The Xiaomi Mi8 is the 2018 flagship that is still popular today for its powerful hardware and affordable price in the aftermarket. However, over time, even this reliable smartphone can have problems: a bloated battery, a cracked camera glass or a faulty wireless charging module. Most repairs require removing the back cover, an operation that seems simple only at first glance.
The Mi8 design involves the use of glue and latches, and improper dismantling can damage plumes, antenna lines or even the body. This article will help avoid the typical mistakes: from choosing tools to fixing the lid after repair. We will discuss three methods of disassembly (with heated, without it and for models with a ceramic rear panel), and give recommendations for diagnosing faults before opening the device.
Preparation for disassembly: tools and security measures
Before you start removing the lid, make sure you have everything you need. The absence of even one tool can lead to permanent damage to plastic latches or flexible plumes – especially for the Xiaomi Mi8 Explorer Edition with a transparent rear panel.
Here is the minimum set you will need:
- 🔧 Plastic blades (2-3 pc, thickness 0.2–0.5 mm) - metal can scratch the body.
- 🔥 Dryer or thermo-air station (at least 1000 W) for softening the adhesive.
- 🧲 Suction cups (3-5 cm in diameter) - help to evenly lift the cover.
- 📏 Thin mediator or guitar mediator – to separate the body in the corners.
- 🔋 Insulation or paint tape - to fix the plumes after removing the lid.
- 🧴 Alcohol (90%+) or contact cleaner - to remove glue residues.
Also, prepare the workplace: the desk should be clean, litter-free, and the lights bright. It is best to use an antistatic mat or at least an earthed surface to avoid damage to components by static electricity. If you are disassembling the Mi8 for the first time, take a picture of each step, which will help to properly assemble the device back.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use a knife or screwdriver to lash the lid! even a slight pressure with a metal tool can damage antenna lines located around the perimeter of the case. Mi8 They are particularly vulnerable in the upper left corner (near the module). NFC).
Diagnosis before disassembly: when to remove the cover is not necessary
For example, if the Xiaomi Mi8 doesn’t turn on, it may be a software failure, not a hardware malfunction.
- 🔄 Reset via Recovery: Clutch Power + Volume up and select Wipe Data. This will help if the smartphone is stuck on the logo.
- 🔋 Charging check: connect another charger and cable. If the indicator is not on, the problem may be the connector. USB-C, not in the battery.
- 📶 Test SIM-Cards: insert the card into another phone. If it doesn't work, the problem isn't the communication module. Mi8.
- 🎧 Speaker check: plug the headphones. If there's sound, the 3.5mm connector or speaker is faulty.
If the problem persists after these checks, you will likely need to disassemble, for example, a bloated battery can be identified by the following signs:
- The smartphone body is “sulking” in the middle.
- The screen is starting to “go away” from the frame.
- Xiaomi Mi8 spontaneously turns off at a charge level of 20-30%.
- On the back cover, traces of deformation are visible (especially in models with a ceramic panel).
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If you suspect a bloated battery, don't delay repairs! Lithium-ion batteries in this state can ignite when mechanically exposed or overheated.
Step-by-step: how to remove the back cover on Xiaomi Mi8
The disassembly process depends on the modification of the smartphone. Xiaomi Mi8 was released in three versions of the rear panel:
- Glass (standard version) - the most common, requires heating.
- Ceramic (Mi8 Explorer Edition) - fragile, you need to shoot carefully, without heavy heating.
- Metal (rare modifications) - is attached to screws under plugs.
We will look at a universal method for glass panels that is suitable for most users.
Step 1: Turn off and heat the body
Turn off the Xiaomi Mi8 completely (click Power and select Turn Off).
- Stick paint tape on the screen and back cover to protect them from scratches.
- Heat the hair dryer around the perimeter for 2-3 minutes, keeping it at a distance of 5-7 cm. the Temperature should not be higher than 80 ° C (can be checked with an infrared thermometer).
- Pay special attention to the corners - there the glue usually holds stronger.
Step 2: Separation of the cover
After warming up:
- Attach the suction cup to the bottom of the lid (near the USB-C connector).
- Pull it up carefully - a small gap should appear.
- Put a plastic blade in the gap and slowly drive it along the edge, separating the latches.
- As soon as the lid begins to "go away", remove the suction cup and continue to work with the spatula.
If the lid fails, reheat the problem area. Don't try to force it off, it will lead to cracks.
Is the battery disconnected (the plume is disconnected)?|All latches on the perimeter are separated?|Camera plumes and fingerprint scanner not stretched?|Is there any glue residue on the contacts?-->
Step 3: Disconnecting the plumes
After removing the cover, you will see:
- 🔋 Battery (sticked, not necessary to remove unless replacement is required).
- 📷 Main camera plume (attached to latch).
- 👆 Fingerprint scanner plume (fragile, easily torn!).
- 📶 Antenna contacts (do not touch them with metal tools).
First, disconnect the battery by shoveling a black connector (it is under the metal plate). Then gently snap the other plumes. Don't pull the wires - just the plastic connectors!
⚠️ Attention: In Xiaomi Mi8 The fingerprint scanner plume is soldered to the motherboard. ID It's going to stop working, and it's going to cost 30 to 50 percent of the cost of a smartphone!
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when disassembling the Xiaomi Mi8, and here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:
| Mistake. | Effects of consequences | How to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Too much heat by a hair dryer | Deformation of plastic latches, detachment of glass panel | Keep the hair dryer at a distance of 5-7 cm, use the "warm air" mode (60-80 ° C). |
| Use of metal tools | Scratches on the body, damage to antenna lines | Work only with plastic shoulder blades or mediators |
| A sharp lid-break | Breaking the plume of the fingerprint scanner or camera | Separate the cover slowly, starting at the bottom edge |
| Undisconnected battery during repair | Short circuit, failure of the motherboard | First thing, disconnect the battery! |
| Getting glue on contacts | Poor antenna contact, communication problems | Remove the glue residues with alcohol and brush |
You need to work with the Mi8 Explorer Edition with particular care, its ceramic back panel is thinner than the standard glass and can crack even at low pressure. If you are not sure about your skills, you should contact the service - replacing the ceramic cover will cost 5-7 thousand rubles.
What to do if the cover is broken when removed?
How to glue the back cover back: materials and equipment
Once repaired, the lid must be fixed so that it does not go away and creak, and services use special glue for this, but at home you can do with affordable analogues:
- 🧴 Double-sided scotch 3M (0.2–0.3 mm thickness – suitable for temporary fixation.
- 🔥 Clay. B-7000 — elastic, does not damage plastic, but requires drying for 12-24 hours.
- 🛠️ Thermoclee (for glass panels) – applied with a gun, but can leave traces.
- 🧲 Magnetic tapes – used in pair with glue for additional fixation.
Instructions for adhesion:
- Clean the edge of the case and the inside of the cover of the old glue with alcohol.
- Apply glue point-by-point along the perimeter of the body (do not overdo it - excess can get on the plumes!).
- Carefully apply the lid, starting at the bottom edge, and press.
- Secure the lid with paint tape and leave it under the press (for example, under a stack of books) for 6-12 hours.
- After drying, check if there are gaps. If the lid is "walking", repeat the procedure.
For the Mi8 Explorer Edition with a ceramic panel, it is better to use ultra-thin double-sided tape (for example, Tesa 61395), since the glue can leak under the panel and spoil its appearance.
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If the lid is still receding in corners after gluing, the problem may be in the deformed latches, in which case only replacing the body or using additional locks (for example, small magnets) will help.
When it is better to contact the service: complex cases
Not all Xiaomi Mi8 malfunctions can be fixed by yourself, but here are some cases where it is wiser to trust the professionals:
- 🔧 Damage to the motherboard (smartphone not turned on, no reaction to charging).
- 📡 Problems with antennas (no network, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth not working).
- 🔋 Bloated battery (risk of fire if improperly dismantled).
- 📷 Replacement of the camera or fingerprint scanner (sweatering or calibration required).
- 💧 Liquid intake (ultrasonic cleaning of the board is necessary).
The cost of repair in the service depends on the problem:
| Malfunction | Cost of repair (₽) | Cost of spare parts (₽) |
|---|---|---|
| Battery replacement | 1 000–1 500 | 800–1 200 |
| Replacement of the back cover (glass) | 1 500–2 500 | 1 000–1 800 |
| Repair of the camera plume | 2 000–3 500 | 1 500–2 500 |
| Replacement of the charging connector | 1 200–2 000 | 500–1 000 |
| Diagnosis of the motherboard | 500–1 500 | — |
If you decide to include the Mi8 in the service, choose workshops with good reviews and warranty for work, be sure to check whether they use original parts - for example, a non-original battery can last only 3-6 months.