Xiaomi Redmi 5 is a popular smartphone released in 2017, which is still in active use. However, over time, the battery loses capacity, swells or needs to be replaced. If you are faced with the need to remove the battery from this device, it is important to do this carefully: improper disassembly can damage the plumes, display or even short circuit.
In this article, we will take a look at the entire process, from tool preparation to final battery recovery, how to avoid typical errors, what risks exist when self-repairing, and what to do if the battery is swelled or soldered to the board. This guideline is suitable for all Redmi 5 modifications (including Redmi 5A and Redmi 5 Plus), but keep in mind the nuances of the particular model.
Preparation for disassembly: tools and security measures
Before you start removing the battery, make sure you have everything you need, and not even one tool can make it difficult or break.
- 🔧 Plastic mediators (2-3 pcs) - for safe smearing of the case and disconnection of plumes.
- 🔨 The screwdriver (PH00 or PH0) — screw-twisting.
- 🔥 Hair dryer or thermo-air station - if the battery is glued (temperature 60-80)°C).
- 🧲 Magnetic mat or container – to avoid losing small screws.
- 🧴 Isopropyl alcohol (90%+) — cleaning contacts after removal.
- 🛡️ Gloves and safety glasses - when working with a bloated battery.
If the battery is swelling, be very careful: it can burst or catch fire. Never pierce a bloated battery or mechanically load it, which can cause a chemical burn or fire. Ideally, repairs should be done in a ventilated room, away from flammable objects.
⚠️ Warning: If the phone body shows signs of deformity (bulge, crack), and the battery is very bloated - do not try to remove it yourself.
Step 1: Turning off and discharging the phone
Before disassembling the Xiaomi Redmi 5, you need to turn it off completely and, if possible, discharge the battery to 20-30%, which will reduce the risk of short circuit when disconnecting contacts. If the phone does not respond to the power button (for example, due to a bloated battery), try to hold it for 10-15 seconds or connect the charger – sometimes this helps to “wake up” the device.
If the battery is low to 0%, but the phone is still not turning on, don't panic: this is normal for badly worn batteries. The main thing is to make sure that the device is not in charge mode during disassembly. The connected charger can become a source of voltage on the board, which is dangerous when manipulating plumes.
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If the phone doesn’t turn off because of a crash, try pressing the Power + Volume buttons up for 20-30 seconds, which will force the power out on most Xiaomi devices.
Step 2: Removal of the back cover
The Redmi 5 case is latched and glued together, so it takes patience to open it. Start by heating the back with a hair dryer (temperature no higher than 80°C) for 1-2 minutes, which will soften the glue and make it easier.
- Insert a plastic mediator into the gap between the case and the screen (start at the bottom edge where the connectors are located).
- Carefully drive the mediator along the perimeter, alternately cracking the clamps. Don't put too much effort into it - the plastic is fragile!
- Once the lid starts to give in, remove it completely, starting at the top (there is an NFC antenna, if you have one in your model).
If the lid doesn't lend itself, don't try to rip it off, because it can damage the fingerprint scanner plume (if any) or the antenna contacts. Reheat and try again. In some cases, using a suction cup for initial suction helps.
What to do if the lid is cracked?
Step 3: Disconnecting the plumes and batteries
When you take the lid off, you'll see the battery covered with black film, and before you touch the battery, unplug the plumes.
- Unscrew the screws that fix the metal plate above the plumes (usually 4-5 pieces).
- Carefully put the battery plume, display and power buttons on the plastic mediator. Don't pull the wires!
- If the plumes are "stiffened", shake them a little left-right, but do not apply force.
Now we can start removing the battery, and in Redmi 5, it's glued to the body with double-sided tape, so that it can be removed.
- 🔥 Heat the battery with a hairdryer (do not direct the airflow to the board!).
- 🧊 Put the battery with a plastic shovel on the side where there are no plumes.
- 🔄 Gradually separate the battery, putting it on one side or the other. If it doesn't respond, repeat the heating.
⚠️ Warning: If the battery starts to bubble or hiss when heated, stop immediately! These are signs of a chemical reaction.
Phone's off and discharged.|Battery plume disconnected|Tools at hand|The workplace is lit and free from foreign objects-->
Table: Comparison of battery recovery methods
| Method | Pluses | Cons | Recommendations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heating with a hair dryer | Softens glue, reduces the risk of battery damage | It requires care, you can overheat the fee. | Use a temperature of 60–80°C, keep the hair dryer at a distance of 5–10 cm. |
| Use of solvent (isopropyl alcohol) | Effectively dissolves glue, suitable for "stiff" batteries | Can damage rubber seals, takes time to dry out | Apply alcohol with a pipette on the edges of the battery, avoid hitting the board |
| Mechanical undermining (without heating) | Quickly, it does not require additional tools. | High risk of battery or plume damage | Use only if the battery is not glued strongly (rarely for the Redmi 5) |
| Special devices (suction cups, levers) | Minimizes the risk of damage, suitable for beginners | Requires buying tools, not always effectively | Use it with heating for better results |
What to do if the battery is soldered?
In rare cases (usually after unskilled repairs), the battery can be soldered to the board, which complicates the process, because it requires working with a soldering iron. If you do not have experience in soldering, you should contact the service.
- Disconnect all the plumes and remove the metal screen from the board.
- Find soldering points (usually B+ and B- contacts on the board).
- Use a 30-40 watt soldering iron with a thin sting. Heat the contact and gently tuck the battery in.
- After the puffing, clean the contacts with alcohol and check the board for short circuit with a multimeter.
If you accidentally close contacts when soldering, the phone may stop turning on, which will require a card diagnosis for burnt-out items (such as the PMIC power controller). For Redmi 5, this is a common problem with sloppy battery operation.
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If the battery is soldered and there is no soldering experience, don't risk it. The cost of repairing the board after a failed soldering may exceed the price of the phone itself.
Installation of a new battery and assembly of the phone
After successfully removing the old battery, install the new one by following the reverse algorithm:
- Check the contacts of the new battery for no contamination (clean with alcohol if necessary).
- Stick bilateral tape (usually bundled with battery) or use the original glue.
- Connect the battery plume to the board and lock it with a latch.
- Make sure the battery is flat, without any distortion.
When assembling the body, make sure that:
- 📶 The antenna contacts (upper) were not bent.
- 🔄 Fingerprint scanner plume (if any) not twisted.
- 🔋 The battery does not press on the board (this can lead to a short circuit).
After assembly, turn on the phone and check: Settings → Battery status. If the capacity is displayed correctly and the phone is charging, the repair was successful. If the battery is not detected, check the density of the plume or contact the service for diagnostics of the power controller.