Broken glass on Xiaomi is a problem that almost every owner faces. Even with careful use, a fall from a height or a failed blow can lead to cracks, chips or complete destruction of the protective layer. The service center will charge from 2,000 to 8,000 rubles depending on the model, but with the tools and patience, the procedure can be carried out independently - saving up to 70% of the cost.
In this article, we will go into detail the entire process, from choosing the original glass to the final build. We will focus on the typical beginner errors that lead to a flickering screen, a broken touchscreen or detachment of the adhesive layer. You will also learn which Xiaomi models (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro+ or POCO F5) require a special approach due to the unique design of the screen. If you have never disassembled a smartphone, start by watching video instructions for your particular model – this will help visualize the process.
We warn you right away that changing glass is not the same as replacing the entire display module. In 90% of cases, the glass is glued to the matrix, and its separation requires the skills of working with an infrared station or a hairdryer. Without special equipment, the risk of damage to the matrix is up to 40%. If you are not sure of yourself, you better consult a professional.
Preparation: tools and components
Before you start, you can get everything you need, and the quality of the tools is responsible for 80 percent of the success of the operation, and here's the minimum set you need.
- 🔧 Set of screwdrivers (cross-haul) PH00, 1.5mm flat, five-beamed for some Xiaomi models).
- 🔥 Heat dryer (power 300-500 W) or infrared station (for uniform heating).
- 🧲 Suction cups (2 pcs., 3-5 cm in diameter) for separation of glass from the body.
- 📏 Plastic mediators (0.1–0.3 mm thick) or guitar mediators.
- 🧴 Clay. B-7000 or LOCA (layered OCA).
- 🛡️ Protective film for new glass (if not included).
- 🧴 Isopropyl alcohol (90%+ concentration) for surface cleaning.
Also prepare your workspace: a table with good lighting, an antistatic mat (or at least a piece of paper), and screw containers (so you don’t confuse them when you build them).If you’re working with a Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Mix Fold 3 model, note that their screens have additional layers to support the design. LTPO-Technology is not better without experience.
Look at the quality of the glass. There are three types on the market.
| Type of glass | Price (rupe) | Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original (OEM) | 3 000–7 000 | Perfect match in size, full compatibility with touchscreen | High cost, hard to find for older models |
| Postmarket (quality clone) | 1 200–3 500 | Good quality with the right choice of seller | It may be worse than the original in strength or sensitivity. |
| Budget (no-name) | 500–1 500 | Low price | Poor sensitivity of the touch, scratches quickly appear |
Critical: for models with AMOLED-screens (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T or Redmi K50) Never buy glass without a layer. OCA — It will not stick evenly, and there will be bubbles underneath it.
2. Demolition of old glass: step-by-step process
At this stage, the main thing is to take your time. The glass is glued to the body and the matrix, and its sharp separation can damage the plumes or flexible cables.
- Turn off your smartphone and remove it. SIM-The battery doesn't have to be disconnected, but if you're a beginner, it's better to do it (the risk of short circuit when working with a hairdryer).
- Heat the screen edge with a hair dryer around the perimeter for 2-3 minutes. The temperature should be 60-80 ° C (not higher!). Keep the hair dryer at a distance of 5-7 cm so as not to overheat the plastic elements.
- Stick the suction cups to the bottom and top of the screen. Pull up carefully, the glass should be separated from the body by 1-2 mm. If it doesn't, warm up again.
- Insert a plastic mediator into the gap and slowly lead it along the edge, separating the glass. Don't use metal tools - they will scratch the body!
Heat up the entire screen perimeter |
Suction cups are tightly glued |
The mediator is ready and on hand.|
Battery is off (optional)-->
On Xiaomi models with curved screens (for example, Mi 11 Ultra or Mix 4), the glass is especially glued tightly. Here the infrared station will help - it heats the glue evenly throughout the area. Without it, the risk of damage to the matrix increases by 3 times.
⚠️ Note: If you hear a characteristic crunch when the glass is separated, it means that the matrix is damaged, in which case further glass replacement is meaningless: you will need a complete replacement of the display module.
3. Removal of glue residues and surface preparation
Once the glass is removed, there will be traces of glue on the matrix and the case, and they must be completely removed, otherwise the new glass will fall unevenly.
- 🧴 Isopropyl alcohol (90%+) — Best option for cleaning. Apply on a lilaless napkin and gently wipe the surface.
- 🧼 Scotch (paint or stationery) - will help remove large pieces of glue.
- 🔥 Hair dryer - if the glue is too dry, slightly warm the surface (not higher than 50)°C).
For models with OCA-layer (e.g., layer, POCO X5 Pro) will require complete removal of the old adhesive to the matrix. Use an ultrasonic bath (if available) or a special solvent OCA. Without this new glass will not stick evenly.
After cleaning, check the surface for microcracks on the matrix. If there are any, but the display works, you can continue. If the matrix is damaged (pixels do not burn, there are vertical stripes), replacing the glass does not make sense.
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To check the matrix for hidden damage, turn on your smartphone and run the screen test through the engineering menu (code ##6484## for most Xiaomi models).
Installation of new glass: glue and fixation
And this is where the most critical phase begins, and the way you apply the glue is to keep the glass strong and not to peel off in a week, and let's look at two basic methods:
Method 1: B-7000 glue (for most models)
Suitable for smartphones with IPS-screen AMOLED without OCA-The order of action:
- Apply a thin layer of glue around the perimeter of the matrix (without going into the active area!). Use a plastic shoulder blade.
- Carefully apply the new glass, starting at the top, align it around the edges of the case.
- Secure the glass with paint tape around the perimeter and leave it under the press (for example, under a stack of books) for 12-24 hours.
Method 2: LOCA-glue (for models with OCA)
More sophisticated, but reliable, it requires UV lamps to polymerize.
- Put it on. LOCA-glue on the matrix uniform layer (thickness 0.1-0.2 mm).
- Apply the glass and remove the excess glue with a napkin.
- Place the smartphone under the UV lamp for 5-10 minutes to solidify.
For Xiaomi models with a high refresh rate of 120/144 Hz, use only LOCA – the B-7000 adhesive may not provide sufficient fixation when used intensively.
What to do if there are bubbles under the glass?
5. Assembly of the smartphone and check of performance
Once the glass is fixed, it's left to put the smartphone back together.
- 🔌 Connect all the plumes to the battery installation - so it is more convenient to check the performance.
- 📱 Turn on your phone and check: Does the touchscreen work (especially at the edges); Is there any flickering or artifacts on the screen; is the color displayed correctly (on the screen). AMOLED Possible shift of shades with improper installation).
- 🔧 Twisting the screws cross-cross to avoid skewing the body.
If the touchscreen does not respond to touch, check:
- Is the display plume connected correctly (on Xiaomi models it is often fixed with a latch).
- Is there any damage to the plume (microcracks, clatters).
- Did you get glue on the contacts (wipe with alcohol if necessary).
⚠️ Warning: If after assembly, the smartphone starts to overheat or discharge quickly, most likely, you damaged the thermal paste on the processor.
6. Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes that lead to additional costs.
| Mistake. | Effects of consequences | How to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Overheating by a hairdryer (>80°C) | Melting plastic clips of the body, detachment of plumes | Use a thermometer or infrared station |
| Use of metal tools | Scratches on the body, damage to the matrix | Only work with plastic mediators |
| Uneven application of glue | Glass detachment, bubbles, non-working areas of the touch screen | Apply glue in a thin layer in a spiral from the center |
| Untested glass vendor | Poor sensitivity of the touch, rapid appearance of cracks | Buy only from trusted suppliers (e.g. AliExpress with a rating of 98%+) |
Pay special attention to models with ultrasonic fingerprint scanner (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro).When replacing glass, the scanner may stop working if:
- The glass is not original (the scanner is calibrated to a specific thickness).
- The glue is applied to the scanner area (it should remain clean!).
- The scanner plume is damaged (a frequent problem with careless disassembly).
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If the fingerprint scanner stopped working after replacing the glass, try recalibrating it in the settings (Settings → Passwords and Security → Fingerprint → Restart the scanner).
7. Alternative options: when to not cope with yourself
If you find that replacing glass is too difficult for your level, consider the alternatives:
- 🔧 Contact the service center – official Xiaomi centers give a guarantee of 6 months to work. Cost: from 2,500 to 8000 rubles.
- 📱 Buy used display module – on Avito or Yula often sell working screens from broken smartphones (price: 1,500-4000 rubles.).
- 🛡️ Use protective glass – if cracks do not interfere with the touchscreen, a sticker of quality glass (for example, Spigen) can extend the life of the screen.
For owners of flagship models (for example, Xiaomi 14 or Mix Fold 3) self-repair is not recommended - the cost of error is too high. OCA-Films that cannot be reproduced at home.