Xiaomi’s Redmi line of smartphones is well-deservedly known for their reliability, but even the most resistant devices require replacement of consumables over time. The battery is one of the main components, the resource of which is limited by the number of charging cycles. If your Redmi 5 began to quickly discharge, turn off in the cold or swelled up, then it’s time to replace.
The power extraction procedure in this model has its own characteristics, which distinguish it from modern devices with glass backs. The design of Redmi 5 involves the use of a metal casing, which requires accuracy in opening, but greatly simplifies access to internal components compared to glued monoblocks. You do not need thermophene or complex solvents of adhesive.
In this guide, we will take a detailed look at each step of dismantling, with a focus on the safety and safety of the plumes. Careful adherence to the algorithm of actions will avoid accidental damage to the board or break contacts. Even if you pick up a screwdriver for electronic repair for the first time, a clear understanding of the sequence of operations will help to successfully complete the procedure.
Tools and workplace preparation required
Before you start dismantling Xiaomi Redmi 5, you need to organize a comfortable and safe space to work. The lighting should be bright so that you can distinguish between the smallest screws and connectors on the motherboard. The absence of dust and foreign objects on the table minimizes the risk of losing small parts.
To do a task successfully, you'll need a minimum set of specialized tools. Using inappropriate items like kitchen knives or thick needles can cause damage to the body or injury. A quality tool is the key to clean repairs.
Here is a list of things to prepare in advance:
- 🔧 Set of screwdrivers with cross nozzles (PH00 or PH000) hull-screw.
- 🎴 Plastic blade (mediator) for careful snapping of latches without scratches.
- 🧲 Magnetic mat or container for sorting screws so as not to confuse them when assembly.
- 🔦 Lantern or magnifier to inspect internal components for hidden damage.
⚠️ Warning: Before starting any work, be sure to completely turn off the smartphone. Attempting to remove the battery when power is on can lead to a short circuit and failure of the power controller.
It is also recommended to discharge the device to a level of 25-30% before disassembly. A fully charged lithium polymer battery is more prone to fire in the event of mechanical damage, which makes it potentially dangerous.
Dismantling of back cover and screws of attachment
The Redmi 5 is structurally different from many modern smartphones in that the back cover is not glued here, but is fixed on the latches around the perimeter. This greatly simplifies access to the insides, but requires the right effort.
Carefully insert a plastic blade into the junction between the frame and the back cover. Do not use metal objects, as they can damage antenna inserts or scratch metal. Move the tool along the side faces, listening to the characteristic clicks of the breakaway locks.
The secret to a successful autopsy
Once the lid is removed, you'll see a metal screen that covers most of the components, and it's mounted with multiple screws, and the number and location of these can vary depending on the board revision, but they're usually around. 10-12 piece.
Unscrew all the visible screws that fix the metal plate. Notice the screws hidden under stickers or stubs, if any, fold them into a separate cell marked "screen."
Disabling the plumes and removing the protective screen
After removing all the screws, the metal plate can still hold in place. That's fine, because the plumes of the display and touchscreen go underneath and are connected to the board.
Lift the plate slightly from the bottom (on the charging connector side) to access the connector area, and you'll see several connections closed by metal clamps or plastic plugs, bend them carefully if necessary.
Use a plastic blade or nail to turn off the plumes. The movement should be directed upwards from the board. Don't swing the connectors from side to side so as not to break the contacts.
- 🔌 Main display plume (wide connector).
- 📱 The touchscreen plume (located next to the display).
- 📡 Antenna cable (thin wire going to the bottom of the board).
Only after all communications are turned off can the metal screen be completely removed, and now the motherboard is open, and you can see the battery connector, which is usually located at the bottom or middle of the board, depending on the layout.
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The rule of thumb in this phase is not to use excessive force, and if something doesn't go off, you've forgotten to unscrew some screw or turn off a hidden plume.
Battery Removal: A Step-by-Step Algorithm
Now that the battery is open, you can start removing it, and unlike the older models, the Redmi 5 doesn't stick it to the body, but it's held by a plastic frame and the pressure of the components, but it can be fixed with double-sided tape.
The first thing you do is to disconnect the battery connector from the motherboard, find the connector, gently slap it with a plastic blade, and click it off, and make sure the device is completely de-energized.
Follow the instructions in the checklist to avoid missing important details of the process:
☑️ Battery recovery process
If the battery is sitting tight, don't try to pull it by the wires or connector, which will cause the contacts to break, insert a plastic card or spatula under the end of the battery, and slowly move it away from the body. If you feel the resistance of the glue, slightly warm the case on the front side (screen down on a warm surface) to 40-50 degrees.
When you extract it, you should pay attention to the state of the battery itself, because bloating, deformation or the presence of white crystals of the electrolyte indicate that the cell requires immediate disposal, and you should work with a damaged battery with gloves.
Diagnostics of battery status and replacement
Once you've managed to get the battery out of the Xiaomi Redmi 5, do a visual inspection of it, put it on a flat surface, and try to spin it, and if the battery spins like a yule, it's swelling and it's getting bigger.
For a new battery, also do a first multimeter test if possible: the voltage at the contacts of the new battery should be about 3.7-3.8 Volts. If the voltage is much lower (less than 3.0 V), the battery could be in storage for a long time and requires "rocking" or replacement.
When installing a new power supply, follow the following rules:
- 🧹 Carefully clean the seat in the case of dust, pile and remnants of old glue with an alcohol napkin.
- 🔋 Make sure the contacts on the new battery and board are clean and not oxidized.
- 🔌 Connect the battery plume before installing it in the niche to check the operability.
⚠️ Warning: Never puncture or bend the battery. Damage to the inner lining can cause instant lithium to ignite. If the battery starts to smoke or hiss, immediately place it in a non-combustible container with sand.
Replacing the battery is not just a mechanical procedure, but also the ability to clean the speaker and vibrator from dust that often accumulates in the bottom of the case.
Device assembly and initial start
You do the reverse assembly. You put the new battery in the niche, make sure it's flat and it doesn't stick out. You plug the connector into the motherboard before you click it, and you can check the system's performance without putting the whole body together.
Press the power button. If the screen catches fire and the Mi logo appears, the replacement is successful. If the phone doesn't respond, check the density of the battery plume and the main display. Sometimes the contact doesn't fully enter the connector the first time.
The table below will help you compare symptoms and possible causes of problems after assembly:
| Symptoms. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Phone's off. | Not connected battery plume or discharged new battery | Reconnect the connector, set on charging for 30 minutes |
| Touchscreen's not working. | Damaged or not connected to the touch screen plume | Check the connection and integrity of the plume |
| Phone says "Battery Bloating" | Controller error or new battery failure | Reset the device, check the voltage |
| Weak signal from the network | Antenna cable is not connected | Connect a thin coaxial cable to the board |
If everything works correctly, stack the plumes carefully so they don't clamp. Set the metal screen in place, twist all the screws. Pay attention to the length of the screws: long screws can't be screwed into short holes, it can damage the board.
Close the back cover, pressing the perimeter until the latches click. Don't be afraid to press hard enough, but evenly.
Calibration of the new battery
Once the Redmi 5 is successfully replaced and assembled, it is recommended that a calibration procedure be performed to help the system correctly display the percentage of charge and prolong the life of the new element. Modern controllers are smart, but manual calibration will not be unnecessary.
Put the phone on charge when it's off until it reaches 100%. After the full charge indicator lights up, wait another 1-2 hours. Then turn on the phone without turning off the charger, and make sure the charge level is still 100%.
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To extend the life of a new battery, try not to discharge the phone to zero regularly. The optimal range of lithium-ion batteries is from 20% to 80%.
After that, you can use your smartphone in normal mode. The first couple of charging and discharging cycles can go wrong (the phone can quickly sit down or hold on for a long time at 1%), this is normal for flashing the battery memory controller.
Now your Xiaomi Redmi 5 is ready to work with an updated power source again, and caution when disassembling and using quality components guarantees a long service of the device.