How to remove the lid from Xiaomi Redmi Note 7: the full guide

Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 has proven to be one of the most reliable budget devices, but even time-tested devices have breakdowns. Most often, users encounter a broken rear window, which in this model is made of hardened material, but still subject to mechanical damage when falling. The need to remove the cover can also occur when replacing the battery, cleaning the speakers from dust or repairing the main camera module.

The process of removing the back panel requires precision and a specialized tool, because the design involves using a glue layer for sealing. Unlike older models with removable batteries, here the back cover is a non-removable element, and opening it is the first step to the insides of the device. Wrong actions can damage the plumes or chips of the glass, so it is important to strictly follow the algorithm of actions.

In this guide, we will take a detailed look at all the stages of disassembly, pay attention to the nuances of working with adhesive composition and advise you how to avoid common mistakes. Before starting work, make sure that you have free space and good lighting, as some parts require careful visual control.

Tools and workplace preparation required

To properly dismantle the back panel, you will need a minimal but specific set of tools. Use of improvised tools such as knives or pins is strongly discouraged, as there is a high risk of damage to the internal components or injury. The main tool for heating is a dryer (household or building at minimum temperature), which is necessary to soften the adhesive.

The second important element is the suction cups, which allow you to create a vacuum grip on a smooth surface of the glass. If you don't have factory suction cups, you can use special openers for smartphones, but they need to be strong enough, and you need a thin plastic card or a mediator to carefully dissect the adhesive layer around the perimeter.

Don't forget to prepare the screw tank, because the Redmi Note 7 uses different lengths of fasteners, and if you mix them up when you build them, you can damage the motherboard or other components. The workplace should be clean so that small parts don't get lost in the carpet pile or dust.

Before starting heating, be sure to turn off the device. If the screen is broken and does not respond to touch, try pressing the power button for 10-15 seconds to force the shutdown. Working with the device on increases the risk of short circuit if the plumes are accidentally damaged.

Heating of the housing and separation of the rear panel

The most time-consuming step is to soften the adhesive compound that holds the glass around the perimeter. The heat should be done evenly, paying special attention to the edges of the device. Do not hold the hair dryer too close to the surface, the optimal distance is 3-5 centimeters, so as not to overheat the display matrix or battery.

The heating process usually takes 3 to 5 minutes depending on the power of the heat source. Periodically check the temperature of the case with your finger - it should become noticeably hot, but not burning. If the glue is not warmed well enough, when you try to separate the lid, the glass can burst, creating many small sharp fragments.

After warming up, attach the suction cup to the bottom of the back cover, receding about 2-3 centimeters from the edge. Pull the suction cup up, creating a small gap between the glass and the frame. At this point, it is important not to put excessive effort into preventing the glass itself or the display on the back from cracking.

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If you don’t have a hair dryer on hand, you can use a car heating pad or put your phone on a warm (not hot!) battery for 10-15 minutes, periodically flipping it over.

As soon as there is a minimum gap, carefully insert a plastic card or mediator. Do not use metal blades at this stage, as there is a high risk of damage to the fingerprint scanner plume or antenna modules located close to the edges.

Technique of safe opening of the perimeter

After insertion of the first tool, you need to slowly lead it along the side faces, cutting the adhesive layer. The movements should be sliding, parallel to the plane of the smartphone. If you feel strong resistance, stop moving and reheat the area with a hairdryer.

Care should be taken in the upper part of the case, where the plumes are located. Do not enter the tool deeper than 3-4 millimeters to avoid touching the internal components. In the Redmi Note 7 model, the adhesive layer may be uneven, so passing along each edge may require different efforts.

⚠️ Warning: Never try to lift the lid in the center or to pull it off abruptly. The glass must move out evenly, otherwise it will burst under the pressure of the force point.

To make things easier, you can use a thin line or string if the mediators don't pass, and you can turn the line around the corner and lead it around the perimeter with sawing motions, and this is often more effective because the line cuts the glue better without deforming the frame.

When you pass all four sides, the lid should be easy to remove, but don’t rush to put it aside — there may be connected modules inside, although in this model, the fingerprint scanner usually detachs after the main protection is removed.

Dismantling the protective plastic panel and disconnecting the plumes

Under the glass back, there's a plastic frame that covers the bulk of the insides of your smartphone, and it's attached to a lot of screws of different calibers, and you can twist them out with a cross screwdriver of the appropriate size, usually a PH00 or a PH000.

The screws can vary in length and diameter of the cap, and it's very important to be in the order of how they're twisted and folded, and it's best to use a magnetic mat or to draw a pattern of screws on a piece of paper, and then to place them in the appropriate zones.

Once you unscrew all the screws, the plastic lining is removed, and now you have access to the battery and the plumes, and the first thing you need to do is turn off the main board plume, and then gently bend the lock (if you have one) and pull the connector upwards without swinging it from side to side.

If you're planning a complete disassembly, the next step is to turn off the battery plume, which is a critical step to ensure safety in the future. Even after you shut down, the capacitors can still have a charge, so don't touch the circuit board contacts with metal objects.

Replacement of the battery and work with the glue layer

If your goal was to replace the battery, when you remove the protective panel, you'll see the battery itself, which is also glued to the body, use a suction cup and a hair dryer to remove it, or gently swipe it with a plastic blade from the ends. Do not punctur the battery with tools in any case, this can cause fire.

Once the old battery is removed, the residue of the old glue must be cleared from the landing site, which can be done with isopropyl alcohol and a soft wipe, and the surface must be smooth and fat-free to securely fix the new adhesive layer.

Use a special adhesive tape (B-7000 or ready-made body-shaped stickers) to install a new lid or glass. Apply the adhesive with a thin layer, avoiding contact with the camera and sensors. Excess glue, protruding when pressed, is easily removed with a dry wipe before freezing.

When installing a new lid, make sure all the plumes are packed into their channels and not clamped. Carefully align the lid with the frame and press evenly around the perimeter. For better fixation, you can wrap the smartphone with rubber bands for 15-20 minutes.

Assembly of the device and verification of functionality

The reverse order is done. All the plumes are connected first, the density of the plumes is checked, then the plastic safety panel is installed and the screws are twisted, and don't tighten the screws too much so that you don't break the threads in the plastic pillars of the case.

After you've twisted all the screws, check all the modules until you finally stick the back cover, turn on your smartphone and test the touchscreen, speakers, microphone, vibrator and, of course, fingerprint scanner, which will save you time if some plume is not fully connected.

The final step is to glue the back cover. Make sure the adhesive layer is applied evenly. Press the cover and leave the device alone for the time specified in the instructions to the glue (usually 1-2 hours for primary fixation).

⚠️ Warning: If the smartphone doesn't turn on after assembly, don't try to disassemble it again right away. 10-15 Minutes – sometimes a deep discharge takes time to activate the power controller.

Successful replacement of the lid will not only restore the aesthetic appearance of the smartphone, but also restore its protection from dust and moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)