Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus has proven to be a reliable device with a metal body, but time and accidental falls may require intervention in its interior. The need to remove the back cover most often occurs when replacing the battery, repairing plumes or cleaning the speakers from dust. Unlike modern models with glass panels, aluminum is used here, which dictates its own rules of dismantling.
The process of disassembling this machine requires accuracy and understanding of the design, since the lid is tightly attached to the frame and is attached to a two-part glue. Incorrect actions can lead to deformation of the metal or damage to internal components located in the immediate vicinity of the edges of the case. Before starting work, it is important to assess your skills and the availability of the necessary tool.
In this article, we will take a detailed look at each step of removing the back panel, with a focus on workplace preparation and device safety, how to warm up the glue, what tools to use to open the door, and how to avoid damaging the plumes when the cover is unplugged, and avoiding costly errors.
Preparation of the workplace and tools
Quality repairs begin long before the first movement of the screwdriver. To successfully remove the lid from the Redmi 5 Plus, you will need a specific set of tools that will ensure the safety and efficiency of the process. The use of improvised tools such as knives or pins is strongly discouraged, as there is a high risk of damage to antenna inserts or scratch metal.
First of all, you need to organize good lighting and a clean surface of the table. Small screws and parts are easy to lose, so it is recommended to use a magnetic mat or containers to sort the fastener. SIM-card and memory card before starting any work to avoid damage to slots.
The core set of tools should include:
- 🔥 A dryer or heating platform for softening glue.
- 🛠️ A set of screwdrivers (a Pentalobe cross or a small Phillips).
- 🎴 Plastic mediators or a suction cup to open the body.
- 🧤 Antistatic gloves to protect components.
Special attention should be paid to the heating source, the temperature should not be too high, so as not to melt the plastic elements inside or damage the display on the back side, the optimal solution is to use a professional dryer with temperature adjustment.
Design features of Redmi 5 Plus
Understanding the architecture of the device is key to successful disassembly. Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus (codenamed vince) is made in the all-metal body of Unibody, but the back cover is a removable element, it is held around the perimeter by a special adhesive compound and is additionally fixed by screws hidden under the decorative elements.
It is important to know that the antenna lines in this model are integrated into the body, and a sloppy opening can disrupt the integrity of the plastic inserts, which will lead to signal degradation.In addition, there are plumes under the lid that connect the main board to auxiliary modules, such as a fingerprint scanner (if it is displayed on the lid) or buttons.
⚠️ Warning: Unlike budget models with a plastic case, the Redmi 5 Plus aluminum cover does not bend. Trying to tamper with it without preheating will lead to deformation of the edges and the appearance of chipped paint.
Also, you should consider the location of the components. Under the back cover, you can immediately access the battery and the motherboard. The plumes can be laid fairly tightly, so a sudden movement when you remove the lid can lead to a cliff.
The process of heating and softening glue
The most critical step in dismantling is heating the perimeter of the body, and the adhesive composition used by the manufacturer at room temperature is highly adhesive and durable, and to remove the lid without damage, you need to warm up the joint between the frame and the back panel evenly.
Use a dryer to direct the flow of hot air along all four sides of the device. Keep the dryer 2-3 centimeters from the surface and move it constantly to avoid local overheating. The process takes 2 to 5 minutes depending on the power of the heater.
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Check the glue's readiness to be removed by carefully trying to tamper with a plastic mediator. If the tool doesn't come in or the lid springs, keep heating.
Take your time. The underheated glue will break unevenly, leaving the pieces on the frame and the lid, which will complicate the subsequent assembly. If you use a hot plate, put the phone down on the soft cloth and warm up for 3-4 minutes at a temperature of about 80-90 degrees Celsius.
Technology of opening the case
Once the body is sufficiently warmed, you can begin to directly separate the parts, take a suction cup, glue it to the bottom of the back cover (close to the speaker), and pull it up slightly, creating a small gap, and carefully insert a thin plastic mediator into this gap.
Move the mediator along the perimeter, cutting the adhesive layer. It's important not to inject the tool too deeply so as not to touch the internal components. The movements should be smooth, without jerking. If you feel strong resistance, apply the heat again to the problem area.
Sequence of actions at opening:
- Create an initial gap with a suction cup at the bottom.
- Insert the mediator and run it along the bottom edge.
- Move to the side faces, holding the mediator at an angle of 30-45 degrees.
- Complete the process at the top, next to the camera.
Sometimes the screws can be hidden under stickers or plugs. Carefully inspect the inside of the lid after it is separated. In Redmi 5 Plus, the main screws holding the motherboard are under metal screens, but the lid itself is only held on the glue and, in some revisions, on a pair of near speaker screws.
☑️ Checklist before lid removal
Disabling the plumes and removing the cover
When the adhesive layer is overcome around the perimeter, don't rush to abruptly tear the lid off. At the top of the device there may be plumes connecting the controls or antennas to the main board, a sharp jerk is guaranteed to lead to their break.
Carefully lift the lid and inspect the space between it and the body. If you see thin cables, they need to be turned off. Use a plastic blade or blunt-ended tweezers. (connectors) are usually fixed with latches that need to bend before the plume is removed.
| Component | Location. | Type of attachment | Risk of damage |
|---|---|---|---|
| cable | Upper left corner | Latch/Glue | High-pitched |
| Button plume | Side-face | Clamp. | Medium. |
| Fingerprint scanner | Back panel. | Glue/Jack | High-pitched |
Once all connections are disconnected, you can remove the lid completely, put it up on the soft surface with the inside side, so you don't scratch it, and now you have access to the battery and the motherboard for further manipulation.
⚠️ Attention: When working with plumes, avoid touching contacts with your fingers. Fat marks can oxidize over time and cause loss of contact. Use antistatic gloves.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced craftsmen make mistakes, let alone beginners. The most common problem when removing the Redmi 5 Plus lid is damage to antenna inserts. The plastic used for radio-transparent windows is quite fragile and breaks when overheated or mechanically exposed.
Another common mistake is using metal tools to lid the lid. Metal slips off easily and can short contacts on the board if the device is not completely de-energized, or damage the screen on the front side. Always use only a plastic tool.
What to do if the cover is deformed?
Also, users often forget to clean the residues of old glue before installing a new lid or gluing the old back, which causes gaps and dust to enter the device. Use isopropyl alcohol and a plastic card to remove the old layers of the adhesive.
Assembly and inspection of the device
After the necessary repairs (battery replacement, cleaning, etc.) are completed, the assembly stage begins. Before applying a new glue or installing the lid, be sure to check the health of the smartphone. Connect the battery and try to turn on the device without fixing the lid completely.
Make sure all plumes are snapped to the characteristic click and the screws are twisted with the right force.Highing screws in the aluminum case can cause threads to break, which will require difficult recovery. Use tightening moment no more than 0.5 Nm.
Use a special B-7000 glue or pre-cut adhesive to fix the lid. Apply a thin layer of glue around the perimeter, avoiding camera and speaker exposure. Press the lid and lock the device with rubber bands for 1-2 hours until completely dry.
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The quality of the lid's adhesives has a direct impact on dust and moisture protection, and on antennas. Don't skimp on adhesives.
The final test includes communication, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and touchscreen testing, and if all functions are working properly, the assembly is considered successful, and the device is ready for everyday use.