Xiaomi’s Redmi series is well-deservedly considered one of the most popular devices on the market due to its optimal price-performance ratio. However, even reliable gadgets require intervention over time: whether it’s replacing a swollen battery, repairing a broken screen or deep cleaning the speakers from dust. Self-disassembly of the device is a great way to save money on services from a service center, if you have minimal skills with equipment and understand the risks.
The process of opening the aluminum body of the Redmi 5 has its own technological features that must be considered before starting work. Unlike modern models with glass backs, it uses an all-metal design with plastic inserts for antennas, which requires careful handling of heat and tools. Proper preparation of the workplace and the availability of specialized tools is the key to the successful completion of the operation without damaging the plumes or deforming the frame.
In this article, we will take a detailed look at each step of the rear panel dismantling, with a focus on attachment locations and hidden screws. You will learn how to safely warm the adhesive layer, which tools are best for lid tampering, and how not to damage the fingerprint scanner plume. A critical point is to completely shut down the battery immediately after the lid is removed, as this will prevent short circuits when further working with internal components.
Tools and workplace preparation required
Before you start disassembling the Xiaomi Redmi 5 smartphone directly, you need to organize a comfortable and safe workspace. The table surface should be clean, flat and well lit so that you can see the small details and not lose the screws. It is recommended to use an antistatic mat or just a clean sheet of paper on which you will fold the fasteners in order of their extraction.
To get the job done, you'll need a set of specialized tools to ensure the accuracy and safety of the process. Use of improvised tools such as scissors or stationery knives is highly undesirable, as they can damage the case or injure you.
- 🔧 A set of Phillips screwdrivers (cross) sizes PH000 and PH00 for twisting the motherboard screws and speakers.
- 🔥 Thermophene or heating pad for heating the adhesive layer around the perimeter of the device (temperature about 80-90 degree).
- 🎴 Plastic mediators, suction cup and thin metal spatula for careful separation of the cover.
- 🧲 Magnetic mat or organizer for sorting screws of different lengths.
- 🧤 Antistatic gloves to protect components from static electricity and fat traces.
Special attention should be paid to the heating source. If you do not have a professional thermophen, you can use household electric tiles, pre-wrapped with foil, but controlling the temperature in this case is more difficult. Overheating can lead to deformation of plastic elements or damage LCD-Matrix, therefore, monitoring the heating time is a prerequisite.
Safety Techniques and Precautions
Disassembly of any electronic equipment carries certain risks, ignoring which can lead to device failure or injury. Lithium polymer battery installed in Redmi 5, is sensitive to mechanical damage and high temperatures. When a battery case punctures, there can be a fire or chemical reaction with the release of caustic smoke, so you need to act with utmost care.
⚠️ Warning: Before starting any work, be sure to completely turn off the smartphone. Attempting to extract components under voltage is guaranteed to lead to the combustion of the power controller or other components of the motherboard.
Also worth remembering is the fragility of the glass part of the screen. If you squint the case when you snap the back cover, the matrix can crack. The pressure should be uniform and directed strictly to the perimeter, not to the center of the display. If you feel that the cover is not amenable, do not use brute force, you better add a little more heat.
Work in a well-ventilated environment, because when the glue is heated, it can produce mild chemical fumes. Although it is not toxic in small doses, prolonged inhalation is not advisable. Also, make sure your hands are dry and do not shake so that you do not accidentally drop the tool on an open board.
The process of heating and separation of the back cover
The back cover of the Xiaomi Redmi 5 is attached to the frame with a two-part glue that softens when heated and loses its adhesive properties. Uniform heating of the device perimeter is a key step on which the ease of further opening depends. Insufficient heating will cause the lid to simply crack or crumple when worn, and excessive heating can damage the internal components.
Turn on the thermophen at the average temperature and start warming the edges of the device by moving the hair dryer around the perimeter for 2-3 minutes. Pay special attention to the corners and areas around the camera module, as there is usually more glue. Periodically check the temperature with your hand (the body should be hot but tolerant to touch) or use a thermometer.
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If you don’t have a thermophen, put your smartphone down on a warm (not hot!) heating pad or on your heating battery for 10-15 minutes, but make sure the temperature doesn’t exceed 90 degrees.
After enough warming up, set the suction cup at the bottom of the back cover, closer to the Redmi logo but not too close to the edge. Pull the suction cup up, creating a small gap between the lid and the frame, at which point gently insert a plastic mediator or thin spatula into the resulting slot.
Move the tool along the perimeter, cutting the adhesive layer. Don't dive the blade too deep to avoid hitting the plumes or the battery. Move smoothly, without jerking, sequentially releasing each side. If you hear the characteristic crackling of the glue, that's a good sign, then the process is going right.
☑️ Ready to remove the lid
Disabling plumes and removing protective screens
Once the back cover is completely detached and removed, the inside of the smartphone opens up, but it's too early to rush to remove the rest of the components. The first and most important step is to disconnect the battery plume from the motherboard, which will turn the device off and keep you safe as you disassemble it further.
To access the main components, you need to remove the plastic protective lining that covers the upper and lower parts of the body, which is fixed by several screws of different sizes. Remember or draw the location of the screws, as they can differ in length and diameter of the thread.
| Component | Type of screw | Number of | Location. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protective bar (top) | PH000 (small) | 4 pcs. | Around the camera module |
| Protective bar (bottom) | PH00 (medium) | 3 pcs. | In the field of dynamics |
| Fixing fees | PH000 (small) | 2 pcs. | Around the edges of the motherboard |
| Antenna module | PH000 (small) | 1 pc. | Upstairs corner. |
Use tweezers or a dielectric blade to turn off the plumes. The plume of the main camera module, flash and fingerprint scanner require delicate handling. Metal shields are often glued to double-sided tape, so they too may need to be slightly warmed up or gently tampered with.
⚠️ Warning: Never pull the plumes themselves! Connectors can only be disconnected by the rigid plastic or metal parts of the connector, otherwise the current tracks will be damaged.
Dismantling of the battery and basic modules
In the Redmi 5, the battery is glued to the inside of the back cover rather firmly, which is a common practice for modern smartphones. Removing it will require reheating the battery area through the back cover or using special solvents such as isopropyl alcohol if the cover is already removed.
If you change a battery, never try to tamper with metal tools. A puncture in the battery case will cause instantaneous ignition. Use a plastic card or a special spatula, sticking it under the battery and slowly moving along the adhesive layer. You can also use suction cups to pull the battery out if the glue is heated.
How to safely remove the glue residue?
When replacing other modules, such as the vibrator, the lower charge board or the main speaker, act consistently. First turn off all the plumes, then unscrew the locking screws. The speaker at Xiaomi often has a rubber seal that you need to carefully install in a new place so that there is no sound lost or hoarseness.
The main motherboard is not only kept on the screws, but also due to a tight fit in the frame. Before the final extraction, make sure that the antenna cables are turned off (usually they are simply removed with a slight upward movement) and all the display plumes.
Assembly of the device and verification of functionality
The assembly is done in reverse order, but there are some nuances: Before you finally close the case, you need to conduct a preliminary check of the health of all the replaced nodes, connect the display plume and battery, turn on the phone and check the touchscreen, sound, vibration and camera performance.
If everything is working correctly, turn off the device and proceed to the final installation. New batteries often come with a factory adhesive layer protected by film - be sure to remove it before sticking. Use a special B-7000 glue or pre-sticked adhesive frames to keep the lid tight.
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The build quality directly affects the moisture protection and durability of the smartphone, so do not skimp on adhesive compounds and take time to plant all elements tightly.
Apply a thin layer of glue around the perimeter of the frame, spread it evenly, and press the back cover. Lock the device with rubber harnesses or a load for 15-20 minutes before the initial grasp of the glue. Full polymerization takes about 24 hours, so on the first day do not expose the phone to loads.
In the process of twisting the screws, observe the measure: do not drag them, as you can tear the thread in the plastic pillars of the case, which will lead to a backlash of parts.