Disassembly Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus: how to remove the lid without scratches and breakdowns

Removing the back cover of the Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus is a challenge that owners face when replacing a battery, repairing plumes or cleaning dust. The model, released in 2017, is still popular due to its reliability and maintainability. However, improper dismantling can lead to cracks in the case, damage to flexible plumes or even failure of the fingerprint sensor.

Unlike modern smartphones with glue covers, Redmi 5 Plus (codename vince) is relatively easy to understand β€” if you know the nuances. In this article, you will find a step-by-step photo instruction, a list of necessary tools, as well as unique tips for working with latches, which often break when you open sloppy, and we will also analyze the typical errors and ways to avoid them.

Preparation for the disassembly: what you need to know before the beginning

Before you start a screwdriver, consider disassembling. If your Redmi 5 Plus is warranty-free, self-opening will invalidate it. Also note that some parts (such as a fingerprint scanner) are attached to the lid and can come off if you carelessly handle it.

Here’s what you should do before you start:

  • πŸ”‹ Turn off the phone and remove it. SIM-Even when switched off, the residual charge can cause a short circuit when in contact with metal tools.
  • πŸ“Έ Take a picture of the original condition of the body from all sides, and this will help with the assembly, sometimes forgetting exactly how the part was installed.
  • 🧹 Clean the workplace of dust and debris.Small particles can get inside the phone and cause problems with speakers or microphone.
  • πŸ› οΈ Prepare tools (a detailed list in the next section) and using inappropriate screwdrivers often causes screws to break.

⚠️ Warning: If your Redmi 5 Plus has been in water or has been hit hard, disassembly can be more dangerous than usual.

Required tools: what can not be replaced by β€œimprovised means”

To carefully disassemble the Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus, you will need a specialized set.Tool savings often result in thwarted screws or a scratched body.

Tool.What do you need?What can't be replaced
Plastic spatula (spudger)Disconnection of the lid latchMediator, knife, credit card.
Torx T3 screwdriverBack cover screwsWith a star or a flat screwdriver.
Suction cup (for screens)Original lid separationScotch or hand
Tweezers with curved endsDisconnection of plumesFingers or toothpicks
Thermoclei or double-sided scotchFixing the lid during assemblySuperglue or tape.

Pay special attention to the Torx T3 screwdriver. The screws in the Redmi 5 Plus are finely threaded, and using the wrong tool will lead to the "licking" of the screws. If you are not sure about the quality of your kit, buy the iFixit Pro Tech Toolkit - it includes all the necessary bits.

πŸ“Š What tools do you already have for phone repair?
Plastic spatula
Torx T3 screwdriver
Suction cup.
Tweezers
None of the above.

Step-by-step: how to remove the cover without damage

Now, to the process itself, follow the instructions in strict order, and skipping the steps can cause the latches or the plumes to break.

  1. Heat the case. Use a dryer at minimum power (or leave the phone under the lamp for 5 minutes) This will soften the adhesive strips around the perimeter of the lid. The temperature should not exceed 60 Β° C. Overheating will damage the battery.
  2. Unplug the suction cup. Attach it to the top of the lid (above the tray) SIM-And pull up. There's got to be a little gap.
  3. Scapula work. Put a plastic blade in the gap and gently guide it along the edge, snapping the locks. Start at the top, there are fewer plumes.
  4. When all the latches are snapped, remove the lid by holding it by the top. Don't pull the bottom one, there's a fingerprint scanner plume going through.

All perimeter latches are cracked |

The fingerprint scanner's plume is not stretched |

The battery is not swelled or deformed |

No visible cracks on the body-->

If the lid doesn't lend itself, don't force it. You probably missed one of the 12 latches around the perimeter. In Redmi 5 Plus, they're particularly fragile around the volume buttons.

What to do if the latch breaks?
If the locker does crack, don't panic. You can lock the lid when you build it with heat glue (point-point, no excess), and the key is not to lose a piece of plastic inside the case, because it can close the contacts on the board.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when disassembling Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus, and here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:

  • πŸ”§ The screws in this model are very soft. Use a magnetic-tipped screwdriver and don't push too hard. If the screw is already ripped, try removing it with a rubber harness or a special extractor.
  • πŸ”‹ Battery damage. Don't put a blade deeper than 2 mm, you can puncture the battery. If it's swelling, you'd better trust the professionals to disassemble it.
  • πŸ“± The fingerprint scanner plume is broken, it's glued to the lid, and you can only unplug it when you've completely removed the back panel, and you can tweez it with tweezers.
  • 🧲 Loss of small parts. Screws and latches have the ability to fly away. Use a magnetic mat or a container with separations.

⚠️ Warning: If the phone stops turning on after disassembly, check the battery connector on the board. Often it will go away if you handle it carelessly. Carefully press it with tweezers - sometimes this solves the problem.

What to do after removing the cover: further actions

When the lid is successfully removed, you will see the Redmi 5 Plus internal device open up.

  • πŸ”„ Battery replacement. Most popular cause of disassembly. Redmi 5 Plus is a 4,000 mAh battery labeled MB42.
  • πŸ“Έ Camera cleanup: Dust on the main camera module (12 MP) often spoils the quality of the images. Use a soft brush and a can of compressed air.
  • πŸ”Š If the sound is quieter, check the integrity of the speaker grid and the contacts on the board.
  • πŸ“Ά Replacement of antenna plumes: Network signal problems may be related to contact oxidation or damage to antenna tapes.

If your goal is to replace the display, consider that the Redmi 5 Plus has a screen glued to the frame, which requires an iOpener or a dryer with a narrow nozzle, and without heating, you risk breaking the glass when you try to separate it from the body.

πŸ’‘

Before assembly, wipe the contacts of the battery and board with alcohol. Oxidation is a common cause of sudden switching off of the phone after disassembly.

Building a phone: how to avoid mistakes

Putting the Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus back together is often harder than disassembling.

  1. Check all the plumes. They should be flat, without any inflections, and the fingerprint scanner plume should be glued to the lid in exactly the same position as it was.
  2. If the original latches are broken, use thin strips of double-sided tape around the perimeter. Don't overdo it, excess glue can get on the speaker.
  3. Tighten the screws cross-cross. This will prevent the lid from skewing. Start with the corner screws, then tighten the center screws.
  4. Check the buttons. After assembly, press all physical buttons (Power, Volume) β€” they should work smoothly, without jamming.

After assembly, turn on the phone and check:

  • πŸ“ž Operation of the fingerprint sensor
  • πŸ”ˆ Sound in the speaker and microphone
  • πŸ“Ά Network signal quality
  • πŸ”‹ Charging the battery

⚠️ Attention: If you're warming up your phone after assembly, you probably forgot to put the heat pad back between the processor and the lid!

πŸ’‘

The basic rule of assembly is that if something doesn't fit in easily, you're doing it wrong. Don't push it, double-check the parts.

When the Disassembly is Inappropriate: Alternative Solutions

It is not always reasonable to disassemble the Redmi 5 Plus on your own, and in some cases it is better to contact the service center or consider alternatives:

  • πŸ’§ If the phone is wet, disassembling without special equipment (ultrasonic bath, isopropyl alcohol) can aggravate corrosion.
  • ⚑ Problems with the fee. Symptoms: the phone doesn't turn on, it warms up, it spontaneously reboots.
  • πŸ”§ If the lid cracks along, it's cheaper to replace it than to try to glue it together (the risk of damage to the internal components is high).
  • πŸ“‰ Some parts (like original batteries) are hard to find, sometimes it's better to buy a used phone in good condition.

If you doubt your abilities, assess the risks. For example, replacing the battery in the service will cost 1500-2500 rubles, while an error in self-disassembly can lead to repairs of 5000+ rubles (replacement of plumes, display or board).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I remove the cover without heating?
Technically, yes, but the risk of breaking the latches increases 3-4 times. Adhesive strips around the perimeter of the Redmi 5 Plus become elastic when heated to 50-60 Β° C. Without this, the lid can crack when you try to disconnect it.
What if the fingerprint scanner does not work after the disassembly?
Most likely, the plume has broken off or is not connected correctly. Try: Remove the lid again and check if the plume connector on the board is tightly sitting, inspect the plume for tears (sometimes damage is visible only under the magnifying glass), if the plume is torn, replace it (article for Redmi 5 Plus: Xiaomi 1607-023009).
What glue to use to fix the cover during assembly?
The best option is a B-7000 thermoglue or a 3M 9448A double-sided tape (0.25 mm thick). Don't use superglue or moment - they can damage the plastic and make the next disassembly impossible. Apply the glue point-by-point in the original latches, avoiding areas near the speaker and microphone.
How many screws is Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus?
The back cover of the Redmi 5 Plus uses 8 Torx T3 screws of different lengths: 4 short (about 3 mm) - in the corners; 4 long (about 5 mm) - next to the camera and the USB-C connector. It is important not to confuse them when Assembly! Long screws screwed into space for short, can damage the board.
Where to buy parts for Redmi 5 Plus?
Original and compatible details can be found at: AliExpress (search by Vince model code); 4PDA (Buy/Sell section; Local Xiaomi service centers (sometimes sell used parts after repairs). Average prices (2026): Battery - 800-1500 β‚½; Display module - 2500-4000 β‚½; Back cover - 1000-1800 β‚½; Footprint scanner plume – 300–600 β‚½.