How to carefully remove the back cover with Xiaomi Redmi 9: a step-by-step guide with a photo

Why you might need to remove the cover from Redmi 9

The back cover of the Xiaomi Redmi 9 is not just a decorative element, but an important part of the structure that protects the internal components from dust, moisture and mechanical damage. However, there are situations when it needs to be dismantled: battery replacement, dust cleaning, plume repair or even a banal replacement of broken glass. The manufacturer does not provide easy removal of the cover β€” it is attached to glue and latches, which makes the process laborious without special skills.

Many users face this challenge after 1.5-2 years of operation, when the battery capacity drops to 60-70% of the original, and official service centers offer a replacement at a price comparable to the cost of a new budget smartphone. Self-repair in this case can save up to 70% of costs, but requires accuracy and preparation. It is important to understand that improper actions lead to damage to the plumes, cracks in the case or even failure of the motherboard.

This guide will help you understand the nuances of the process, find tools and avoid common mistakes, and we will look at both the classic method using a mediator and a hair dryer, and alternative methods for those who do not have professional equipment.

What tools will be needed to remove the cover

Without the right tools, it's almost impossible to remove the Redmi 9 lid -- the plastic latches are brittle, and the glue is strong -- and here's the minimum set you'll need:

  • πŸ”₯ Technical hair dryer (or powerful household temperature-adjusted) - for softening the glue. Optimal temperature: 60-80Β°C.
  • πŸ“± Plastic mediator (or guitar mediator) - for gently putting the lid on. Metal objects should not be used!
  • πŸ”§ Suction cup (better special for smartphones) – helps create an initial effort to separate the lid.
  • 🧴 Isopropyl alcohol 90%+ β€” Removing the residue of glue after dismantling.
  • πŸ› οΈ Screwdriver. T3 or T4 β€” for the removal of the screws (if necessary, disassembly further).
  • 🧀 Gloves (optional) – protect your hands from heat and slipping.

If you don't have a hair dryer, you can use hot water (not boiling water!), but this method is less reliable and can cause moisture to enter the body. The alternative to a hair dryer is an infrared lamp or even a vapor iron, but they are more difficult to control.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use knives, screwdrivers or other metal objects to lid the lid!The risk of damage to the battery plume or antenna contacts is more than 80%.

πŸ“Š What tools do you already have for repairs?
Fen
Mediator.
Suction cup.
Screwdriver T3/T4
None of the above.

Preparing the phone for disassembly: steps before removing the lid

Before you start dismantling, you need to perform a few critical actions, neglecting them can lead to data loss, short circuit or damage to the display.

Turn off the phone and remove it. SIM-memory-card

Charge the battery to 30-50% (not fully!)

Backup your data via Mi Cloud or computer

Remove the cover and protective glass (if any)

Prepare the workplace: clean desk, good lighting, without drafts-->

Pay special attention to the battery. A fully discharged or recharged battery can swell when heated, which is dangerous! The optimal charge level is 30-50%. Also check whether the battery does not swell on its own: if the phone body starts to "smooth" or the lid moves away in the center, this is a sign of deformation of the battery, in which case it is better to trust the professionals to disassemble the battery.

The workplace should be antistatic. Use a special mat whenever possible, or at least avoid carpeting. Static electricity can damage the chips on the motherboard.

Step-by-step: how to remove the cover from Xiaomi Redmi 9

Now, to the most critical stage, follow the instructions strictly by step, without missing a single point.

  1. Heat the body. Turn the dryer on to the minimum power (or medium if the dryer is weak) and warm the back cover evenly for 2-3 minutes. Keep the hair dryer at a distance of 5-7 cm, constantly moving it so as not to overheat one area. Pay special attention to the edges - there is a glue concentrated.
  2. After heating, fasten the suction cup to the bottom of the lid (near the charging socket) and pull up. If the lid fails, repeat heating for another 1-2 minutes.
  3. You can use the mediator to do it. Once you get a crack, you can put a plastic mediator in it and you can gently drive along the edge, gradually increasing the gap. Don't push too hard, the latches can break!
  4. Gradually separate. Keep moving the mediator around the perimeter, periodically heating the hair dryer areas, the most stubborn areas are near the volume buttons and the camera.
  5. Final removal. When all the latches are snapped, carefully remove the lid, don't pull it sharply, because it may have plumes (like a fingerprint scanner) glued to it.

If the lid is not resistant to all the effort, perhaps the glue is too old and dried, in which case a solvent (such as WD-40 or white spirit) applied around the perimeter with a thin brush will help, but use it carefully - aggressive liquids can damage rubber seals.

What to do if the cover is broken when removed?
If there are cracks on the lid, but it still holds, don't panic. Carefully complete the removal process, and then fix the cracks on the inside with superglue or epoxy. For aesthetics, you can order a new lid (article for Redmi 9: MB11041) and replace it completely. The cost of the original lid is about 800-1,200 rubles.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even with careful disassembly, many people make mistakes that lead to additional costs, and here are the most common ones:

Mistake.Effects of consequencesHow to avoid
Use of metal toolsScratches on the body, damage to plumesUse only plastic mediators
Overheating by a hairdryer (>100Β°C)Deformation of plastic, detachment of the fingerprint sensorControl the temperature with a thermometer
The lid's jittery.Breakage of battery plume or antennaSeparate the cover slowly, checking resistance
Disassembly without battery shutdownShort circuit when touching the boardTurn off the battery immediately after removing the cover

Another common problem is damage to the sealing rubber around the perimeter of the lid, which is responsible for dust and moisture protection (although the Redmi 9 has an official official tire). IP-If the seal breaks, it can be replaced with a similar one from other Xiaomi models (for example, from the Redmi Note 8) or use a silicone sealant.

⚠️ Warning: If you see that the battery plume is swollen or covered with white plaque after removing the lid, don't turn on the phone! These are signs of oxidation or leakage of the electrolyte.

What to do after removing the cover: further actions

When the lid is successfully removed, you will see the inside of the smartphone, and here's what you can do next:

  • πŸ”‹ Battery replacement: Redmi 9 uses a 5020 mAh battery (article: MB11039). The new one costs about 1500-2000 rubles. When replacing, be sure to transfer the thermopaste from the old battery to the new one.
  • 🧹 Dust cleansing. Use a soft brush or a compressed air balloon. Don't blow with your mouth. Saliva contains moisture!
  • πŸ“Ά Check antenna contacts. If the phone is not catching the network, the antenna contact may have gone (located under a metal plate near the camera).
  • πŸ”§ Replacement of speaker or microphone: In Redmi 9, the lower speaker and microphone are attached to a separate module (article: MB11040).

If you removed the cover to replace the display, note that in this model the screen is glued to the frame with double-sided tape. To remove it, you will need a screen suction cup and heating to 70-80 Β° C. Without experience, it is better not to take risks - the risk of damage to the matrix or touch screen is very high.

πŸ’‘

If you plan to assemble the phone back, take a picture of all the plumes and screws before disassembly. Redmi 9 uses screws of different lengths - it's easy to confuse them!

How to put your phone back together: Assembly tips

Building Xiaomi Redmi 9 after repair is no less responsible process than disassembly.

  1. Clean contacts. Before installing the cover, wipe all metal contacts (antennas, plumes) with isopropyl alcohol. This will improve the connection and prevent oxidation.
  2. Applying new glue. The old glue loses its properties after the lid is removed. Use 3M double-sided tape (0.2-0.3 mm thick) or a special B-7000 glue. Apply it with a thin layer around the perimeter, avoiding hitting the speaker and microphone.
  3. Check the latches, make sure all the plastic latches are in place and not broken, and if one is broken, the lid will hang.
  4. Gradual pressing. Once you have the lid installed, press it evenly around the perimeter, starting from the center, and use the plastic card to distribute the pressure.

After assembly, turn on the phone and check: sensor (reacts to touching on the edges), sound (does the speaker and microphone work), network (does the network catch, whether there are interruptions from the edges). Wi-Fi/Bluetooth).

If something doesn’t work, take the phone apart again and check the plumes.

πŸ’‘

If the phone doesn't turn on after assembly, check the battery plume and power button connection, and 90 percent of the time, that's where the problem lies.

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing the Redmi 9 lid

Can I take off the lid without a hair dryer?
Theoretically, yes, but it's extremely risky. Without heating, the glue won't soften, and you're more likely to break the latches or damage the plumes. The alternative is to warm up in warm water (40-50Β°C) for 5-7 minutes, but it can lead to corrosion of the contacts.
How long does it take to remove the lid?
If you have experience, 10-15 minutes, and if you are doing it for the first time, save 30 to 40 minutes (including preparation and possible pauses for additional heating).
What can I replace the mediator?
Any thin plastic card (for example, a bank card or a discount card), a guitar mediator or even a plastic ice cream blade will do, the main thing is that the edge is smooth and not sharp.
How do you know if the glue has softened enough?
Touch the lid after heating, which should be warm, but not hot, and also try to press the edge slightly with a mediator, if the glue softens, you will feel a slight "fall-down".
Can superglue be used for reverse assembly?
Absolutely not! Superglue (like "Moment") is too aggressive: it can damage plastic and make the next disassembly impossible. Use only B-7000 or double-sided tape.