Shattered security glass on Xiaomi not only spoils the appearance of the smartphone, but also poses risks to the main display. Small fragments can scratch the screen, sharp edges can cut your fingers or interfere with touch control. Many users are afraid to remove damaged glass themselves for fear of damaging the matrix or adhesive base. However, with the right approach, the procedure is quite feasible at home without special skills.
In this article, we will analyze the step-by-step algorithm for removing cracked glass, taking into account the features of Xiaomi models (including the Redmi Note, POCO, You'll learn what tools you need, how to minimize the risks, and what to do if the glass breaks into small pieces, and why you can't use a hair dryer or hot water to soften the glue on the glass. AMOLED-screens of the last generations.
Training: tools and materials
Before you start, you can assemble everything you need, and if you don't have at least one tool, you can damage the display or you can't completely remove the fragments, and here's the minimum set.
- 🔧 Plastic mediators or guitar mediators (2-3 (S) - for squeezing glass without scratches.
- 🧴 Isopropyl alcohol (90%+) or a specialized electronic cleaner – removes the glue residue.
- 🧻 Microfiber wipes (without pile) - to wipe the screen.
- 🔥 Hair dryer with temperature adjustment (not necessarily, but will help with strong fixation).
- 🛡️ Protective gloves – shrapnel can cut your hands.
- 📦 Tweezers with thin ends – to remove small fragments.
If there is no isopropyl alcohol on hand, it can be replaced with white spirit or acetone, but with caution: these solvents are more aggressive and can damage the oleophobic coating of the screen. For Xiaomi 12/13 series models with an ultrasonic fingerprint scanner under the display, avoid getting liquid into the sensor area.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use metal blades or knives - they scratch the display glass.°C: This can damage the matrix on the AMOLED-panel.
Step 1: Damage assessment and method selection
The method of removal depends on the success of the procedure.
- 🔍 Small cracks without fragments - you can remove the whole, poking from the edge.
- 💥 Severe damage with fragments - Step-by-step removal of fragments will be required.
- 🧲 The glass has gone by itself, but it is held on glue - it is enough to soften the glue.
For Xiaomi with 2.5D-With rounded glass (like the Redmi Note 10 Pro), it's harder to tuck in the edge -- use an ultra-thin mediator (0.15 mm). If the glass splits into small pieces, start at the center, gradually removing the fragments in a spiral.
| Type of damage | Recommended method | Time of procedure |
|---|---|---|
| Fractures without fragments | Push the mediator + soften the glue with alcohol | 10-15 minutes. |
| Small fragments. | Tweezers + step-by-step removal from the edges | 20-30 minutes. |
| The glass is gone, but it's holding. | Hair dryer (40-50°C) + mediator | 5-10 minutes |
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If the glass cracked, but did not split, before removing stick on it tape - this will prevent the fragments from dispersing when underdog.
Step 2: Removal of whole (cracked) glass
If the glass is cracked but not broken into fragments, act as follows:
- Turn off the phone and remove it. SIM-card (if the slot is located on the side).
- Plug on the glass paint tape cross-cross - this will hold the fragments when removed.
- Put the mediator on the edge of the glass from a less noticeable angle (usually at the bottom). Keep the phone at a 45° angle so that the glass does not fall on the screen.
- Slowly drive the mediator along the edge, separating the glass, and if you feel resistance, drop the isopropyl alcohol under the edge, and it will dissolve the glue.
For models with adhesive tape around the perimeter (for example, POCO F3) may need to reheat the hairdryer (no more than 1 minute per zone).
☑️ Preparation for glass removal
Step 3: Removing broken glass from fragments
If the glass has split into small pieces, start at the center, gradually moving to the edges.
- Tweez gently pick up the largest shard and pull up. If you don't, drip the alcohol on the glue.
- Remove small fragments with tape: press it against the fragments and sharply tear it off.
- For oleophobic glass (such as the Xiaomi 12T), avoid friction – use a silicone blade.
Pay special attention to the corners of the screen, which often leaves invisible fragments, and swipe your gloved finger around the edge of the display, and if you feel rough, you've got fragments left.
⚠️ Note: On models with built-in fingerprint scanner (e.g. Redmi) K50) Do not press the center of the screen – this can damage the sensor.
What to do if the shard is stuck under the frame?
Step 4: Cleaning the screen from glue and shards
Once the glass is removed, the display will have sticky traces of glue and microfragments.
- Moisten the microfibre wipe in isopropyl alcohol and wipe the screen in circular motions.
- For persistent glue residues, use a plastic scraper (such as a loyalty card).
- Check the speaker and front camera hole - there are often shards accumulating.
Nana AMOLED-screens (e.g. Xiaomi) 13 Ultra) do not press hard - the matrix is thinner than on IPS. If after cleaning there are divorces, wipe the screen with a dry wipe through 2-3 minutes (alcohol should evaporate).
| Type of pollution | Cleaning device | Drying time |
|---|---|---|
| Glue residues | Isopropyl alcohol (90%) | 1-2 minutes |
| Small fragments. | Scotch + tweezers | Immediately. |
| Fat marks | Special napkins for optics | 30 seconds |
Step 5: Checking the display for damage
After cleaning, turn on the phone and check:
- 📱 Integrity of the matrix: are there no broken pixels or stripes.
- 👆 Sensor performance: Does all areas of the screen respond to touch.
- 🔊 The sound of the speaker: did not the fragments fall into the grid.
For the sensor test, use the Xiaomi service menu:
##6484##Or Google Play's Touch Screen Test, where if you find dead zones, you may have a plume that's broken when you remove the glass, and you'll need professional repairs.
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If the screen becomes less sharp or if there are severances after the glass is removed, the oleophobic coating has been damaged, and you can restore it by applying a new layer (sold self-coating kits).
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even with careful shooting, users often make mistakes that lead to additional damage.
- 🔥 Overheating of the screen - leads to the separation of the matrix on AMOLED-display.
- 🗡️ Using a knife - scratches the display glass and frame.
- 💦 Excess liquid - can leak under the screen and damage the plumes.
- ⚡ Phone on - the risk of short circuit when alcohol is ingested.
On models with curved screens (for example, Xiaomi Mix 4) it is especially difficult to remove the glass without damage. If you are not sure of your abilities, it is better to contact the service - the cost of replacing glass there starts from 800-1500 rubles (depending on the model).