Xiaomi Redmi 6 series smartphones have proven to be reliable devices with excellent value for money, but over time even they require intervention. The need to remove the back cover can arise for various reasons: from the banal replacement of broken glass or battery to cleaning the dynamic speaker from dust. Understanding the design of the case is the first and most important step before starting any manipulation of the device.
Unlike modern flagships with monoblocks made of glass, the design of Redmi 6 allows you to conduct the procedure carefully, if you know the technological nuances. The body is made of polycarbonate, which has a certain flexibility, but if you carelessly handle it can crack or deform. Your task is to minimize risks and perform the dismantling as cleanly as possible.
Before work begins, the workplace must be well lit and the surface smooth and clean, so that small screws do not get lost, and it is also important to consider that the warranty seals will be broken at the opening, so if the phone is under warranty, you should contact an authorized service.
The process requires patience and precision, as rush often leads to damage to plumes or breakage of plastic latches. In this article, we will examine each step in detail, from the selection of tools to the final assembly.
⚠️ Warning: Before starting any work, be sure to turn off your smartphone. Working with the device on can short-circuit and failure of the motherboard.
Tools and workplace preparation required
For a quality disassembly of Redmi 6 standard set of screwdrivers may not be enough. You need a specialized tool that allows you to act on the parts without scratching them, the main tool will be a mediator or a plastic blade, as metal can leave traces on polycarbonate.
- 🔧 Precision screwdrivers (cross-haired) PH000 or PH00) screw.
- 📱 Plastic mediator or thin plastic card.
- 🌡️ Hair dryer (construction or household) or heating panel.
- 🧲 Magnetic mat or screw sorting container.
Heat is required to soften the adhesive layer, the glue that holds the lid, when exposed to temperature becomes elastic, allowing the panels to be separated without excessive physical effort, and if you neglect this step, the risk of damage to the frame of the case increases significantly.
Organize the space so that all tools are at hand. Use a magnetic mat so that the screws don't fly around the table. It's also recommended to use tweezers with curved ends to extract small parts from the depths of the case.
☑️ Preparation for disassembly
Safety Techniques and Precautions
Safety is the number one priority when working with electronics. The Lithium polymer battery installed in the Xiaomi Redmi 6 is sensitive to punctures and high heat. Damage to the battery casing can lead to ignition or bloating of the battery.
Static electricity is also a threat to chips, and it is recommended to touch a grounded metal object or use an antistatic bracelet before touching the internal components, especially in dry rooms in winter.
⚠️ Warning: Do not heat your smartphone with a hairdryer longer 2-3 Overheating can damage the display (yellow spots will appear) or deform plastic elements.
Work in a well-ventilated environment, and when the glue is heated, it can produce light fumes that you don't want to inhale in large quantities, and if you have poor eyesight, use a magnifying glass or a desk lamp with a magnification.
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Use a phone suction cup to lift the edge of the lid after heating, this will make it easier to enter the mediator.
The process of heating and separation of the rear panel
The first step in real bodywork is to heat the perimeter of the device, turn the dryer on at medium power and evenly warm the ends of the smartphone. The movements should be circular, linger on the corners, as there the glue freezes thicker.
The optimum heating temperature is about 80-90 degrees Celsius. To the touch, the body should become hot, but not burning. Once heated, take a suction cup, attach it to the back cover at the bottom, and pull it up slightly, creating a microscopic gap.
You can insert a plastic mediator into the gap, and don't try to swivel it or make it a lever, and it's your job to cut through the adhesive layer, and then you can drive the mediator along the perimeter, and you can move upwards.
If the mediator gets stuck, don't push. The glue is probably not warmed enough. Repeat the heating procedure locally and try again. Move slowly, controlling the depth of the instrument's immersion, so as not to touch the tails coming from the side buttons.
Dismantling internal protection and disconnecting plumes
When you successfully remove the back cover, you'll see an interior space, much of it occupied by a metal shield that covers the battery and display connectors, and it's attached to several screws of different sizes.
Unscrew all the screws that hold the metal plate. It's important to remember or photograph the location of the screws, because they can vary in length. A short screw screw screw screwed into a long hole can break through the board, and a long one in a short one won't turn to the end.
When you remove the plate, the first thing you do is turn off the battery plume, which will turn off the battery, and keep you safe as you go on, and then you use a plastic blade or nail to turn off, and you put the connector vertically up.
Then you detach the plumes of the display and touchscreen, and they can be protected by additional locks or clamping slats, and be very careful with the plumes, they're very thin and they break easily when you're not handling them carefully.
What do I do if the plume sticks?
Comparison of Redmi 6 and Redmi 6A models in disassembly
While the Redmi 6 and Redmi 6A look similar, the internal layout is different, and it's important to consider this if you're using the instructions for the adjacent model, with the main differences being the layout of the modules and the shape of the protective plates.
| Characteristics | Redmi 6 | Redmi 6A |
|---|---|---|
| Case material | Metal frame, plastic | Fully plastic |
| Imprint scanner. | On the back panel. | Absent. |
| Fixing fees | Screws + latches | Just screws. |
| Location of the plume | Side of the battery. | Battery top. |
The Redmi 6 has a fingerprint scanner that also runs under the protective plate, which must be turned off last to avoid damaging the contacts. The 6A does not have this node, which makes it a little easier to access the top components.
Also worth noting is the difference in the design of the speakers: in the "six" multimedia speaker is more powerful and takes up more space at the bottom of the body. When you build, make sure that the ossicles gum speaker is in place, otherwise the sound will be quiet or hoarse.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
One of the most common mistakes is trying to remove the lid without heating, with users relying on force, resulting in cracks in the corners of the case or breakage of plastic stiffness ribs, and patience is more important than physical strength.
Another mistake is using metal tools to lid the lid, a knife blade or metal screwdriver that easily leaves deep scratches on the frame that can't be camouflaged. Always use plastic.
⚠️ Warning: Never leave the battery off for long periods without recharging. Lithium batteries can go deep and stop charging.
Don't forget about the screws, the different sizes, if you mix them up when you build them, it can cause the threads in the board to damage or the screw to pass through the case, use a circuit or a magnetic mat with markings.
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The main secret of success is uniform heating around the perimeter and using only plastic tools to open the case.
Assembly of the device and check of performance
The assembly is done in reverse order. Before you install the back cover, remove the residue of the old adhesive from the frame of the case. Use isopropyl alcohol and soft fabric to clean the surfaces.
Apply a new layer of sealant glue (e.g. B-7000) to a low-fat frame or use a special adhesive tape. Apply the adhesive with a thin strip, avoiding getting into the camera and sensors. Let the glue dry slightly (1-2 minutes) before pressing the lid.
Press the lid evenly around the perimeter. You can use rubber harnesses or heavy books (through a towel) to lock for 15-20 minutes. After assembly, turn on the device and check the touchscreen, cameras, speakers and fingerprint scanner.
Make sure there are no gaps between the lid and the frame. If the lid is not fitting tightly, you may have forgotten to twist some internal protection screw or put the plume incorrectly.