Why Remove the Redmi 8 Cover and When It's Dangerous
Removing the back cover of the Xiaomi Redmi 8 is an operation that may be required to replace the battery, repair plumes or clean the internal components from dust. However, improper dismantling often leads to damage to the latches, rupture of the fingerprint scanner plume or even cracks in the glass panel. Unlike flagship models, where the lid is mounted on screws, Redmi 8 uses a combination of glue and plastic fixers - this complicates the process, but makes it possible without specialized equipment.
The main reasons for disassembling the device: Redmi 8 is not a modular smartphone (unlike the Fairphone or LG G5), so any intervention in the case requires caution.If you have never disassembled a smartphone before, it is worth assessing the risks: warranty is canceled, and the cost of repairing in the service center may exceed the price of a new battery or display.
Preparation: Tools and Conditions for Safe Disassembly
Removing the Redmi 8 cover requires a minimal set of tools, but their absence or poor performance can lead to irreversible damage.
- 🔧 Plastic mediator or guitar mediator (0.2–0.4 mm thick) – metal instruments scratch the body.
- 🔥 Hair dryer or thermo-air station (at least 1000 watts) for softening the adhesive. Heating temperature is 60-80°C.
- 🧲 Suction cups (3-5 cm in diameter) - help to evenly lift the cover without deforming it.
- 📏 Thin plastic card (for example, discount) – to separate the adhesive layer.
- 🧴 Isopropyl alcohol (90%+) — cleaning up the glue after removal.
Also prepare the workplace: The desk should be flat and clean - getting dust or debris under the lid can damage the internal components. Use a soft substrate (such as a silicone mat or towel) to avoid scratching the screen. If you work in high humidity, do not start disassembling - condensation inside the case can cause corrosion of contacts.
Step-by-step: how to remove the cover without damage
The process of removing the Redmi 8 cover consists of several steps.
- Turn off your smartphone and remove it. SIM-Charge the battery to 30-50%, which will prevent it from suddenly turning off when heated.
- Heat the edges of the body with a hairdryer for 2-3 minutes, keeping it at a distance of 5-7 cm. Move around the perimeter, paying special attention to the corners - there the glue is applied more abundantly.
- With a suction cup, lift the lid from the bottom edge (from the USB-C connector side). If the suction cup is not holding, repeat heating.
- Put the mediator in the gap, and carefully guide it along the body, separating the latches. Do not apply force — if the lid does not respond, reheat the problem area.
- Separate the lid completely, starting at the bottom edge and gradually moving to the top. Be careful with the fingerprint scanner plume - it is glued to the lid!
If the cover is raised but does not separate completely, check:
- Are there any unheated areas of glue (especially in the area of the chamber) left?
- Does the fingerprint scanner track cling to the body (it must be carefully disconnected).
- Are the plastic latches clamped (they can be felt as resistance when the mediator moves).
Is the smartphone off?|Whether extracted SIM-map?|Whether tools are prepared?|Whether the edges of the shell are heated?|Is there a spare cover in case of damage?-->
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when disassembling the Redmi 8, and here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:
| Mistake. | Effects of consequences | How to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Use of metal tools | Scratches on the body, damage to antenna lines | Use only plastic mediators |
| Overheating of the shell (>90°C) | Deformation of plastic, detachment of glass panel | Control the temperature with a thermometer or tactile |
| Sharp compartment of the lid | Breakage of the fingerprint scanner plume or flexible cable | Move slowly, checking resistance |
| Dust entering the body | Close contacts, overheating of components | Working in a clean room, using a vacuum cleaner |
⚠️ Warning: If after removing the cover you find that the plume of the fingerprint scanner is severed, do not try to glue it yourself - this requires soldering of microscopic contacts.
What to do if the cover is broken when removed?
How to glue the lid back: the choice of glue and technique
After repairing or cleaning the internal components, the lid must be put in place, using a special glue that ensures tightness and fixation, do not use superglue or PVA - they are inelastic and can damage the body when heated.
Recommended glue options:
- 🧪 Double-sided scotch 3M 9448A — Optimal for temporary fixation, easily removed.
- 🧪 Clay. B-7000 — elastic, water resistant, but requires careful application.
- 🧪 Original Xiaomi glue (supplied in remakes) – the most reliable, but expensive.
Sticking technique:
- Clean the edges of the case and cover from the old glue with isopropyl alcohol.
- Apply the glue in a thin layer around the perimeter of the case, avoiding the area of the speaker and microphone.
- Carefully apply the cover, starting from the upper edge (from the camera side), and press it.
- Secure the lid with scotch or strub cushions for 10-15 minutes for better adhesion.
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If the lid is walking or moving away in corners after you stick it, warm it up with a hair dryer at a minimum temperature (40-50 °C) and press it again, which activates the adhesive layer without the risk of overheating.
Alternative methods: when the cover does not give way
If the standard heating and mediator method didn't work, alternative approaches can be tried, but they require more caution:
- 🔧 String use: A thin guitar string or line can cut through the adhesive layer, run it between the body and the lid, gently moving back and forth. Risk: You can damage the antenna lines.
- 🧊 Freezing: if the glue is too sticky, place the smartphone in the freezer for 10-15 minutes. Cold will make the glue brittle. Risk: condensation can damage electronic components.
- 🧴 Glue solvent: Apply some acetone or white spirit to the edges of the lid (only on plastic areas!).Risk: solvent can damage the oleophobic screen covering.
⚠️ Warning: If none of the methods worked and the lid is still not detached, do not use excessive force, in which case it is better to contact the service center - perhaps the case was deformed earlier or the glue was applied with violations of technology.
What to do after removing the lid: diagnosis and care
After successfully dismantling the cover, inspect the internal components of the Redmi 8 for damage or contamination.
- 🔋 Battery: check for bloating (if it is deformed, do not turn on the smartphone!).
- 📶 Antenna lines: they must be whole, without rupture and oxidation.
- 🔌 Footprints: The fingerprint scanner, camera and display cable must be tightly connected.
- 🧹 Dust and debris: Remove them with a soft brush or vacuum cleaner with minimal power.
If you're planning to replace the battery or other components, take a picture of their location before you turn them off, which will help you avoid errors when you reassemble them, and check the tightness of the case after you install the lid, and you just need to blow into the USB-C connector, and if you hear a whistle, you have a gap and you need to re-add the lid.
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Even if you successfully removed the lid, don’t rush to repair it right away. Let the smartphone cool down for 10-15 minutes to avoid overheating components as you continue to work.