How to carefully remove glass from the camera Xiaomi Redmi: instructions with photos and warnings

The camera security glass on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones is not only a design element, but also a barrier against scratches, dust and mechanical damage. However, over time, it can crack, dim or simply interfere with the replacement of the camera module. Removing it yourself is a risky task: one wrong step, and you risk damaging the lenses, plumes or even a matrix. In this article, we will discuss safe dismantling methods, suitable tools and typical errors that lead to expensive repairs.

It is important to understand that the design of the rear panel of different Redmi models (for example, Note 10 Pro, Redmi 9T or A1+) may differ. Some glass is glued to double-sided tape, and some to a sealant with additional latch fixation. We will discuss universal approaches, but before starting work be sure to clarify the features of your model in the technical documentation or forums (for example, 4PDA or MIUI Russia).

If you've never taken a smartphone apart, you should go to a service center, where the cost of replacing glass rarely exceeds 1,500-2,500 rubles, while repairing a damaged camera will cost 5-10 times more, but if you decide to dismantle yourself, follow our recommendations exactly.

Training: tools and materials

Without the right tools, it’s almost impossible to remove the glass from the Xiaomi Redmi camera.

• 🔧 Plastic mediators or shoulder blades (metallic can scratch the body).
• 🔥 Hair dryer or thermo-air station (for softening glue, temperature 60-80)°C).
• 🧴 Isopropyl alcohol 90%+ (glue-residue).
• 📏 Suction cups (small for glass, large for the back cover, if you need to remove it).
• 🧲 Antistatic bracelet (optional but recommended to protect electronics).
• 📦 Container for screws (if you have to disassemble the body).

Also prepare your workspace: a clean desk with good lighting, soft fabric (like a microfiber) and spare glass in case you plan to glue the new glass yourself, buy it. LOCA-glue 3M 9448A (suitable for most models).

⚠️ Warning: Do not use a household hair dryer at maximum power - it can overheat the plastic elements of the case. Optimal temperature for softening the glue: 70-80°C (check with your hand – the body should be warm, but not hot).

If you have a metal framed model (like the Redmi K50 Pro), be careful: when heated, the metal expands faster than glass, which can lead to microcracks.

Step 1: Diagnostics and Risk Assessment

Before removing the glass, answer the following questions:

• 🔍 Why are you taking the glass off? If it's cracked, but it doesn't interfere with the camera, maybe you just have to put a protective film on it.
• 📱 Home / Home / Self-repair voids Xiaomi warranty.
• 💰 How much does a new glass cost? For some models (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro)+) The original glass costs 3,000+ ruble.

Check the glass for chips near the lenses, and if a crack hits the camera lens, you need to remove the glass very carefully, because the fragments can get inside the module, in such cases, it is better to carry the phone to the service immediately.

Test the camera before you start: take photos on all modules (main, wide-angle, macro) and save them. If after dismantling, defects appear, you will have proof that the problem was caused by your actions.

Step 2: Heating and separation of glass

The main challenge is to carefully separate the glass without damaging the camera plumes.

1. Put tape on the glass cross-over, which will prevent the fragments from breaking apart if the glass cracks when heated.
2. Warm up the body with a hair dryer for 2-3 minutes, keeping it at a distance of 5-7 cm. Move the hair dryer in circular movements so that the glue softens evenly.
3. Put a mediator in the glass from any angle, and if it doesn't work, warm it up for another 1 minute.
4. Use a suction cup to pull the glass up evenly. Don't force it, you'd better do it again.

If the glass is glued to LOCA-Adhesive (often found in Redmi Note 11 Pro models)+ And newer, you're going to have to cut it with a string or a line:

• 🪚 Hold the string in the handles (you can use guitar strings 0.1-0.2 mm thick).
• 🔥 Warm up the edge of the glass to 80°C.
• 🎯 Carefully swipe the string under the glass, slightly pulling it.

⚠️ Warning: If you see wires or plumes under the glass (e.g., in backlit camera models), don't use metal tools. One wrong step is you can close contacts, which will cause the camera module or even the motherboard to fail.

On some models (e.g. Redmi 10C), the camera glass is integrated into the back cover, so you have to remove the entire panel, which requires you to disassemble the phone completely, and for these cases, look for "disassemble [your model] back cover."

Step 3: Removal of glue residues

Once the glass is removed, there will be glue on the case that needs to be removed.

• 🧴 Isopropyl alcohol + cotton swabs (for small residues).
• 🧼 Special glue cleaner (e.g, GOO GONE).
• 🔪 Plastic scraper (for dried glue).

Do not use acetone or acetone-based solvents - they can damage plastic parts of the case or eat the paint. If the glue hits the camera lenses, remove it only with alcohol and soft tissue (microfibre).

For models with a flash under glass (such as the Redmi Note 10S), be especially careful: cleaning the glue near the flash, do not press on it - this can disrupt focus or lead to cracks in the LED.

Step 4: Installation of new glass

If you've removed the glass to replace it, you need to install the new one correctly.

• 📏 Glass for Redmi Note 10 Pro is not suitable for Redmi Note 10 - different notches for cameras.
• 🧩 Use the original glue. LOCA-glass needs UV glue, for scotch — 3M 9448A.
• 🔦 Line the glass before sticking. even a slight shift will spoil the appearance.

For models with backlit cameras (such as the Redmi K60 Pro), make sure the new glass has a cutout for the LED. If the backlight after installation does not work, check if the contacts are clamped.

After adhesion:

1. Press the glass evenly (you can use rods with soft linings).
2. Remove the excess glue with alcohol.
3. Do not turn on the phone for 1-2 hours (for example, LOCA-glue - 12 hours).

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Before installing the new glass, wipe the case and the glass itself with a degreasing agent (such as alcohol) to improve adhesion of the glue and prevent detachment.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when working with camera glass.

• 🔥 Overheating of the hull → The plastic is deformed, the glue dries even more. Solution: use a temperature-adjusted thermopistol.
• 🪓 Use a knife instead of a mediator → scratches on the case or cut plumes Solution: plastic or wooden tools only.
• 💧 The lens's alcohol exposure → Solution: Put paint tape on the cameras before cleaning.
• 🔄 Incorrect installation of new glass → Notice mismatches, curved appearance Solution: Use a template or an old specimen to fit in.

On Redmi Note 12 Pro+ and later, the camera glass is often integrated with a metal frame, and if you try to remove it without a special tool (strings), you risk tearing the frame together with the antenna contacts, which will lead to loss of the network.

If after changing the glass, the camera became worse to take pictures, check:

• Is there any dust between the glass and the lenses (removed by compressed air).
• Did the lenses shift when heated (requires calibration in the service).
• Are the stains not damaged (checked by a multimeter).

When is the best time to contact the service

Some situations require professional intervention. Take your phone to the service if:

• 🔧 Glass cracked, but camera is not working (matter may be damaged).
• ⚡ When disassembling, the spark or the phone stopped turning on.
• 📸 After replacing the glass in the photo appeared rainbow spots or blur.
• 🔌 Cannot disconnect the camera plumes (risk of contact breakage).

The cost of replacing camera glass in the service:

In official Xiaomi service centers, the replacement of the camera glass is carried out with a guarantee of 3-6 months. informal workshops may offer a lower price, but the risk of poor quality work is higher.

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If you're not sure about your skills, don't take the risk. It's more expensive to damage your camera when you repair it yourself than it is to service it.

FAQ: Frequent questions