Disassembly Xiaomi Redmi Note 5A: how to carefully remove the back cover without damage

Xiaomi Redmi Note 5A is one of the most popular budget smartphones of the brand, released in 2017. Despite its simplicity of design, its disassembly requires caution: improper removal of the back cover can damage the plumes, detachment of the adhesive layer or even cracks in the case.

We'll look at two basic methods -- using a mediator (plastic blade) and a dryer to soften the glue, and what mistakes beginners most often make. If you're planning to replace a battery, speaker or camera plume, this guide is the first step to successful repairs.

Before you get started, make sure you have all the tools you need. The Redmi Note 5A body is glued around the perimeter, not latched, a key difference from newer Xiaomi models, and ignoring this fact often leads to chipping plastic when trying to snap the lid.

Preparation for disassembly: tools and precautions

To safely remove the back cover of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 5A, you will need:

• 🔧 Plastic mediator (or guitar mediator) – for separation of the body without scratches.
• 🔥 Hair dryer (or thermo-air station) - to soften the glue around the perimeter.
• 🧲 Suction (optional) - helps to lift the cover after heating.
• 📏 Thin screwdriver (cross, 1.5 mm) - for twisting screws under the lid.
• 🧴 Isopropyl alcohol (90%+) — glue-cleaner.
• 🛠️ Tweezers - for careful disconnection of plumes.

Important: Don't use metal blades or knives, they leave scratches on the aluminum frame and can damage the plumes under the lid, and if you don't have a mediator, you can replace it with a plastic card, but you have to be very careful.

⚠️ Warning: Do not heat up the Redmi Note case 5A 60°C, which can damage the battery or the screen. Optimal temperature for softening the adhesive: 40-50°C (temperature of hot tap water).

Before the start of the work:

1. Turn off your smartphone and remove it. SIM-scatter-card.
2. Remove the case (if installed) and clean the case of dust.
3. Prepare the workplace: flat surface, good lighting, no carpets (static electricity!).

Method 1: Removal of the cover with a mediator (without heating)

This is a good way to go if the glue on your Redmi Note 5A hasn’t dryed out (for example, the phone is new or hasn’t been disassembled before), but be prepared for the fact that it takes a lot of effort – Xiaomi’s factory-made adhesive is known for its strength.

Algorithm of action:

1. Insert the mediator in the gap between the back cover and the body at the charging connector (the adhesive layer is thinner here).
2. Carefully drive the mediator along the side, gradually increasing the gap. Don't try to tear the lid - move smoothly, with minimal effort.
3. Once the mediator passes 2/3 of the perimeter, the lid will start to move away. Lift it around the corner and continue to separate the glue on the other sides.

Difficulties you may face:

• 🔊 Plastic crackling is normal when adhesive is separated, but if the sound is too loud, stop and heat the case.
• 🔋 The resistance in the battery area is thicker than the adhesive layer. Don't push too hard, or you risk damaging the battery.
• 📶 There are no latches under the lid, but it may seem like the lid is jammed.

⚠️ Warning: If the lid doesn't respond to the mediator's passing around the perimeter, don't force it.

Insert the mediator at the charging connector |

Run along the side face with minimum force |

Lift the lid around the corner after 2/3 perimeter separation |

Check the absence of resistance in the battery area-->

Method 2: Using a hair dryer to soften glue

This is a more reliable method, but it requires precision, and the main task is to heat the adhesive layer evenly around the perimeter without overheating individual areas. Optimal heating time: 2-3 minutes at 40-50 ° C.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on the dryer at minimum power and keep it at a distance of 10-15 cm from the body.
2. Heat each side of the smartphone in turn (for 20-30 seconds on the side), avoiding direct hot air on the screen or camera.
3. After heating, try to separate the cover with a mediator, as in the first method.
4. If the lid does not move, repeat the heating again, paying attention to the "problem" areas (usually these are the corners of the battery).

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ Minimum risk of plastic damage.
• ✅ Suitable for phones that have already been disassembled before (glue manages to dry out).
• ✅ Less effort is required to separate the cover.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Risk of battery overheating (if you keep the hair dryer too close).
• ❌ Additional equipment (dryer or thermal air station) is required).
• ❌ With uneven heating, the glue may remain stuck in some places.

What to do after removing the lid: next steps

When the lid is finally separated, the interior design of the Redmi Note 5A will open up in front of you.

• 🔋 Battery - glued to the body, disconnected after removing the protective film.
• 📷 Camera and plume – fixed on a metal frame, do not touch them without needing.
• 🔊 Speaker and microphone - located at the bottom, glued with double-sided tape.
• 📶 Antenna contacts – thin metal strips around the perimeter, easily bend.

Before continuing the disassembly:

1. Take a picture of the location of the plumes and screws - this will help with the reverse assembly.
2. Disconnect the battery by putting a plume of plastic tweezers (not metal!).
3. Check the integrity of the adhesive layer under the lid – if it is torn, a new double-sided scotch will be required when assembly.

💡

If you're removing the battery cover, look at the model. The Redmi Note 5A had two types of batteries: DM-43 (3080 mAh) and DM-44 (3100 mAh) Make sure the new battery is compatible with your smartphone modification (check the labeling on the old battery).

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced masters sometimes make mistakes when disassembling Xiaomi Redmi Note 5A. Here are the most common of them and ways to prevent them:

1. Damage to battery plume

Many users try to disconnect the battery immediately by pulling the plume, which causes the contacts to break, and the right way is to first gently tuck the black shield film on the battery (it's glued), then unplug the plume with plastic tweezers, pulling it up instead of sideways.

Overheating of the shell

Using a hair dryer at maximum power or too close to the body can melt plastic latches inside or damage the screen.Solution: Keep the hair dryer at a distance of 10-15 cm and heat for no longer than 3 minutes in one approach.

3.Loss of screws

Redmi Note 5A uses 3 types of screws (of different lengths) if you confuse them when you build, you can damage the board. Tip: spread the screws on a piece of paper, signing where they were twisted.

4. Damage to antenna contacts

Thin metal strips around the perimeter of the body are responsible for communication. They are easy to bend or tear off. How to avoid: do not press the lid when you separate, use the mediator only at the edges.

⚠️ Attention: If after dismantling the smartphone stopped catching the network or Wi-Fi, check the integrity of the antenna contacts. Often they depart from the board when the lid is not neatly removed. To restore communication may require a soldering iron or conductive glue (conductive glue).

💡

The most vulnerable part of the Redmi Note 5A disassembly is the battery plume, which is always disconnected first before touching other components, and this will prevent short circuits and damage to the board.

Smartphone Assembly: How to properly seal the lid back

Once repairs or replacements are complete, the lid should be re-fixed, ideally using a new double-sided tape (e.g. 3M 9448A), but if it is not, you can get by with the old glue if it retains stickiness.

Step-by-step:

1. Clean the edge of the body and the inside of the cover from glue residues with isopropyl alcohol.
2. Stick a new tape around the perimeter of the case, avoiding the area under the battery (no glue is needed here).
3. Carefully apply the cover, starting with the charging connector, and press it around the perimeter.
4. For better fixation, put your smartphone under load (for example, a book) for 10-15 minutes.

Alternative methods of fixation:

• 🔥 Clay. B-7000 — It is applied in a thin layer around the perimeter, but requires drying within 24 hours.
• 🧲 Liquid Scotch (e.g. Loctite) – convenient for spot application, but less reliable.
• 📦 Original Xiaomi glue – sold in service sets, but difficult to find at retail.

Important: Do not use superglue (Moment, Second) – it can damage the plastic and make the next disassembly impossible without damage.

When to contact the service center

Despite the apparent simplicity, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 5A can turn into serious problems if:

• 🔧 You’ve never taken your smartphone apart before and are afraid of damaging the fee.
• 🔋 The battery is swelling - in this case, self-replacement is dangerous (the risk of fire!).
• 📱 The screen cracked or the plume of the display moved away - special equipment is required to replace it.
• 💧 The board got liquid - ultrasonic cleaning is necessary.

The cost of dismantling in the service center usually does not exceed 500-1000 rubles, while repairs after an unsuccessful independent attempt can cost 3-5 times more expensive.

However, if you decide to act on your own, follow this guide and take your time. Redmi Note 5A is a reliable smartphone, and with careful disassembly it will last for many years.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the dismantling of Xiaomi Redmi Note 5A