Disassembly Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro: how to remove the back cover yourself and not break the phone

Removing the back cover of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro is a challenge that owners face when replacing a battery, repairing plumes or cleaning dust. The 2019 model, despite its strong glass and metal body, has a weak spot: the adhesive base of the cover, which eventually loses elasticity. In service centers, it is charged from 800 to 1500 rubles, but with patience and the right tools, it can be done at home.

The main challenge is the risk of damage to the fingerprint scanner plume, which runs under the lid and attaches to the motherboard, and careless exposure can lead to cracks in the glass or detachment of the adhesive layer. In this article, we will analyze three proven methods of disassembly, assess their pros and cons, and give recommendations for the choice of tools.

If you’ve never taken a smartphone apart before, consider that the Redmi Note 8 Pro is not a self-repair-friendly device, but it uses professional equipment such as an infrared glue heating station or a vacuum pump suction cup, but it’s not a good option.

πŸ“Š Why you need to remove the back cover?
Battery replacement
Repair of the chamber/stitch
Dust cleanup
Glass replacement
Other causes

Preparation for disassembly: tools and security measures

Before you start, make sure you have everything you need, and the minimum set of tools includes:

  • πŸ”§ Plastic mediators (2-3 - to separate the lid and the body. Metal blades can scratch the frame.
  • πŸ”₯ Hair dryer or heat gun to soften glue. Optimal temperature: 60-80Β°C (not higher!).
  • 🧲 Suction - helps create an initial effort to detach the lid.
  • πŸ“¦ Container for screws – in the Redmi Note 8 Pro uses 12 screws of different sizes (T3, T4).
  • 🧴 Isopropyl alcohol (90%+) β€” Removing glue residues and cleaning contacts.

Important: don't use knives or screwdrivers to lid the lid! The Redmi Note 8 Pro glass is thinner than it looks (only 0.55 mm), and cracks easily at point pressure. If you don't have mediators on hand, you can replace them with guitar mediators or plastic cards (for example, discount cards).

Also prepare the workplace:

  • πŸͺ‘ Work at a table with good lighting (better to use a desk lamp).
  • πŸ“± Place your phone on a soft surface (such as a towel) to avoid scratching.
  • πŸ”Œ Turn off the phone and remove it. SIM-The battery doesn't have to be disconnected, but it's recommended.

⚠️ Warning: If the phone has been in water or has been hit hard, disassembly may result in short circuits due to oxidized contacts.

Method 1: Heating a hair dryer + suction cup (the safest)

This is a method that works for most users and minimizes the risk of damage, and the idea is to heat the adhesive layer evenly, making it elastic and making it easier to separate the lid.

Step-by-step:

  1. Heat the back cover with a hair dryer for 2-3 minutes, keeping it at a distance of 5-7 cm. Move the hair dryer in a circle so that the glue warms up evenly.
  2. Apply the suction cup to the bottom of the lid (near the USB-C connector) and pull up. There should be a slight gap.
  3. Put a plastic mediator in the gap and gently swipe it around the perimeter of the lid, separating it from the body, start at the bottom edge and move counterclockwise.
  4. Once the lid is 2/3, don't take it off completely! There's a fingerprint scanner plume underneath, and you have to detach it from the motherboard.

If the cover fails, repeat heating 1-2 times. Do not make excessive efforts - this can lead to a tear of the plume or cracks in the glass.

Will the glue heat up all over the perimeter?|Is there a gap for the mediator?|Is the phone off-charging?|Is the screw container prepared?-->

After the lid is separated, you will see the internal structure:

  • πŸ”‹ Battery (12.5 Wh) with connector on the motherboard.
  • πŸ“Έ Main camera module (64 MP) + 8 MP + 2 MPs + 2 MPs).
  • πŸ‘† The fingerprint scanner plume (attached to the board with a small connector).

⚠️ Warning: If the phone stops turning on after disassembly, check if the battery connector has moved away.

Method 2: Use of a string or thread (for the experienced)

This is a good way to do it if you don't have a hair dryer or a suction cup, and instead, you use a strong thread (for example, a guitar string or a fishing line 0.3-0.5 mm thick), which requires precision, but you can do without heating.

Algorithm of action:

  1. Push the thread between the lid and the body in the lower corner (near the speaker).
  2. Hold the thread with both hands and saw it along the edge of the lid, as if you were cutting oil.
  3. Once the thread passes 2/3 of the perimeter, slap the cover with a mediator and separate it completely.

Advantages of the method:

  • βœ… No heating (less risk of overheating components).
  • βœ… Suitable for phones with severely dried glue.

Disadvantages:

  • ❌ High risk of cutting the fingerprint scanner plume if the thread slips.
  • ❌ It takes longer (10-15 minutes vs 3-5 minutes when heated).
What do I do if the thread is stuck?
If the thread has stopped moving, don't pull it with force! Take it out carefully and try to start at the other angle. Perhaps the glue in this place is too dense - try to heat the problem area with a hairdryer (no longer than 30 seconds).

Method 3: Unheating (risky)

This is only an extreme way to heat the phone, where it involves mechanically separating the lid with mediators, but it can cause damage.

How to proceed:

  1. Insert the mediator into the gap between the lid and the case (it is better to start from the corner next to the volume button).
  2. Carefully press and run the mediator along the edge, trying not to dive deeper than 1-2 mm.
  3. If the lid fails, do not increase the force - it is better to stop trying and use the method with heating.

The risks of this method:

Problem.Probability.Effects of consequences
Cracks on the glass70%Replacement of the rear panel will be required (cost ~2000-3,000 rubles.)
Damage to the scanner plume50%Fingerprint will stop working (repair ~1500 rubles)
Aluminium frame chips30%Cosmetic defect that does not affect the work

Conclusion: This method should only be used if the phone already has cracks on the lid or you are ready to replace it.

πŸ’‘

Heating the glue is a prerequisite for safe disassembly, without it the risk of damage increases 3-4 times.

What to do after the lid is removed?

When the cover is finally separated, follow these guidelines:

  • πŸ”Œ Disconnect the battery by pulling the black thrust tape (if any). If there is no tape, use a plastic mediator to gently lift the connector.
  • 🧹 Remove the glue residue from the cover and body with isopropyl alcohol.Do not use acetone - it can damage plastic parts!
  • πŸ“Έ If you’re disassembling a camera replacement phone, be careful with flexible plumes – they’re brittle and easily torn.

If you are planning to replace the battery, consider:

  • The original battery for the Redmi Note 8 Pro has a capacity of 4500 mAh (BM4H model).
  • When buying an analogue, choose batteries with a thermistor (gives correct charge data).
  • After the battery is replaced, the power controller may need to be calibrated (discharge the phone to 0% and charge to 100% without interruption).

To reverse assemble, use 3M double-sided tape or a special glue for smartphones (such as the B-7000). Apply it with a thin layer, avoiding hitting the speaker or microphone.

πŸ’‘

Before assembly, take a picture of the location of all plumes and screws, which will help to avoid errors when re-installing the cover.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when disassembling the Redmi Note 8 Pro.

1.Rupture of the fingerprint scanner plume

  • πŸ›  Reason: Sharp separation of the cover without disconnecting the plume.
  • βœ… Solution: Always check if the plume is stretching behind the lid. If it breaks, you can only replace it with the power button (cost) ~2500 rubles.).

Damage to the battery connector

  • πŸ›  Reason: Improper use of a mediator when lid separation.
  • βœ… Solution: If the connector has moved away, gently insert it back in. If the contacts have bent, they can be straightened with a needle.

3. Components overheating

  • πŸ›  Cause: Prolonged heat with a hair dryer (more than 5 minutes) or temperature above 80Β°C.
  • βœ… Solution: Use a thermometer to control the temperature. If you don't have a thermometer, keep your hand 10 cm away from the body -- if it's hot, stop heating.

4. Loss of screws

  • πŸ›  The reason: The screws in the Redmi Note 8 Pro are small and easy to lose.
  • βœ… Solution: Use a magnetic mat or a container of cells. T3 They're paying the motherboard, and T4 β€” midframe.

When is the best time to contact the service?

Although you can do the Redmi Note 8 Pro disassembly at home, in some cases it is better to trust the professionals:

Please contact the service if:

  • πŸ”§ You have no experience with electronics (risk of chip damage).
  • πŸ’§ The phone has been in water or other liquid (requires ultrasound cleaning of the board).
  • ⚑ After disassembly, the phone does not turn on, but the battery is serviceable (possible problems with the power board).
  • πŸ“± Requires a replacement microphone, speaker or antenna module (these parts are attached to glue and soldered).

Average cost of disassembly in services:

ServicePrice (rupe)
Removal/installation of the back cover800–1200
Battery replacement1500–2000 (with work)
Replacement of the fingerprint scanner plume2000–2500
Diagnosis after a failed disassembly500–1000

If you do decide to disassemble your phone yourself, be patient. 80 percent of the damage is due to rush, take your time, and you'll succeed!

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I take off the lid without a hair dryer?
Yes, but the risk of damage is much higher. Alternative methods: Use a thread (as described in Method 2); Place the phone in warm water (40–50Β°C) for 1-2 minutes (only if it has not been in water before!); Use cold – put the phone in the freezer for 10 minutes (the glue will become brittle, but the glass may crack); It is best to combine the thread with light heating (for example, a heating pad).
How to check if the fingerprint scanner plume is damaged?
After you build your phone: Turn on your phone and check if the scanner is still responsive to touch. Go to Settings β†’ Passwords and Security β†’ Fingerprint. If the scanner is not detected, try reconnecting the plume (possibly it has gone away). If the scanner is still not working, the plume is damaged and needs to be replaced.
How much glue should be applied in reverse assembly?
Optimal quantity: For double-sided tape: strips 3-4 mm wide around the perimeter of the lid (without covering the speaker and microphone openings); For liquid adhesive (B-7000): a thin layer applied with a brush; remove the excess with a napkin; After gluing the lid, put the phone under the press (for example, a stack of books) for 1-2 hours.
What if the phone doesn’t turn on after the disassembly?
Possible causes and solutions: Battery not connected: Check the connector on the motherboard. Short circuit: Check the charge for foreign objects (screws, glue pieces). Charges damaged: If the phone does not respond to charging, the power contact may have gone (steering iron is required). If nothing helps, contact the service with the diagnosis "does not turn on after disassembly".
Can you use superglue to hold the lid?
No! Superglue (cyanoacrylate) is not suitable for smartphone repair because: It's fragile and can crack when impacted. It emits toxic fumes when heated. It's difficult to remove when disassembled again. Use only specialized adhesives (like the B-7000) or double-sided tape.