How to carefully remove the back cover of the Xiaomi smartphone: instructions with photos and videos

The back cover of Xiaomi is not just a decorative element, but a complex design that protects the internal components from dust, moisture and mechanical damage, but sooner or later owners have to remove it: It's a place where you can replace the battery, repair the plumes, clean the dust, or even replace the glass panel after a fall, POCO and Mi require accuracy – one incorrect movement can lead to cracks in the glass, damage to the adhesive layer or a fracture of the fingerprint plume.

In this article, we will look at all the ways to remove the back cover on Xiaomi smartphones, from budget models to flagships, taking into account their design features. You will learn what tools you need, how to avoid typical errors (such as damage to antenna lines), and what to do if the cover is stuck dead. And for those who are afraid of taking risks, we have prepared alternative solutions from contacting the service to using special devices for “safe opening”.

Training: tools and materials

Before you start disassembling, make sure you have everything you need. Lack of the right tools is the main cause of damage to the body. For example, trying to lid with a knife or screwdriver almost always ends in scratches or chips.

Here is the minimum set you will need:

• 🔧 Plastic mediators or shoulder blades (thickness 0.1-0.3 mm) - for careful lid lashing!
• 🔥 Hair dryer or thermo-air station for softening the glue. Optimal temperature: 60-80°C (not higher, otherwise damage the display!).
• 🧲 Suction cups (for models with glass back panel, for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi) K60).
• 📏 Thin plastic card (for example, SIM card) – as an alternative to the mediator.
• 🧴 Isopropyl alcohol (90%+) — acetone or solvents should not be used!
• 🔋 New adhesive layer (e.g, 3M 9448A Tesa 61395) – if you plan to collect the phone back.

Also prepare the workplace: a clean surface (better with a soft substrate), good lighting and a screw container (if you have to unscrew the mounts, POCO F5 Redmi Note 12 has hidden latches – they are easy to break if you act blindly.

Design features of the Xiaomi roofs: what you need to know

Not all Xiaomi rear covers are the same, and their design depends on the material, the method of attachment, and even the series of smartphones.

• 📱 Plastic covers (e.g. Redmi) 9A or POCO M3) — They're usually attached to latches and minimal glue, and they're easier to remove, but they're fragile.
• 🔮 Glass panels (flagships like Xiaomi) 13 Ultra or Mix Fold 3) — glued around the perimeter, often with additional sealing to protect against water (IP53/IP68).
• 🔄 Hybrid solutions (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro)+) — combine a plastic base with decorative glass, which complicates disassembly.

In addition, in some models, the cover is integrated with antenna lines (metalized strips at the edges), which are easy to damage if you put the cover too aggressively.

• 🔌 Footprint scanner plume – in models with a sensor under the screen (for example, Xiaomi) 12T) It's often glued to the lid.
• 📶 NFC-antenna – in budget smartphones can be part of the lid (its break will lead to a broken contactless payment).
• 🔋 Battery fastenings - in some models, the battery is "pressed" by the lid, and its removal without fixing can damage the contacts.

Critical features of models with IP-certification (e.g. Xiaomi 13 or Redmi Note 12 Pro)+): Their lids have a rubber seal around the perimeter, and when you disassemble it's easy to damage, which will lead to loss of water protection, and if you don't plan to use the sealant when you reassemble it, you better not have to repair yourself.

Step-by-step: how to remove the cover without damage

Now, let's get to the point. Below is a generic guide that works for most Xiaomi models, but read the series-specific sections carefully, and there may be nuances.

Turn off the phone and remove it. SIM-map|Heat the edges with a hair dryer (60-80)°C) for 2-3 minutes|Secure the suction cup (if the lid is glass)|Prepare plastic mediators|Check the availability of all tools-->

Step 1. Heat the lid.

The glue that holds the lid becomes elastic when heated. Use the dryer at minimum power, keeping it at a distance of 5-10 cm from the housing. Do not heat one area for longer than 10 seconds, this can damage the display or battery. Pay special attention to the corners and areas near the connector. USB-C — there's usually more glue.

Step 2: Separation of the cover

If you have a glass panel, attach the suction cup closer to the bottom edge (where the charging connector is). Carefully pull up, there should be a small gap. Put a plastic mediator in it and slowly lead along the edge, separating the lid. Don't try to tear it off sharply, it will lead to cracks!

For plastic covers (e.g. Redmi) 9C) suction cup is not needed - just insert the mediator into the gap between the lid and the body at the volume button and carefully lead around the perimeter.

Step 3: Overcoming the latches

Most Xiaomi models have 4-6 plastic latches on their sides.

• ↗️ At the top and bottom edges (near the speakers).
• ⬅️ Left and right of the camera.
• ↘️ In the area of power/volume buttons.

Don't push the mediator too hard to break them, so if the lid doesn't lend itself, warm up the problem area with a hairdryer again.

Step 4: Complete withdrawal

When the lid is separated around the perimeter, gently lift it. Be careful: in some models, it may be glued to:

• 📶 schleife NFC-antennae (e.g. in the POCO X5 Pro).
• 🔋 Battery safety film.
• 📷 Decorative camera frame (may fall off).

If the lid is too tight, check if you forgot to disconnect the latches at the USB-C or 3.5 mm connector.

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If the lid is too glued (for example, after replacing in the service), use a thread or guitar string. Run it between the lid and the body, as when cutting cheese, and carefully "saw" the glue.

Common 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:

⚠️ Warning: If you hear the characteristic crunch when the lid is separated, it means that the latch has broken or the glass has cracked, in which case further disassembly can lead to complete destruction of the body.

Mistake 1: Overheating of the body

Many people think that the more you heat up, the easier it is to remove the lid.°C may:

• 🔋 Damage to the battery (risk of bloating).
• 📱 Deform plastic elements of the body.
• 🔥 Melt the adhesive layer of the display (in models with glued screen, for example, Xiaomi 13 Lite).

Solution: Use a thermometer (such as an infrared one) and make sure the temperature does not exceed 75.°C.

Mistake 2: Use of metal tools

Knives, screwdrivers, or even coins scratch the body and leave burrs that then interfere with the tight fit of the lid, and metal can close contacts on the board if you accidentally touch them.

Solution: Use only plastic or nylon mediators, and at the very least, a guitar transmitter.

Mistake 3: Sharp separation of the cover

If you pull the lid too hard, you can:

• 🧲 To tear off the fingerprint scanner plume (in models with a sensor in the power button).
• 📶 Damage antenna lines (lead to poor network signal).
• 🔌 Break off the flexible battery cable (the phone will not turn on).

Solution: Move the mediator slowly and evenly, checking if all the latches are disconnected.

Features of disassembling popular Xiaomi models

Each Xiaomi series has unique nuances, and below are brief instructions for the most common models.

Redmi Note 10/11/12 series series

These smartphones are plastic-based with decorative glass, and the main difficulty is the brittle latches near the camera module.

• 🔥 Heat the lid only on the edges - the center does not need to be heated.
• 📏 Start the separation from the lower right corner (there are fewer latches).
• 🔋 The battery is glued, but has no additional fasteners - it can not be fixed when removing the lid.

POCO F3/F4/F5

These models have a fully glass back panel with a strong adhesive fixation.

• 🧲 NFC-antenna is integrated into the cover – when the plume breaks, contactless payments will not work.
• 🔧 You will need two suction cups (for a uniform lift).
• 🔥 Heating temperature - 70-75°C (glue is very strong).

Xiaomi 12/13/14 series

Flagships with aluminum frame and glass cover, sealed according to the standard IP68. Disassembly requires:

• 🔥 Heating to 75-80.°C for 3-5 minutes.
• 🛠️ Special Separation Tool (e.g. iFixit Opening Picks).
• 🚫 Suction cups cannot be used categorically - the glass can crack due to bending.

After removing the lid, be sure to check the integrity of the rubber seal - if it is torn, the water protection will be broken.

Redmi 9A/10A/12C

Budget models with a full plastic lid, plus minimal glue, but minus very fragile latches.

• 📏 Start with the top left corner (there are fewer fasteners).
• 🔧 Use a thin plastic card instead of a mediator.
• 🚫 Don’t heat up – plastic can be deformed.

What to do after the lid is removed?

When the lid is finally removed, you'll see the inside of the smartphone, and here's what you need to do first:

1. 📸 Take a picture of the location of all plumes and screws - this will help with the reverse assembly.
2. 🔋 Disconnect the battery (if you plan to work with the board), gently apply the battery plume to a plastic blade. Do not use metal tools!
3. 🧹 Clean the insides of dust with a soft brush or a spray of compressed air.
4. 🔍 Check the integrity of the seals (if the model has a IP-certification).

If you have removed the cover to replace the battery, consider:

• 🔋 The new battery must be the same capacity and model (for example, for the Redmi Note 11 — BL-42).

⚠️ Warning: If the phone doesn't turn on after assembly, check: 1. Is the battery plume connected. 2. Is there any plug-in of the power button (a frequent problem in the battery) POCO X3). 3. whether all the latches of the cover are installed correctly (unpressed cover can block the contacts).

If you have removed the cover for repairing plumes (such as a charging connector or speaker), be careful with:

• 🔌 Flexible cables – they are easy to break with careless handling.
• 📶 Antenna wires – they are often glued to the cover.
• 🔊 Vibration motor – in some models it is attached to the cover (for example, in the Redmi 10).

How to install the cover back: Assembly tips

Reverse assembly is as important as disassembly. If the lid is installed incorrectly, it can lead to:

• 🚫 Bad fit (dust and moisture will penetrate inside).
• 📵 Loss of signal (due to damaged antenna lines).
• 🔋 Overheating (if the battery is not fixed).

Step 1: Cleaning and preparation

Before the lid is installed:

• 🧴 Remove old glue from the case and cover with isopropyl alcohol.
• 🧼 Clean the contact areas (for example, for NFC print-scanner).
• 🔍 Make sure all the plumes are connected and not clamped.

Step 2. Applying new glue

For reliable fixation, use:

• 📏 Double-sided scotch (e.g., double-sided scotch, 3M 9448A) — budgetary.
• 🔥 Liquid glue (e.g., liquid glue, B-7000) — for glass covers (a thin layer applied around the perimeter).
• 🚫 Don't use superglue or moment! they're too aggressive and can damage plastic.

Step 3. Installation of the cover

Carefully align the lid with the body, starting at the top (where the buttons are located).

1. 🔧 Click all clips around the perimeter (you will hear characteristic clicks).
2. 🔥 Press the cover evenly over the entire area (you can use a heavy book).
3. ⏳ Let the glue dry (minimum 2-3 hours for liquid glue, 30 minutes for scotch).

Step 4: Checking the performance

After assembly, be sure to test:

• 🔋 Charging (connect the cable and check if there is overheating).
• 📶 Network and Wi-Fi signal (if antennas are damaged, communication will be unstable).
• 🔓 The fingerprint scanner and NFC (If the plugs are not connected, these functions will not work).
• 🔊 Speakers and microphone (sometimes the plume of the speaker is clamped over by the cover).

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If the phone overheats or discharges quickly after assembly, it's likely the battery isn't fixed correctly. Take the device apart again and check its mount.

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing the Xiaomi lid