Disassembly Xiaomi Redmi 4X: how to open the case without damage

The Xiaomi Redmi 4X (codenamed santoni) is one of the most popular budget smartphones of 2017, but even after years, it remains popular among users. Reasons for disassembling the case can be different: replacing the battery, cleaning from dust, repairing plumes or even upgrading internal memory. However, the design of the Redmi 4X has its own peculiarities – there is no removable back cover, and the body is glued around the perimeter, which means that careless actions can lead to cracks of plastic, damage to plumes or even failure of the display.

In this article, we will discuss how to properly open the Xiaomi Redmi 4X, what tools you will need, and what to look for to avoid typical errors. We will also look at alternative methods (such as heating the glue with a hairdryer) and give recommendations for reverse assembly. If you have never disassembled a smartphone before, don’t worry: with due care, the procedure is available even for beginners.

Preparation for disassembly: tools and materials

Before you start opening the Redmi 4X, make sure you have everything you need, and the lack of the right tools is the main cause of damage to the body or internal components.

• 🔧 Plastic mediators or shoulder blades (2-3 pieces) - for careful putting of the lid. Metal tools can scratch the plastic.
• 🔥 Dryer or thermo-air station - for softening the glue (temperature 60-80)°C) Even a household hair dryer at maximum power will work.
• 🧲 Suction cups (optional) - help lift the cover after heating the glue. You can use suction cups for car windows.
• ⚡ Screwdriver. T3 (Torx - for unscrewing screws under the lid. In some versions, screws may occur. T2.
• 📦 The screw container is designed to keep the small parts intact.
• 🧴 Isopropyl alcohol (90%+) — Acetone or solvents should not be used to clean glue residues!

If you are planning to replace a battery or other components, prepare spare parts in advance. For the Redmi 4X, 4100 mAh batteries labeled BM47 (original) or analogues from proven manufacturers (for example, Baseus or Remax) will suit.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use knives, screwdrivers or other sharp objects to lick the lid! 4X If you don't have plastic mediators, you can use a guitar transmitter or a bank card temporarily (but with caution).

Step 1: Turn off your smartphone and remove the tray SIM-map

The first and mandatory step is to shut down the power completely. Even if the battery is dead, always turn off the Redmi 4X before disassembling, which will prevent short circuits from accidentally touching the contacts.

Next, remove the tray for SIM-map:

1. Insert a paper clip or a special key into the hole on the upper edge of the case.
2. Press until you click - the tray will be pushed automatically.
3. Take it out carefully and put it aside.

This step is important because the tray can interfere with the lid under the lid in the area of antenna lines.

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If the tray is jammed, don't put too much effort into it! grease the hole with silicone lubricant droplets (such as WD-40) and try again after 5 minutes.

Step 2: Heat the glue layer (required!)

The Redmi 4X is glued all around the perimeter, and trying to open it to the cold almost always ends in cracks.

1. Set the hair dryer at 60-80°C (if you have an adjustment), and the household hair dryer usually produces 50-60°C at maximum power, which is enough.
2. Direct the hot air to the edges of the case, especially around the power and volume buttons. Keep the hair dryer at a distance of 5-7 cm to avoid overheating the plastic.
3. Warm up each side for 1-2 minutes, moving the hair dryer evenly. Don't stay in one place too long!
4. After heating, try to gently apply the cover with a plastic mediator, and if it does not respond, repeat heating for another 30 to 60 seconds.

The alternative is to use a thermomatic (if any) setting a temperature of 70°C and putting the smartphone down for 3-5 minutes, which is more uniform but requires special equipment.

⚠️ Warning: Don't use oven, microwave or open fire! overheating above 90°C can damage the battery, display or motherboard. also avoid direct hot air on the camera or speakers.

Step 3: Careful separation of the back cover

After warming up, start removing the lid. Start at the bottom of the case (near the microUSB connector), as there are fewer plumes.

Insert a plastic mediator into the slot at the microUSB| connector

Carefully run the mediator along the lower edge |

Push the corner of the cover and raise it by 1-2 mm|

Repeat the procedure on the sides, avoiding the button area |

Disconnect the cover completely, starting from the bottom-->

The main difficulties arise in the area:

• 🔊 Dynamics and microphone - there are plumes that can be accidentally torn off.
• 📷 Cameras – when lifting the lid, do not press the module, otherwise it may move.
• 🔋 Battery: If the lid is glued too tight, don't pull it by force. Better reheat the glue.

If the lid doesn't lend itself anywhere, don't put too much effort into it. Go back to the dryer warm-up or check if there are any latches left unnoticed. There are no latches in the Redmi 4X, but sometimes the glue is held unevenly.

Step 4: Unscrew the screws and remove the metal frame

When you take the back cover off, you'll see a metal frame that covers the internal components, and it's mounted on 12 Torx T3 screws, and this is how you can unscrew them properly.

Tips for working with screws:

• 🔩 Use a magnetic screwdriver so that the screws do not fall out.
• 📸 Take a picture of the location of the screws before unscrewing - this will help with reverse assembly.
• 🔧 If the screw doesn't unscrew, don't force it! WD-40 And wait 5 minutes.

Once you unscrew all the screws, carefully remove the metal frame. It can stick to the body, in which case, sway it slightly from side to side. Don't push the frame with sharp objects so as not to bend!

Step 5: Turn off the battery and plumes

Before any manipulation of the internal components, be sure to turn off the battery! even a switched-off smartphone can get a short circuit when touching the motherboard.

The battery in the Redmi 4X is attached to duct tape to disconnect it.

1. Put a plastic spatula on the battery connector and gently disconnect it from the motherboard.
2. If the battery is swelling, don't try to remove it by force. It's dangerous.
3. To completely remove the battery, pull the black tape (traction strap) or tuck the battery with a plastic card, preheating with a glue dryer.

Then turn off the plumes (if you need a deeper disassembly):

• 📱 Display plume - the widest, located at the top of the board.
• 🔊 Dynamic plume - thin, next to the microUSB connector.
• 📷 The camera plume is small, covered with a metal cover.

The plumes are fixed by the latches -- lift them up, then carefully pull the plume out. Don't pull the wires!

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If you're not planning to replace the display or the motherboard, you don't have to turn off the plumes, so you just disconnect the battery and remove the metal frame to access most of the components.

Reverse Assembly: How to Avoid Mistakes

Building the Redmi 4X after disassembly requires a little bit of care.

1. Check all the plumes - they should be tightly inserted into the connectors, and the latches are lowered down.
2. Make sure the screws are screwed into their places. Mixed screws can damage the board!
3. Apply the new glue to the lid, and you'll get a 3M 9448A double-sided tape or a B-7000 liquid glue (a thin layer).
4. Check the buttons, they should be pressed without jamming, and if the button fails, maybe the lid hasn't sat tight.

After assembly, turn on the smartphone and check:

• 🔋 Charging (connect the charger).
• 📶 Network and Wi-Fi (Make sure antennas are not damaged).
• 🔊 Sound in the speaker and microphone.
• 📷 Camera operation (take a test shot).

If something does not work, take the smartphone apart again and check the connection of the plumes.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the Redmi 4X disassembly