Disassembling the Xiaomi Redmi 4X is a process that can be required when replacing a broken display, installing a new battery or cleaning the speakers from dust. This model, released in 2017, is still popular for its reliability, but time spares batteries and glass. Unlike modern devices, where the body is often sealed dead, the design of the Redmi 4X allows relatively neat dismantling, if you know certain nuances.
Before any manipulation of the internal components of the device is critical to be aware of the risks: opening the case automatically voids the warranty obligations of the manufacturer if the warranty period has not expired. However, for devices aged several years, this is rarely a problem, and self-repair becomes the only economically viable solution to extend the life of the gadget.
In this article, we will take a detailed look at how to properly and safely remove the back cover without damaging plumes and plastic latches. You will learn what tools will be required for the work, how to warm the adhesive layer and what to do if the panel does not respond. A competent approach will allow you to avoid breaking the case and maintain tightness (as much as possible for this model) after assembly.
Tools and workplace preparation required
The success of any repair operation depends 90% on proper preparation.To dismantle the Redmi 4X's back, you'll need a minimal but specific toolkit, which can be found at any radio parts store or ordered online. Using inappropriate items like knives or needles can lead to scratches on the frame or, worse, damage to internal components.
The main tool will be a dryer (construction or household at maximum temperature) or a special heating pad for screens. The glue that fixes the lid softens when heated, which facilitates the separation process, plastic mediators (scapula) or old plastic cards are also required, with which you will jelly the case without risking scratching it.
- 🔧 A set of Phillips screwdrivers (cross) sizes #00 and #000 for screw twisting.
- 📱 Plastic suction cup for careful pulling back panel.
- 🧲 Magnetic mat or organizer for folding screws so as not to lose them.
- 🌡️ Isopropyl alcohol or special liquid B-7000 glue-residue.
The workplace should be well lit and the surface clean and even. It is recommended to use an antistatic mat or just a clean sheet of paper to prevent small details from getting lost or electrified. Organizing the space helps to keep concentration and not lose tiny cogs, which in Xiaomi can differ in length in different corners of the case.
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Use a magnetic mat or a piece of paper with sectors drawn to place the screws in the order you twisted them, which will save you hours of finding the right fixture when you assemble.
The process of softening the glue and primary separation
The back cover of the Xiaomi Redmi 4X is mounted around the perimeter on double-sided tape and glue. Over time, the adhesion may weaken, but most often the material hardens and requires thermal exposure. Do not try to force the panel to crack in the cold state - this is guaranteed to lead to cracks in the glass or deformation of the plastic.
Turn on the hair dryer and evenly warm the perimeter of the back cover for 2-3 minutes. Keep the heat source at a distance of 5-7 centimeters, constantly moving it so as not to overheat one point, which can damage the display matrix or internal plastic elements. The temperature should not be extreme, it is enough to warm the case to a state where it is unpleasant to hold in your hand.
⚠️ Warning: Do not direct hot air directly into the camera or speaker. Plastic camera lenses and speaker membranes can deform from high temperature, leading to poor photo or sound quality.
After warming up, gently attach the suction cup to the bottom of the back cover, closer to the logo, but not at the edge. Pull the suction cup up, creating a small gap between the frame and the lid. Insert a thin plastic blade or mediator immediately into the resulting slit. Don't remove the tool until you insert the second one.
Move the blade along the side faces, trying to keep it parallel to the plane of the screen. Your goal is to cut the adhesive layer, not to (lift) the lid. Sharp movements upwards can break the plastic latches that also hold the structure. If you feel strong resistance, stop pulling and warm up the problem area again with a hairdryer.
Dismantling of screws and removal of the rear panel
Once you've passed the mediator around the perimeter and the lid has started to move away, don't rush to remove it completely. The Redmi 4X may have hidden screws or plumes that require caution. In some versions, the screws are located under decorative plugs or at the bottom of the frame.
Look carefully. If you find screws, twist them out with a screwdriver. Often, this model uses screws of different lengths: longer ones usually go to the corners or the center, and short ones go to the sides. You can't confuse them, but when you build a long screw in a short hole, it can break through the body or damage the board.
☑️ Ready to remove the lid
When all the fasteners are removed, gently lift the back cover. Do this slowly, controlling every millimeter of lift. Inside, there may be thin plumes connecting buttons or antenna modules to the main board, although in the Redmi 4X, the cover is often completely self-contained and has no connections, unlike lids with fingerprint scanners.
If the lid is difficult to remove even after the glue is cut, check if there are any unscrewed screws left at the bottom near the charging connector. Sometimes manufacturers hide one screw under a rubber plug or silicone pad. Forced removal can lead to chips on the ends of the device.
| Type of attachment | Location. | Tool. | Risk of damage |
|---|---|---|---|
| The glue layer | All around the perimeter. | Fen, mediator | Cracking glass during cold removal |
| Phillips screws | Low end, corners. | Screwdriver #00 | Slicking the screw cap |
| Plastic latches | Inside, along the contour. | Plastic spatula | Breaking the latch with a sharp jerk |
| Trains (rarely) | Top part (buttons) | Tweezers | The plume break at a sharp opening |
Working with internal components after opening
After successfully removing the back cover, you can access the main nodes of the smartphone.Truth is now as important as opening.The battery in the Xiaomi Redmi 4X is also glued to the body, and replacing it will require additional heating and the use of a plastic card to tweak.
If your goal was to replace the screen, you're going to need to unscrew a lot of screws after you remove the back cover, which fixes the metal frame of the display module. Notice the plumes, they're very thin and sensitive. The plumes are only turned off after the battery has been disconnected to avoid short circuits.
When cleaning the speaker or microphone, use a soft brush and a minimum amount of isopropyl alcohol. Do not pour the liquid directly on the board. You can use a pear or a can of compressed air to remove dust from hard-to-reach places, but it is not recommended to blow with your mouth due to the humidity of the exhaled air.
What to do if the battery is blown?
Before touching the board or plumes, it is advisable to touch the grounded metal object to remove the static charge from the body. This is a simple precaution that can save electronics from hidden damage.
Nuances of assembling and adhesive cap
Reverse back cover is a process that requires the preparation of new adhesives. Old Scotch probably lost its properties and will not provide the desired fixation. For reliable sealing and fastening, it is better to use special electronics glue (for example, B-7000) or pre-prepared strips of double-sided Scotch.
Apply a thin layer of glue around the perimeter of the frame, avoiding the camera, speaker and connectors. Excess glue can be squeezed out when the lid is pressed, and they will have to be carefully removed immediately until they are frozen. After applying, allow the glue to dry a little (1-2 minutes) so that it becomes sticky but not fluid.
- 🧹 Carefully clean the frame and the lid itself from the remnants of old glue with alcohol.
- 🧪 Degrease the surfaces before applying a new adhesive for better coupling.
- ⏱️ After installing the cover, put the phone under a light load (such as a book) on the 1-2 hour.
When you install the lid, first align the top of the camera, then gently press the rest. Make sure all the latches fall into place with a characteristic click. Press the edges all around the perimeter uniformly. Holding the load will help the glue spread evenly and ensure maximum strength of the connection.
⚠️ Warning: Do not turn the phone on immediately after assembly if you have used liquid glue.Let it fully polymerize within a few hours, otherwise the adhesive fumes may settle on the camera lens, creating a nebula.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
One of the most common mistakes is to use a metal blade instead of a plastic mediator. Metal easily scratches the aluminum frame and can damage the glass. Also, a metal tool can accidentally close contacts on the board if you penetrate too deep into the housing, which will cause the device to fail.
Another common problem is losing screws or entanglement. Rotors in Xiaomi often have different lengths even within a row. Swirling a long screw into a short hole can cause the screw to rest against the board or screen on the back, causing spots on the display or damage to the tracks.
Lack of heating is the number one reason for broken covers. Users often take time to warm up and try to pull the panel back by force. The result is cracked glass back cover, which you have to buy separately. Better spend an extra 2 minutes working with a hairdryer than buying a new part.
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The key to successful disassembly is patience and high-quality heating. Take your time, and the body will open without damage.