Why Xiaomi Mi 8 owners might need to take off the lid?
The Xiaomi Mi 8, released in 2018, is still popular with users thanks to its powerful hardware and affordable price in the secondary market. However, over time, many people face the need to disassemble it: someone wants to replace a dead battery, someone needs to clean the system board from dust, and some decide to upgrade the memory or repair the camera.
Unlike today’s flagships with a modular design, the Mi 8 was designed with a focus on body monolithism, which means that improper disassembly actions can lead to cracks in the glass panel, damage to plumes or even failure of the fingerprint sensor. In this article, we will analyze the unique lid removal algorithm for the Mi 8, taking into account its design features, which minimizes risks and is suitable even for beginners.
Before you start, consider your own strength: if you've never taken a smartphone apart, you might want to go to a service center, but if you're willing to do it yourself, follow our recommendations carefully, without rushing.
What tools will you need to remove the lid?
To disassemble the Xiaomi Mi 8, you can not do with improvised means like a knife or a credit card - this is almost guaranteed to lead to damage. You will need a specialized set of tools that can be purchased at electronics stores or on AliExpress for 300-800 rubles.
- 🔧 Plastic mediators (2-3 pieces) - thin blades for separation of the body. Optimal thickness: 0.15-0.2 mm.
- 🔥 Hair dryer or thermo-air station for softening the glue. Hair dryer power: at least 1,600 watts.
- 🧲 Suction cup (preferably silicone) - helps to lift the lid after heating. Diameter: 4-5 cm.
- ⚙️ Screwdriver. T3 and T5 — to unscrew the screws under the lid (if you need a deeper disassembly).
- 🧴 Isopropyl alcohol (90%+) — The alternative is acetone, but it's more aggressive.
- 📏 Plastic tweezers - for careful disconnection of plumes (if you plan to completely disassemble).
⚠️ Warning: Do not use metal mediators - they scratch the aluminum frame and can close contacts on the board. Also avoid overheating with a hairdryer: temperature above 80°C will damage the battery and screen.
Preparing the smartphone for disassembly: security steps
Before you start removing the lid, you need to completely de-energize the device and take precautions.
Turn off your smartphone and remove it. SIM-card and memory card (if any)
Charge the battery to 30-50% (full discharge or 100% charge is dangerous when heated)
Remove the cover and protective film (they can interfere with the suction cup)
Prepare a clean workplace with good lighting
Take a picture of the back cover – it will help with the reverse assembly-->
Pay special attention to the battery. Lithium polymer batteries Xiaomi Mi 8 sensitive to mechanical stress, and when heated above 60 ° C can swell. If you notice that the lid is already slightly receding or under the glass bubbles are visible - this is a sign of a bloated battery, in which case the dismantling is better entrusted to the professionals!
We also recommend that you wear an antistatic bracelet, or at least touch grounded metal objects periodically, and static electricity can damage the circuits on the board, especially if you plan to disconnect the plumes.
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If you don't have an antistatic bracelet, wrap your hands in foil and ground it by touching the heating battery, which will reduce the risk of static discharge.
Step-by-step: how to remove the cover from Xiaomi Mi 8
Now, the most important part is that the whole process will take 15 to 30 minutes, depending on your experience, and follow the instructions strictly by the steps.
- Heat the body. Turn the dryer on at medium power (60-70°C) and warm the back cover evenly for 2-3 minutes. Keep the dryer at a distance of 5-7 cm, constantly moving it. The goal is to soften the glue, but not overheat the battery.
- Suction cup. Stick the suction cup to the bottom of the lid (near the USB-C connector). Pull it up carefully, and it should get a little gap. If the lid doesn't lend itself, warm it up for another 1 minute.
- Mediators. Put a plastic mediator in the gap, and slowly lead it along the edge of the case, separating the lid from the frame. Start at the bottom and move counterclockwise. Don't force -- if the mediator is resting, you missed the latch.
- When the lid is almost removed, you'll see 2-3 plumes (fingerprint, antenna) gently unplug them with tweezers, pulling the black tongues of the connectors. Don't pull the plumes themselves!
⚠️ Note: On the Xiaomi Mi 8, the fingerprint sensor plume is extremely fragile. If it is damaged, the scanner will stop working, and replacing it separately is almost impossible - you will need to replace the entire rear panel.
If the lid is not heated, the glue may be too old and dried, and isopropyl alcohol will help: apply a few drops along the seam of the case and wait 1-2 minutes, then try again with the mediator.
What to do if the cover is broken when removed?
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when disassembling the Xiaomi Mi 8. We have collected the TOP-5 most common mistakes and ways to prevent them:
| Mistake. | Effects of consequences | How to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Overheating by a hairdryer (>80°C) | Battery bloating, screen module detachment | Use a thermometer or hold your hand 10 cm away from the body – if hot, reduce power |
| Too much pressure from the mediator | Cracks on the glass cover, scratches on the frame | Move the mediator smoothly, without jerking. If it doesn't, warm it up again. |
| Unlocking of plumes without fixation | Damage to the contacts of the fingerprint sensor or antennas | Take a picture of the location of the plumes before disconnection, pull only for the connectors |
| Use a knife instead of a mediator | Closing board, cuts to the fingers, chipped on the lid | Buy plastic mediators (cost ~ 100 rubles for 5 pieces) |
| Disassembly without battery shutdown | Short circuit when touching the board | Disconnect the battery first after removing the lid |
Another common problem is the glue residue on the frame. If left unchecked, the new lid (or the same one when reassembled) will not hold well. Use isopropyl alcohol and cotton swabs to clean. Don't use acetone to clean plastic parts, it can deform them.
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The most vulnerable part of the Xiaomi Mi 8 when disassembling is the plume of the fingerprint sensor. It costs 70-80% of the cost of a new cover, so act extremely carefully!
What to do after the lid is removed?
When the lid is successfully removed, the inside of the smartphone will open up in front of you.
- 📱 Battery - glued to the body, has a power plume with a black connector.
- 📷 Camera module - closed with a metal plate, attached to 3-4 screws.
- 🖥️ System board - located under a metal screen, it is not recommended to touch it without need.
- 📡 Antenna modules - thin copper tracks around the perimeter of the body.
If your goal is to replace the battery, then after removing the lid, you need to:
- Disconnect the battery plume (carefully fit the black connector with a plastic mediator).
- Warm the battery with a hair dryer (50°C) and smack it with a mediator. The glue under the battery is very sticky!
- Clean the installation site of glue residues with alcohol and glue the new battery to bilateral tape.
Other repairs (camera replacement, board cleaning) will require a complete disassembly, including unscrewing the screws and disconnecting the additional plumes. If you are not confident in your abilities, at this stage it is better to stop and consult a specialist.
How to get Xiaomi Mi 8 back?
Reverse assembly is as important as disassembly. Here are the key points:
- Check plumes. Make sure all connectors (fingerprint sensor, antenna, battery) are tightly connected, without distortion.
- Test before final assembly: Connect the battery and turn on the smartphone to check the performance of all functions (camera, fingerprint scanner, sensors).
- Apply glue. To tighten, use 3M double-sided tape (0.2 mm thick) or a special glue B-7000. Apply it with a thin layer around the perimeter of the lid, receding 1-2 mm from the edges.
- Stick the lid. Line it up on the USB-C connector and press it gently, starting at the bottom, use clamps or heavy books to keep the pressure steady for 10 to 15 minutes.
⚠️ Attention: If after assembly the smartphone does not turn on or the screen flashes, most likely you forgot to connect the battery plume or damaged the contacts of the board. Disassemble the device again and check all connections.
After full assembly, allow the glue to dry for at least 2 hours before turning on, and we also recommend not using your smartphone the first day to gain maximum strength.