How to carefully remove the back cover with Xiaomi Redmi 5A: instructions with photos and tips

Why do Redmi 5A owners have to take off the lid?

Xiaomi Redmi 5A, released in 2017, is still popular with users due to its reliability and budget price, but over time, even this β€œlong-lived” has typical problems: a bloated battery, a faulty speaker or the need to clean the connectors from dust, in such cases, you can not do without disassembling the case.

The main challenge is that the Redmi 5A's back cover is glued to the body, rather than being mounted on the latches, which means that removing it will require special tools and care to avoid damaging the plumes or the panel itself. In this article, we'll go into detail on how to properly dismantle the cover, what mistakes beginners most often make, and how to avoid breakage.

Before you start disassembling, make sure that your problem does require physical intervention, for example, if the phone is not turning on, first check the charger or try resetting the settings via Recovery Mode (press Power + Volume up).

What tools will you need to remove the lid?

For a careful disassembly of the Xiaomi Redmi 5A, you do not need professional kits - a basic kit is enough.

  • πŸ”§ Plastic blade or mediator - for putting the lid without scratches. Metal tools are not recommended, as they can leave traces on the plastic.
  • πŸ”₯ A hair dryer or a thermo-air station to soften the glue. Optimal temperature is 60-80.Β°C. Overheating over 100Β°C can damage the battery!
  • 🧲 Suction cup (optional) - helps to evenly lift the cover after heating.
  • πŸ“¦ The screw container - at Redmi 5A You're using 10 different size screws, so you don't want to confuse them when you build them, you need to put them in separate cells.
  • 🧴 Isopropyl alcohol (90%+) β€” to remove glue residues from the body and cover. Acetone or solvents cannot be used!

If you don't have a hair dryer, you can use an alternative method: put the phone on a warm battery (not hot!) for 10-15 minutes, which will soften the glue slightly, but the effect will be weaker than with spot heating.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use a building dryer at maximum power! hot air flow can warp the plastic cover or damage the display. Keep the dryer 10-15 cm away from the case and move it constantly.

πŸ“Š Have you ever taken a smartphone off your own?
Yes, many times.
Yeah, but it broke.
No, I'm afraid.
No, but I want to try.

Step-by-step: how to remove the cover from Xiaomi Redmi 5A

Before starting work, turn off the phone completely and remove it. SIM-The map from the tray. Follow the instructions:

  1. Heat the body. Turn the dryer on at medium power and evenly warm the back cover for 2-3 minutes, paying special attention to the edges. The glue should be elastic, but not liquid.
  2. Scapular scapula tampering. Put a plastic blade in the gap between the lid and the body at the charging socket (this is the most vulnerable place), carefully swipe the blade along the edge, gradually lifting the lid.
  3. After the lid has been raised 1-2mm, push the scapula further, snapping the clips. Redmi 5A has about 8-10 pieces around the perimeter.
  4. Remove the lid. When all the latches are disconnected, remove the lid by holding it by the top (there is a fingerprint scanner plume). Don't pull sharply - the plume may come off!

Critically, the fingerprint scanner plume in Redmi 5A is glued to the lid, not the motherboard. If you pull the lid abruptly, the connector may get damaged and the scanner will stop working. To avoid this, carefully unplug the plume from the circuit board socket before you completely remove the lid.

Phone turned off and removed. SIM-map

A plastic spatula and hair dryer at hand

The body will warm up to 60-80 Β° C

The fingerprint scanner plume is disconnected before the cover is removed-->

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when disassembling the Redmi 5A. Here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:

Mistake.Effects of consequencesHow to avoid
Use of metal toolsScratches on the lid, damage to plumesUse only plastic shoulder blades or mediators
Hydrogen overheatingDeformation of plastic, battery damageKeep the hair dryer at a distance of 10-15 cm, the temperature is not higher than 80 Β° C
Removal of the lid without disconnecting the plumeBreaking the fingerprint scanner connectorBefore removing the cover, carefully disconnect the plume from the motherboard
Loss or entanglement of screwsIncorrect assembly, damage to threadPlace screws on containers or photograph their location

Another common problem is damage to the adhesive layer when the lid is not removed carefully, and if the adhesive is left on the body, it can be removed with isopropyl alcohol, but not acetone (it corrodes plastic). For reassembly, it is recommended to use a new double-sided 3M 9448A tape, which provides reliable fixation without the risk of detachment.

⚠️ Warning: If you notice that the battery is blown up after the lid is removed (see the bulge on the case), do not turn the phone on and try to charge it! The bloated battery may ignite. Immediately disconnect it from the motherboard and dispose of it according to the rules.

πŸ’‘

If the glue holds the lid too tightly, don't try to pull it off by force. Better reheat the problem area with a hairdryer and try to smack the shoulder blade again.

What to do after removing the cover: further actions

Once the lid is successfully removed, you will be able to access the internal components of the Redmi 5A.

  • πŸ”‹ Battery replacement. 5A It uses a removable battery with a capacity of 3000 mAh. To remove it, disconnect the connector from the motherboard and gently tuck the battery into a plastic blade. The new battery must be of the same capacity and model (for example, BM43).
  • πŸ”Š Cleaning the speaker or the microphone. Dust and dirt often accumulate in the speaker's grille. Use a soft brush or compressed air to clean. Don't blow with your mouth - moisture from breathing can oxidize contacts!
  • πŸ“Ά Checking antenna contacts, if you're not getting a good net, maybe the antenna contacts have gone, they're under a metal cover near the camera, press them tightly or clean them with alcohol.
  • πŸ”§ Replace the charging connector. If the phone doesn't charge, the problem may be in the USB-Type C port. Replacement will require a soldering station and microelectronics experience.

If you've removed the cover to replace the display, consider that in the Redmi 5A, the screen is glued to the frame. It will require additional heating and a special suction cup. Without experience, it's better to entrust this procedure to the service center - the risk of damage to the touchscreen plume is very high.

How to check the performance after assembly?
After you have assembled your phone, turn it on and check: 1. Is the fingerprint scanner working (if the plume has been disconnected). 2. Is the battery charging (check the charging indicator). 3. Is there any extraneous noise in the dynamics (a sign of dust getting in). 4. Does the network catch (if antenna contacts have been touched). If something does not work, take the phone apart again and check all the connectors.

How to build Redmi 5A after repair?

Building the phone after repair is as important as disassembling, and here are the key points to consider:

  1. Clean contacts. Before installing the lid, wipe all metal contacts (battery, antennas, plumes) with isopropyl alcohol. This will remove oxides and improve conductivity.
  2. If the old glue is lost, use a new double-sided tape, stick it around the perimeter of the lid, avoiding the places where the plumes pass.
  3. Twisting screws. Start with the corner screws, then move to the center. Don't drag them over -- plastic inserts can crack!
  4. Check the gaps. After assembly, make sure there are no visible gaps between the lid and the body, if there are any, then the lid is not tightly glued or the screws are twisted unevenly.

If the phone doesn't turn on after assembly, don't panic.

  • Is the battery connected to the motherboard?
  • Whether somewhere pinched the plume (for example, fingerprint scanner).
  • Is it properly installed? SIM-Map (sometimes it interferes with contacts).

⚠️ Note: If the phone turns on after assembly but discharges quickly, you may have damaged the battery when it is removed. Check its voltage with a multimeter - it should be in the range of 3.7-4.2 V. If less than 3.5 V, the battery needs to be replaced.

πŸ’‘

The most common cause of failure after assembly is an unconnected plume or connector. Always check them first!

When is the best time to go to the service center?

While the Xiaomi Redmi 5A is easy to disassemble, there are some situations where it’s best to trust the professionals:

  • πŸ’₯ The battery is bloated or leaking, and it's dangerous, it's dangerous, it's dangerous, it's dangerous, it's dangerous, it's dangerous, it's dangerous, it's dangerous, it's dangerous, it's dangerous, it's dangerous, it's dangerous, it's dangerous, it's dangerous, it's dangerous, it's dangerous, it's dangerous, it's dangerous, it's dangerous, it's safe to dispose of it.
  • πŸ“± The screen is cracked or the touchscreen is not working, and replacing the screen requires soldering and precise calibration, which is difficult to perform at home.
  • πŸ”Œ The charging connector is not working or USB-To replace the power chip, you need special tools and expertise.
  • 🌑️ The phone overheats or spontaneously shuts down, which can be a symptom of a motherboard problem (e.g., a chip that has detached).

The average cost of dismantling the Redmi 5A in the service center is 500-1000 rubles (excluding spare parts). If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to pay for professional repairs than risk completely disabling the phone.

Remember, Xiaomi warranty does not apply to phones with traces of self-repair. If your Redmi 5A is still warranty, contact the official service first - it may be free of charge.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the Xiaomi Redmi 5A disassembly

Can I take off the lid without a hair dryer?
Yes, but it's going to be harder. Alternatives: Put your phone on a warm battery for 15 to 20 minutes. Use hot water in a bag (don't pour directly on your phone!). Put the bag on the lid for 5 minutes. Carefully lid the lid with a spade, slowly warming up the problem areas with a lighter (caution!). However, without heating, the risk of damaging the latches or plumes is much higher.
What glue to use to re-paint the cover?
Best options: Double-sided 3M 9448A Scotch is optimal in thickness and adhesive properties. B-7000 glue is elastic, does not damage plastic, but requires 12 to 24 hours of drying. Thermocles are applied with a gun, but can be too rigid. Don't use superglue or moment - they can damage the plastic when disassembled.
What if the fingerprint scanner does not work after the assembly?
Causes and solutions: The plume is unconnected or damaged. Take the phone apart and check the connector on the motherboard. If the plume is torn, it needs to be replaced. Contact oxidation. Wipe the connector and plume with isopropyl alcohol. Damage to the scanner. If the plume is still not working, the scanner may have failed (for example, due to a static discharge).
Can I wash the Redmi 5A after removing it?
Yes, but with caution: Use warm water with soap and a soft sponge. Don't rub the lid with hard brushes, it will scratch the coating. After washing, dry the lid thoroughly 24 hours before assembly. Don't wash the lid in the dishwasher - the high temperature deforms it. If the lid is heavily contaminated, it's better to wipe it with a wetty tissue with isopropyl alcohol.
How much does it cost to replace the battery in the Redmi 5A?
Prices are relevant for 2026: Spare Part Cost (ruble) Cost of work (ruble) Original battery BM43 800-1200 300-500 Analog (for example, Camelion) 500-800 300-500 Service "replacement with your spare part" - 200-400 Average life of a new battery - 2-3 years with proper operation.