Modern smartphones, including popular models from Xiaomi, are designed to integrate components into the body as closely as possible. However, over time, owners of the Redmi Note 4 face the need to access the interior of the device, this can be due to replacing a worn battery, repairing the charging connector or replacing a broken screen. Self-opening the case requires accuracy and understanding of the design, since inept actions can lead to damage to the plumes.
The main difficulty is that the Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 has an all-metal body that does not open with a simple snapping of plastic latches, as it was in earlier models. To access the insides, you will have to use heating and special tools. In this article, we will discuss the entire process in detail so that you can safely perform the necessary manipulations with your gadget.
Before you start any work, it's important to be aware of the risks. The internal layout of the device is dense, and the plumes are quite fragile. The wrong handling of the tool can damage the display matrix or puncture the battery. If you are not confident in your abilities, you better contact the service center, but if you decide to act on your own, carefully follow each step of the instructions.
Tools and workplace preparation required
Quality training is half the success of electronics repair. To disassemble the Redmi Note 4, you will need a specific set of tools that you can not always find in a regular kitchen. Standard screwdrivers may not be enough, since screws in modern smartphones often have custom hats.
First of all, you're going to need a heat source, because the back panel is glued to a special sealant, you have to heat it up to a certain temperature to soften the glue, which is perfect for a hair dryer or a professional heat pad, and you don't use open fires or gas burners, because it can melt plastic elements or damage the display.
- 🔧 A set of precision screwdrivers (Pentalobe and Phillips) for screw twisting.
- 🔥 A hair dryer or heating plate to soften the glue under the cover.
- 💳 Plastic card or mediator for snapping the case without scratches.
- 🧲 Magnetic mat or container for sorting screws of different sizes.
It's also critical to get the workspace ready. The surface needs to be clean, flat and well-lit. Small parts like the motherboard mount screws are easily lost, so having a magnetic mat or even white paper will make it much easier to assemble back. Remember to turn off your smartphone completely before you start work.
⚠️ Note: Before starting the heating, be sure to remove SIM-card and memory card, if installed, heating may damage the contents or the cards themselves.
☑️ Preparation for disassembly
Removal of the back cover and primary diagnosis
The dismantling process begins with the detachment of the rear panel. Unlike plastic models, it uses a metal case that is attached around the perimeter to a double-sided tape. Heat the edges of the device with a hairdryer for 2-3 minutes, evenly passing along the entire perimeter. The temperature should be palpable to the touch, but not burning (about 80-90 degrees).
After warming up, insert a plastic card or mediator between the frame and the back cover. Carefully guide the tool along the seam, gradually cutting through the adhesive layer. Don't try to fit the lid from one corner, as this can cause it to deform. Move around, slowly separating the panel.
What to do if the lid does not move?
When the lid is removed, you will have access to the main board, the battery and the camera module, and you can do a first visual diagnostic, and you can look at the plumes and connectors, and if you're planning to replace the battery, now is the time to assess whether it's bloating or wear.
Battery Dismantling and Moisture Protection
In the Redmi Note 4, the battery takes up a significant portion of the internal volume and is attached to a powerful layer of glue, which you can't just pull out, because you can damage the battery shell, which can lead to fire or chemical burns, and you need to heat it again to safely extract it.
Carefully warm up the battery area through the open space (do not point the hair dryer directly at the battery for a long time). Use a plastic blade to smack the edge of the battery. Move the tool under the battery, trying to dissect the glue. Act slowly, without jerking.
| Parameter | Meaning/Description | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Standard battery capacity | 4100mAh | Tall. |
| Type of attachment | Perimeter glue base | Critically. |
| Tension. | 3.85 V (nominal) | Medium |
| Risk of damage | High (in puncture) | Critically. |
When installing a new battery, be sure to remove the remnants of the old glue from the inside of the case. To fix the new battery, it is better to use special adhesive tapes B-7000 or bilateral tape for electronics. Do not use superglue, as its vapors can settle on cameras and speakers, and it becomes fragile.
⚠️ Warning: Never use metal tools (tweezers, knives) to retrieve the battery.Puncture of the lithium polymer battery causes instant electrolyte ignition.
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To make it easier to replace the battery, stick a strip of tape with a tongue on the bottom of the battery before installation, making it easy to remove it next time without heating.
Disassembly of the display module and frame
If you want to replace a screen or touchscreen, the process gets complicated. In the Xiaomi Redmi Note 4, the display module is glued to a metal frame. To replace a glass or matrix, it often requires re-sticking the module to a new frame or neat separation of layers.
First, you have to remove all the screws that attach the metal frame to the plastic base, and they can vary in number, and they can be hidden under the stickers, and once the screws are unscrewed, the frame is removed with the display, and be careful, there are antenna contacts that can be held under the frame.
Separating the display and the frame will require heating again and a thin string or blade, which is considered the most difficult part of the repair of this model. The matrix is very fragile, and any pressure can lead to ink spots or cracks. If you don't have experience, it is recommended to change the display assembled with a frame.
- 🧵 Use a guitar string or special fishing line to cut the glue under the screen.
- 🌡️ Heat the front part moderately so as not to damage the polarization film.
- 🧹 Carefully clean the glue residue before sticking the new module.
When you build, make sure that the display plume is properly inserted into the motherboard connector before the characteristic click.Distached contact will result in no image or stripes on the screen. Also check the touchscreen until the screws are finally fixed.
Replacement of the charging connector and the lower plume
One of the most common problems faced by owners is the failure of the bottom plume with the charging connector.Symptoms include intermittent charge, the need to hold the cable in a certain position or a complete lack of response to the connection.
Replace the motherboard, as the plume runs underneath it, carefully disconnect all connectors, including antenna cables (usually round and screwed), remember or photograph the location of the antennas so that you don't confuse them when you build them.
Once the board is removed, access to the bottom plume is free. Unscrew the screws holding the old module and install a new one. Notice the microphone that is often embedded in this plume. The quality of a new microphone in cheap analogues can be low, so it's better to choose original parts or quality copies.
⚠️ Attention: The antenna wires are very thin and easily torn. When they are disconnected, pull the metal tip, not the wire itself.
Assembly of the device and verification of functionality
The assembly is done in reverse order, but requires even more care. Make sure all screws are returned to their places. The Redmi Note 4 design uses screws of different lengths, and screwing a long screw into a short hole can punch through the motherboard.
Special attention is paid to sealing. Although the factory moisture protection is difficult to restore completely, a good glue of the back cover will protect the device from dust and splashes. Apply a thin layer of glue B-7000 around the perimeter of the frame, press the lid and lock the device with rubber bands for 15-20 minutes.
Once assembled, turn on your phone and check all the functions: charging, cameras, speakers, microphone, Wi-Fi and sensor. If everything works correctly, you can consider the repair a success. Don't rush to paste all the screws with decorative stickers at once - let the device work for a couple of hours to make sure that it is stable.
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Quality assembly is more important than speed, and one forgotten screw or poorly inserted plume can cause a re-disassembly in a week.