How to carefully remove the back cover Xiaomi Mi A1: Step-by-step guide with photos and tips

Xiaomi Mi A1

Android One

If you need to replace your battery, speaker, or charging connector, the first thing you have to do is remove the back panel, and in this article, we'll go through the whole process, from tool preparation to final assembly, and we'll also talk about how to avoid typical errors. Follow the instructions carefully: one wrong move can result in a cracked glass or a ripped plume.

Before you start, you should evaluate your strength. If you've never taken out smartphones, you might want to go to a service center. A1 — It's not the most complicated disassembly machine, but it's also not the easiest, and it combines elements of flagships (metal body) and budget models (top glue) that require precision.

In this article you will find:

• 🔧 List of necessary tools and their analogues
• 📸 Step-by-step instructions with photos and videos (links to external resources)
• ⚠️ Warnings about critical moments (scanner plume, glue)
• 🔄 Tips for reverse assembly and performance check
• 💡 Alternative methods (heating, suction) and their risks

Preparation for disassembly: tools and safety

The first rule of successful repairs is the right tools. A1 You'll need a minimum set, but every element is important:

• 🔨 Plastic mediator or spatula (thickness 0.2-0.4 mm). Metal tools can scratch the body!
• 🔥 A hair dryer or a thermo-air station (for softening the glue) will even suit a household hair dryer at maximum power.
• 🧲 Suction cup (optional, but simplifies the process) It is better to use a small, 3-4 cm diameter.
• 🔧 Screwdriver. T3 (There are some sets that have screws in them. T2 and T4 — They won't fit!
• 🧴 Isopropyl alcohol (90%+) orcetone to remove glue residues.
• 📦 A screw container (so you don't lose any small parts) even a plastic bottle lid will do.

If you do not have specialized tools, you can use analogues:

• Instead of a mediator, a guitar mediator or a plastic card (for example, a discount card).
• Instead of a suction cup - a wide gum for hair (tighten it on the body and pull).
• Instead of a hair dryer - hot water in a plastic bag (apply to the lid for 2-3 minutes).

Important! Don't use knives, screwdrivers or other sharp objects to lash the lid. Even a little pressure can lead to cracks in the glass or scratches on the metal body. If the mediator is too thick, it can be slightly undermined with sandpaper.

Before starting work, turn off the smartphone and remove SIM-This will save the data from damage in the event of an accidental short circuit, and we recommend that you video it, which will help with the reverse assembly.

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If you don't have isopropyl alcohol, you can replace it with a liquid to remove varnish without acetone, but after using, rinse the surface with a wet wipe to avoid corroding the plastic.

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

Now, to the process itself, follow the instructions in strict order, and skipping the steps can cause damage to the device.

Step 1: Heating the lid

The glue that glues the back panel becomes plastic at a temperature of 60-80°C. Turn on the dryer at maximum power and evenly warm the back cover for 2-3 minutes, keeping it at a distance of 5-7 cm.

Step 2: Filting the lid

Insert a plastic mediator into the gap between the lid and the body at the headphone jack (top left corner). Carefully swipe it along the edge, gradually increasing the gap. Don't try to tear the lid off right away, this can damage the fingerprint scanner plume that runs underneath.

Step 3: Disconnect the latches

After the lid has moved a little, walk the mediator around the perimeter, snapping the locks. A1 They're about 10 to 12, and they're not evenly positioned:

• 📍 Upper right corner (there is an antenna cable).
• 📍 Lower edge (there is a connector for connecting the scanner plume).
• 📍 Areas around the camera (there the lid is attached tighter).

Step 4: Complete removal of the lid

When all the latches are disconnected, gently lift the lid, starting at the top left corner. Don't pull it out! Under the lid is a fingerprint scanner plume that attaches to the motherboard. If you tear it off, the scanner will stop working and it will cost you to replace it. 1/3 smartphone.

To avoid damage, lift the lid 1-2 cm and look inside, and you'll see a thin white plume that needs to be carefully detached with a mediator or tweezers, and then you can remove the lid completely.

He warmed up the hair dryer cover for 2-3 minutes|

Fake mediator top left corner|

I walked around the perimeter, snapping the latches.|

Checked for a fingerprint scanner plume.|

I removed the plume before the lid was completely removed.-->

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced masters sometimes make mistakes when disassembling Xiaomi Mi A1. Here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:

Critical information: fingerprint scanner plume in Mi A1 It's glued to the lid with double-sided tape, and if you rip it off, it's almost impossible to glue it back, and you'll need to replace the entire module.

Another common problem is damage to antenna lines. A1 They're located around the perimeter of the lid, and they can detach if you don't take them off properly, and if you lose your network signal or your Wi-Fi after you build it, you probably have to take the antenna away, and then you have to take it apart and glue it back with tape or glue. B-7000.

If the lid doesn't respond even after heating, don't use too much force, maybe the glue is too old and dry, and then you can try this.

• 🔥 Repeat heating, increasing the time to 4-5 minutes.
• 🧴 Apply a little isopropyl alcohol along the edges of the lid (it dissolves the glue).
• 🪛 Carefully tuck the lid in several places without trying to tear it off completely.

Reverse Assembly: How to properly glue the cover back

Removing the lid is half the battle, and it's equally important to put it back in the right way to avoid squeaking, slurring, and dust.

Step 1: Surface cleaning

Remove the residue of old glue from the lid and body of the smartphone.

• 🧴 Isopropyl alcohol (to remove glue without traces).
• 🧼 Wet wipes (if there is no alcohol, but they are less effective).
• 🪒 Dental cleaning (to clean hard-to-reach areas).

Don’t use acetone or solvents – they can eat up plastic parts!

Step 2: Applying new glue

For reliable fixation of the cover can be used:

• 📦 Double-sided scotch 3M (0.2-0.3 mm thickness).
• 💧 Clay. B-7000 (squirt).
• 🔥 Thermoclei (if you have a thermal gun).

If you use tape, cut it into strips 3-4 mm wide and stick it on the edge of the lid, stepping 1-2 mm from the edge. For glue, just apply a thin line - the excess under pressure will come out and stain the body.

Step 3: Installation of the cover

Carefully align the lid with the body, starting at the top edge.

• 📍 Fingerprint scanner's plume is not twisted.
• 📍 The antenna lines are not hushed up.
• 📍 The lid sat flat, without skewing.

Then evenly press the lid around the perimeter. For better fixation, you can put the smartphone under the press (for example, a heavy book) for 10-15 minutes.

Step 4: Checking the performance

After assembly, be sure to check:

• 🔋 Does the fingerprint scanner work.
• 📶 Is there a network and Wi-Fi (antenna check).
• 🔊 Are the speakers and microphone working.
• 📷 Is the camera and flash functional.

If something doesn’t work, take the smartphone apart again and check:

• 🔌 Connecting all plumes.
• 📡 Integrity of antenna lines.
• 🔋 Battery contacts (sometimes oxidized).

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If the lid creaks or luftites after assembly, it means that the glue is too little or it is applied unevenly, in which case you will have to disassemble the smartphone again and repeat the procedure.

Alternative methods of removing the lid: pros and cons

Beyond the classic heat and mediator method, there are alternative ways to remove the back cover, but there are risks to each.

Method 1: Use of a suction cup

Suctioning helps to evenly distribute the force and reduce the risk of damage to the lid, but this method has drawbacks:

• ✅ Pluses:
• ❌ Cons:

Method 2: Softening of glue with alcohol

If you don't have enough heat, you can apply isopropyl alcohol to the edges of the lid, and it dissolves the glue and makes it easier to remove.

• ✅ Pluses:
• ❌ Cons:

Method 3: Use of thread

This is a technique that works for smartphones with strong adhesive attachment, so take a strong floss (like a dental floss) and put it under the lid, and then cut the glue back and forth. A1 This method is not recommended because:

• ❌ High risk of damaging the scanner plume.
• ❌ The thread can catch on antenna lines.

Method 4: Disassembly without heating

Some craftsmen try to remove the lid without preheating, relying on force alone, and this is the most dangerous method, and it's almost guaranteed to lead to:

• 💥 Cracks on the lid.
• 🔧 Broken latches.
• 📱 Damage to internal components.

If you decide to use an alternative method, first practice on a non-working smartphone or watch a video with the disassembly of Mi. A1 YouTube channels (such as JerryRigEverything or Repair Universe).

What if something doesn’t work after the breakup?

Even if you follow the instructions, you can have problems after assembly, and here are the most common ones and how to fix them:

Problem 1: Fingerprint scanner is not working

Chances are you damaged the plume or you misconnected it.

• 🔍 Disassemble the smartphone and check the integrity of the plume.
• 🔌 Reconnect the plume to the motherboard (sometimes contacts are oxidized).
• 🛒 If the plume is torn, order a new one (article: MB11018).

Problem 2: No network or Wi-Fi

This indicates that the antenna lines are damaged.

• 📡 Take apart the smartphone and check if the antenna cables have left.
• 🧴 Stick them back with scotch or glue B-7000.
• 📶 If the antenna is damaged, replace the cover (these are soldered antennas).

Problem 3: The smartphone is not turned on

Possible causes:

• 🔋 Battery is off (check the connector).
• 🔌 Short circuit (check the fee for the presence of foreign objects).
• 💥 Damaged motherboard (requires diagnosis in the service).

Problem 4: The lid creaks or luftitis

So that means that the glue is unevenly applied or too little applied.

• 🔥 Take apart the smartphone and apply the glue again.
• 📦 Use bilateral scotch instead of glue.
• 🪨 Put the smartphone under the press for 1-2 hours.

If you can not fix the problem yourself, contact the service center. the cost of diagnosis usually does not exceed 500-1000 rubles, but you will avoid more serious breakdowns.

Where to buy spare parts for Xiaomi Mi A1?

If you've damaged a lid, a plume or some other component in the process of dismantling, you'll need parts.

When buying spare parts, pay attention to:

• 🔍 Article matching (AliExpress often sells non-original parts).
• 📦 Complete (sometimes the set includes additional gaskets or glue).
• ⭐ Customer reviews (especially if the seller is new).

If you buy a lid, make sure it's right for your model. A1 Not good for Mi. 5X, despite the similarity.

You can also search for parts in the aftermarket (Avito, Yula), which often sells parts from disassembled smartphones at low prices, but be careful - check the health before buying!

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions