How to carefully remove the back cover of the Xiaomi phone: instructions for all models

Disassembling a Xiaomi smartphone is a challenge that owners face when replacing a battery, repairing plumes or cleaning dust. However, removing the back cover can result in damage to the body, tearing a fingerprint plume or Loss of Waterproof on flagships. This article provides step-by-step instructions for models with adhesive mounting (such as the Xiaomi 13 Pro), latches (Redmi Note 10) and hybrid mounting (POCO F5), as well as a list of necessary tools and typical beginner mistakes.

It's important to understand that the design of the lid depends on the series of devices. So, the budget Redmis are often assembled on plastic latches, while the premium Xiaomi or Black Shark are on glue and screws. We will analyze three main methods: using suction cup, mediator and heating (for glue models), and without heating (for latches). If you have never taken out smartphones, start with practice on an old device or watch video disassembly of your model on YouTube.

Warning: self-repairing is warranty-free (if it is still valid) and can cause permanent damage. For example, the Xiaomi 12T Pro has a fingerprint scanner plume glued to the lid, which means a cliff means a loss of sensor functionality.

What tools will you need

The minimum set for removing the lid includes:

🔧 Plastic mediator (or guitar mediator) – to disconnect latches without scratches.
🧲 Suction (diameter 3-5 cm) - helps to lid the adhesive models.
🔥 Dryer or thermo-air station - softens the glue (temperature 60-80)°C).
⚙️ Screwdriver. T3/T4 — for some models of propellers (for example, POCO X3 Pro).
🧴 Isopropyl alcohol (90%+) — removes glue residue.
📏 Plastic blade - an alternative to the mediator for thin slits.

For models with waterproof (IP53/IP68), a new adhesive seal is additionally required - the old one loses its leakiness after removing the lid. The Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Mix Fold 3 seal comes complete with original spare parts, but it can be ordered separately (the article is usually listed in the service manuals).

⚠️ Warning: Do not use metal tools (knives, screwdrivers) to lash the lid - they scratch the case and can close contacts on the board.

📊 What Xiaomi model do you understand?

Redmi Note 12

POCO X5

Xiaomi 13/13 Pro

Another model

I don't know.

Preparing the phone before disassembly

Before removing the cover, follow the mandatory steps:

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

Charge the battery by 30-50% (to avoid short circuits in accidental contact)

Remove the cover and protective film (they interfere with the suction cup)

Prepare the workplace: clean desk, good lighting, antistatic mat (optional)

Take a picture of the location of the screws (if any) before removing them.-->

If you're looking at a non-removable battery model (most of today's Xiaomi), note that if the battery is damaged, it can swell or ignite. Don't use metal tools near the battery or puncture it. Redmi Power series devices (such as the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G) have a particularly strong battery glue, requiring patience and heat.

For non-contact charging models (such as the Xiaomi 13 or Mix 4), a Qi coil is installed inside the lid, which is attached to double-sided tape, so when you remove the lid, the coil can come off, and be prepared to glue it back with heat glue or replace it.

Method 1: Removal of the latched lid (Redmi, POCO)

Xiaomi’s low-end and mid-end models (e.g. Redmi 9A, POCO M4 Pro) are often assembled on plastic latches. There is no need for heating, only accuracy and the right angle of input of the mediator.

Step-by-step:

Secure the suction cup at the bottom of the phone (near the USB-C connector).
Pull the sucker upwards to form a ~1 mm gap.
Insert a plastic mediator into the slot and lead it along the edge of the case, alternately snapping clips.
Start at the bottom edge, then move to the sides. Leave the top (where the camera is) for last, there are usually more latches.
When all clips are snapped, carefully remove the lid, holding it by the edges.

Typical errors:

🔨 Too much pressure from the mediator - leads to cracks on the plastic cover.
🔄 Pass latches - the cover is not removed, and clips break.
📱 Counterfeiting from corners – there are often antenna contacts that can be torn off.

⚠️ Attention: Models POCO X3 NFC And the Redmi Note 10 Pro has a metal frame with sharp edges underneath the lid, so don't touch it with your fingers, you can get hurt or you can close the board.

What to do if the lid does not lend itself?

If the mediator does not pass, try: 1. Increase the pull force with a suction cup (pre-moisten its edge with water for better adherence). 2. Use two suction cups at the same time (for example, at the bottom and at the top). 3. Heat the edges with a hairdryer (even in latch models, plastic can "stick"). 4. Check if there are unnoticed screws (some POCOs have hidden screws under the stickers).

Method 2: Removal of the adhesive cover (Xiaomi 12/13, Mix)

Xiaomi’s flagship models (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Mix Fold 2) have a perimeter-stick lid, and you can’t do without heating, you have to soften the glue, or you’ll either tear the plumes or break the lid.

Algorithm of action:

Heat the edges of the phone with a hair dryer (60–80°C, 5–10 cm) for 2-3 minutes. Don’t overheat – the display and battery are sensitive to high temperatures!
Hold the suction cup at the bottom (near the USB-C) and pull up. There should be a ~1-2 mm gap.
Put a plastic blade in the crevice and gently steer it along the edge, cutting the glue. Move slowly so you don't hit the plumes.
Pay special attention to the area around the camera and volume buttons – there are often flexible plumes.
When the glue is cut all around the perimeter, remove the lid by holding it around the edges. Don't pull the middle, you can rip the antenna contacts off!

After the lid is removed:

🧹 Remove the residues of glue from the case and cover with isopropyl alcohol.
🔧 If you plan to assemble the phone back, buy a new glue sealer (for example, a new one, B7000 or original from Xiaomi).
📱 Check the integrity of plumes (especially the fingerprint scanner and camera) – they are often glued to the lid.

Xiaomi model	Type of lid attachment	Difficulty withdrawal (1-5)	Risks.
Redmi Note 11	Latches	2	Clip break, scratches.
POCO F4 GT	Latches + 2 screws	3	Vibration plume break
Xiaomi 12 Pro	Glue + latches	4	Damage to water protection, NFC plume break
Xiaomi Mix Fold 2	Glue + screws	5	Breakdown of the screen loops, loss of leakage
Redmi 10A	Latches	1	Minimum (scratches only)

💡

If the glue is too strong, try the thread method: slash a thin capron thread under the lid and saw it as cheese, a method that is suitable for the Xiaomi 11T Pro and other models with a thick layer of glue.

What to do after removing the cover

When the lid is removed, you'll see the inside of the phone, and this is what you need to do before you start repairing it.

📸 Take a picture of the location of all plumes and screws - this will help with the reverse assembly.
🔋 Turn off the battery: put the battery connector with a plastic spatula (most Xiaomi has it at the bottom of the board).
🧴 If you're planning to replace the glue, clean the case and cover of the old glue with alcohol. Don't use acetone, it corrodes plastic!
🔍 Check for damage: fingerprint scanner plume (often glued to the lid), perimeter antenna contacts, charging nest (wh-wh-wh-wh-wh-wh-wh-wh-wh-wh-wh-wh-wh-wh-wh-wh-wh-wh-wh-wh-wh-wh-wh-wh-wh-wh-wh-wh-wh-wh-wh-wh-wh-wh-w. POCO F3 It can be soldered to the board).

If you've been removing the battery cover, note that new batteries often come without adhesive layer. Use 3M double-sided tape or special battery glue (such as the T7000). Xiaomi's fast-charging (120W+) models can be particularly glued to the battery, requiring heating to 70-80°C and a plastic blade to remove it.

⚠️ Attention: Wireless charging devices (such as the Xiaomi 13 Pro) have a Qi coil under the lid, which is attached to a two-way tape, so when you remove the lid, the coil can stay on it. Carefully separate it and glue it back with heat glue or original tape.

How to Get Your Phone Back

Reverse assembly is as important as disassembly. Here are the key points:

Make sure all the plumes are connected correctly, for example, the Xiaomi 12T fingerprint scanner plume has an asymmetric connector that can only be inserted in one position.
If you've taken the battery off, make sure the connector sits tight in the socket. In fast-charging models like the Redmi Note 12 Pro+, the contacts must be absolutely clean -- wipe them with alcohol.
Apply a new adhesive seal (if any). For waterproof models (Xiaomi 13 Ultra), use the original adhesive or its analogue (for example, B7000).
Press the lid evenly around the perimeter. For better fixation, place the phone under a heavy book for 10-15 minutes.
Before turning on, check that all buttons (volume, power) are working – sometimes they shift when assembled.

For waterproof models (Xiaomi 13 Pro, Mix Fold 3) after assembly, it is not recommended to test waterproofness by immersion - even the original adhesive does not guarantee 100% leakproofness after disassembly. Instead, use a humidity test using indicator strips (they come with the original seals).

1. battery connection (connector may have popped out).

2. Integrity of the power plume (in the POCO F5 it goes through the middle of the body).

3.Short circuit availability (try charging the phone - if it warms but doesn't turn on, the problem is the board).-->

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when disassembling Xiaomi.

🔥 Overheating of the body - leads to detachment of the display or damage to the battery. Optimal temperature of the hair dryer: 60-80°C, no more!
🔧 Loss of screws, y POCO X3 Pro and Redmi. K50 And if you mix them up, you can damage the board.
📱 The break of the plume of the fingerprint scanner – Xiaomi 12/13 It goes from lid to board. If you break it, you'll need to replace the entire module.
💧 Ignoring water protection - after disassembling the Xiaomi 13 Ultra loses its tightness. Without replacing the seal, the phone will become vulnerable to moisture.
🔋 Short circuit – if you forgot to turn off the battery and touched the board with a metal tool.

To minimize the risks:

Use an antistatic bracelet or periodically touch an earthed object (such as a heating battery).
Work on a light table – a lost screw is easier to find on a white surface.
If you are not sure about your abilities, contact the service. For example, replacing the battery in the Xiaomi 13 Pro will cost 1,500-2,500 ₽, While repairs after a failed disassembly can cost 10,000 ₽ more.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I remove the Xiaomi cover without a hair dryer?

Yes, but only on latched models (e.g. Redmi 9C or POCO M3). For adhesive covers (e.g. Xiaomi 12), heating is mandatory — otherwise you will tear the plumes or break the body. The alternative to the hair dryer is hot water in the bag (put the phone in a sealed bag and lower it in water 40-50 °C for 5 minutes), but this method is risky for waterproof models.

How do I know if my model has a glue cap or a latch cover?

There are two things that you can test for: Visually, the adhesive models (Xiaomi 13, Mix 4) don't have visible gaps between the lid and the body. The latch models (Redmi Note 10) often have a small gap. The model is that almost all the flagships (Xiaomi 12/13, Black Shark) are adhesive; the budget Redmi and POCO are on the latches. Exceptions are POCO F4 GT (screws + latches) and Redmi K60 (gs + latches).

What if the phone does not turn on after removing the cover?

There are several reasons: The battery disconnected — check the battery connector. The board is damaged — if you touched it with a metal tool, there could be a short circuit. The power plume broke — the POCO F3 and Xiaomi 11T have it running through the middle of the case. The moisture protection worked — if you overheated the phone, the thermal fuse could have gone off. First, try charging — if the phone reacts (vibrates, the indicator lights up), the problem is more in the battery or the plume. If there is no reaction, bring it to the service.

How to re-stick the lid without the original glue?

Instead of the original adhesive, you can use: Double-sided 3M Scotch (suitable for Redmi and POCO); B7000 Glue is versatile, but requires 24 hours of drying; Thermocleicle is only for fixing the coil of wireless charging, not for the entire lid; Waterproof models (Xiaomi 13 Pro) are better off saving and buying the original seal (the article is usually listed in the service manual).

Can I remove the cover without damaging the water protection?

Theoretically, yes, but in practice, no. Even if you carefully remove the lid and replace the glue, the leakage will be impaired. IP53 models (like the Redmi Note 12 Pro+) have partial water protection, and its loss is not critical. But the flagship IP68 (Xiaomi 13 Ultra) is guaranteed to lose immersion protection after disassembly. If water resistance is critical, contact a service that uses ultraviolet adhesive and special equipment to check the tightness.