Why the Redmi 4X needs to be parsed
Xiaomi Redmi 4X (codenamed santoni) is still popular with users due to its reliability and maintainability, but its design has one thing in common: the back cover is glued to the body, rather than being fixed by latches like more modern models, which makes it difficult to disassemble, especially for beginners.
The main reasons owners decide to do it themselves are to replace a bloated battery, clean up dust, repair plumes or install new components (such as an NFC module), but without proper preparation, you can damage flexible plumes, tear antenna contacts or even break plastic clips inside the case.
This article provides a step-by-step photo guide, a list of tools you need, and unique tips for undamaged items that you won’t find in standard guides, and we took into account typical user errors and added proven life hacks from service center masters.
What tools will be needed to parse the Redmi 4X
Lack of the right tools is the main cause of damage to the body or internal components. Redmi 4X can not use improvised tools like a knife or credit card, they scratch the plastic and can puncture the battery.
- 🔧 Plastic blades (preferably a set of 3-5 pieces of different thicknesses, for example, iFixit Opening Tools!
- 🔥 A hair dryer or a thermo-air station (at least 1000 watts) for softening the adhesive. Alternative isopropyl alcohol 90%+ adhesive-dissolving.
- 📏 Suction cups (diameter 4-5 cm) - will help to evenly lift the lid after heating.
- 🔋 Tweezers with curved ends to detach battery and camera plumes.
- 🧲 Magnetic mat or organizer for screws (in Redmi) 4X 12 pieces of different sizes!).
- 🛡️ Protective gloves (optional) – glue and alcohol corrode the skin.
If you are planning to replace the battery, additionally prepare a new adhesive tape (for example, 3M 9448A) or double-sided tape 0.5 mm thick. the original Xiaomi glue after removing the lid loses its properties.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use superglue or the moment to fix the lid after disassembly! these compounds damage the plastic and make the next disassembly impossible without breakdown.
Preparing a smartphone for analysis: 5 mandatory steps
Before you start removing the lid, you need to turn off the device and protect it from static electricity, skipping at least one of these steps can short circuit or damage the motherboard.
Turn off the phone and remove it. SIM-map|Charge the battery to 30-50% (full discharge or 100% charge dangerous!)|Take off the cover and the protective film.|Prepare a clean, lighted workplace|Wear an antistatic bracelet or touch a grounded object-->
Pay special attention to the battery charge level. If the battery is discharged below 20%, it can be difficult to remove it because of "stick" to the body. If the charge is above 70%, the risk of ignition when accidental circuit increases. The optimal range is 30-50%.
We also recommend taking photos of the original condition of the phone (especially the back cover and joints) in case warranty repairs are needed after a failed attempt.
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If you don’t have an antistatic bracelet, wrap your hands in foil and ground it by touching the heating battery or the metal body of the PC system unit.
Step-by-step: how to remove the cover of the Redmi 4X without damage
The process of parsing is divided into three stages: softening the glue, detaching the lid and disconnecting the plumes, and then a detailed description of each step, taking into account the nuances of the particular model.
Stage 1: Heating of the housing
The glue that Xiaomi uses to fix the lid melts at 60–80°C. Use the dryer at a minimum power, keeping it 5–7 cm from the body.
- 🔺 Corners near the camera (there is the glue most).
- 🔺 Lower part (near the Micro-USB connector).
- 🔺 Areas around volume buttons.
Heat time: 2-3 minutes. If you use alcohol, apply it around the perimeter of the lid with a brush and wait 1-2 minutes.
Stage 2: Separation of the cover
After heating:
- Secure the suction cup at the bottom of the phone (near the Redmi logo).
- Carefully pull up - a gap of 1-2 mm should appear.
- Insert a plastic blade into the gap and slowly lead it around the perimeter, separating the lid.
Critical moments:
- 🛑 Do not apply force in the area of the fingerprint scanner - there is a plume!
- 🛑 If the cover fails, reheat the problem area.
Step 3: Disconnection of plumes
After removing the cover, you will see:
- 🔋 Battery (stick to the body).
- 📸 Camera plumes and fingerprint scanner.
- 📶 Antenna contacts (thin metal strips).
First, disconnect the battery by slapping it with a plastic blade behind a black film, then turn off the plumes with tweezers by pulling the black locking tongues (not the wires!).
What to do if the cover is broken when removed?
| Typical mistake | Effects of consequences | How to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Use of metal tools | Scratches on the body, short circuit | Just plastic spatulas! |
| Heating over 80°C | Melting plastic, damaging display | Control the temperature with a thermometer |
| The lid's jittery. | Fracture of the fingerprint scanner plume | Move slowly, 1-2mm at a time |
| Emission of alcohol on the motherboard | Corrosion of contacts, failure | Apply alcohol only on the edges of the lid |
What to do after removing the cover: further actions
When the lid is successfully removed, you will be able to access the internal components of the Redmi 4X. Depending on the purpose of the disassembly, the following steps may vary:
- 🔋 Battery replacement: Carefully tuck the old battery (it's glued!) and unplug the plume. Install the new battery with a new adhesive layer.
- 📸 Camera Repair: Disconnect the module plume (latched) and remove the camera. Be careful, the attachment is fragile!
- 📶 Replacement of antenna contacts: They are soldered to the motherboard. Repair will require a soldering station and experience with microelectronics.
- 🧹 Dust Cleansing: Use a soft brush and compressed air (don't blow with your mouth!) Pay special attention to the area around the speaker and microphone.
If you plan to disassemble completely (for example, to replace the display or motherboard), remember: in the Redmi 4X 12 screws of different sizes, we recommend spreading them in order on a magnetic mat or signing the mounting places.
⚠️ Note: After replacing the battery or other components of the Redmi 4X It may require calibration of the battery. To do this, completely discharge the phone, then charge to 100% without interruption. Repeat the cycle 2-3 times.
How to build Redmi 4X back: build tips
Building a phone after repair is no less responsible than disassembling.
- Check all the plumes for damage before you connect, and the fingerprint scanner plume is particularly vulnerable, because it often breaks when you handle it sloppy.
- Make sure the antenna contacts are tightly attached, and if they don't touch the body, the network signal and Wi-Fi will deteriorate.
- Use a new glue to fix the lid, and the old adhesive loses its properties when heated.
- Tighten the screws cross-cross, not in order, and this will prevent the skewing of the board.
For fixing the cover can be used:
- 🔹 Bilateral Scotch (thickness 0.5 mm) - budget option, but less reliable.
- 🔹 Liquid glue B-7000 — applied in a thin layer around the perimeter, dries for 24 hours.
- 🔹 Special adhesive for smartphones (for example, Tesa 61395) – the best choice in terms of price / quality ratio.
After assembly, turn on the phone and check:
- 🔋 Battery operation (is there a quick discharge).
- 📶 Network signal and Wi-Fi (antennae must work without interference).
- 📸 Camera and fingerprint scanner (frequent problems after disassembly).
- 🔊 Speaker and microphone (dust could get into the grids).
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If the phone doesn't turn on after assembly, don't panic. First check the battery and the display plume connection. In 90% of cases, the problem is in the loose contact, not the damage to the board.
Frequent problems after analysis and how to avoid them
Even if you take a careful look at the Redmi 4X, you can have problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Phone's off. | Unconnected battery or display plume | Disassemble and check all connections |
| The fingerprint scanner is not working. | Trail or contacts damaged | Reconnect the plume or replace the module |
| Bad signal from the network | Antenna contact cut off | Sell the contact or replace the antenna unit |
| Fast battery discharge | Poor quality new battery or poor contact | Check the battery voltage with a multimeter |
| Artifacts on screen | Display plume damaged | Replace the plume or display module |
If after the analysis you are faced with constant reboots or overheating, this may indicate damage to the motherboard, in which case it is better to contact the service center - self-repair of the board requires special equipment.
Also, notice the tightness of the case, if the lid is poorly glued, dust and moisture can get inside, which will eventually lead to corrosion of the contacts. Check the tightness by blowing into the Micro-USB connector - if you hear a whistle, seal the joints.