The Xiaomi Redmi Note 5A is a popular budget smartphone that is still used by many users. However, over time, it may require a battery replacement, speaker or even a screen. The first step in any repair is to remove the back cover, an operation that seems simple but carries many pitfalls. Wrong actions can damage the plumes, chip the case or even break the board.
In this article, we will discuss how to safely dismantle the back panel without specialized tools (if they are not available) and with minimal risks. You will learn what hidden latches hold the lid, how to avoid breaking flexible cables and what to do if the body is glued especially strongly, and we will analyze typical beginner errors and give recommendations for choosing tools for different versions of the Redmi Note 5A (including versions with and without NFC).
Preparation for the disassembly: what will be needed
Before you start removing the lid, make sure you have everything you need, and not even one tool can turn a simple procedure into a nightmare with damaged parts.
- 🔧 Plastic blade (or mediator) - required for careful licking of the lid. Metal tools scratch the body!
- 🔥 Hair dryer (or thermo-air station) - needed to soften the glue. Optimal temperature: 60-80°C.
- 🧲 Suction cup - helps to evenly lift the cover after heating, even from an old phone.
- 📦 Containers for screws - in Redmi Note 5A different sizes of screws are used (T3, T4). Confusing them means risking damage to the thread.
- 🧴 Isopropyl alcohol (90%+) — cleaning the residue of glue after removing the cover.
If you don't have professional tools, you can do with the tools at hand, for example, a plastic card will do instead of a shoulder blade (preferably with rounded edges), and instead of a hairdryer, hot water in a plastic bag (apply to the lid for 2-3 minutes), but remember: improvisation increases the risks!
⚠️ Warning: Never use a knife or screwdriver to lash the lid! even a slight pressure can puncture the battery or damage the plume of the fingerprint scanner that runs under the top of the case.
The design of the back cover of the Redmi Note 5A: what is inside
The back cover of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 5A is mounted in a combined way: partly on latches, partly on double-sided tape. Depending on the modification (standard, Prime or Lite), there may be different:
- 🔋 The thickness of the glue layer - in versions with NFC glue tighter.
- 🔄 Location of latches - in Note 5A Prime adds two latches near the camera.
- 📶 Antenna contacts - in models with support 4G They're thinner and easier to break off.
Here is the layout of the mounts (relevant for all modifications):
| Zone | Type of attachment | Risks of withdrawal |
|---|---|---|
| Upper part (near the camera) | 2 latches + glue | Damage to the fingerprint scanner plume |
| Lower part (near the connector) | 4 latches | Plastic chips under excessive pressure |
| Side sides | Glue all over the perimeter. | Breaking of antenna contacts |
| Central part | Glue (most dense layer) | Deformation of the cover with uneven heating |
Pay special attention to the fingerprint scanner plume, which is glued to the inside of the lid and easily breaks when moving sharply. In models without a scanner (for example, the Redmi Note 5A Lite), this risk is not, but there are thin antenna tracks that can come off when sloppy undergarments.
What happens if you break the antenna contact?
Step-by-step: how to remove the cover without damage
Follow this algorithm to minimize the risks, and it takes 15 to 30 minutes depending on the experience.
Step 1: Turn off and prepare the phone
Before disassembling, be sure to turn off the smartphone and remove SIM-This will prevent short circuits and data damage, and it is also recommended to discharge the battery to 30-50%, so it is less susceptible to fire when heated.
Step 2: Heating the lid
Turn on the dryer at minimum power and evenly warm the back panel for 2-3 minutes, keeping it at a distance of 10-15 cm.
- 🔥 The edges of the lid (there are concentrated latches).
- 🔥 Corners near the camera and charging connector.
Temperatures above 80°C can warp plastic or damage the battery.
Step 3: Finishing the lid
Apply the suction cup to the bottom of the lid (near the USB-C connector) and pull up slightly. Once the gap appears, insert a plastic blade and carefully guide it around the perimeter, separating the latches. Don't force — if the lid doesn't respond, warm up again.
The lid has moved all over the perimeter.|No resistance when moving the shoulder blade|The fingerprint scanner's plume is not stretched|Entente contacts are complete-->
Step 4: Disconnecting the plumes
After removing the cover, you will see:
- 🔋 Battery (stick to the body).
- 📶 Footprint scanner (in models with sensor).
- 🔊 Dynamics and vibration motor.
Before you continue disassembling, disconnect the battery by pulling a plastic blade over the black film, which will prevent short circuits from further manipulation.
⚠️ Warning: If you see the fingerprint scanner plume is torn after the cover is removed, don't try to glue it together! The sensor needs to be replaced completely - repairs will cost more than a new module.
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If the lid doesn’t respond even after heating, try putting your phone in a warm water bag (40–50°C) for 5 minutes to soften the glue without overheating.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when disassembling the Redmi Note 5A. Here are the most common problems and ways to prevent them:
- 💥 Plastic chips - they occur when using metal tools. Always make sure that the blade has no burrs.
- 🔋 A battery puncture - if you stick a blade too deep near the battery. - Battery in Note 5A It has no metal body, so it is easy to punctur.
- 📶 Breaking of antenna tracks - most often occurs when the lid is sharply removed. Always move the shoulder blade smoothly, without jerking.
- 🔧 Loss of screws: there are 12 screws in the phone, different sizes. Use a magnetic mat or a cell container.
The battery overheating error is particularly dangerous, and if you use a dryer at maximum power, the lithium polymer battery can swell or even ignite.
- 🌡️ The body becomes hot to the touch (above 60).°C).
- 💨 There is a sharp chemical smell.
- 🔋 The battery begins to deform (seen by the swelling of the cover).
If you notice any of these signs, stop heating immediately and let the phone cool for 30 minutes.
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The most common breakdown in a Redmi Note 5A is a broken fingerprint scanner plume, which costs 30 to 50 percent of the cost of a phone, so it’s best to contact the service if you’re unsure of your skills.
What is different about the disassembly of Note 5A modifications
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 5A came in several versions, and their design is nuanced.
| Modifications | Features of the cover | Difficulty disassembling |
|---|---|---|
| Standard (2/16GB) | Minimum amount of glue, 6 latches | ⭐⭐ (easiest) |
| Prime (3/32GB, NFC) | Additional latches near NFC-antennae | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Lite (2/16GB, no scanner) | No scanner plume, but thin antenna tracks | ⭐⭐ |
| High Edition (4/64GB) | Reinforced adhesive layer, metal frame | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
In NFC versions (like Prime), the antenna is located under the top of the lid, and if it is damaged, the contactless payment module will stop working. Check the NFC after assembly by bringing the phone to a terminal or other device that supports the technology.
The Lite models don't have a fingerprint scanner, but they do have an extra noise-cancelling microphone, and the plume runs under the battery -- be careful when you remove the battery!
What to do after removing the cover: further actions
If you successfully remove the back panel, you will be able to access the basic components of the phone.
- 🔋 Battery replacement is the most popular repair.In Note 5A battery LB3734L2C When buying a new battery, make sure it has a thermal sensor (otherwise the phone will not charge).
- 🔊 Replacement of the speaker – in the smartphone uses a speaker 0450-2008. When replacing, don’t forget to clean the net from dust.
- 📷 Camera repair - rear camera module is attached to 2 screws. When replacing, make sure that the plume does not overflex.
- 🔄 Dust cleansing - use a brush and a compressed air balloon. Don't blow with your mouth - saliva can get on the board!
If you are planning a complete disassembly (for example, to replace the screen), remember: in the Redmi Note 5A, the board is attached to the middle frame on 8 screws, and the plumes of the display and sensor are very fragile.
⚠️ Warning: After the battery is replaced, the phone may not turn on if you forgot to connect the battery plume to the board.
Phone Assembly: How to Avoid Mistakes
Building the Redmi Note 5A after repair is as important as disassembling it.
- Check all the plumes, they should be flat, without any inflections, especially the fingerprint scanner plume and the display.
- Apply the new glue -- if you've completely removed the old double-sided tape, use 3M 9448A or similar phone glue. Apply it with a thin layer around the perimeter of the lid.
- Twisting all screws – a missed screw can lead to poor antenna contact or body vibration.
- Warm up the lid before sticking, it will help the glue to grip better, just 1-2 minutes with a hair dryer at minimum power.
After assembly, turn on the phone and check:
- 📶 Quality of communication and Wi-Fi (no antenna breaks).
- 🔋 Battery charging (the indicator should be on fire).
- 🔊 Speaker and microphone.
- 📷 Functioning of cameras and fingerprint scanner.
If something's not working, don't panic. You probably forgot to plug the plume or you didn't tightly twist the screw. Take the phone apart again and check all the connections.
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Before the final assembly, take a picture of the location of all the plumes and screws, which will help to avoid errors, especially if the repair took several days.