Why remove the cover from the Redmi Note 6 Pro?
The back cover of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 6 Pro is not just a decorative element, but a barrier that protects the internal components of the smartphone from dust, moisture and mechanical damage. However, sooner or later owners have to remove it: whether it is replacing a dead battery, cleaning from dust, repairing the charging connector or even replacing a broken camera glass. Unlike the flagship models with a sealed case, the Redmi Note 6 Pro (released in 2018) is relatively easy to understand, but requires caution and the right tools.
The main problem in disassembling is the adhesive lid attaches to the body. Wrong actions can lead to cracks in the plastic, damage to the plumes or even tearing off the antenna contacts. In this article, we will discuss the unique method of disassembly using a mediator and a hairdryer that minimizes the risks for the 2018 model, and also tell you what mistakes are most likely to make newcomers. If you have never taken out smartphones, do not worry: with the right approach, even a beginner can cope in 15-20 minutes.
Preparation: security tools and measures
Before you start disassembling, make sure you have everything you need, and not even one tool can turn a simple procedure into a nightmare.
- 🔧 Plastic mediator (or guitar mediator) - for tidy lid tweaking. Metal instruments are prohibited!
- 🔥 Dryer or thermo-air station - for softening the glue (temperature 60-80)°C).
- 🧲 Suction cups (2 pcs) - help to evenly pull the cover after heating.
- 📦 Container for screws - in the Redmi Note 6 Pro there are 12 pieces of them and all different!
- 🧴 Isopropyl alcohol (90%+) — glue-residue.
Also, make sure the workplace is clean, the lights are bright, and you have a magnifying glass on hand to inspect the small details, which some users neglect, but 30 percent of cases of damage to the case are due to poor organization of the process.
⚠️ WARNING: If you're disassembling a smartphone with a broken screen, be sure to put Scotch tape on it before heating! glass shards can crumble as the temperature rises and damage your hands or internal components.
Step-by-step: how to remove the cover from the Redmi Note 6 Pro
Now, to the most critical stage, follow the instructions strictly by the steps, the order of action is important.
Step 1: Turning off and heating the body
1. Turn off the smartphone completely and remove SIM-2. Take a hair dryer and evenly warm the back cover for 2-3 minutes, holding it at a distance of 5-7 cm. Pay special attention to the edges - there is glue. Temperature should not exceed 80°C, otherwise the battery may be damaged!
3. After heating, immediately attach the suction cups to the top and bottom of the lid (not to the camera!). Carefully pull them on yourself - if the lid does not respond, repeat heating for another 1 minute.
Step 2: Faking by a mediator
1. Insert the plastic mediator into the gap between the lid and the body at the charging connector (the weakest point). 2. Slowly drive the mediator along the edge, gradually increasing the gap. Don't try to rip the lid off sharply - so you break the latches!
3. Once the lid starts to move, move the mediator to the top (where the volume buttons are located), where the glue usually holds tighter.
☑️ Check before full removal of the cover
Step 3: Disconnecting the plumes
After removing the cover, you will see several plumes:
- Fingerprint scanner plume (top).
- antenna plume (thin black wire along the left edge).
- The main board plume (wide, in the center).
Carefully unplug them with a mediator or tweezers, pulling on plastic tongues rather than wires! The photo below shows the mounting points:
⚠️ Warning: If you see the battery blowing up (the lid is raised in the center), don't continue disassembling! Bloated Li-ion batteries can ignite if damaged.
💡
If the lid does not respond even after heating, try using a string or guitar string: slash it between the body and the lid and gently "saw" back and forth to cut the glue.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when disassembling the Redmi Note 6 Pro. Here are the most common of them and ways to prevent them:
| Mistake. | Effects of consequences | How to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Use of metal tools | Scratches on the body, damage to plumes | Use only plastic or wooden mediators |
| Overheating by a hairdryer (>80°C) | Deformation of plastic, detachment of the fingerprint sensor | Control the temperature with a thermometer or tactile (the body should be warm, but not hot) |
| Abrupt removal of the lid | Breakage of antenna plumes or fingerprint scanner | Gradually lift the lid, checking resistance |
| Ignoring suction cups | Cracks on the cover due to uneven pressure | Always use 2 suction cups to evenly distribute power |
Another common problem is that the adhesive layer is damaged when you build it, and if you're not planning on using a new adhesive, try not to clean it completely: just remove the dust and press the lid when you build it, and you only need to replace it completely if the lid is not holding or if there are gaps.
What to do if the latch of the cover is broken?
Related: How to properly install the lid back
Building the Redmi Note 6 Pro after repair is as important as disassembling it.
- Make sure all the plumes are connected correctly. The fingerprint scanner plume should click when it's fixed.
- Make sure the battery is flat and not skewed.
- Apply a new glue (for example, B-7000) with a thin layer around the perimeter of the cover, retreating 1-2 mm from the edges.
- Press the lid evenly, starting from the center and moving to the edges. Use a heavy book for additional pressure for 10-15 minutes.
After assembly, check the performance:
Turn on your smartphone and make sure the fingerprint scanner is working.
Check the network signal (if the antenna plume is damaged, communication will not be available).
- Connect the charging - if the connector does not hold, it may have moved away during disassembly.
💡
If the lid is playing or moving around the edges after assembly, then there is not enough glue, in which case, disassemble the smartphone again and apply the glue with a thicker layer.
Alternative methods of disassembly
If you don’t have a hair dryer or mediators, alternative methods can be used, but they are less reliable:
- 🧊 Freeze method: Put your smartphone in the freezer for 15 to 20 minutes. The glue will become brittle and the lid will be removed easier. Risk: condensation can damage the board.
- 🧴 Glue solvent: Apply some isopropyl alcohol around the perimeter of the lid and wait 5 minutes.The glue will soften but may remain on your hands.
- 🔪 A rounded blade knife, only for the experienced, suitable if there is no mediator, but there is a high risk of scratching the body.
These methods should only be used as a last resort, for example, freezing can help if the hair dryer is not available, but after it, be sure to dry your smartphone in rice or silica gel for at least 12 hours.
When is the best time to contact the service?
Despite the apparent simplicity, disassembly of the Redmi Note 6 Pro is not always justified at home.
- 🔋 Battery is bloated or leaking (risk of fire!).
- 📡 The antenna plumes are off (requires rationing).
- 💧 Smartphone fell into the water (needs a full diagnosis of oxidation).
- 🔧 You have never held a screwdriver in your hands (the risk of damage exceeds the savings).
The cost of dismantling in the service usually does not exceed 500-1000 ₽, But you get a warranty for work, and if you disassemble a smartphone to replace a battery, the savings are huge, and a new battery will cost you between 2000 and 3000. ₽, a self-replacement - in 800-1500 ₽ (battery price for AliExpress).