Xiaomi’s Redmi series has proven to be reliable, with excellent value for money. However, even the most durable gadgets are susceptible to mechanical damage, and the popular Redmi 5A is no exception. Often users are faced with the need to replace a broken display that has failed the battery or simply want to clean the device from dust and moisture.
The process of disassembling this model has its own technical features that must be considered before starting work. Unlike modern flagships with glass rear covers, the Redmi 5A has a plastic body, which makes it easier to access internal components, but requires accuracy when working with fragile plumes. In this article, we will take a detailed look at the stages of dismantling, the necessary tools and provide video materials for visualization of the process.
Before you start physically affecting the body, it is important to prepare the workplace and make sure that a specialized tool is available. Incorrect actions can damage the internal components, so careful study of the instructions is a must-do step, and we will analyze each step to minimize the risks and successfully complete the repair.
Tools and workplace preparation required
The quality disassembly of any electronic device begins with the right tooling. For the Redmi 5A, you do not need complex industrial equipment, but the use of improvised tools like knives or forks is strongly discouraged. A specialized set of tools for repairing mobile phones can be purchased at any radio store or online.
First of all, you need a set of precision screwdrivers, because screws in the case can be of different sizes and types of slits. Also critical is the presence of plastic mediators or blades to open the case without damaging the latches. Metal tools should be used with extreme caution, so as not to damage the plumes or short circuit.
To fix small details and ensure the safety of the process, the following set will be required:
- 🔧 A set of screwdrivers (Phillips #000, #00) for twisting the screws of the body.
- 🛠 Plastic blade or mediator for lid cracking.
- 🌡 A dryer or heat pad to soften the glue (if the screen is glued).
- 🧲 Magnetic mat for sorting screws by disassembly stages.
Pay special attention to work area lighting. Small parts and connectors may be poorly visible in dim light, which increases the risk of error. Good lighting will allow you to see the status of contacts and the integrity of the plumes during operation.
☑️ Preparation for repairs
Primary dismantling and removal of the back cover
The Redmi 5A is designed to allow the main access to the insides to be accessed through the back panel, and unlike many modern smartphones, you don't have to heat the perimeter of the case, because the lid is held on plastic latches, which greatly simplifies the initial disassembly phase and reduces the risk of damage to the frame.
Start by removing the tray for SIM-This is a standard procedure that is necessary to prevent accidental damage to the internal contacts, using a special paper clip or a thin needle, pressing into the hole on the end of the device. After removing the tray, carefully examine the perimeter of the body for visible screws - in this model they may not be under plugs, but verification is mandatory.
To remove the back cover, perform the following actions:
- 📱 Find a small groove in the lower corner of the back panel or on the end.
- 🔓 Carefully insert a plastic shoulder blade or nail into the gap between the frame and the lid.
- 🔄 Swipe the tool along the entire perimeter, sequentially snapping the locks.
- ⚠️ Do not put too much effort, plastic can crack in a sharp jerk.
⚠️ Warning: If the lid is difficult to remove, do not use force. check if the screw is left under the logo or sticker, although in Redmi 5A The main fastener is usually inside after the lid is removed.
After successfully detaching the lid, put it in a safe place, open access to the main board, battery and camera module, and now you need to turn off the power to avoid short circuits in further manipulation.
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Before removing any plumes, be sure to disconnect the battery from the motherboard.This will prevent accidental short circuit and the power controller from failing.
Disconnection of the battery and dismantling of protective screens
The first thing you do after you remove the back cover is to turn the device off, find the battery connector to the motherboard, and in Redmi 5A, it's on top of the device, next to the other plumes, and gently put the connector in a plastic blade and disconnect it.
Next, you take off the metal shielding plate that covers the main display and touchscreen connectors, and this plate is mounted with multiple screws of different sizes, and it's critical to remember the location of each screw, because their length may vary, and putting a long screw into a short hole can break through the motherboard.
The table below will help you navigate the main components that will become available after the protection is removed:
| Component | Location. | Type of attachment | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display connector | Top of the pay | Clamp connector | Requires careful pressing. |
| Touchscreen plume | Next to the display | Clamp connector | Very thin and fragile. |
| Main camera. | Centre/Top of the fee | Landing place | Don't touch the lens with your fingers. |
| antenna wire | Right end | Round connector | Take off only for a metal tip |
Once all visible plumes are turned off, you can start removing the motherboard. However, Redmi 5A often requires removing the bottom board (with a charging connector) to fully access or replace the connector itself.
Replacement of the display and touch screen
The most common reason Redmi 5A disassembly is to replace the broken screen, and in this model, the display module often comes with a framed assembly, which makes it easier to replace. If you have a frameless module, you will have to glue the old screen to a new frame, which requires work with B-7000 glue and fine-tuning.
The process of replacing the module assembly is as follows: After disconnecting all the plumes from the motherboard and removing the board (if the design requires a complete dismantling to access the frame screws), you need to twist the screws that hold the old module around the perimeter, then carefully separate the old screen from the plastic frame if it is not assembled.
When installing a new module, follow the following sequence:
- 🖥️ Try on a new display without sticking, check the image.
- 🧴 Apply a thin layer of glue B-7000 plastic frame of the new module.
- 🔗 Connect the display and touchscreen plumes to the motherboard.
- 🔩 Twisting the screws of the board mounting and install metal screens.
Remember to check the touchscreen before the final body assembly. In the Redmi 5A, the touchscreen plume runs under the battery in some revisions, so be extremely careful when stacking it. The plume overbending can lead to broken areas of the screen or complete sensor failure.
What if the screen doesn’t work after replacement?
Work with the battery and lower charge
Replacing the battery in Redmi 5A is a moderate procedure, the battery is glued to the plastic case with double-sided tape. It is recommended to use a suction cup and a plastic card to remove it, or gently smear the battery with a spatula, trying not to damage its shell.
The lower board, which is the Micro-USB connector, also often needs to be replaced because of port loosening or contact oxidation, and it connects to the motherboard with a main plume, and when you replace the lower board, you need to carefully disconnect this plume, unscrew the mounting screws, and remove the board from the case.
⚠️ Warning: When installing a new battery, make sure the contact pad on the battery plume is clean and has no oxides.Poor contact can cause the phone to not see charging or to run out quickly.
After installing new components (batteries or lower board), conduct an initial power test. Don't rush to twist all the screws completely until you make sure that the device responds to the power button and shows the image on the screen.
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The main challenge when working with the Redmi 5A battery is to unstick it from the body without damaging the plastic frame and without deforming the battery itself. Use a hair dryer to heat the back wall of the case (50-60 degrees) to soften the adhesive.
Device assembly and final inspection
The Redmi 5A is assembled in reverse order, make sure all plumes are securely fixed in the connectors and closed with metal pressing plates, twist the screws evenly, without excessive pressure, so as not to break the thread in the plastic case.
Before installing the back cover, check again if there are any foreign objects, dust or forgotten tools inside the case. Carefully combine the cover with the body and press the perimeter until the characteristic snap of the latches. Make sure there are no gaps anywhere.
The final inspection shall include:
- 📞 Checking the operation of the speakers and microphone (test call).
- 📶 Checking the work of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and cellular communication.
- 📸 Testing both cameras and flashes.
- 🔋 Checking the charging process and displaying the battery level.
If all the functions work correctly, congratulations on successful repair! Independent dismantling of the smartphone requires patience and accuracy, but allows you to save significantly on the services of the service center.