How to carefully remove the back cover with Xiaomi Redmi 9: instructions with photos and videos

Removing the back cover from the Xiaomi Redmi 9 is a challenge that owners face when replacing the battery, repairing the camera or cleaning up the dust. Despite its apparent simplicity, the process requires caution: improper actions can lead to cracks in the case, damage to the plumes or loss of leakage. In this article, we will discuss all the stages of dismantling, from tool preparation to finishing inspection, and also talk about typical errors and ways to avoid them.

Redmi 9 (codenamed lancelot) has a glue-locked lid, making it harder to dismantle than the latches on older devices. If you've never taken a smartphone apart, that's okay, because our guide is good for beginners, and the key is to follow the instructions and take your time.

⚠️ Warning: Removing the lid will void the Xiaomi warranty if it is still valid. Before starting work, check the warranty status in the Mi Service app or on the manufacturer's website.

In the article you will find:

• 🔧 List of necessary tools (with alternatives for home conditions)
• 📸 Step-by-step photos of each stage of disassembly
• ⚡ Video Instructions from Professional Masters
• ❌ Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
• 🔄 Reverse assembly tips (including leakproofness checks)

1. Disassembly preparation: tools and safety

Before you start removing the lid, make sure you have everything you need, and even one tool can damage the body or internal components.

• 🔨 Plastic blade (or mediator) - to separate the cover from the body!
• 🔥 Dryer or thermo-air station - for softening the glue (temperature 60-80)°Alternative: warm air from the kettle (less efficient).
• 🧲 Suction cup (optional) - helps to lid after heating.
• 🔧 Screwdriver. T3 or T4 — to unscrew the screws under the lid (if you plan to completely disassemble).
• 📦 The screw container is to keep the small parts from getting lost.
• 🧴 Isopropyl alcohol 90%+ — Removal of glue residues (not mandatory, but useful).

If you do not have specialized tools, you can do with improvised means:

• Instead of a spatula - a plastic card (close the corner for convenience).
• Instead of a dryer, a hot water bottle or hot water in a bag (heat carefully, avoiding moisture!).
• Instead of a suction cup, it's a wide scotch tape, folded with a loop.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use knives, scissors or other sharp metal objects! they can scratch the body or puncture the battery, which will lead to fire or explosion.

Before starting work completely turn off the smartphone and remove SIM-This will prevent short circuits from accidentally coming into contact with the board, and we recommend working on a clean, flat surface, so you can cover the table with a soft cloth so you don't scratch the screen.

2.Heating the cover: how to properly soften the glue

The glue that Xiaomi uses to fix the Redmi 9 lid becomes elastic when heated to 60-80°C. Overheating over 90°C can damage battery or display! Here's how to do it safely:

1. Turn the dryer on at medium power and direct the air flow to the edges of the cover (not the center!). Keep the hair dryer at a distance of 5-10 cm from the body.

2. Heat in a circle for 2-3 minutes, evenly warming all sides. Do not stay in one place for longer than 10 seconds.

3. Check the temperature - the lid should be warm to the touch, but not hot. If you use a thermometer, watch the readings in the range 60-75°C.

💡 Tip: If you do not have a hair dryer, you can use hot water in the bag:

• Pour water with a temperature of 70-80°C in a dense plastic bag.
• Put the package on the cover of the smartphone for 1-2 minutes.
• Immediately after heating, proceed to the separation of the cover - the glue quickly cools down!

⚠️ Warning: Do not heat the area around the camera and flash flash! overheating can damage optics or LEDs. Also avoid getting moisture into speakers or microphones.

💡

If the glue holds the lid too tight, repeat the heat again. Don't apply excessive force, it can lead to cracks on the plastic.

3. Step-by-step instructions: how to remove the cover from Redmi 9

When the lid is warmed, proceed to detach it. Act carefully and without haste, the glue can be unevenly softened.

1. Put the lid on with a spatula:

- Start with the lower left corner (near the connector). USB-C).

- Insert the blade into the gap between the lid and the body to a depth of 1-2 mm.

- Carefully turn the shoulder blade, creating a gap.

2. Swipe the perimeter with a spatula:

Do not try to tear off the lid immediately - move gradually along the edge.

If you feel resistance, stop and warm up the area again.

Do not insert the shoulder blade deeper than 3 mm - there may be plumes inside!

3. Separate the lid completely:

When all the edges are disconnected, gently lift the lid, starting at the bottom.

If the cover is "stuck" in some places, do not pull it - warm up the problem areas again.

📹 Video Instructions (click to view):

🔍 What you'll see under the lid:

• 🔋 Battery (glued to the body, disconnected by a plume).
• 📷 Camera module (shutted with screws, do not touch unless necessary!).
• 🔊 Speaker and microphone (located at the bottom of the microphone).
• 📶 Antenna contacts (thin metal strips at the edges).

⚠️ Warning: Do not touch metal parts with a screwdriver or fingers after removing the lid, which can cause static electricity and damage the board. If you plan to disassemble further, use an antistatic bracelet or regularly touch grounded objects.

💡

The key point is, if the lid doesn't lend itself, don't force it. You'd better repeat the heat or use more alcohol to dissolve the glue.

4.Typical mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when disassembling the Redmi 9, and here are the most common problems and ways to prevent them:

🔧 What to do if the cover is broken?

• If the crack is small, you can seal it with superglue (for example, Loctite) and polish it with sandpaper. P1000.
• If the damage is severe, you'll have to replace the lid, and you can find original parts for the Redmi 9 on AliExpress or at service centers.

💬 User review:

"I tried to remove the lid without heating, and I tore off the battery plume, and I had to take it to a service that took 3,000 to repair. ₽. I always use a hair dryer and a spatula! – Andrey, Moscow

5.How to glue the lid back: assembly tips

Once the repair is complete, the lid must be re-fixed, and you can't use the original glue, it's disposable.

Clear the surfaces:

Remove the remnants of old glue from the case and cover using isopropyl alcohol or acetone.

- Wipe the surfaces with a dry napkin without pile.

2. Apply the new glue:

- The best option is bilateral scotch 3M (thickness 0.2–0.3 mm).

- Alternative: glue B-7000 (squirt).

For better tightness, you can use a silicone sealant (for example, Dow Corning 7091).

3. Press the lid:

- Combine all the latches and press the lid evenly on the edges.

Put the smartphone under a load of 1-2 kg for 10-15 minutes.

Do not turn on the device for 1-2 hours to make the glue completely dry.

⚠️ Warning: After assembly, check the tightness:

• Blow in the connector. USB-C — If you hear a whistle, there is a gap.
• Immerse your smartphone in water for 5 seconds (only if you are sure of tightness!).
• Check all buttons and sensors – they should not fail.

🔄 If the lid creaks after assembly:

• Take it off and check if there are any skews.
• Add glue in places where the cover is "walking."
• Use a thin pad of paper in problem areas.

6. Alternative methods: when the glue does not respond

If the lid doesn't come off even after heating, you can try alternatives, and use them only as a last resort, because they increase the risk of damage to the device.

🔹 thread method:

• Push a thin, strong thread (such as dental floss) into the gap between the lid and the body.
• Carefully cut the thread back and forth as if you were cutting butter.
• Gradually move around the perimeter until the lid is removed.

🔹 Solvent method:

• Apply acetone or white spirit to the edges of the lid with a cotton swab.
• Wait 2-3 minutes - the glue should soften.
• Put the lid on the shoulder blade (the solvent can damage the plastic, so don't overdo it!).

🔹 Vacuum-suction method:

• Attach the suction cup to the lid and pull up.
• At the same time, squirt the edge with a spatula.
• If the lid fails, heat it again.

⚠️ Warning: Never use gasoline, kerosene or other aggressive solvents! they can melt plastic or damage camera seals.

7.Where to buy parts and tools for Redmi 9

If you need new parts or tools after disassembly, here’s where you can buy them:

💡 Advice on the choice of the lid:

• The original covers are marked "Mi" on the inside.
• Copies are often worse in quality than plastic and may not match the holes.
• Before buying, check if the lid is suitable for your modification (Redmi 9, Redmi). 9A, Redmi 9C — different!).

⚠️ Note: When buying a battery, pay attention to the capacity - the original for the Redmi 9 is marked BM47 and capacity of 5020 mAh. Cheap analogues can have a smaller capacity and fail faster.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the Redmi 9 disassembly