Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 is one of the most popular smartphones of the brand, but over time its battery loses capacity. If you notice that the phone quickly discharges, suddenly turns off or the case is blown up, it's time to think about replacing the battery. However, it's not so easy to remove the battery from this model: the manufacturer did not provide a removable back cover, and the battery is glued to the case. In this article, we will discuss how to safely dismantle the battery, what tools you will need and what to look for to avoid damaging the phone.
It's important to understand that Redmi Note 4 (codenamed mido) has a non-shattered body, and any interference is unwarranted (if it's still valid). If you're not sure about your skills, you'd better go to the service center. But if you decide to act on your own, follow the instructions carefully to avoid short circuits, damage to plumes or battery rupture.
Preparation: what will be needed for the disassembly
Before you start, gather all the necessary tools and materials, without which the process can result in damage to the phone or injury.
- π§ Plastic blades (or mediators) - for careful liding and disconnection of plumes.
- βοΈ Cross screwdriver (size) PH00 or PH0) β screw-twisting.
- π₯ Dryer or thermo-air station - for softening the glue under the battery (temperature 60-80)Β°C).
- π§΄ Isopropyl alcohol (90%+) β glue-residue.
- π§² Suction - will help to raise the screen after heating.
- π‘οΈ Gloves and safety glasses β the battery can ignite if damaged.
Also, prepare your workspace: a clean desk with good lighting, no carpets or fabrics that can electrify. Put your phone on a soft substrate (like a silicone mat) so you don't scratch the case. If you don't have any disassembly experience, practice on an old phone or watch video instructions, this will help you avoid mistakes.
Step 1: Shutting off power and removing the back cover
The first step is to completely shut down the phone, and even if the battery is dead, there may be a voltage in the circuits.
- Turn off the Redmi Note 4 with a long press on the power button.
- Remove the tray for SIM-cards (use a paper clip or special key).
- Wait 5-10 minutes β this will help discharge the residual current in the capacitors.
Now we're going to take the back cover off, and it's attached to the latches and the glue, so you're going to be careful.
- π₯ Heat the edge of the lid with a hair dryer (do not direct air flow to the screen or battery!).
- π³οΈ Insert a plastic blade into the gap between the lid and the case (start at the bottom corner where the charging connector is).
- π Carefully drive the blade along the edge, snapping the clamps. Don't force it -- if the lid doesn't lend itself, warm it up again.
β οΈ Warning: Do not use metal tools - they can scratch the body or close contacts. If the lid is cracked, do not continue disassembling: fragments can damage the internal components.
Heat the edges with a hairdryer (60β80Β°C)
Use only plastic blades
Start at the bottom corner (near the USB-port)
Do not use force when breaking the clamps-->
Step 2: Disconnecting the plumes and batteries
When you take the lid off, you'll see the insides of the phone. First rule: before you touch anything, unplug the battery. In Redmi Note 4, it's connected through a connector on the motherboard.
How to find the connector:
- π It is located at the top of the battery, under a black protective tape.
- π²οΈ Carefully tuck the tape with a plastic spatula and bend it back.
- π The connector is usually red or orange, slap it with a spatula and unplug it (don't pull the wires!).
Now you can turn off the other plumes:
- π± Screen plume - wide flexible cable at the bottom of the board.
- π Dynamic plume - a thin wire at the bottom edge.
- π· Camera plumes - two small connectors at the top.
β οΈ Warning: If the battery is turned off, the phone still turns on when you press the power button, there's a voltage somewhere!
π‘
Take a picture of the location of the plumes before disconnecting - this will help to connect them back correctly.
Step 3: Battery Removal β Methods and Risks
The battery in Redmi Note 4 is glued to the body with double-sided tape. Do not try to pull it out by force, it can cause the shell to burst and fire. There are two safe ways:
Method 1: Heating and smacking
The most common method is that you'll need a hair dryer and a plastic card (or mediator).
- π₯ Heat the battery with a hairdryer (temperature 70β80)Β°C) for 2-3 minutes. The glue will become softer.
- π Insert the plastic card under the battery from any angle and carefully drive it along the case.
- π§΄ If the battery fails, drop the isopropyl alcohol under it - it will dissolve the glue.
Method 2: Use of a suction cup (for experienced)
Suitable if the battery is not swelling. You will need a strong suction cup (for example, for glasses).
- π§² Suck yourself in the battery center.
- π Carefully pull up, while putting the edge on a plastic spatula.
- β οΈ Do not apply excessive force β if the battery does not go away, stop and use the first method.
| Method | Pluses | Cons | Risks. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heating + spatula | Suitable for any battery | It requires care. | Overheating can damage the fee |
| Suction cup. | Quick and clean. | Doesn't work on bloated batteries. | Could cut off contacts. |
| Isopropyl alcohol | Dissolves glue without heating | You have to wait 5-10 minutes. | Fuel alcohol vapor |
If the battery is swelling, don't try to remove it yourself - the risk of fire is too high, in such cases it is better to contact a service that uses special tools and protected boxes.
π‘
Never prick the battery with sharp objects β even a small damage can cause a short circuit and fire.
Step 4: Install a new battery and build your phone
After removing the old battery, clean the case of glue residues with isopropyl alcohol. Make sure there is no dust or debris at the installation site - they can damage the new battery.
When installing a new battery:
- π Check that the connector matches the socket on the board.
- π Carefully put the battery in place without overbending the plume.
- π Stick it with double-sided tape (usually complete with a new battery).
The phone is assembled in reverse order:
- Connect all the plumes (start with the battery, then the screen, cameras, speaker).
- Make sure that no cables are covered.
- Close the back cover, pressing it until the clips click.
- Turn on the phone and check the performance (charging, sensor, cameras).
β οΈ Warning: If the phone doesn't turn on after assembly, check: Is the battery connector properly connected, is the plumes (especially the screen) damaged, is there any foreign objects (screws, pieces of plastic) left inside).
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when replacing batteries, and here are the most common problems and ways to prevent them:
- π§ Thrown screws -- use a magnetic-tipped screwdriver and don't force it. If the screw doesn't go, drop it. WD-40.
- π₯ Overheating boards - don't point the hair dryer at the chips.
- π₯ Battery damage β if it starts to smoke or gets hot, immediately take the phone outside and do not breathe vapors.
- π΅ The sensor doesn't work after assembly, check if the screen plume is compressed, sometimes it helps to turn off / connect again.
If the phone discharges quickly after battery replacement, there are two possible reasons:
- Battery defective β check its voltage with a multimeter (should be 3.7-4.2 V).
- Problems with the power controller on the board - in this case, repairs are needed in the service.
What if the battery swells during retraction?
Where to buy a high-quality battery for Redmi Note 4
The quality of the new battery depends on how long your phone lasts. Cheap counterparts often have less capacity and fail quickly.
- π Xiaomi Official Service Centers β Guaranteed Original Parts, but More Expensive.
- π Proven online stores (like AliExpress with a seller rating above 98%) Look for batteries labeled with a label. BM43 or BD43 (Original codes for Redmi Note 4).
When choosing, pay attention to:
- π Capacity - must be at least 4100 mAh (original capacity).
- π Production date β fresh batteries (not older than 6 months) hold a charge longer.
- π‘οΈ Protection against overheating and short circuit.
Avoid batteries without labeling or with a suspiciously low price (less than 500 rubles) - they can be dangerous.