How to carefully remove the back cover on Xiaomi Redmi 5: tools, risks and step-by-step analysis

Disassembling the Xiaomi Redmi 5 is a challenge that owners face when replacing a battery, repairing plumes or cleaning dust. However, the wrong approach can lead to cracks in the case, damage to flexible cables or even failure. FPC-This model, released in 2017, has a specific design: the lid is attached to glue and plastic latches, not screws, as in the newer Xiaomi devices.

Unlike the Redmi Note 5 or Mi A1, where the back panel is relatively easy to remove, the Redmi 5 is likely to damage antenna contacts or peel off the adhesive base. It is especially risky to use metal tools - they can leave scratches on the aluminum frame. In this article, we will analyze 3 proven methods of removing the lid, list the necessary tools and warn of typical errors.

If you have never taken a look at smartphones before, we recommend that you first review the frequent questions at the end of the article – there are nuances that are often overlooked even by experienced users.

Preparation: What to Know Before Discussion

Before you start removing the back cover, make sure you have a good reason to do so.Unjustified disassembly can lead to loss of the housing seal and dust on the board.

• 🔋 Replacement of the battery (capacity of the original — 3300 mAh, with time, degrades to 60-70% nominally).
• 📶 Repair of antenna contacts (frequent problem - loss of network after a fall).
• 🧹 Cleaning from dust and dirt (especially important for devices operated in dusty conditions).
• 🔧 Replacement of speaker or microphone (located under the back panel).

Important: Xiaomi Redmi 5 does not have official battery replacement support in service centers (unlike the flagship Mi 11 or Mi 12 models), which means that after disassembling you lose the warranty if it is still valid.

A critical feature of Redmi 5: the glue on the lid loses elasticity over time and becomes brittle. If the smartphone has been in use for more than 3 years, the probability of cracking when disassembled increases by 40%.

Required tools: what can not be replaced by “improvised means”

Removing the back cover safely requires a specialized toolkit, and using a knife, screwdriver or plastic card can damage the body or internal components.

⚠️ Warning: If you use the thermophene, keep it 10 to 15 cm from the body. Overheating over 90°C can damage the battery (risk of bloating) or detach the screen module, and avoid directing hot air to the camera - its lenses can deform.

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Before heating the case, remove the cover and protective film (if any) that can melt and stick to the lid, making it difficult to disassemble.

Method 1: Removal of the cover with thermophen (recommended)

This method is suitable for most cases and minimizes the risk of damage.

1. Turn off your smartphone and remove it. SIM-scatter-card.
2. Plug a thin tape on the screen along the frame - this will protect it from accidental scratches.
3. Warm the back cover with the thermophen for 2-3 minutes, evenly driving around the perimeter. The glue should become soft, but not liquid.
4. Lock the sucker at the bottom of the lid (near the USB-C connector) and pull it up.
5. In the resulting gap insert a plastic blade and carefully lead it along the edge, separating the latches.

⚠️ Warning: If the lid fails, don't use excessive force. The glue probably hasn't softened enough. Reheat for another 1-2 minutes. Also check if there are any latches in the antenna line area (upper and lower body parts) that have gone unnoticed).

After removing the cover, you will see the internal structure:

• 🔋 Battery (glued, removed after the disconnection of the plume).
• 📡 Antenna contacts (thin copper tracks – do not touch them with metal tools!).
• 🔌 Footprint scanner plume (if any) and main board plume.

Method 2: No Heating (for power users)

If the thermophen is not available, you can try to remove the cover in a cold way, but this requires more care. It is only suitable for devices where the glue has not yet dry (the smartphone has been in use for less than 2 years).

Algorithm of action:

1. Place the smartphone screen down on a soft surface (such as a towel).
2. Insert the plastic blade into the gap between the lid and the frame in the lower left corner (there is usually less glue).
3. Carefully drive the shoulder blade along the edge, alternately snapping the locks. When resisting, do not push harder, you better move to another site.
4. After separation of 2/3 of the perimeter, the cover should be easily removed.

⚠️ Attention: With this method, the risk of damage to antenna contacts increases to 30%, if you hear a characteristic crack, it breaks plastic latches, in which case you should stop disassembling and contact the service.

Method 3: Removal of the lid after battery discharge (emergency option)

This is used if the smartphone is not turning on and you need to get to the battery, and it is only suitable for the Redmi 5 with a bloated battery, since in this case the glue has already partially gone.

Instructions:

1. Put your phone in the freezer for 10-15 minutes (this will make the plastic of the lid more brittle).
2. Take out the device and immediately insert the blade into the slot next to the USB-C connector.
3. Knock on the lid with a rubber hammer (or screwdriver handle) along the edge - this will help separate the glue.
4. Pull the lid up while driving the shoulder blade around the perimeter.

⚠️ Warning: This method is guaranteed to damage the adhesive base, so after repair the lid will have to be planted on a new glue (for example, B-7000). Also do not use it if the street is high humidity - condensate can get on the board.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when parsing Redmi 5, and here are the most common ones:

• 🔥 Overheating of the body leads to bloating of the battery or detachment of the screen. Always check the temperature with your hand: the body should be warm, but not hot.
• 🔪 Using metal tools, scratches the frame and can close contacts on the board. Even if "always done this", for Redmi 5 it is unacceptable.
• 🧲 Neglecting antistatics – static discharge can disable RF-module (network) Work on a wooden table or use an antistatic mat.
• 📱 Removing the lid with the phone on - the risk of short circuit when touching the board. Always turn off the device and preferably wait for the battery to run to 20-30%.

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The most common cause of failure after disassembly is damage to the flexible plume of the fingerprint scanner. If your model is equipped with a sensor, before removing the lid, be sure to disconnect the connector on the board.

What to do after removing the lid: tips for assembly

If you successfully removed the back panel, follow these recommendations when backassembling:

• 🧴 Clean the glue residues with isopropyl alcohol. Don't use acetone, it corrodes plastic!
• 🔌 Check all the plumes before fixing the lid, make sure they are not bent and sit tightly in the connectors.
• 🔋 Secure the battery on a double-sided scotch (for example, 3M 9448A). The original Xiaomi glue cannot be restored.
• 📶 Check the antenna contacts, they should fit tightly to the lid. If necessary, bend them with tweezers.

To fix the cover, use a B-7000 glue (a thin layer is applied around the perimeter) or a bilateral tape 0.5 mm thick. Do not overdo it with glue - excess can be squeezed inside and pour the speaker or microphone.

Frequent questions about the Xiaomi Redmi 5