Disassembly Xiaomi Mi A2: how to remove the back cover without damage

Why do Mi A2 owners have to take off the lid?

The Xiaomi Mi A2, released in 2018, is still popular with users due to its clean Android One and balanced specs. However, over time, even this reliable device requires repairs: the battery runs out, the speaker or camera stops working, and sometimes you just need to clean the device from dust. In 80% of cases, such operations require removing the back cover – a task that scares many beginners.

The manufacturer has not provided a formal way for users to disassemble, so the process involves risks ranging from broken latches to damage to plumes. But with the right approach and the right tools, even a person with no experience can cope with the task. In this article, we will examine the unique features of the Mi A2 design that distinguish it from other Xiaomi models, and show how to avoid typical errors.

It's important to understand that the Mi A2 is not a line with removable covers (like the Redmi 4A), it uses adhesives plus plastic latches, which complicates the process. If you've never taken a smartphone apart, practice on an old device or watch video instructions before you start.

What tools will you need?

Without the right tools, it's almost impossible to remove the Mi A2 lid. Here's the minimum set you'll need:

• 🔧 Plastic blade (or mediator) - for gently putting the lid on. Metal tools can leave scratches!
• 🔥 Hair dryer or thermo-air station to soften the glue. Optimal temperature: 60-80°C.
• 🧲 Suction - helps to evenly lift the cover after heating.
• ⚙️ Screwdriver. T3 — to unscrew the screws under the lid (if you plan to completely disassemble).
• 🧴 Isopropyl alcohol (90%+) — glue-residue.

Also, prepare your workspace: a table with good lighting, an antistatic mat (if any) and screw containers. Some users are replacing the suction cup with a guitar mediator — it is thinner and more flexible, but requires more accuracy.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use a knife or other sharp objects! The risk of damage to the fingerprint plume or antenna contacts is extremely high.

Preparing the smartphone for disassembly

Before you start removing the cover, you need to follow several critical steps:

1. Turn off the device and remove it. SIM-card with memory card (if installed) This will prevent short circuit.
2. Discharge the battery to 20-30%, and a fully charged battery can ignite if damaged.
3. Remove the cover and protective film (if any) which may interfere with the uniform heating.
4. Photograph the back cover – this will help the later to properly position the antenna linings during assembly.

Pay special attention to the charging connector: if it is wobbly or oxidized, it should be cleaned or replaced after disassembling. In the Mi A2, this connector often causes charging problems, and access to it is only open after the lid is removed.

Step-by-step: how to remove the cover?

Now, to the most critical stage, follow the instructions strictly by step.

1. Heat the case: Turn on the dryer to medium power and evenly warm the back cover for 2-3 minutes, paying special attention to the edges. Keep the hair dryer at a distance of 5-7 cm so as not to overheat the plastic. The goal is to soften the glue, but not melt it completely.
2. Put the suction cup closer to the bottom edge (where the charging connector is) and pull up slightly. Once the slit appears, insert a plastic blade into it. Don't try to pull the lid off immediately -- move slowly around the perimeter, snapping the clamps.
3. After all the latches around the perimeter are snapped, lift the lid at a 45° angle. Be careful: it has a fingerprint scanner plume glued to it! It's only ~1 cm long, so don't pull the lid sharply.

If the lid doesn't lend itself, don't put too much effort into it. Better warm up the problem area with a hairdryer again. In the Mi A2, the latches near the camera are the most vulnerable, and they're easy to break when you move around sloppyly.

What to do after the lid is removed?

When the lid is finally removed, you'll see the inside of the Mi A2.

• 🔋 Battery (3010 mAh) - glued to the body, has a loop to turn off.
• 📱 Motherboard - closed with a metal screen, which is mounted on 8 screws.
• 🎤 Speaker and microphone – located at the bottom, next to the charging connector.
• 📸 Camera – dual module (12 MP) + 20 MP), screwed to the board.

If your goal is to replace the battery, first disconnect its plume (use a plastic blade to avoid closing contacts!).Other repairs may require a complete disassembly, but that's already a topic for a separate article.

⚠️ Warning: Don't touch the motherboard without an antistatic bracelet! static electricity can damage sensitive chips, especially the module Wi-Fi/Bluetooth.

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If you remove the dust lid, use a soft brush and a spray of compressed air. Don't blow with your mouth - moisture from your breath can condense on the board!

How to reassemble the smartphone back?

Building the Mi A2 after repair is as much a process as disassembling.

1. Check all the plumes: make sure the fingerprint scanner and battery plume are properly connected and not bent.
2. Clean the contacts: if you touched the boards, wipe them with alcohol to remove fat and toast marks.
3. Apply new glue: If the old glue has lost its properties, use 3M 9448A double-sided tape or a special glue for smartphones.
4. Close the lid evenly: start at the top edge and gradually press it against the body so that the glue grabs without bubbles.

Once you've assembled, turn on your phone and check all the features: sensor, camera, speaker, fingerprint scanner. If something doesn't work, take the device apart again and check the plumes.

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The most common build error is forgetting to plug the battery plume, and as a result, the phone doesn't turn on, and users think they broke it when they disassembled it.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when disassembling the Xiaomi Mi A2, and here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:

• 🔥 Overheating the case, deforming the plastic, so you can keep the hair dryer at a distance and not heat one dot for more than 10 seconds.
• ⚡ Forgetting to turn off the battery is a risk of short circuit. Solution: first thing you do after you remove the lid, unplug the battery plume.
• 🔧 Losing screws - in Mi A2 Solution: spread them out into signature containers.
• 📱 The plumes are damaging, the plume is particularly vulnerable. Solution: don't pull the lid up, move it sideways.

If you break the lid latch, don't panic: the device will stick to the glue, but the leakage will deteriorate a little, so when you build it, apply more glue around the edges.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions