Xiaomi Redmi 4A is one of the brand’s most popular budget smartphones, released in 2016. Despite its simplicity of design, disassembling this device requires caution: a plastic back cover is mounted on latches, and underneath it hides fragile plumes and a battery. If you need to replace the battery, clean the connectors or get to the motherboard, it is important to do it without damage.
In this article, you will find a step-by-step photo guide, a list of tools you need, and key warnings to avoid typical errors. We will tell you how to open the Redmi 4A cover without special equipment, which latches are most vulnerable, and what to do if the lid fails. Special attention is paid to battery safety – its damage can lead to fire!
Preparation for disassembly: tools and precautions
Before you start removing the lid, make sure you have everything you need. Xiaomi Redmi 4A does not require professional tools, but without the tools at hand, the risk of breaking latches or scratching the body increases significantly.
Here is the minimum set you will need:
- 🔧 Plastic blade (or mediator) - for gently putting the lid on. Metal tools can leave scratches!
- 🔋 Thin screwdriver (cross, 1.5-2 mm) - for unscrewing screws under the lid.
- 🧲 Magnetic substrate or a piece of tape – so as not to lose small details.
- 📱 Hair dryer or heating element (optional) – if the cover is glued (rarely, but occurs after repairs).
- 🧴 Isopropyl alcohol - for cleaning contacts, if disassembly is associated with repair.
Also, prepare the workplace: a clean, well-lit surface without carpeting (cogs are easily lost!). It is advisable to use an antistatic mat or at least touch a grounded metal object before work - this will save the fee from static discharge.
⚠️ Warning: If you disassemble a phone with a bloated battery (the cover bulges), do not use heating and do not press on the body - the risk of fire.
Step 1: Turn off the phone and retrieve SIM-map
The first and mandatory step is to turn off the power completely, and even if the phone is dead, it needs to be turned off through the menu or holding the power button for 10 to 15 seconds, which will prevent short circuits from accidentally touching the board.
Next, remove the tray for SIM-map:
- Insert a paper clip (or special key) into the hole on the left end of the phone.
- Press until you click, the tray will move out.
- Take it out carefully and put it aside.
Some users miss this step, but it is important for two reasons: 1) The tray can interfere with the removal of the lid, especially if it sits tightly. 2) SIM-The card and microSD (if installed) can fall out and get lost during disassembly.
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If the tray doesn't come out the first time, don't put too much effort into it - check if the key is bent. In Redmi 4A, the tray ejection mechanism is quite fragile.
Step 2: Separation of the back cover - step-by-step instructions
The most critical thing is to remove the plastic cover, which is held on 8-10 latches around the perimeter, which are easy to break when you move around sloppy, and start at the bottom edge (microUSB connector side), because there is a smaller latches, and the risk of damage is minimal.
Procedure:
- Take a plastic blade and insert it into the gap between the lid and the case at the microUSB connector.
- Carefully swipe left and right to separate the bottom of the lid. Do not go more than 2-3 mm deep!
- When you hear a slight click, move the shoulder blade to the corner latches (they are the most fragile).
- Repeat the movement on the sides, then move to the top (from the camera side).
- When all the latches are snapped, remove the lid by pulling it up.
If the lid doesn't lend itself, don't pull it by force -- probably one of the latches is still holding, see if the area near the volume button or the speaker is unlatched.
The phone is completely off.|Tray extracted SIM-map|A plastic spatula is being used.|Start at the bottom of the hull|Checked all latches before removal-->
Step 3: What to do if the lid is not removed?
Sometimes the Redmi 4A lid sits too tight because of:
- 🔥 Overheating (plastic deformed).
- 💧 Moisture intrusion (body "stuck").
- 🔧 Previous repairs (the cover may have been glued).
In such cases, horn heating will help: 1) Heat the bottom of the phone with a hairdryer (temperature not higher than 60 ° C!) for 1-2 minutes. 2 Repeat the attempt to remove the blade. 3) If it does not help, gently tap on the edges of the case (for example, with a screwdriver handle) to "stir up" the latches.
⚠️ Warning: Do not heat the battery area (top under the lid) - this can cause it to bloat! also avoid direct hot air hitting the camera and plumes.
What to do if the latch breaks?
Step 4: Inspection of the insides – what can and can not be touched
After removing the cover, you will see:
- 🔋 Battery (stick to the body).
- 📸 Camera (mounted on board).
- 🔌 Trains (connect buttons, speaker, microphone with board).
- 📱 Motherboard (under metal screen).
If your goal is to replace the battery, you can remove it by using a plastic blade (but not metal!). There are 4 screws underneath the battery that attach the board. Don't unscrew them unnecessarily, which can break the seal and cause dust to enter.
| Element | Can I touch it? | Risks of damage |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | Yeah (caution!) | Bloating, electrolyte leak, fire. |
| plumes | No. | Contact break, broken buttons/dynamics |
| Camera. | No. | Scratches on the lens, blurred photos |
| Feed-in screws | Only in a complete disassembly. | Short circuit, loss of warranty |
Critical: If you notice oxidation on your contacts (green or white), don't turn on your phone! This is a sign of moisture, in which case you need to clean with alcohol and dry (at least 24 hours).
Step 5: Building a Phone – How to Avoid Mistakes
Installing the lid back seems simple, but there are nuances here too: 1) Make sure all the plumes are flat and not clamped. 2) Check if foreign objects (cogs, dust) are under the lid. 3) Start snapping the lid from the top (from the camera side), then gently press the perimeter.
If the phone does not turn on after assembly:
- 🔌 Check if the battery is connected (sometimes the plume leaves).
- 🔧 Make sure all screws are twisted - an unfixed board can close.
- 📱 Try charging the device for 10-15 minutes, then turn it on.
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If the volume or power buttons don't work after assembly, the plume probably went away, take the phone apart and check it's connected to the motherboard.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when disassembling the Redmi 4A. Here are the most common:
- 🔨 Use of metal tools → scratches on the body, damage to plumes.
- 🔥 Overheating with a hairdryer → plastic deformation, detachment of stickers.
- 💥 Abrupt removal of the lid → broken latches, cracks.
- 🔋 Battery damage → fire-risk.
To minimize risks: - Work in good lighting (preferably with a magnifying glass). - Take your time - average disassembly time for beginners ~20-30 minutes. - If something goes wrong, stop and look for photo / video guides.