How to Disassemble Xiaomi Redmi 4A: We remove the back cover correctly

Xiaomi Redmi 4A — One of the most popular budget smartphones, released in 2016, but still in use, is being replaced by battery replacement, dust cleaning, repairing connectors, or even replacing the display. The first step in any of these cases is to remove the back cover, which only seems simple, and in practice, the wrong approach can lead to cracks in the plastic, damage to the plumes, or even failure of the switch.

In this article, we will discuss all ways to open the lid on Redmi. 4A — From the classic mediator method to the alternatives with or without heating, you will learn what tools you really need and what you can do without, and you will get step-by-step photos and videos with a breakdown of typical errors. We will pay special attention to hidden latches, which often break when sloppy dismantling, and tell you how to avoid damage to antenna contacts.

If you've never taken a smartphone apart before, don't worry. - Redmi 4A It's actually a little bit more structurally simple than most modern models, and if you do it right, you can take it off without any experience, and the key is to follow the instructions and take your time. And if you've tried to do it before and something's gone wrong, at the end of this article, we'll give you some tips on how to fix the consequences of a failed disassembly.

Preparation: What you will need to remove the cover

Before you start dismantling, make sure you have everything you need. - Redmi 4A It doesn't require professional equipment, but without a minimum set of tools, the risk of damage increases dramatically:

• 🔧 Plastic mediator or guitar mediator is the main tool for putting the lid on. Metal objects (knives, screwdrivers) can not be used: they scratch the body and can damage the internal elements.
• 🔥 A hair dryer or a thermo-air station to soften the glue (if the lid is glued) even a medium-power household hair dryer will do.
• 🧲 Suction (optional) – helps lift the lid at the beginning of the process, but is not mandatory.
• 📦 Container for screws – if you plan to disassemble the smartphone further, small screws are easily lost.
• 🧴 Isopropyl alcohol (70% and above) – for cleaning the residues of glue or dirt under the lid.

If you don't have a mediator, you can replace it with a plastic card (bank or discount), but it has to be flexible enough. The rule is, the tool should not be sharp. Even a small scratch on the case can be the beginning of a crack the next time you open.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use a microwave or oven to heat the lid! Overheating can warp the plastic or damage the battery. Maximum heating temperature is 60-70°C (hold the hair dryer at a distance of 10-15 cm).

Also prepare the workplace:

• 🪑 Work at a table with good lighting.
• 🧹 Remove all unnecessary items – small details are easily lost.
• 📱 Turn off your smartphone and remove it. SIM-card with a memory card (if installed).

Ways to remove the cover: which to choose

There are three main methods of opening the back cover on the Redmi. 4A. The choice depends on whether the lid is glued (which happens after repair) or only on the latches, and also on the availability of tools.

1. Classic method with mediator (for unstick covers)

This is a good way to do most Redmis. 4A, The lid is held on plastic latches around the perimeter, and it can be removed without heating.

Step-by-step:

1. Take the mediator and start at the lower left corner (near the charging connector), where the latches are weaker, and the lid will give way easier.
2. Insert the mediator in the gap between the lid and the body to a depth of 2-3 mm. Carefully press down to separate the latches.
3. Swipe the mediator along the bottom edge, gradually snapping the lid, and you'll hear the characteristic clicks.
4. When the lower part moves away, move to the side edges, and then to the upper part (there are latches stiffer).
5. After all the latches open, remove the lid by pulling it up.

If the lid does not lend itself, do not make excessive efforts - most likely, it is glued (see the following method).

Heated method (for glued covers)

If the smartphone has been repaired or the lid has been glued to the factory (which happens in some batches), the usual mediator will not remove it, this will help the heating, which will soften the glue, it is important not to overheat the case, so as not to damage the internal components.

Algorithm of action:

1. Dry dryer the back cover for 1-2 minutes, evenly flowing a jet of air across the surface.
2. Try to cover the mediator with the first method, and if it doesn't work, heat it for another 30 seconds.
3. After removing the cover, remove the remains of the glue from the body and the cover itself with isopropyl alcohol and cotton swab.

⚠️ Warning: Do not heat the area around the camera and antenna lines (top of the lid) and there are heat-sensitive elements that can fail if overheated.

3. Alternative method without tools (for emergencies)

If you don't have a mediator or hair dryer on hand, you can try removing the lid with two plastic cards or even nails (if they're strong enough), a method that's risky, but sometimes works:

1. Put the cards into the slot from opposite sides of the lower edge of the cover.
2. Carefully spread them to the sides, creating pressure on the latches.
3. As soon as the lid starts to move, move along the edges.

This is a skill-intensive technique, and it's only suitable for unstick lids, and the risk of breaking the latches or scratching the body is very high.

The body has no visible cracks.|The battery is not swelling (if you can see the edges)|No trace of moisture under the lid.|All screws (if any) are unscrewed-->

Hidden latches and problem areas: where the cover most often breaks

The Redmi design 4A It has some of the weak spots where the latches break most often, and knowing these areas will help you avoid damage:

• 🔝 The top of the lid (near the camera) is where the latches are the toughest, and many users put too much effort into breaking plastic fixtures.
• 📶 Antenna lines (metal stripes on the sides) - with careless removal of the lid, you can tear off contacts, which will lead to the loss of the network.
• 🔋 The area around the charging connector - here often go unnoticed small latches that break when jerking.

To minimize the risks, follow these tips:

• Do not try to remove the lid with a jerk - move gradually, snapping each latch.
• If the cover does not lend itself in some place, heat it locally with a hair dryer.
• Do not use metal objects – even a single scratch can cause a crack.

If the latch does break, don't panic. You can lock it onto a double-sided tape or glue. B-7000 But remember, it's going to be harder to remove without damage after that.

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If you hear a crunch or a crack when you remove the lid, stop immediately! This means that the latches or plastic break. You better heat the lid again and try again.

What to do if the lid is not removed: typical mistakes and decisions

Even with a careful approach, sometimes the Redmi cover 4A They refuse to move. Let's look at the most common causes and ways to eliminate them:

1. The cover is glued in the factory or after repair

If the smartphone hasn't been disassembled before, but the lid doesn't lend itself, it might be glued. 4A, especially issued in 2017-2018.The decision:

• Heat the cover with a hair dryer (as described above).
• Use a thin guitar string (0.2-0.3 mm) to cut through the glue. Carefully run it along the seam.
• If the glue is very resistant, apply acetone or white spirit to the edge of the cover (only on plastic, avoiding getting on the internal parts!).

2. The latches jammed due to dirt or corrosion

If the smartphone was used in high humidity or dust, the latches could get clogged with dirt.

• Try blowing the gap between the lid and the case with compressed air (for example, from a can of cleaning equipment).
• Apply a few drops of silicone lubricant to the mediator and try again.
• If the cover is still not removed, you may need a partial disassembly from the front side (removal of the display).

3. The cover is deformed or bloated due to the battery

If the battery is swelling, it can push the lid from the inside, making it harder to remove it.

• Do not try to remove the lid by force - this can lead to a breakdown of the battery and fire!
• Contact the service center or gently prick the battery in a protected place (only if you are confident in your actions!).
• After removing the lid, replace the battery immediately - bloated batteries are dangerous.

⚠️ Warning: If you feel a sharp chemical smell when you remove the lid or see a white coating on the internal parts, these are signs of an electrolyte leak from the battery. In this case, the smartphone should be turned off, not charged and delivered to the service as soon as possible.

Reverse Assembly: How to properly close the cover

Removing the lid is only half the battle, and it's equally important to put it back in the right way to avoid backlashes, creaks, or signal problems.

1. Clean the seat of dust, dirt and glue residue. Use isopropyl alcohol and cotton swabs.
2. Check the latches on the lid and the case, if any break, remove the remnants with tweezers.
3. Set the cover at an angle of 45°, Starting at the top (near the camera) and press carefully to keep the latches in place.
4. Walk around the perimeter, pressing the lid until the characteristic clicks. Start at the top and move down.
5. Check the fixation: shake the smartphone - there should be no extraneous sounds (backlashes).

If the lid is not tightly fixed:

• Check if plumes or cables interfere (e.g. from a speaker or antenna).
• If the latch is missing, use a thin tape for additional fixation (but don’t overdo it – this may interfere with future disassembly).

After assembly, turn on the smartphone and check:

• 📶 Does the network work (no problems with antennas).
• 🔊 Are the speakers and microphone working.
• 🔋 Does the device charge (sometimes with a careless assembly shifts the charging connector).

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If the smartphone does not turn on after assembly, check whether the battery or display plume is clamped, and often the problem is solved by re-disassembling and correctly stacking the cables.

Frequent questions after Redmi disassembly 4A

Even if you successfully removed and installed the lid, there may be additional questions.

Video instruction and additional resources

If the text instruction seems not clear enough, we recommend watching a video with the Redmi parsing. 4A. Pay attention to the moments:

• 🎥 How the master holds the mediator (inclination angle, depth of immersion).
• 🔊 Click sounds – you can navigate them if you’re doing it for the first time.
• ⚠️ Typical errors that the author points out (e.g. pressure on antenna lines).

Useful video (in English, but the process is visually clear):

• Redmi's disassembly 4A explainably
• Replacement of the battery with Redmi 4A

Disassembly scheme will also be useful (you can find the network on request "Xiaomi Redmi" 4A disassembly guide PDF"). It will help to understand the location of plumes and screws, if you plan to disassemble the smartphone further.

If you're not sure about your abilities, you better go to the service center. 4A Usually does not exceed 500-1000 rubles, which is cheaper than repair after unsuccessful manipulations.

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Remember: Redmi 4A — It's a budget smartphone with a fragile plastic case, and one breakdown error can result in a crack in the lid or damage to the motherboard.