How to carefully remove the lid from the Xiaomi Mi A7: tools, risks and step-by-step analysis

Disassembling the Xiaomi Mi A7 (also known as the Mi 7A in some regions) is a challenge that owners face when replacing a battery, repairing a camera or cleaning connectors. However, the wrong approach can damage plumes, cracks in the body or even failure of the fingerprint sensor, which will help avoid typical errors and conduct the procedure as safely as possible.

It’s important to understand that the Mi A7 design is different from Xiaomi’s flagship models — there’s no removable cover like the old Redmis, and the body is glued around the perimeter. This means that opening up will require special tools and patience. If you’ve never taken a smartphone apart before, we recommend that you first read the section on the risks and alternatives to self-repair.

In this article you will find:

• 🔧 List of necessary tools (with alternatives for home conditions)
• 📸 Step-by-step photo guide with marked "weak" places of the body
• ⚠️ Typical errors that cause latches to break or plumes to break
• 🔄 What to do if the lid does not lend itself (heating methods, levers, suckers)
• 💡 Reverse Assembly Tips to Avoid Screaming and Gaps

What tools will be needed to disassemble the Xiaomi Mi A7

Without the right tools, it's almost impossible to remove the Mi A7 lid -- the body is glued around the perimeter, and the latches are brittle.

If you plan to disassemble your smartphones regularly, it makes sense to buy a repair kit (costs 500 rubles), which usually includes all the necessary spatulas, screwdrivers and suckers, you can do with improvised means for one-time repairs, but the risk of damage will increase.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use knives or metal blades – they will cut through sealing gums and damage antenna lines, which will lead to signal degradation. 4G/Wi-Fi.

Preparing the phone for disassembly: what to do

Before you start removing the lid, be sure to follow these steps – they will protect your data and simplify the process:

Make a backup copy of the data (photos, contacts, messages)|Turn off the phone and remove it. SIM-map + memory-card|Charge the battery before 30-50% (completely!)|Take a picture of the location of the screws before unscrewing|Prepare a clean workspace (preferably on a soft substrate)-->

Pay special attention to the battery. If it swells (as seen on the raised lid or "slapping" case), it is absolutely impossible to disassemble the phone - the risk of fire! In this case, contact the service center. Also check if the device is not guaranteed - self-repair will cancel it.

If you remove the battery replacement cover, note that the Mi A7 has it glued to the body and will require an additional safety compartment kit (e.g., a battery needle or a thin nylon thread).

Step-by-step: how to remove the cover from Xiaomi Mi A7

Now, to the process itself, follow the instructions in strict order, without missing any steps.

1. Heat the case. Use a dryer at minimum power (or heating pad) and warm the edges of the phone around the perimeter for 2-3 minutes. Keep the hair dryer at a distance of 5-7 cm so as not to overheat the screen. The glue will become softer and the cover will separate more easily.
2. Suction lid, put the suction cup closer to the bottom edge (where the USB-C connector is) and pull up. If the lid doesn't lend itself, don't use excessive force, you better reheat the problem area.
3. Insert a blade. In the resulting gap (even the minimum) insert a plastic blade and carefully guide it along the body, separating the latches. Start at the bottom edge, there are fewer plumes. Important: In the upper part of the body (near the camera) there are plumes of the fingerprint sensor and vibrator. Do not deepen the blade more than 1-2 mm!
4. The plumes are disconnected. Once the lid is removed, you'll see some flexible plumes attached to the motherboard, which you need to carefully unplug with tweezers, pulling the black tongue of the connector (not the wires themselves!).

If the lid does not separate even after heating, there are two possible reasons:

• 🔥 Insufficient heating – try to increase the time to 4-5 minutes, focusing on the corners.
• 🛠️ Too old glue - in this case, isopropyl alcohol will help (70%+), perimeter-stitched.

⚠️ Warning: If you hear a crunch or crack when the lid is separated, it breaks the plastic latches. Stop disassembling and contact the service, otherwise the body will hang around after assembly.

💡

If the lid is lifted, but it's not fully removed, don't pull it by force, it's probably an unseparated area of glue, so warm up the lid again and try again with the shoulder blade.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when disassembling the Xiaomi Mi A7, and here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:

• 🔋 Battery damage. Never pull the battery cover off the side, it can swell or close. Always start at the bottom or side edge.
• 📶 The antenna contacts are broken, they're on the sides of the hull (thin copper tracks) and if you damage them, the signal will deteriorate. LTE and wifi.
• 👆 The fingerprint sensor plume is broken, it attaches to the lid and it breaks easily, and before you remove the lid completely, make sure that the plume is disconnected from the board.
• 🔩 Loss of screws screws screws in Mi A7 They're different lengths. Take a picture of their location or put them in separate containers.

Another common problem is creaking after assembly, and it occurs when:

• The cover is unevenly installed (check the gaps around the perimeter).
• The glue was applied too thick layer (should be 0.2-0.3 mm).
• There was dust or debris between the body and the lid.

If the phone does not turn on after assembly, check:

1. Is the battery connected (sometimes the plume leaves when the lid is installed).
2. Are the contacts closed on the board (look at the subject of foreign objects).
3. Have you ever had a meal (check the multimeter).

💡

If the volume or power buttons stop working after disassembly, they probably have their plumes gone, and they're attached to the board with small connectors that are easily overlooked when you build them.

When not to take the phone apart by yourself

Despite the detailed instructions, there are situations when self-repair is not advisable:

• 🔧 Phone warranty. Any interference will void it. Contact Xiaomi's official service.
• 💥 Bloated battery, the risk of fire or explosion is too high, special equipment is required.
• 📱 A crack on the screen, and when you disassemble, the pieces can get in and damage the board.
• 💦 We need ultrasonic cleaning and oxidized contact checks.
• 🔍 If the phone doesn't turn on for no apparent reason, the diagnostics require professional equipment.

The cost of dismantling in the service center is usually 500-1500 rubles (depending on the region), which is inexpensive compared to the risk of damaging the phone in the amount of 10,000+ rubles. If you are not sure of your skills, it is better to entrust the work to specialists.

Alternative option - purchase of used donor Mi A7 They sell phones on Avito or Yula for training. 2000-4000 This will allow you to practice without risk.

Phone Assembly: How to Avoid Screaming and Gap

Reverse assembly is as important as disassembly, and if you do it wrong, the phone will creak, warm, or catch the net poorly.

1. Rotate the screws. Start with the angle screws, then move to the center. Don't pull it over, it's easy enough.

After assembly:

• Check the operation of all buttons and sensors.
• Make sure there are no gaps between the cover and the body.
• Test the camera, speakers and microphone (sometimes the plumes will leave when assembled).

⚠️ Warning: If the phone runs out faster after assembly, check if the battery is locked somewhere, and a damaged battery plume may also be the cause, in which case it needs to be replaced.

💡

To make the lid sit tighter, after assembly, put the phone under the press (for example, between two heavy books) for 10-15 minutes, which will help the glue evenly distribute.

Frequent questions about the dismantling of Xiaomi Mi A7