The Xiaomi Redmi 7 is one of the brandβs most popular budget smartphones, but over time, even it requires repairs, whether itβs replacing the battery, cleaning up the dust or recovering from a fall. The first step in any case is removing the back cover, an operation that seems simple only at first glance. Wrong actions can lead to plastic cracks, damage to plumes, or even the failure of the fingerprint scanner integrated into the power button.
In this article, you will find detailed instructions with the photo, a list of necessary tools, as well as unique nuances of disassembling this particular model (for example, the features of attaching the lid to the middle frame), we will also analyze the typical mistakes that beginners make, and give recommendations for maintaining leakproofness after assembly. If you plan to repair yourself, this guide will help avoid costly consequences.
Preparation for disassembly: tools and security measures
Before you start removing the lid, make sure you have everything you need. Redmi 7 is not a modular smartphone (like Fairphone), so you will need specialized tools to disassemble, and the absence of at least one of them can lead to permanent damage to the body or internal components.
Here is the minimum set you will need:
- π§ Plastic mediator or suction cup to separate the lid from the frame!
- π₯ Dryer or thermo-air station - for softening the glue (temperature 60-80)Β°C).
- π Thin plastic card - as a lever for neat undercutting.
- β‘ Screwdriver. T3 (Torx) - for spinning the screws of the medium frame.
- π§² Magnetic mat or container β to avoid losing small details.
Important: If you use a hair dryer, keep it 10-15 cm away from the body and move it constantly to avoid overheating the battery or display. Temperatures above 90Β°C can warp the plastic of the lid or damage the adhesive base under the battery.
β οΈ Warning: Don't try to remove the lid without preheating! the glue that Xiaomi uses to fix the back panel becomes brittle at room temperature and can pull plumes or tear off contact pads.
Step-by-step: how to remove the cover without damage
The process of removing the back cover of Redmi 7 consists of several steps, follow them strictly in order to avoid errors.
- Turn off your smartphone and remove it. SIM-card and memory card (if installed) This will prevent short circuits from accidentally contacting the board.
- Plug on the screen a protective film (for example, Scotch) β this will save it from scratches when using a mediator.
- Warm up the edges of the lid with a hair dryer for 2-3 minutes, paying special attention to the corners and area near the chamber.
Now we move on to the immediate removal:
- Place the suction cup closer to the bottom edge of the lid (near the USB-C connector). Carefully pull up, creating a small gap.
- Insert a plastic mediator into the gap and slowly move it along the edge, separating the lid from the frame. Take your time - the glue can be unevenly distributed!
- Once the cover is separated by 2/3, raise it at an angle of 45Β° and check if the fingerprint scanner plume interferes (it goes from the power button to the motherboard).
If you pull the plume, gently disconnect it with a plastic blade, pulling the connector on the side.
Is the smartphone off?|Whether extracted SIM-card?|Is there a protective film on the screen?|Whether the edges of the lid are warmed by a hairdryer?|Are plastic mediators ready?-->
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when disassembling the Redmi 7, 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 lid, damage to plumes, circuit boards | Use only plastic or wooden mediators |
| Too much heat by a hair dryer | Deformation of plastic, detachment of glue under the battery | Keep the hair dryer at a distance of 10-15 cm, the temperature is not higher than 80 Β° C |
| Sharp compartment of the lid | Breakage of the fingerprint scanner plume or flexible antenna cable | Separate the cover slowly, checking for plumes |
| Attempting to remove the cover without heating | Plastic cracks, latch damage | Be sure to heat the glue around the perimeter |
Pay special attention to the area near the power button, which is a fingerprint scanner plume that's very easy to damage, and if you feel resistance to the lid, don't force it. You better warm it up again with a hairdryer.
β οΈ Attention: In some Redmi 7 batches (especially early releases), the glue under the lid may be applied unevenly. If the lid does not lend itself to one of the corners, do not try to pull it out - warm up the problem area additionally.
π‘
If you don't have a thermal air station, you can use a regular hair dryer, set it to a minimum power and keep it at a safe distance, moving constantly.
What to do after removing the cover: further actions
When the lid is successfully removed, you will be able to access the internal components of Redmi 7.
- π Battery replacement is the most popular type of repair. The battery in this model is glued, so it also needs to be preheated.
- πΆ Dust cleaning β especially relevant for speakers and connector USB-C. Use a soft brush or a balloon with compressed air.
- π οΈ Replacing a camera or microphone β requires care when working with flexible plumes.
- π Recovery after falling β checking the integrity of antenna contacts and motherboard mounts.
If your goal is to replace the battery, remember: the new battery must be the original or certified analogue with a capacity of 4000 mAh. Cheap fakes can swell or work incorrectly with the Quick Charge 3.0 fast charging system.
When the repair is complete, don't rush to stick the lid back in.
- Check the performance of all buttons and sensors.
- Make sure the fingerprint scanner recognizes the fingerprints.
- Test the charging and operation of the speakers.
How to check the tightness after assembly?
How to glue the lid back: assembly tips
Assembling the Redmi 7 after repair is just as important as disassembling. An improperly glued lid can lead to dust, poor button fit, or even loss of water resistance (although the model is not officially IP68 certified).
For reliable fixation of the cover, use:
- π§΄ Double-sided scotch 3M (thickness 0.2β0.3 mm) β applied around the perimeter of the cover.
- π₯ Clay. B-7000 β for point fixation in the corners (do not overdo it, otherwise the lid will not sit exactly!).
- π Special latches - if they were damaged during disassembly, they can be replaced with new ones (sold in remakes).
Procedure:
- Clean the edge of the middle frame and the inside of the cover of the old glue (use isopropyl alcohol).
- Stick a new two-way tape, avoiding the area of connectors and buttons.
- Carefully combine the cover with the frame, starting from the upper edge (where the camera is located).
- Press the lid around the perimeter, paying special attention to the corners.
After assembly, do not turn on the smartphone immediately - let the glue dry for 1-2 hours, and avoid heating the device (for example, intense play) in the first day after repair.
π‘
Using poor-quality glue can lead to the lid detaching over time, and it is better to pay for the original 3M Scotch than repeat the procedure after a month.
When is the best time to contact the service center
Although the dismantling of Redmi 7 is quite possible even for beginners, there are situations when it is better to trust the professionals:
- π₯ If the smartphone fell into the water β corrosion on the board can be invisible, but lead to a short circuit.
- β‘ If after a fall the display does not work - the problem may be in the plume or motherboard.
- π§ If soldering of components is required (for example, replacement of the connector) USB-C).
- π If the battery is swelling, it is dangerous for health!
The cost of dismantling in the service center usually does not exceed 500-1000 rubles, but you get a guarantee for the work performed. If you decide to act on your own, but something went wrong (for example, after the assembly does not work fingerprint scanner), do not try to βfinishβ the repair β contact the specialists before it gets worse.
Remember, self-repairing takes away your warranty (if it is still valid) and check the warranty status in the Mi Service app or on Xiaomiβs website before disassembling.