How to carefully remove the back cover from the Xiaomi phone: instructions with photos and videos

Disassembling Xiaomi smartphone is a task that sooner or later every owner faces. Whether you plan to replace the battery, clean the device from dust or install a new SIM card in a model with a custom tray, the ability to properly remove the back cover will save you time and nerves. However, this process carries risks: from damage to plumes to loss of tightness (relevant for models with protection). IP53/IP68).

In this article, we will analyze all the ways to dismantle the rear panel on different Xiaomi series – from the budget Redmi to the flagship Mi and the new model. POCO. You'll learn what tools you'll need, how to avoid common mistakes, and what to do if the lid is stuck to the body. And for owners of adhesive models, we've prepared a unique life hack using a regular hair dryer that simplifies the process by 3 times.

We warn you right away that if your smartphone is warranty-free, self-disassembly will cancel it, in such cases it is better to contact the service center, but if you are willing to act at your own risk, then proceed!

Why you can not remove the lid on the eye: risks and consequences

Many users mistakenly believe that the back of a smartphone is only mounted on the latches and can be slapped with the first object you find - a knife, credit card or even a nail, in practice, this approach in 80% of cases ends:

• 🔹 Cracks on the lid - especially relevant for glass panels (Mi 11, Redmi) K50, POCO F4).
• 🔹 Damage to battery plume – it is often located right under the lid and is mounted on fragile connectors.
• 🔹 Water protection loss in models with IP68 after careless disassembly tightness to restore almost impossible.
• 🔹 Sharp on an aluminum frame - typical for Xiaomi 12T Redmi Note 11 Pro+.

In addition, in some models (for example, Xiaomi Mi Mix 3 or POCO F3 GT) There are additional mounts under the lid, screws or latches that users often don't know about, and if you force the panel torn off, you'll deform the body.

⚠️ Warning: If your smartphone falls into water or is hit hard, disassembly can cause a short circuit, in which case, first completely discharge the battery (before automatically shutting down) and let the device dry for 24 hours in rice or silica gel.

To minimize the risks, we recommend using specific tools and following the instructions for a particular model. Below you will find a list of all the necessary items.

Removal of the back cover: what you need

To safely disassemble a Xiaomi smartphone, you’ll need a minimum set of tools, most of which can be bought in Chinese stores (like AliExpress) or rented from service centers.

If you’re disassembling a model with a fingerprint scanner under the screen (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi) K60), Prepare an antistatic bracelet to protect sensitive components from static electricity.

⚠️ Warning: Never use metal blades or knives! They conduct electricity and can close contacts on the board, which will lead to irreversible damage to the motherboard.

Make sure you have a backup before you start, and in rare cases, disassembly can trigger a reset (for example, if the battery plume detaches while the device is running).

Turn off your smartphone and remove it. SIM-map

Backup your data (Mi Cloud or computer)

Prepare the workplace (clean surface, good lighting)

Check for all the tools in the list above

Wear an antistatic bracelet (for models with a OLED-screen)-->

Step-by-step: how to remove the back cover from Xiaomi

There is no one-size-fits-all method of disassembly for all Xiaomi models – the technology of mounting the lid depends on the series and year of release. Below we will look at three main methods covering 95% of the brand’s devices.

Method 1: Latch cover (budget models)

Suitable for: Redmi 9/9A/9C, POCO M3/M4, Redmi Note 8/9 Other budget smartphones with plastic cover.

1. Turn off the phone and remove the tray for SIM-map.
2. Stick the suction cup over the top of the lid (near the camera) and pull up slightly. If there is no suction cup, use a plastic spatula by inserting it into the gap between the lid and the body.
3. Carefully swipe the perimeter with your shoulder blade, pressing the latches. Start at the top corner and move clockwise.
4. When all the latches are snapped, remove the lid. Be careful, it can be connected to the fingerprint scanner plume (relevant to the Redmi Note 10 Pro).

If the lid doesn't lend itself, don't put too much effort into it, it's probably extra glued, and then move on to Method 2.

Method 2: Cover on glue (medium and flagship segment)

Suitable for: Xiaomi 11/12/13, Redmi K40/K50, POCO F3/F4, Mi Mix 4 and other models with glass or metal back panel.

1. Heat the back cover with a hair dryer for 2-3 minutes, keeping it at a distance of 10-15 cm The temperature should be comfortable for the hand (no higher than 80).°C).
2. While the lid is warm, glue the suction cup to the chamber and pull it up, and then insert the plastic shoulder blade into the gap.
3. Slowly swipe around the perimeter, tearing the adhesive layer. If the adhesive is too strong, reheat the problem area.
4. When the lid is removed, carefully put it aside. Notice the plumes, which in some models can be glued to the lid.

Important: If you’re disassembling a wireless charging model (like the Xiaomi 13 Pro), there’s an extra metal plate under the lid – don’t hurt it, or the charging will stop working.

Method 3: Cover with screws (rare models)

Suitable for: POCO F1, Mi 9 SE, Black Shark and other devices with a collapsible body.

1. Unscrew two screws. T5 at the bottom of the phone (near the connector) USB-C).
2. You can put a plastic blade on the lid and remove it. The screws can be hidden under the stickers, and check if they're there.
3. When assembly, twist the screws with a force of no more than 0.3 N·m, so as not to break the thread.

After removing the lid, do not touch the internal components with your bare hands – use gloves or antistatic tweezers.

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If the glue after dismantling lost stickiness, apply a thin layer B-7000 It's gonna restore the tightness and prevent the creaking.

What to do if the lid is not removed: solutions to problems

Sometimes even after heating and using the blade, the lid stays in place, and here are the most common reasons and ways to eliminate them:

• 🔧 Too strong glue - repeat the heat with a hair dryer, increasing the temperature to 90°C (but not higher!) Use a fishing line or guitar string to cut glue around the perimeter.
• 🔧 Hidden screws – check the bottom of the case for screws under stickers or rubber plugs.
• 🔧 Deformed case - if the phone falls, the lid can "snack." In this case, carefully bend the case by hand (no fanaticism!).
• 🔧 Factory marriage -- in rare cases, the glue is applied unevenly. Try starting from the other angle.

If nothing helps, use an ultrasonic bath (available in service centers) - it softens even the most persistent glue in 5-10 minutes. At home, you can try to put your phone in warm water (no more than 50).°C) for 1-2 minutes, but this method is risky for waterproof models.

⚠️ Warning: If the phone screen starts to "float" when the hair dryer is heated, or colored spots appear, stop the procedure immediately! OLED-a matrix that could cause it to fail.

For models with an aluminum body (such as the Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite), avoid prolonged heating – the metal quickly transfers heat to the internal components, which can damage the battery.

Reverse Assembly: How to properly install the cover back

And it's only half the battle to get the lid off, and it's just as important to get it back up right, to avoid squeaking, losing water or detaching.

1. Clean the frame of the case and the inside of the cover from the remnants of old glue with isopropyl alcohol.
2. If the original glue has lost stickiness, apply a thin layer B-7000 Or double-sided tape around the perimeter of the frame. Avoid the area of connectors and speakers!
3. Carefully align the lid with the body, starting at the top (where the camera is located).
4. Press the lid around the perimeter, starting at the center and moving to the edges. Use a rubber roller to evenly distribute the pressure.
5. Place the phone under a press (such as a stack of books) for 10-15 minutes to make the glue stick.

For models with waterproofing (Xiaomi 13, Redmi) K60 Pro) after assembly, check the leakproofness with a waterproof test:

1. Immerse the phone in water to a depth of 1 m for 30 minutes.
2. After extraction, check for moisture under the lid with indicator strips (they are included in the new devices).

If the test fails, do not use your phone until you redisassemble and replace the sealing pads.

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When you reverse assemble models with wireless charging (Qi), make sure that the metal plate under the lid fits tightly to the coil, otherwise the charging will not work stable or will not turn on at all.

Xiaomi models with non-standard mounting of the cover: features

Some Xiaomi smartphones have unique design solutions that make disassembly difficult.

For models with retractable camera (Mi) 9T, Redmi K20) Before disassembling, make sure that the camera mechanism is in the extended position, otherwise the spring may break when the cover is removed.

Owners of Xiaomi Black Shark should pay attention to additional latches near the game triggers - they are easy to break with a careless underdog.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

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

• 🚫 Use of metal tools → It causes circuits and scratches, so the solution is plastic or wood.
• 🚫 Heating above 90°C → melt plastic clips and damage OLED-Solution: Control temperature with an infrared thermometer.
• 🚫 Abrupt removal of the lid → Solution: Move slowly, check resistance.
• 🚫 Ignoring screws → in models with screw-mounted (for example, POCO F1) Solution: Always check for screws.
• 🚫 Applying too much glue when assembly → The solution is a thin, uniform layer around the perimeter.

Another common mistake is disassembling when the phone is on, which can short-circuit if you accidentally touch the board, always turn off the device and wait for the device to shut down completely (there should be no vibration when you press the power button).

If the phone does not turn on after assembly, check:

1. Connect the battery plume (it could disconnect).
2. Integrity of contacts on the motherboard (possibly closed by static electricity).
3. Correct installation of the cover – sometimes it presses on the power button, blocking the on.

⚠️ Warning: If the phone overheats or discharges quickly after disassembly, you probably have damaged the thermal paste on the processor.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions