Disassembly Xiaomi Redmi 3: how to remove the back cover without breakdowns

Why do you need to disassemble Xiaomi Redmi 3?

The back cover of the Xiaomi Redmi 3 is not just a decorative element, but a protective barrier for the internal components of the smartphone. However, over time, many users have to remove it. The most common reasons are the replacement of the battery (the capacity of the original is 4100 mAh, but after 2-3 years it is noticeably reduced), dust cleaning, repair of the charging connector or speaker. In rare cases, the lid is removed for modifications, for example, installing an additional heat sink during the acceleration of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 616 processor.

It's important to understand that Redmi 3 (codenamed ido) is a budget smartphone of 2016 release, and its design is not designed for frequent disassembly. The lid is attached to latches and adhesive layer, which complicates the process. If you've never disassembled gadgets before, it's better to contact the service center - the cost of the service rarely exceeds 500-800 rubles, whereas errors during self-disassembly can cost to repair the display or motherboard.

This is a good option for all Redmi 3 versions:

• 📱 Redmi 3 Standard (16 GB of memory, 2 GB of RAM)
• 📱 Redmi 3 Pro (32 GB of memory, 3 GB of RAM, fingerprint scanner)
• 📱 Redmi 3S/3X (shell-like)

Preparation for disassembly: tools and safety

Before you start, make sure you have everything you need, and without the right tools, you risk damaging plastic latches or leaving scratches on the metal body, and here's the minimum set:

• 🔧 Plastic blade (or mediator) - for gently putting the lid. Metal tools can not be used, they scratch the antenna lines.
• 🔥 Hair dryer or thermo-air station - for softening the glue (temperature) 60-70°C).
• 🧲 Suction cups (optional) - help to evenly lift the cover.
• 📦 Container for screws – in Redmi 3 there are few of them, but it is easy to lose.
• 🧴 Isopropyl alcohol - to remove glue residues after disassembly.

Also, prepare the workplace: the desk should be clean, without debris or liquids, it is advisable to use an antistatic mat or at least touch a grounded metal object before work, this will save the motherboard from static electricity.

⚠️ Note: If your Redmi 3 is warranty-free, self-disassembly will void it. Check the warranty status in the Mi Service app or on Xiaomi's website on the site. IMEI.

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

Follow this algorithm to minimize the risk of damage, and if you don't get the lid at some point, don't force it, you better reheat the dryer.

1. Turn off your smartphone and remove it. SIM-cards from the tray (use a paper clip or extraction tool).
2. Warm up the edges of the cover with a hair dryer for 1-2 minutes. Keep the hair dryer at a distance of 5-7 cm so as not to overheat the display.
3. Insert the blade into the gap between the lid and the body. Start at the lower right corner (near the charging connector) - there the latches are weaker.
4. Carefully drive the shoulder blade along the edge, releasing the latches one by one, and you'll hear the characteristic clicks.
5. Raise the lid by 1-2 mm and check if all latches are snapped. If not, repeat the warm-up and tweaking.

If the lid is too glued (this happens after replacement in informal services), you can use threads or guitar strings. Strip between the lid and the body, as shown in the video below, and carefully "saw" it glue:

The lid has moved all over the perimeter.|No resistance on the climb|There are no cracks on the plastic|The plumes are not stretched.-->

⚠️ Attention: Don't pull the lid up sharply, because the fingerprint scanner plume (in the Redmi 3 Pro) runs underneath, and if it breaks, it will cause the sensor to fail, and the plume is attached to the motherboard with a small connector that's easy to pull off.

What to do if the lid is not removed?

Sometimes even after warming up, the lid doesn't respond, and here are the possible causes and solutions.

If you feel that the force is at its limit and the lid is not moving, stop trying, in such cases it is better to contact a service that uses professional tools, such as an ultrasonic bath to remove glue or special devices for even lifting the lid.

How do you get the lid back?

Building Redmi 3 after repair requires as much care as disassembling.

1. Clean the seat of old glue and dust with isopropyl alcohol and a lilac-free wipe.
2. Check the integrity of the sealing rubber gasket (if any) and it protects against dust and moisture.
3. Apply a new adhesive layer (optional). You can use 3M 9448A double-sided tape or B-7000 special adhesive.
4. Connect all the plumes before you lock the lid, make sure the fingerprint scanner connector sits down before you click.
5. Close the lid, starting at the top (near the camera), and gradually snap all the clamps around the perimeter.

After assembly, check the performance:

• 📶 Network – if antenna cables are damaged, the signal will be weak or absent.
• 🔋 Charging – make sure the connector is USB-C flat-out.
• 📷 Camera and fingerprint scanner – test them in settings.

💡

If the lid is wobbly or loosely attached after assembly, try to warm it up with a hair dryer (50°C) and press it for 10-15 minutes, and the glue is re-activated and will provide better fixation.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when disassembling the Xiaomi Redmi 3.

• 🔨 Using metal tools, which results in scratches on antenna lines and body. Always use plastic or wood.
• 🔥 Overheating with a hair dryer – if the temperature exceeds 90°C, you can damage the display or battery. Keep the hair dryer at a safe distance.
• 🧲 Loss of screws -- Redmi 3 doesn't have many, but they're small. Store them in a magnetic container.
• 📱 The most expensive mistake is to break the fingerprint scanner plume. 1000-1500 ruble.
• 🔋 Battery damage -- if you puncture it, it can swell or catch fire!

If you do damage the plume or connector, don’t panic. Redmi 3 parts are still available on AliExpress or in Russian stores (for example, 4PDA Market), the average cost of a fingerprint scanner plume is 300-500 rubles, and a new battery will cost 800-1200 rubles.

1. connection of the battery (the train could depart).

2. Integrity of contacts on the motherboard.

3. The presence of a short circuit (try to connect to charging - if the connector is warming, the problem is in the board).-->

Alternative ways of disassembling (for experienced)

If the standard blade and hairdryer method didn't work, alternative approaches can be tried, which require more skill, but sometimes save in difficult cases.

Method 1: Use of strings or fishing lines

This is a good way to do this if the glue is very strong, and you're going to need a guitar string or a thick line.

1. Warm up the edges of the lid with a hair dryer.
2. Put a string between the lid and the body.
3. Carefully "saw" the string along the edge, like a hacksaw.
4. Repeat until the lid starts to move.

Method 2: Disassembly with a suction cup

If you have a large suction cup (for example, for glass), it can be used to evenly lift the cover:

1. Stick the suction cup to the center of the lid.
2. Carefully pull up, simultaneously putting the edges on the shoulder blade.
3. Once the lid is lifted, insert plastic separators (such as mediators) into the slot.

⚠️ Note: Do not use for disassembly Xiaomi Redmi 3 methods that involve strong mechanical impact (for example, impacts or bending the cover). the case of the smartphone is made of aluminum, which is easily deformed, and the display glass can crack even from slight pressure.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions