Xiaomi 12 Rear Glass Replacement

Introduction

Use this guide to replace the rear glass on your Xiaomi 12.

You'll need replacement adhesive for the rear glass in order to complete this repair.

Retaining water resistance after the repair will depend on how well you reapply the adhesive, but your device will lose its IP (Ingress Protection) rating.

What you need

Step 1 Loosen the rear glass adhesive

Xiaomi 12 Rear Glass Replacement, Loosen the rear glass adhesive: step 1, image 1 of 1

Allow your phone's battery to fully drain before starting repairs. A charged battery may catch fire if damaged during the repair.
Unplug any cables and fully shut down your phone.
Prepare an iOpener and apply it to the rear glass for two minutes to loosen the adhesive underneath.
A hair dryer, heat gun, or hot plate may also be used, but be careful not to overheat the phone—the display and internal battery are both susceptible to heat damage.

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Step 2 Insert an opening pick

Xiaomi 12 Rear Glass Replacement, Insert an opening pick: step 2, image 1 of 3

Xiaomi 12 Rear Glass Replacement, Insert an opening pick: step 2, image 2 of 3

Xiaomi 12 Rear Glass Replacement, Insert an opening pick: step 2, image 3 of 3

The adhesive securing the rear glass is strong, and creating a gap requires significant force. If you're having trouble, apply more heat and try again.
If your rear glass is badly cracked, covering it with a layer of clear packing tape may allow the suction handle to adhere. Alternatively, very strong tape may be used instead of the suction handle. If all else fails, you can superglue the suction handle to the broken rear glass.
Apply a suction handle to the center of the rear glass's bottom edge, as close to the edge as possible.
Pull up on the suction handle with strong, steady force to create a gap between the rear glass and frame.
Insert an opening pick where the charging port is located.

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Step 3 Slice the bottom edge adhesive

Xiaomi 12 Rear Glass Replacement, Slice the bottom edge adhesive: step 3, image 1 of 2

Xiaomi 12 Rear Glass Replacement, Slice the bottom edge adhesive: step 3, image 2 of 2

During the following steps, don't insert your pick more than 4 mm to avoid damaging internal components.
Slide the opening pick to the bottom right corner of the rear glass to slice its adhesive.
Leave the opening pick in place to prevent the adhesive from resealing.

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Step 4 Insert a second opening pick

Xiaomi 12 Rear Glass Replacement, Insert a second opening pick: step 4, image 1 of 2

Xiaomi 12 Rear Glass Replacement, Insert a second opening pick: step 4, image 2 of 2

Insert a second opening pick at the bottom right corner and slide it to the bottom left corner of the rear glass to slice the adhesive.
Leave the opening pick in place to prevent the adhesive from resealing.

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Step 5 Slice the left edge adhesive

Xiaomi 12 Rear Glass Replacement, Slice the left edge adhesive: step 5, image 1 of 3

Xiaomi 12 Rear Glass Replacement, Slice the left edge adhesive: step 5, image 2 of 3

Xiaomi 12 Rear Glass Replacement, Slice the left edge adhesive: step 5, image 3 of 3

If the adhesive becomes hard to cut, apply your iOpener for 1–2 minutes or use a hair dryer or heat gun to reheat it.
Insert a third opening pick under the bottom left corner of the rear glass.
Slide the opening pick along the left edge of the rear glass to slice the adhesive.
Leave the opening pick in the top left corner to prevent the adhesive from resealing.

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Step 6 Slice the top edge adhesive

Xiaomi 12 Rear Glass Replacement, Slice the top edge adhesive: step 6, image 1 of 2

Xiaomi 12 Rear Glass Replacement, Slice the top edge adhesive: step 6, image 2 of 2

Insert a fourth opening pick under the top left corner of the rear glass.
Slide the opening pick along the top edge of the phone to slice the adhesive.
Leave the opening pick in the top right corner to prevent the adhesive from resealing.

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Step 7 Slice the right edge adhesive

Xiaomi 12 Rear Glass Replacement, Slice the right edge adhesive: step 7, image 1 of 2

Xiaomi 12 Rear Glass Replacement, Slice the right edge adhesive: step 7, image 2 of 2

Insert a fifth opening pick under the top right corner of the rear glass and slide it to the bottom right corner to slice the remaining adhesive.

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Step 8 Remove the rear glass

Xiaomi 12 Rear Glass Replacement, Remove the rear glass: step 8, image 1 of 2

Xiaomi 12 Rear Glass Replacement, Remove the rear glass: step 8, image 2 of 2

Remove the rear glass.
If the rear glass is still stuck to the frame, slide an opening pick around the entire perimeter until the rear glass separates completely.
During reassembly:
This is a good point to power on your phone and test all functions before sealing it up. Be sure to power your phone back down completely before you continue working.
During reassembly, secure the rear glass with pre-cut adhesive or double-sided tape after cleaning the relevant areas with high-concentration isopropyl alcohol (>90%) and a lint-free cloth.
After installing the rear glass, apply strong, steady pressure to your phone for several minutes to help the adhesive form a good bond—a stack of heavy books works well.