How to remove the back cover Xiaomi Redmi 5: disassembly instructions

Modern smartphones like the Xiaomi Redmi 5 often require intervention in internal components due to natural battery wear or mechanical damage to the body.Self-replacement parts can save a significant amount, but requires caution and understanding of device design.The process of dismantling the rear panel is the first and most critical step in any repair procedure, whether it be battery replacement, display or speaker cleaning.

Unlike the older models with removable covers, it uses adhesive joints, which makes the task more difficult. Incorrect actions at the initial stage can damage the glass or deform the frame. It is important to prepare the workplace, provide good lighting and stock up on the necessary tools before starting work.

In this article, we will discuss in detail the algorithm of actions that will allow you to safely separate the back panel without the use of aggressive force. You will learn about the temperature regimes of heating, how to disconnect the plumes and the nuances of reverse assembly.

Tools and workplace preparation required

For a high-quality dismantling of the Redmi 5, it is not enough to have only a screwdriver on hand. You will need a specialized toolkit that minimizes the risk of damage to components. The main element is a suction cup that allows you to create a gap between the glass and the frame, as well as thin plastic mediators for further operation.

A critical tool is the heat source. The glue used by the manufacturer softens at about 80-90 degrees Celsius. Using a hair dryer may not be effective enough, so it's better to use a thermophen or a special heating pad for smartphones. Remember that overheating can damage the display or internal cables.

It is also necessary to prepare a container for small screws, as they can differ in length and type of thread. Losing even one screw can lead to backlash of the case or damage to the internal boards during assembly. Organize your workspace to avoid losing small parts.

  • ๐Ÿ”ง Precision screwdrivers (cross-haired) P2/P00)
  • ๐ŸŒก๏ธ Thermophen, heating pad or hair dryer (to heat glue)
  • ๐ŸŽด Plastic blades and mediators (to avoid scratches)
  • ๐Ÿงฒ Magnetic mat or organizer for screws
  • ๐Ÿงค Antistatic gloves (optional, to protect against fat)

Make sure the smartphone is turned off completely before any manipulations begin, a basic safety rule that can be short-circuited if tools come into contact with the board inadvertently.

Heating and primary separation of the cover

The first step is to soften the adhesive layer that holds the back panel, and heat it up evenly throughout the perimeter of the device, paying special attention to the angles where the adhesive often freezes tighter, and the heating time is usually 2 to 4 minutes depending on the power of the heat source.

Once the body is warm to the touch (but not hot to avoid burning your hands), you need to install a suction cup. Place it at the bottom of the back cover, closer to the center or just below the MI logo. Suck the suction cup up slightly to create a microscopic gap between the glass and the frame.

โš ๏ธ Warning: Do not try to cover with metal objects immediately after heating.The metal can break the glass or damage the plume scanner if it is located behind.

Once a gap has appeared, carefully insert a plastic mediator into it. Don't dive the tool deep into the housing so as not to touch the battery or other components. Move the mediator along the side face, cutting the adhesive layer, but don't bend the lid too much.

๐Ÿ“Š What instrument do you use to heat up?
Hair dryer
Thermophene (soldier)
Phone heater
Other

Disconnection of plumes and removal of protective plates

Once the perimeter adhesive layer has been overcome, take your time to remove the lid completely. Inside the Xiaomi Redmi 5 are plumes connecting the main board to the modules on the rear panel. A sharp jerk can lead to the breakage of thin conductors, the restoration of which is almost impossible at home.

First, you have to unscrew the screws that lock the protective metal plates, they cover the connectors of the battery and the display, use a magnetic screwdriver to keep the screws from dropping inside the case, and after removing the plates, the first thing you do is turn off the battery plume.

Power outage is a critical step that shuts down the device and makes it safe to continue, and only then can the main camera plume and fingerprint scanner be gently disconnected if they interfere with the full lid removal.

ComponentType of attachmentNumber of screwsRisk of damage
Protection of AKBmetal plate2 pcs.Low.
Display plumeLatch (FPC)0 pieces.High-pitched
Imprint scanner.Glue base + connector0 pieces.critical
Main camera.Landing place0 pieces.Medium.

๐Ÿ’ก

Use a plastic blade to snap connectors by pressing from the bottom up rather than pulling the plume itself.

Nuances of work with a fingerprint scanner

In the Redmi 5, the fingerprint scanner is often integrated into or glued to the back cover, which creates additional challenges when dismantled, and if the module is attached to the glue, it can come off with the lid when lifted, but sometimes requires careful detachment.

If you feel resistance, check if the module is glued to the inside of the glass. Some revisions use bilateral tape. It also needs to be heated, but very locally, so as not to overheat the sensor itself. Damage to the scanner crystal will cause the unlock function to fail.

When you turn off the scanner plume, be very careful. The connectors in this area are very fragile. It's better to use tweezers with dielectric linings or a plastic blade to fix the position of the plume when extracted.

โš ๏ธ Attention: The fingerprint scanner plume can be very short.Do not pull it when you remove the cover, otherwise a tear will be inevitable.

If the scanner is on the lid and you only need to replace the battery, be as careful as possible. Often the module is held on latches that need to be carefully tampered with.

What to do if the scanner plume breaks?
It's almost impossible to restore the integrity of the conductive tracks at home, and it would require replacing the entire scanner module or plugging the connector, which requires professional equipment.

Replacement of battery and internal components

When the back cover is successfully removed, the main components of the smartphone are accessed, and the Redmi 5 is often repaired by replacing the battery, which loses capacity over time, and the battery is glued to the frame, and it will also require heating to retrieve it.

Don't try to put metal objects on the battery or put too much pressure on it. A puncture of a lithium polymer cell can cause a fire or a chemical reaction. Use special suction cups or plastic cards, sticking them under the battery after preheating the back of the device.

When installing a new battery, make sure that the control plume (BMS) is properly connected to the board. Before final assembly, it is recommended to check the device's operation by connecting the display and battery plume without sticking the lid.

  • ๐Ÿ”‹ Carefully heat the area under the battery until 60-70 degree.
  • ๐Ÿƒ Use a plastic card to separate the battery from the frame.
  • ๐Ÿงน Clean the remnants of old glue with alcohol or a special solvent.
  • ๐Ÿงช Put on a new glue. B-7000 or T-7000 before final assembly.

If you change other components, such as the bottom board with the charging connector, make sure all screws are returned to their places.The lack of screws can lead to poor fit of antenna contacts.

โ˜‘๏ธ Pre-assembly check

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Assembly of the device and check of performance

The final step is assembly. Before applying the glue, be sure to check all the functions of the smartphone: touchscreen, speakers, microphone, cameras and Wi-Fi. If everything works correctly, you can start fixing the back panel.

Apply a thin layer of special adhesive (such as the B-7000) around the frame. Avoid getting glue onto the cameras, speakers and connectors. Let the glue dry a little (about 1-2 minutes) so it becomes less fluid, then gently combine the lid and press it.

For a uniform fit, you can use rubber rings or put your smartphone under a light load (for example, a book) for 15-20 minutes. Do not turn the device on immediately, let the adhesive compound polymerize for at least an hour to achieve maximum strength.

โš ๏ธ Warning: Excess glue that has protruded from under the lid should be removed immediately before it freezes. Use a dry cloth or cotton swab soaked in alcohol.

Properly executed assembly provides not only aesthetic appearance, but also protection of internal components from dust and moisture. Do not neglect the quality of the glue, as cheap counterparts can dry up after a month.

๐Ÿ’ก

The quality of gluing directly affects moisture protection and durability of repair, so save on the adhesive composition is not worth it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I remove the Redmi 5 cover without a hair dryer?
Theoretically, it is possible, but the risk of breaking glass or damaging the body increases many times: the glue is very strong, and without heating it is almost impossible to separate the lid cleanly. Using a hair dryer is possible, but it will take much longer (10-15 minutes) and may not give the desired temperature in the depth of the adhesive layer.
Which glue is better to use to glue the cover?
Silicone-based adhesives such as the B-7000 or T-7000 are considered the best choice. They remain elastic after drying, which will facilitate future disassembly, and fill in bumps well. Superglues (cyanacrylates) are not recommended, as they make the glass brittle and can leave white marks (fogging) inside the case.
What if the phone does not turn on after assembly?
First of all, check the battery plume connection. Often, when you build, the connector is not fully inserted into the connector. Also, make sure you do not damage the power plume or other components when you install the lid. If visual inspection does not help, you will need to redisassemble and diagnose with a multimeter.
Do I need to completely discharge the old battery before replacing it?
No, it's a myth that's relevant to older nickel batteries. For the lithium polymer batteries installed in the Xiaomi Redmi 5, the charge level doesn't matter when you extract it, the main thing is to be safe and not damage the battery shell.