
- If you're planning to replace the lid, clean the frame of the old glue with isopropyl alcohol (B-7000 or T-7000) thin-layer.
- Check the integrity of the antenna contacts (metal springs at the edges of the case). If they are bent, the network signal and Wi-Fi will be worse.
If you've been disassembling a battery replacement phone, look for a charge level sensor (a small charge on the battery) that needs to be gently re-addled to a new battery, otherwise the phone won't display the percentage of charge correctly.
When you build, make sure that the plumes don't twist and get under plastic latches. For example, in the Redmi Note 8 Pro, the fingerprint sensor plume is often clamped with the lid, which stops unlocking.