The Xiaomi Redmi Note 5, also known as Whyred, has earned its status as a “people’s” device due to its balance between price and performance. However, time is inexorable: after several years of active use, even the highest-quality lithium polymer battery loses its capacity, leading to rapid discharge and unexpected shutdowns.
Many users who are faced with the problem of a “puffy” battery or the device only from the network, think about going to the service center. However, replacing the battery in this model is a procedure that is quite affordable for self-implementation with basic skills and a minimum set of tools. Properly carried out procedure will not only return the phone to its former autonomy, but also prolong the life of the motherboard, eliminating the risks of bloating the old battery.
In this detailed guide, we will look at all the steps of replacement, from choosing a quality energy donor to the final calibration of the system, and we will focus on the nuances of disassembly of the case, which often become a barrier for beginners, and consider typical errors that can lead to damage to plumes.
Diagnosis and selection of components
Before disassembling the device, you need to make sure that the problem lies in the physical wear of the battery, and not in the software failure or malfunction of the power controller. The critical indicator is not only the percentage of remaining charge, but also the voltage under load. If the phone turns off at 20-30% charge or the case in the rear is markedly deformed, replacement is inevitable.
When choosing a new battery for the Redmi Note 5, it is important to focus on the original BN46 marking.The market is oversaturated with cheap counterparts that may not only not improve the situation, but also damage the charge controller.The original capacity is 4000 mAh, and any significant deviations in the large side on the sticker without changing the dimensions should be suspicious.
Pay attention to the presence of a protective chip on the end of the battery. In budget copies, this element is often missing or poorly made, which creates a risk of overheating. A quality battery should have a clear laser engraved production date, since storing lithium cells for more than 6-8 months without recharging leads to their irreversible degradation.
⚠️ Warning: Never use a ballooned battery. Even a slight mechanical impact or puncture can cause an instantaneous ignition of the electrolyte. If the battery is too inflated and prevents the case from closing, remove it as carefully as possible without squeezing it.
To make a successful repair, you'll need not only the battery itself, but also the right glue. Unlike modern smartphones with factory-made moisture protection, which use a special sealant, the Redmi Note 5 will be best suited for a B-7000 or E-8000 glue that remains elastic after drying, allowing the body to reopen without damage if necessary.
Tools and workplace preparation required
Well-designed workspaces are key to successful repairs. You'll need a clean, well-lit surface, preferably with a static mat, to avoid damage to electronics by static discharge. All small screws should be sorted immediately by disassembly stages, as they can vary in length and threading.
The basic battery replacement toolkit includes:
- 🔧 Set of screwdrivers (cross-haired) PH000 Torx T5) — cock-wheel.
- 🎴 Plastic blades and mediators - for safe opening of the cover and disconnection of plumes.
- 🌡️ Thermophen or heating pad - to soften the glue under the back cover.
- 🧲 Magnetic mat or organizer - for systematization of fasteners.
- 🧴 Clay. B-7000 and rubber rings for final assembly.
Pay special attention to the heating element. Using an open flame or too high a temperature of the thermophen can damage the LCD screen, which in this model is glued to the frame, or melt the plastic elements of the body. The optimal temperature of warming the back cover is 80-90 degrees Celsius.
☑️ Preparation for repairs
The process of disassembling the Redmi Note 5 body
Starting with the removal of the tray for SIM-This is a must-see step that is often overlooked, which can cause the tray to break or damage the internal contacts when you try to remove the back cover.
The back cover of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 is made of plastic and glued around the perimeter. Warm up the edges of the device with a thermophen for 2-3 minutes. Don't hold the hair dryer at one point for too long to not melt the plastic. You can see that the glue has warmed up by the slight smell and softening of the structure.
Using a suction cup, lift the bottom corner of the lid and insert a thin plastic blade. Drive the tool along the perimeter, gradually snapping the plastic latches. Movements should be sliding, parallel to the plane of the screen, so as not to damage the side antenna plumes that can be glued to the lid.
Nuances of working with a plastic case
Once you remove the lid, you'll have access to the insides, the motherboard, the speaker and the charging connector at the bottom, and the battery and the main camera at the top, and you'll need to remove the lower pinch bar attached to the battery with multiple screws.
Dismantling an old battery and installing a new one
The first step after you get access to the insides is to disconnect the battery plume from the motherboard, which is a critical safety step: any manipulation inside the case with the battery connected can short-circuit. Use a plastic blade to neatly disconnect the connector.
The battery in the Redmi Note 5 is double-sided tape, you can't use metal objects to extract it, the best method is to use a thin line or a special hood, you can squeeze the line under the battery on the bottom and gently cut the glue with sawing movements.
If you use a heating method to weaken the glue under the battery, be very careful. It is forbidden to heat the battery itself, it can cause it to ignite. You can only heat the metal frame of the case on the back of the battery, and then very carefully.
| Parameter | Original BN46 | Quality copy | Cheap analogue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4,000mAh (real) | 3800-4000 mAh | 2500-3000 mAh |
| Weight. | ~63-65 grams | ~60-65 grams | Less than 55 grams |
| Marking | Clear laser | Sealing clear | Lubricated or sticker |
| Controller | TI / O2Micro | Analogues | Missing or plain |
Once you remove the old element, clear the seat of glue residue. Install the new battery, making sure the connector is properly positioned. Be sure to check before you stick it: plug the plume and press the power button. If the phone responds, you can continue building.
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To securely lock the new battery, not only use perimeter glue, but also two strips of double-sided tape in the center, which will prevent the battery from moving during falls and vibrations.
Device assembly and battery calibration
The assembly process is reversed. Set the bottom down bar and twist all the screws. Pay attention to the length of the screws: longer screws usually go in corners or in the center, and placing them in the wrong holes can damage the board from the bottom.
Apply a thin layer of B-7000 glue to the end of the body around the perimeter. Avoid getting glue on the camera, speaker and connectors. Press the lid and lock the device with a few money bands or special clips for 30-60 minutes before the initial grasp of the glue.
Once the phone is turned on, the system may not immediately correctly display battery power. To calibrate the new battery, it is recommended to perform a full cycle: discharge the device before switching off (0%), then charge to 100% when switched off, without interrupting the process.
⚠️ Attention: In the first days after replacement, the battery may heat up more than usual. This is the process of forming a chemical layer. However, if the heating is accompanied by the smell of burning or smoke, immediately turn off the device and remove the battery.
To extend the life of a new battery, avoid deep discharges to zero in everyday use. The optimal range of lithium polymer batteries is from 20% to 80-90%. Also try not to use the phone while charging, as this causes additional heating and degradation of chemistry.
Typical errors and troubleshooting
One of the most common problems after replacement is uncertainty. SIM-This could be due to damage to the antenna plume that runs under the battery or attaches to the back cover.
If the phone turns on but doesn't charge or shows the wrong percentage, the problem may be in the connector. Make sure the plume snaps to the characteristic click sound. Sometimes you need to gently wipe the connector contacts with alcohol or eraser to remove the oxides.
In rare cases, a reset or flashing may be required after a replacement if the power controller has memorized the errors of the old battery, but this is unusual for the Redmi Note 5, and in 99% of cases the problem is solved by correct installation and calibration.
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The main difficulty of replacing the battery in Redmi Note 5 is not the battery itself, but the careful removal of the plastic cover without damaging the antenna plumes and the correct positioning of the new element.