How to remove the back cover on Xiaomi Mi 8: expert guide

Xiaomi Mi 8 remains a popular device even a few years after the release, largely due to its high-quality smartphone. AMOLED-But over time, users are faced with the need to replace the battery, repair the screen or clean the internal components from dust. The first and most critical step in any home repair is to properly remove the back glass panel.

The process of removing the lid on this model carries certain risks, since the manufacturer used glass and aggressive adhesives around the perimeter of the case. Incorrect actions can lead to cracks, chips or damage to plumes located in the immediate vicinity of the edges. It is important to understand that the glass panel requires patience and careful handling of temperature.

In this article, we will discuss in detail how to remove the back cover of the Xiaomi Mi 8, what tools will be required and how to avoid typical errors. You will learn about the nuances of warming up, safe methods of shaking glass and the right sequence of actions. Compliance with technology will allow you to carry out a battery replacement or repair without losing the leakage and aesthetics of the device.

๐Ÿ“Š What type of damage is your Xiaomi Mi 8?
Broken back cover.
The battery's up.
Moisture intrusion
Planned cleaning

Tools and workplace preparation required

Before you start removing the lid directly, you need to organize your workspace. You need a flat, well-lit surface, preferably with an antistatic mat or just a clean table without a pile. Chaotic spreading of screws can lead to their loss, so immediately prepare a magnetic mat or containers for sorting the fasteners.

You'll need a specific set of tools to work with the Xiaomi Mi 8, because a regular screwdriver won't help here. The main heating tool will be a hair dryer, but professionals often use a separation platform to warm up more evenly. If you work at home, a household hair dryer will do, but you need to monitor the temperature so that the screen matrix does not overheat.

Use plastic blades or mediators to smear glass. Metal tools such as knives or blades are highly undesirable, as they can easily damage the battery or the glass cover itself from the inside, and you will need a suction cup to grab the glass, a thin needle or scalpel for initial detachment, and possibly an isopropyl alcohol to soften the glue.

  • ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Hair dryer construction or household (for heating glue)
  • ๐Ÿ”ง Set of screwdrivers (usually cross) P2/P000 screw)
  • ๐Ÿ’ณ Plastic blades and mediators (for safe opening)
  • ๐Ÿงฒ Magnetic mat or organizer for screws
  • ๐Ÿงด Isopropyl alcohol and pipette (for dissolving glue)

โ˜‘๏ธ Preparation for the dismantling of Xiaomi Mi 8

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Safety and warm-up of the body

The most important step in determining the success of the operation is the correct heating of the perimeter of the case. The glue that holds the back cover of the Xiaomi Mi 8, at room temperature becomes very hard and breaks unevenly. Your task is to heat it up to an elastic state, but not to overheat the internal components, especially the lithium polymer battery.

Start heating the edges of the back panel by evenly driving the hair dryer around the perimeter. Don't hold the flow of hot air at one point for longer than 2-3 seconds to avoid local overheating. The optimal surface temperature of the glass is about 80-90 degrees Celsius; to the touch, the glass should be hot but not burning. If you have an adjustable thermophen, set it to minimum power.

โš ๏ธ Warning: Never heat the center of the back cover, where the camera and main modules are located.

After a few minutes of warming up, try to pull the suction cup gently. If the lid doesn't lend itself, repeat the heating procedure. Using excessive force on cold or underheated glue is guaranteed to cause the glass panel to burst. Patience here is a key success factor.

How to check the temperature without a thermometer?
If you don't use an infrared thermometer, touch the heated area with the back of your hand (not with your fingers to keep you from getting burned). If you can hold your hand for 2-3 seconds, but then it gets hot, the temperature is close to optimal. If it burns instantly, overheating, you need to let it cool.

The process of unplugging and removing the back panel

When the body is sufficiently warmed, take a suction cup, glue it to the bottom of the back cover, closer to the center, but not to the very edge. Carefully pull the suction cup upwards, creating a small gap between the glass and the frame, at which point, without letting go of tension, insert a thin plastic card or a scalpel blade wrapped in tape into the resulting slot.

Move the shoulder blade or map along the perimeter, cutting the adhesive layer. Movements should be horizontal, parallel to the plane of the screen, so as not to damage the internal plumes. Exercise special care in the corners and at the top of the smartphone, where the display plumes and switches pass under the glass. The display plume in the Mi 8 model is on the side edge, and it is very easy to damage by sloppy movement of the tool.

If you feel a lot of resistance, don't try to force the lid. Stop, warm up the problem area with a hair dryer again, and if necessary, drop some isopropyl alcohol in the cut to dissolve the glue. As you go around, you'll free up the entire area of the lid. When the lid is only held by friction, carefully remove it and put it in a safe place.

  • ๐Ÿ”ฅ Warm the perimeter evenly during the 3-5 minute
  • ๐Ÿ‘† Create an initial gap with a suction cup
  • ๐Ÿ“ Move the tool parallel to the body, not perpendicularly
  • ๐Ÿ’ง Use alcohol to soften stubborn glue in corners

๐Ÿ’ก

Use a thin line or a guitar string to cut the glue, put it in the initial gap and drive from side to side like a saw, which is often safer than using hard plastic blades that can break the glass from the inside.

Disconnection of plumes and access to the battery

Once the back cover is removed, you can access the insides of your smartphone, but you can't grab the components right away. First you need to turn off the device. Find the plume that goes from the battery to the motherboard, and gently disconnect the connector. Use a plastic blade or nail to do this by putting the connector up from the bottom up.

Only after the battery is turned off can you start disassembling it further, and if your goal was to replace the battery, you now need to remove the metal protective plate that covers the main connectors, which is attached with several screws that may vary in length, and remember or draw the location of each screw, because screwing a long screw into a short hole can damage the motherboard.

Removing the battery in the Xiaomi Mi 8 will also require heating, as it is glued to the body. Tap the battery with a plastic card on one side (usually at the bottom) and, swinging, gradually separate it. Do not use metal objects to avoid piercing the battery, as this can cause a fire. After removing, clean the bed of the residue of old glue before installing the new cell.

ComponentLocation.Feature of withdrawalRisk of damage
Battery plumeThe bottom of the feeClicks upwardsHigh (fire)
Protective plate.Centre de la carte4-5 screws of different lengthsMedium (carving break)
Display plumeLeft end (under the frame)Hidden under the frameCritical (break)
Camera moduleUpper partRequires charge-offsTall (lens scratches)

โš ๏ธ Warning: When you turn off the plumes, never pull the wires themselves or the flexible parts. Always take only the hard plastic connector.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

One of the most common mistakes when removing the Xiaomi Mi 8 lid is to rush. Users often underheat the adhesive layer and try to force the glass to tear it apart, which leads to its destruction. Remember, glass is a fragile material, and when the frame is deformed, it bursts. If the lid cracks, the fragments can fly through the insides of the phone, which complicates further repairs.

Another common problem is that the plume of the fingerprint scanner or the display is damaged. In the Mi 8 design, the display plume runs along the side of the face and is glued to the frame. If you insert the blade carelessly, you can cut the plume too deep, then the screen will stop working or show artifacts. Always monitor the depth of the instrument.

Keep in mind static electricity. Although modern smartphones have some protection, direct contact with the motherboard without grounding can disable sensitive controllers. Before starting work, it is advisable to touch a grounded metal object or use an antistatic bracelet. Also avoid working in rooms with very low humidity.

๐Ÿ’ก

The main reason for the failure of the Xiaomi Mi 8 disassembly is insufficient heating of the glue and the use of metal tools where plastic is needed. 90% of devices retain patience and the right tool.

Assembly and restoration of leakage

Once the repairs are complete, you need to assemble the device correctly. Before installing the back cover, carefully clean the frame and the glass itself of the residue of old glue. Use isopropyl alcohol and a lilaless wipe. The surface must be perfectly clean and fat-free, otherwise the new glue will not lie evenly.

To restore the tightness and fix the lid, use a special B-7000 or T-7000 adhesive, or a pre-prepared adhesive frame (double-sided perimeter tape). Apply a thin layer of glue on the frame, avoiding getting into the cameras and sensors. Apply the lid, press it tightly around the perimeter and lock the device with stationery gum for 1-2 hours until completely dry.

After assembly, check the operability of all the functions: touchscreen, speakers, microphone and cameras. Make sure there are no gaps between the glass and the frame. If done correctly, your Xiaomi Mi 8 is ready for active use again. Regular battery checks will help avoid bloating in the future.

  • ๐Ÿงน Carefully degrease the frame with alcohol before gluing
  • ๐Ÿงด Use the glue. B-7000 flexible
  • โฑ๏ธ Let the glue dry under load (rubbers) 1-2 hour
  • ๐Ÿงช Check all the functions before the final assembly

โš ๏ธ Warning: Don't turn on the phone right after assembly if you've used liquid glue. 15-20 minutes to grasp so that the pair of alcohol and solvent do not damage the camera or display.

What to do if the cover is not tightly glued?
If you notice gaps after assembly, you may have applied too little glue or not cleaned the surface well, and in extreme cases, you can use a thin strip of bilateral tape around the perimeter on top of the frame, but it will worsen the moisture protection, and you'd better remake it by applying a new layer of glue.
Can I remove the back cover of Xiaomi Mi 8 without a hair dryer?
Theoretically, you can use isopropyl alcohol and a thin line, but the risk of breaking the glass increases significantly. The glue remains solid without heating, and mechanical action on separation often leads to cracks. Warming is a mandatory procedure for safe disassembly.
Which glue is better to use to glue the cover?
The best choice is the B-7000 or T-7000 glue, which remains elastic after drying, allowing the lid to be removed again if necessary, and ensures good leakage, and you can also use pre-cut adhesives that provide the perfect layer thickness.
What to do if the back glass is broken?
If the glass is broken but is held on to glue, carefully remove all the shards using tape or tweezers. Then clean the frame and glue a new back cover. If the shards get inside, you will need a complete dismantling and cleaning of the internals to avoid damage to the plumes.
Does removing the back cover violate the warranty?
Yes, self-opening of the case and violation of the factory seals (if there are any on the screws) automatically removes the device from warranty service. If the phone is still on warranty, any manipulations are better carried out in an authorized service center.
How long does the B-7000 glue dry?
The primary grip occurs in 3-5 minutes, but the glue gains full strength within 24 hours. However, to fix the lid, it is enough to hold the device under the press (rubbers) for 1-2 hours, after which you can use the phone carefully.