How to remove the back cover on Xiaomi Redmi 8: a detailed guide with photos and videos

Disassembling the Xiaomi Redmi 8 is a challenge that owners face when replacing a battery, repairing a camera or cleaning connectors. The back of this device is attached not only to the latches, but also to the adhesive layer, which complicates the process. Incorrect dismantling can lead to cracks in plastic, damage to the plumes or even failure of the fingerprint sensor.

In this article, you will find detailed instructions tailored to the design of the Redmi 8, a list of tools and step-by-step photos, and we will also reveal typical beginner mistakes and give recommendations on how to avoid breakdowns. If you have never disassembled a smartphone before, don’t worry: with the right approach, the procedure will take no more than 20 minutes.

⚠️ Important: Removing the lid will void Xiaomi’s warranty if it’s still valid. Before you start, make sure you have spare parts (like new glue or double-sided tape) and patience – rushing is the enemy.

Training: tools and materials

To take the Redmi 8 back off carefully, you'll need a minimal set of tools. Don't skimp on quality -- cheap plastic blades can break down in the process and scratch the body.

• 🔧 Plastic blade or mediator (thickness 0.2-0.4 mm) - for separation of cover and body.
• 🔥 Dryer or thermo-air station - heats up the glue (optimum temperature: 60-70)°C).
• 🧲 Suction cup (3-4 cm in diameter) - helps to lift the cover after heating.
• 🔍 Loop or magnifying glass - to control latches and plumes.
• 🧴 Isopropyl alcohol (90%+) — removes the glue residue from the frame.

If you don't have a hair dryer, you can use hot water (not boiling water!): put your smartphone in a bag and drop it in 50-60°C water for 2-3 minutes. This will soften the glue, but increases the risk of moisture getting inside. Alternatively, a silicone warm-up mat, which is often used in service centers.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use metal tools (screwdrivers, knives) - they leave scratches on the plastic and can close contacts on the board. If the lid is glued too tightly, do not apply excessive force: it is better to repeat the heating.

Step 1: Turn off and warm up your smartphone

Before starting work, turn off the Redmi 8 completely and remove it. SIM-This will prevent short circuits and data corruption, and then the heating of the adhesive layer will follow:

1. Set the hair dryer to a minimum power and temperature of 60–70°C.
2. Heat the lid in a circle, paying special attention to the corners and the bottom (there is more glue).
3. Keep the hair dryer at a distance of 5-7 cm from the body, so as not to overheat the plastic.
4. Heating time: 2-3 minutes on each side.

You can check the glue's readiness by pressing the lid on the charger's connector a little bit -- if it's playing a little bit, it's softened. Don't overheat your smartphone, because the battery or the display plume can damage at temperatures above 80°C.

Step 2: Separating the lid with a suction cup

After heating, we start to mechanically separate the lid, and the key is to take your time and act carefully.

1. Then, stick the suction cup closer to the lower left corner (there are fewer plumes).
2. Pull the sucker on yourself with moderate effort - a gap of 1-2 mm should appear.
3. Insert a plastic blade into the gap and slowly lead it along the edge of the case.
4. Repeat the process around the perimeter until the lid is completely removed.

If the lid doesn't lend itself, don't force it against the center, because there are fingerprint sensor plumes and antenna contacts, and you better reheat the problem area and try again. Redmi 8 has the most stubborn latches near the volume and 3.5 mm connector buttons.

Step 3: Disconnect the plumes and completely remove the cover

When the lid is separated, do not rush to remove it completely - it is still connected to the motherboard with two plumes:

• 📱 Fingerprint sensor plume (located at the top of the sensor).
• 📶 Antenna plume (goes along the left edge).

To disconnect them:

1. Carefully lift the lid and put it on the table "face" down.
2. With the help of plastic tweezers or a shoulder blade, tuck in the white connectors of the plumes (they are fixed with latches).
3. Disconnect the plumes by pulling them parallel to the board, not up!

⚠️ Attention: If you accidentally tore the antenna plume, the smartphone will work, but the quality of communication will deteriorate, you can only replace it at the service center - it comes assembled with the back cover.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when disassembling the Redmi 8, and here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:

• 🔥 Overheating of the hull → Use a thermometer or heat in short intervals (30 seconds).
• 💥 Sharp compartment of the lid → The plumes may come off. Always check them before they are completely removed.
• 🔧 Use of metal tools → It leads to scratches and closures, just plastic or wooden shoulder blades!
• 📉 Improper storage of screws → Redmi 8 screws of different lengths. Stack them in separate containers with signatures.

Another common problem is that the adhesive layer is damaged when reassembled, and if you don't plan on using the original adhesive, replace it with 3M 9448A double-sided tape (0.25 mm thick), which provides a reliable fixation and is easily removed the next time you disassemble.

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If the lid is creaking when pressed, the adhesive layer is unevenly applied. Take the smartphone apart again and walk around the edges of the lid with a heated hairdryer (without a suction cup) so that the adhesive melts evenly.

Reverse Assembly: nuances and verification

Building a Redmi 8 after repair is as important as disassembling it.

1. Before installing the cover, wipe the frame of the case with isopropyl alcohol - this will remove the remnants of old glue and fat.
2. Apply a new adhesive layer or bilateral scotch, leaving holes for plumes.
3. Connect the plumes in reverse order: first the antenna, then the fingerprint sensor.
4. Make sure that all latches are snapped – for this, slightly press the lid around the perimeter.

After assembly, check:

• 📶 Network and Wi-Fi (antenna plume).
• 🔓 Fingerprint sensor.
• 🔋 Charging the battery (sometimes the connector leaves when heated).

If something doesn't work, don't panic -- take your smartphone apart again and check the plumes' connections. In 90% of cases, the problem is poor contact.

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Once assembled, allow the glue to "grab" for 1-2 hours before turning on the smartphone, which will prevent the cover from moving when heated during operation.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the Redmi 8 disassembly