The back cover of Xiaomi is not just a security element, but a barrier between the user and the internal components of the device. Whether you want to replace the battery, clean the cooling system or install a new SIM card in slots that are hidden under the case, the ability to properly remove the lid will be the first and most important step. But there are many pitfalls here, from hidden latches to the risk of damage to plumes or antenna contacts.
In this article, we will analyze all the current ways of disassembly for different Xiaomi lines - from budget Redmi to flagship Mi and other products. POCO. You will learn what tools are really needed (and what can be replaced with professional devices), how to avoid typical errors when opening the case, and what to do if the lid is glued to the factory sealant. And also - unique life hacks for models with aluminum frame, where the risk of bending the body during disassembly is maximum.
Why you can not just lid the knife: risks and consequences
Many users who first face the need to disassemble Xiaomi are trying to save on tools and use the tools at hand: knives, credit cards or even screwdrivers. This is a critical mistake that can lead to:
- πΉ Damage latches β plastic clamps on the lid break at uneven pressure, after which the body will dangle or not snap back.
- πΉ Scratches on the frame - aluminum models (Mi 11, POCO F3) Particularly vulnerable to mechanical damage.
- πΉ Trail rupture β in 80% of cases of self-disassembly without experience, users touch flexible display cables or buttons.
- πΉ Loss of leakage β if the lid is glued (as in the Redmi Note 10 Pro), a sloppy opening will violate dust protection (IP53).
Moreover, in models with non-glue fastening (for example, POCO X3 Pro) the latches are not symmetrical β if you press the lid at the wrong points, it can crack in the middle. Xiaomi makes it difficult to design so that users contact service centers, but with the right approach, disassembly is possible at home.
β οΈ Warning: If your smartphone is warranty-free, opening the case will automatically cancel it. Some models (such as the Mi 13 Ultra) have warranty seals under the lid - they can not be hidden from damage.
Disassembly tools: what you need and what can be replaced
To safely remove the back cover Xiaomi you need a minimum set of tools, here is a complete list with an indication of what to do without and what is critical:
| Tool. | Appointment | Can we replace it? | The alternative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plastic spatula (mediator) | Scratching the lid without scratching | β No. | Guitar mediator (thickness 0.5-0.7 mm) |
| Suction (vacuum sucker) | Initial separation of the lid from the body | β Yes. | Scotch or tape (stick to the cover and pull) |
| Thin screwdriver (T3, T5) | Spinning screws under the lid | β No. | There is no suitable alternative. |
| Fryer-dryer | Softening of glue (for glued covers) | β Yes. | Water bottle, hot water in the bag (caution!) |
| Tweezers | Retention of small parts (tails, gaskets) | β Yes. | Manicure forceps or toothpicks |
If you're disassembling an aluminum-framed model (Mi 10, Mi 11), be sure to use an antistatic bracelet or at least ground yourself by touching the heating battery.
Check the smartphone model for compatibility with the instructions|
Turn off the device and remove SIM-map|
Prepare the workplace (soft surface, good lighting)|
Photograph the initial state of the cover (for warranty cases)|
Heat the cover with a hair dryer (if it is glued to it)-->
Step-by-step: how to remove the lid on different Xiaomi models
The disassembly technology depends on the type of lid attachment and the body material, and we'll look at three main scenarios:
Plastic lid on latches (Redmi 9, POCO M3, Redmi Note 8)
These models have a removable lid without glue, but with lots of plastic perimeter locks.
- Turn off your smartphone and get the tray out. SIM-map.
- Place the plastic shoulder blade in the gap between the lid and the frame (start at the lower left corner where the tray notch is located).
- Carefully drive the blade along the edge, alternately snapping the locks. When resisting, do not push harder, you better move to the other corner.
- When all the latches open, remove the lid, holding it by the top (there are plumes of the screwdriver module).
β οΈ The critical point: in the models of Redmi Note 8 Pro and POCO X3 NFC There is a metal screen under the cover to protect against signals. NFC. Donβt confuse it with the motherboard!
2. Glass cover on glue (Mi 11, Redmi) K40, POCO F3)
The glass backs are glued all over the perimeter, and you need to heat them off. Here's how to do it safely:
- Heat the edge of the cover with a hair dryer (temperature 60β70)Β°C) for 2-3 minutes. Keep the hair dryer at a distance of 5-7 cm so as not to overheat the battery.
- While the glue is softened, attach the suction cup closer to the bottom edge and pull up. If the lid doesn't lend itself, reheat the problem area.
- Insert a plastic blade into the gap and slowly lead it along the edge, separating the glue. Don't try to rip the lid off abruptly, the glass may crack.
- After removal, clean the glue residues with the frame with alcohol or acetone (do not use solvents based on oils!).
What to do if the cover is broken when removed?
3. Aluminum cover with screws (Mi Mix) 2S, Black Shark)
The metal case models are different, where the lid is mounted on screws under plugs.
- Remove two rubber plugs in the lower part of the body (hidden screws are hidden below them). T3).
- Unscrew the screws and gently pull the lid upwards. It may sit tight because of the sealing gum.
- If the lid doesnβt lend itself, check to see if there are hidden screws under the stickers (for example, in Black Shark 4, one screw is hidden under the logo).
β οΈ Warning: In liquid-cooled models (Black Shark 5 Pro), heat-conducting paste may leak out when the lid is removed. Prepare wipes in advance and don't tilt the device.
π‘
If the screws don't twist, moisten them. WD-40 And wait 5 minutes. Don't use force. The thwarted thread will require the entire body to be replaced.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even with careful disassembly, users make mistakes that lead to breakdowns.-5 Problems and ways to prevent them:
- π§ Rotor failure - use a magnetic-tipped screwdriver and don't apply excess force.Shots at Xiaomi often have soft metal.
- π Battery damage - if it swells, don't try to remove it yourself! Risk of fire.
- πΆ Break antenna contacts - in models with 5G (Mi 10T, POCO F3 GT) The antennas are located at the edges of the lid.
- π§ Moisture intake β if you disassemble your smartphone after getting wet, first dry it in rice for 24 hours.
- π Forgotten plumes - before completely removing the lid, check whether the fingerprint scanner plume is connected to it or not. NFC-module.
Pay special attention to models with contactless charging (Mi 11 Ultra, Redmi) K50). And underneath the lid is a coil of wireless charging that's glued together, and if you don't take it off, you can rip it off the motherboard.
1. connection of the battery (sometimes the plume departs when the cover is removed).
2. Integrity of flexible display cables and buttons.
3. the presence of a short circuit (light a flashlight on the board - are there any foreign metal particles).-->
How to glue the lid back: the choice of glue and technique
If you've had your lid attached to glue, you have to lock it back after you've disassembled, and using regular superglue or Scotch is a bad idea: they won't keep it tight and they can damage the plastic.
| Type of glue | Xiaomi models | Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double-sided scotch 3M (9448A) | Redmi Note 10, POCO X3 | Easy installation, does not require drying | Over time, it loses its stickiness. |
| Liquid glue B-7000 | Mi 11, Redmi K40 | Waterproof, durable. | Requires drying 24 hours. |
| Thermoclee (hot adhesive compound) | POCO F3 GT, Black Shark | Strong fastening, resistant to vibration | Difficult to remove during re-disassembly |
| The original Xiaomi adhesive tape | All models. | Perfect compatibility, maintains the IP-certification | Expensive, hard to find. |
Sticking technique:
- Clean the edge of the frame and the inside of the cover of the old glue with alcohol.
- Apply the glue with a thin layer (use a brush for liquid glue).
- Press the lid and fix it with tape for 10-15 minutes (for even distribution of glue).
- Leave your smartphone under a press (for example, under a stack of books) for the time specified in the instructions for glue.
β οΈ Warning: After gluing, check the leakproofness by placing the smartphone in a silica gel bag for 1 hour. If condensate appears inside, repeat the procedure with a new layer of glue.
Models with a unique design: features of disassembly
Some Xiaomi smartphones have a custom mounting of the cover, which requires a special approach.
1. Xiaomi Mi Mix 2/3 (ceramic)
The ceramics are fragile and can't tolerate temperature changes.
- Use a silicone sucker (a common one can leave traces).
- Heat the cover with an infrared lamp (dryer gives uneven heating).
- Finish the lid with only a plastic mediator - the metal will leave microcracks.
2. POCO F2 Pro (retractable chamber)
In this model, the lid is mounted on 12 screws, and the camera plume passes through a special groove.
- Donβt twist the screws completely β they are magnetic and can get lost.
- Before removing the cover, make sure that the retractable camera is drawn in (otherwise the mechanism will jam).
3. Redmi Note 9 Pro (cover with metal frame)
Here, the lid is glued to an aluminum frame, and underneath it is a graphite heat sink.
- Do not pull the lid upwards - first move it sideways to separate it from the heat sink.
- After removal, check the integrity of the graphite film (if it is torn, replace it with a new one).
π‘
For models with retractable camera (POCO F2 Pro, Mi 9T) Before disassembling, turn on Service Menu mode (enter ##4636##) and manually pull the camera in.
What to do after disassembly: inspection and assembly
Once the lid is removed, don't rush to start repairing it.
- Check the integrity of the plumes - they should be smooth, without breaks and breaks.
- Examine the battery for swelling (if it is deformed, replace it before further assembly).
- Make sure all screws and gaskets are in place (Xiaomi often uses screws of varying lengths β donβt confuse them!).
- Blow the body with compressed air (such as a canister to clean the keyboard) to remove dust.
When building, follow the inverse algorithm:
- Connect all the plumes (start with the shortest one so as not to confuse).
- Place the lid in place and make sure that all latches are up without skewing.
- Twisting the screws cross-cross to avoid deformation of the body.
- Turn on your smartphone and check the performance of all modules: camera, speakers, sensors.
β οΈ Attention: If the smartphone does not turn on after assembly, but the indicator is lit when connecting to charging, the problem may be in the contacts of the battery. Carefully remove the battery and clean the contacts with alcohol.
Place your smartphone in a plastic bag with silica gel for 12 hours.
If condensation appears inside the package, repeat sealing of the cover.
- For models with IP53 (Redmi Note 10 Pro) after disassembly protection is reduced to IP44.