How to remove the back cover Xiaomi Redmi: instructions for all models

Removing the back cover of a Xiaomi Redmi smartphone is a challenge that users face when replacing a battery, repairing a camera or cleaning internal components. However, the wrong approach can damage the case, plumes or even the motherboard. In this article, we will learn how to remove the cover on different Redmi models (from Redmi Note 4X to Redmi 13C), what tools will be required and how to avoid typical errors.

It's important to understand that the design of smartphones has evolved: if in the old models the lid was mounted on latches and removed without glue, then in the new ones (for example, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+) adhesive joint and additional screws under plugs are used, we will consider both options in detail, and we will give recommendations for choosing tools and preparing the workplace.

Before you start, evaluate your skills: if you've never been electronics expert, you'd better go to a service center, but if you're confident in your abilities, follow our instructions to minimize the risks.

Preparation for Removing the Back Cover: Tools and Safety Measures

Before you start dismantling Xiaomi Redmi, you need to prepare tools and workspace.

  • πŸ”§ Plastic mediators or shoulder blades (2-3 (S) for a careful sliding of the lid.
  • πŸ”¨ Screwdriver with a set of bits (cross, star, trivial) - for screws under stubs.
  • 🧲 Magnetic mat or container – to avoid losing small details.
  • πŸ”₯ Dryer or thermo-air station (for models with adhesive fixation).
  • 🧴 Isopropyl alcohol (90%+) β€” glue-residue.
  • πŸ“± Screen suction cup – will help with the initial lift of the cover.

Also, prepare the workspace: it should be well lit, without dust and static electricity. Put your smartphone on a soft substrate (for example, a silicone mat) to avoid scratches. If you work with a model on glue (for example, Redmi 10 or later), warm the lid with a hair dryer at 60-80 Β° C for 2-3 minutes, this will soften the glue and make it easier to dismantle.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use metal tools to lid the lid - they can damage antenna lines or leave traces on the body. Plastic mediators should be thin (0.1-0.2 mm) and flexible.

If you're disassembling a smartphone with a non-removable battery (most modern Redmi), remember that if the battery is damaged, it can ignite. Don't puncture it or bend it. Also avoid heavy heat, which can deform the plastic elements of the case.

πŸ“Š What Xiaomi Redmi model do you understand?
Redmi Note 10/11/12
Redmi 9/10/13
Redmi K40/K50
Another model
I don't know.

How to determine the type of back cover mount on your model

The design of the rear cover of Xiaomi Redmi depends on the year of release and series. Below we will give the main types of mounts and models to which they belong:

Type of attachmentXiaomi Redmi modelsFeatures
Latches without glueRedmi 4X, Redmi 5A, Redmi Note 4/5The cover is removed by the mediator without heating. No screws.
Glue + latchesRedmi 8/9/10, Redmi Note 8/9/10It requires a dryer to warm up. The screws can be under the plugs.
Glue + screws + plugsRedmi Note 11/12, Redmi K40/K50The screws are hidden under decorative plugs, high-strength glue.
Glued cap (monoblock)Redmi Note 12 Pro+, Redmi 13CIt takes a lot of warm-up and experience, the risk of damage to the plumes.

To accurately determine the type of mounting of your model, inspect the back cover for the presence of:

  • πŸ” Screws (usually hidden under stickers or rubber plugs near the charging connector).
  • πŸ” Slits between the lid and the frame - if it is not, most likely, the lid is glued.
  • πŸ” Information in the instructions (e.g., the words "Non-removable battery" indicate adhesive compound).

If you're not sure, look for a video disassembly of your model on YouTube to avoid unpleasant surprises. For example, in the Redmi Note 10 Pro, a metal frame is hidden under the lid, which is easy to bend if you sloppy dismantle.

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Before disassembling, take a photo of the back cover of the smartphone - this will help to correctly place the screws and plugs during reverse assembly.

Step-by-step: remove the back cover on Xiaomi Redmi with latches (old models)

If your smartphone is a Redmi 4X, Redmi 5A or Redmi Note 4/5, the lid is only attached to plastic latches.

  1. Turn off your smartphone and remove it. SIM-card and memory card (if installed).
  2. Insert a plastic mediator into the gap between the lid and the frame at the headphone jack or volume button.
  3. Carefully drive the mediator along the perimeter, alternately flicking the mounts. Do not make excessive efforts β€” if the lid does not respond, check if all latches are disconnected.
  4. When all the latches open, remove the lid, holding it by the top (there are camera plumes and fingerprint scanner).

Features for specific models:

  • πŸ“± Redmi Note 4X: latches are located very tightly, the lid can "suck" - pull it up after snapping.
  • πŸ“± Redmi 5A: Fingerprint scanner plume glued to the lid - do not pull sharply so as not to tear off.

⚠️ Warning: If you see a black film under the battery after you remove the lid, it's a heat pad. Don't remove it or damage it, or it will overheat the processor.

When you reassemble, make sure all the latches are in place. If the lid is not fixed, check if the mounts on the frame are bent - you can straighten them carefully with tweezers.

β˜‘οΈ Preparation for the lid on the latches

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Removal of the glue back cover: instructions for Xiaomi Redmi new models

Modern Xiaomi Redmi smartphones (starting with the Redmi Note 8 and later) have a perimeter-stick lid, which requires warm-up and a more tidy approach to remove. Here is a step-by-step algorithm:

  1. Turn off your phone and drain the battery to 25-30% (this will reduce the risk of fire when heated).
  2. Warm the back cover with a hair dryer at 70-80Β°C for 3-5 minutes, evenly driving around the perimeter. Do not direct the air flow to the camera or screen!
  3. With a suction cup, lift the lid slightly at the charging connector. If there is no suction cup, use a mediator.
  4. Insert the mediator into the gap and slowly move it along the edge, separating the glue, reheat the areas if necessary.
  5. When the lid is separated, carefully remove it, holding it by the top (there are plumes).

Features for popular models:

  • πŸ“± Redmi Note 10/11: under the cover are hidden screws under the plugs (they need to be unscrewed before full removal).
  • πŸ“± Redmi K50: The glue is very strong – additional heating up to 90 may be requiredΒ°C but not more than 2 minutes!).
  • πŸ“± Redmi 12C: The fingerprint scanner plume is glued to the lid - unplug it with tweezers.

Once the lid is removed, you'll have to deal with the glue residues, remove them with isopropyl alcohol or a special cleaner (like Loctite 7063) and don't use acetone or solvents, they'll damage the plastic!

What to do if the lid does not lend itself?
If the lid does not separate after heating up, try the following methods: 1. Increase the temperature to 85.°C (maximum 90)°C) and warm up longer (up to 7 minutes). 2. Use a thin guitar string or fishing line, stretching it under the lid and a "saw" of glue. 3. Apply a drop of isopropyl alcohol into the slot - it will dissolve the glue. ⚠️ Don't force! Broken latches or ripped plumes will cost more than service.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when removing the back cover of the Xiaomi Redmi, and here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:

  • πŸ”₯ Overheating the lid - causes plastic to deform or detach paint. Solution: Use a temperature-adjusted thermopistol and keep it at a distance of 5-10 cm.
  • πŸ”§ Losing screws or plugs -- without them, the lid will hang. Solution: fold the parts into a magnetic container as you extract them.
  • πŸ“± The plume damage (print scanner, camera) - most often occurs when the lid is abruptly removed. Solution: unplug the plumes with tweezers, not pull the lid.
  • πŸ”‹ Battery puncture, it can cause fire. Solution: don't use sharp tools near the battery.

Another common problem is that antenna lines (thin metal tracks around the lid) are damaged, and they're responsible for communication and Wi-Fi, and the cliff will degrade the signal, so to avoid that, don't put the mediator too deep and scrape it down the inside of the lid.

If you accidentally ripped off a plume or damaged a latch, don't panic. The plumes can be soldered (in the service, it's worth it). ~500–1500 β‚½), broken latches are often replaced with glue (for example, B-7000). It is better to prevent a breakdown than to fix it.

πŸ’‘

The main rule when disassembling is not to rush. 80% of damage occurs due to hasty actions or the use of inappropriate tools.

What to do after removing the lid: tips for further repairs

When the back cover is successfully removed, you will be able to access the insides of the smartphone, and here’s what you can do next (depending on the purpose of the disassembly):

  • πŸ”‹ Battery replacement: Disconnect the battery plume from the motherboard (use a plastic blade). Carefully tuck the battery into a mediator, preheating it (the glue under the battery is very strong!). Install a new battery and plug in the plume.
  • πŸ“Έ Camera Repair: Unscrew the screws that lock the camera module. Unplug the plume and clean the contacts with alcohol (if the camera was not working due to oxidation).
  • 🧹 Dust cleansing: Use a soft brush or a spray of compressed air. Don't blow with your mouth - moisture from your breath can oxidize your contacts.

If you've disassembled a smartphone to replace a display or motherboard, remember: these are complex operations that require experience. For example, when you replace the screen with a Redmi Note 11 Pro, you need to intersold the camera plumes and speaker, otherwise you will lose functionality.

Once the repair is complete, check the health of all components before final assembly: camera β†’ fingerprint scanner β†’ speakers β†’ microphone β†’ screen sensor. If something doesn’t work, disassemble the smartphone again and check the connection of the plumes.

How to glue the back cover back: the choice of glue and technique

If your Xiaomi Redmi model had a glue-fixed lid, you need to glue it back after repair, and the following types of glue are suitable for this:

Type of glueExamplesPlusesCons
Double-sided scotch3M VHB, Tesa 61395It is easy to apply, does not require drying.Maybe move on with time.
Liquid glue.B-7000, Loctite 401Strong joint, waterproof.Requires drying (24 hours)
thermalsHot melt glue sticksQuickly grasping, easily removedNot suitable for models with IP-certification

Sticking technique:

  1. Clean the edges of the lid and body of the old glue with alcohol.
  2. Apply the glue thinly around the perimeter (without touching the connectors!). For double-sided tape, cut out strips 2-3 mm wide.
  3. Combine the lid with the body and press tightly. If you use liquid glue, lock the lid with tape for 1-2 hours.
  4. Make sure that all the gaps are uniform and there are no skews.

For waterproof (IP53) models such as the Redmi Note 12 Pro+, use a sealant (like the Loctite 595) to restore waterproofing.

⚠️ Warning: If the lid is "playing" or moving away from the corners after gluing, do not try to press it with weight - this can damage the screen.

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing the back cover Xiaomi Redmi

Can I take off the lid without a hair dryer?
On older models (before the Redmi Note 7), yes, the lid is held on the latches. On new ones (with glue) without warming up, there is a high risk of breaking the latches or tearing off the plumes. In extreme cases, you can use hot water (put your smartphone in a bag and put it in water for 1-2 minutes), but this is risky for electronics.
What to do if after removing the cover the smartphone does not turn on?
Probable causes: Battery plume disconnects, check the connection, power plume or power buttons are damaged, motherboard is locked (if you touched it with metal tools), try charging β€” if the indicator is on, the problem is in the power button. If there is no reaction, contact the service.
How to remove the cover on a Redmi with a metal frame (for example, Redmi K40)?
These models have an aluminum frame underneath the plastic cover that is mounted by screws. Algorithm: Remove the plastic cover (as described above). Unscrew all the screws on the frame (they are of different lengths - remember the location!). Carefully attach the frame with a mediator, starting at the corner at the charging connector. Be careful: the frame may be glued to the motherboard with a thermal paste.
How much does it cost to remove the lid in the service?
Prices depend on model and region: Redmi 9/10: 500–1000 β‚½. Redmi Note 11/12: 1000–1500 β‚½ (because of the glue and screws. K50: 1500–2500 β‚½ (If you need to replace a battery or other component, the cost will increase by the price of the part.
Can you use superglue to fix the lid?
No! Superglue (cyanoacrylate) is not suitable because: It is fragile and can crumble when impacted; it hovers when heated (risk of damage to electronics); it is difficult to remove on the next repair; use only specialized adhesives (B-7000, Loctite) or double-sided tape.