Modern smartphones, including the popular Redmi 5, are designed to make it as difficult as possible to access internal components, which often becomes a challenge for users who decide to repair themselves. The process of opening the case requires not only accuracy, but also understanding the design of the device, since inept actions can damage the plumes or even break the gadget. In this article, we will look at each stage of disassembly, so that you can safely replace the battery, screen or other parts.
Before you start physical intervention, you need to make sure you are fully aware of the risks and have all the necessary tools prepared.Self-disassembly always involves the loss of the official warranty, so weigh the pros and cons before you start.If your Xiaomi is still on warranty service, it is best to contact an authorized service center.
However, if the device has already passed the warranty period or damage is not covered by insurance, self-repair can be a cost-effective solution. Properly executed procedures will prolong the life of your smartphone and save a significant amount of money on the services of masters. Next, we will move to the preparation of the workplace and the necessary tools.
To do this successfully, you'll need a specialized toolkit that includes not only standard screwdrivers, but also heating elements. The adhesive base that holds the case melts at about 80-90 degrees, so it's extremely difficult to do without a hair dryer or heating pad. Don't neglect the quality of the tools, as cheap analogues can damage screws or scratch the case.
⚠️ Warning: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the battery from the motherboard as soon as you access it to avoid short circuits.
Tools and workplace preparation
Quality workspace preparation is the foundation of successful renovations that are often underestimated by beginners: You'll need a clean, well-lit desk with a hard surface, where nothing will distract from the process. The light should fall evenly so that you can see the small screws and connectors without straining your eyes.
The basic toolkit for working with Redmi 5 includes several critical items, without which the process can be delayed or dangerous for the components of the smartphone.
- 🔧 Precision screwdrivers (cross-haired) P2/P000 flat)
- 🔥 Heat treatment dryer or heating platform (heating pad)
- 💳 Plastic blades and mediators for opening the body
- 🧲 Magnetic mat or organizer for sorting screws
The use of metal tools for (sweeping) the body is strongly discouraged, as they can damage the internal plumes or break the glass of the display. Plastic blades are safer, but require a certain skill. It is also worth having tweezers with thin curved ends at hand to extract small parts.
Pay special attention to the organization of screws, because Xiaomi designs use fasteners of different lengths. If you confuse them, you can break the motherboard or damage the thread in the case. In Redmi 5, the screws of the mounting of the display module and the lower board are of different lengths, they can not be changed in places.
☑️ Preparation for disassembly
Removal of the back cover and primary access
The Redmi 5 has an all-metal body that is glued to the frame around the perimeter. SIM-So you can use the maps to make it easier to access and to take the stress off the structure, and then you need to warm up the perimeter of the device, paying special attention to the angles and edges where the glue is most strongly grasped.
The heating process requires caution: don't hold the hair dryer too close or too long at one point so as not to damage the display or internal components.The optimum heating temperature is about 85 degrees Celsius. After warming up, insert a plastic blade into the junction between the screen and the back cover at the bottom of the device.
Move the shoulder blade along the perimeter, gradually cutting through the adhesive layer. Don't try to remove the lid immediately, act slowly and systematically. If you feel strong resistance, stop moving and warm up the area again. Sharp jerks can lead to cracks in the glass or deformation of the metal frame.
When the lid is completely separated, don’t rush to put it aside, as a fingerprint scanner can be attached to it through a thin plume. Carefully lift the lid and inspect the inside for connections. Disconnect the scanner plume if it is present in your modification using a plastic shoulder blade or nail.
What to do if the lid is not removed?
Dismantling internal components and protection
When you remove the back cover, you'll see the inside of the smartphone, protected by a plastic lining that covers most of the components, and this lining is mounted with a few screws that you need to unscrew first, and underneath it, you'll see the main connectors and modules that need to be handled carefully.
The first step after removing the protection is to turn off the battery, which is a critical step that cannot be ignored. Even if the phone is turned off, there may be residual voltage on the board that can cause a short circuit when other plumes are disconnected. Use a plastic blade to gently snap the connector.
Next, you need to dismantle the main camera module and speaker. The camera in Xiaomi Redmi 5 is fixed in a special seat and can be additionally fixed with glue or double-sided tape. When extracting, pull the module strictly vertically upwards, avoiding distortions so as not to damage the lens or plume.
| Component | Type of attachment | Features of withdrawal |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | Adhesive tape | Requires heating and careful bending |
| Main camera. | Planting place + train | Don't pull on the plume, just the body of the module. |
| Vibromotor | Clay/Vint | Located at the bottom of the board |
| Imprint scanner. | Clay/Schlein | Very thin plume, easy to break |
When working with small parts, such as vibrator motors or antenna modules, use tweezers. Be careful not to drop the screws inside the case, from which they will be difficult to remove. Any foreign object inside the phone can cause a circuit or rattle when working.
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Use a magnetic mat with markings to lay out the screws in the order in which you twisted them, which will help you not to confuse anything when you build them.
Replacement of the display module and touch screen
Replacing the screen is one of the most common reasons for disassembling the Redmi 5. In this model, the display module is often assembled with a frame, which greatly simplifies the replacement process. If you have a module without a frame, you will have to glue the old screen to a new frame, which requires additional time and glue.
First, you need to remove the front panel. Unlike the older models, the screen is held on adhesive basis around the perimeter. Heating the front of the phone should be done very carefully, controlling the temperature so as not to overheat the matrix. After heating with a suction cup or a shoulder blade, carefully separate the glass from the body.
When disconnecting the plumes of the new display, make sure that the connectors on the motherboard are clean and have no oxides. Insert the plumes until the characteristic click, but without undue effort. The touchscreen plume and the matrix plume have different widths and number of contacts, it is difficult to confuse them, but it is possible if you act at random.
After you plug in the plumes, take your time to glue the screen. Turn on your phone and check for the touchscreen, the color display and the presence of broken pixels. If everything works correctly, degrease the frame with alcohol and apply a new B-7000 glue or use a pre-painted two-way tape. Press the screen with a load of 15-20 minutes to polymerize the glue.
⚠️ Warning: Do not turn on the phone if the plumes are not fully connected or if the screen is simply lying on the table without fixing - this can lead to damage to the plume when carelessly moving.
Work with battery and power system
The battery in Xiaomi Redmi 5 is fixed on a double-sided adhesive tape, which eventually loses its properties or, conversely, clings to the dead. For safe extraction of the battery, it is recommended to preheat the rear part of the body a little (if the lid is removed) or use special hoods with suction cups.
Never attempt to tamper with a screwdriver or knife, as damage to the lithium polymer battery can cause a fire or explosion.Use a plastic card or a special spatula, gradually injecting it between the battery and the case.Move slowly, cutting off the adhesive layer.
When installing a new battery, make sure the connector matches the connector and the voltage-capacitance characteristics. The original Mi batteries have a protective board and marking. After connecting, check the voltage on the contacts with a multimeter if there is such a possibility to exclude defects.
After the battery is replaced, it is recommended to conduct a calibration cycle: completely discharge the phone before turning off, then charge it to 100% when turned off. This will help the system correctly display the charge level. Old capacity data can be stored in the controller, and calibration will help update them.
Device assembly and final inspection
The smartphone is assembled in reverse disassembly, first of all, put all the internal components in place: the camera, the speaker, the vibrator and the motherboard if it was removed. Make sure that all the screws are tightly twisted, but without fanaticism, so as not to break the thread in the plastic racks.
Pay special attention to antenna contacts. They should fit tightly to the response parts on the board. If the antenna contact is shifted, there may be problems with receiving the signal of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or cellular communication. In Redmi 5, the antennas are integrated into the housing, and their contacts are located in the lower and upper parts.
Before you finally install the back cover, check again all the functions: sound, vibration, cameras and sensors. Place the lid in place, making sure all the latches are in their slots. Press the body perimeter evenly to fix the adhesive layer.
The final step is to clean the case of glue and fingerprints. Wipe the screen and back with a microfiber. If you do everything right, your smartphone will once again delight you with speed and functionality, and you will gain valuable experience in self-repair.
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The main secret of a successful build is to take your time and check each node before installing the next component to avoid double disassembly.