The Xiaomi Redmi Note 4, despite its age, is still a popular device that requires attention. Often there is a need to open the case to replace the battery, clean the speakers or repair the charging connector. The process of dismantling the rear panel of this device has its own features that distinguish it from modern models with cutouts.
The main challenge is the design of the mount. Unlike many modern gadgets, here the lid is not only held on the latches, but also on a significant amount of glue. Improper handling can lead to cracks in the glass or damage to the plumes of the internal components.
In this guide, we will discuss how to safely open your phone, what tools you will need and what to pay special attention to, and the right approach will help maintain the integrity of the case and avoid costly repair errors.
Preparation of the workplace and necessary tools
Before starting disassembly, you need to organize a comfortable workspace, the surface should be clean, well-lit and, preferably, antistatic, using a soft mat will prevent the device from slipping and protect the screen from scratches during operation.
You'll need a specialized toolkit to disassemble well. Standard household items may not be enough, because the screws in the Redmi Note 4 have specific hats. The lack of a suitable screwdriver often leads to the slithering of the screw faces, making them extremely difficult to retrieve.
Be sure to prepare the following tools:
- 🔧 Precision screwdrivers (mandatory Phillips #00 and Y-type bits).
- 🔥 Hair dryer or heating platform for softening glue.
- 💳 Plastic mediators or thin cards for snapping latches.
- 🧲 Magnetic mat or screw sorting container.
⚠️ Warning: Never use metal blades or knives to lid the lid. Metal can easily damage the battery, causing it to ignite, or break through the plumes connecting the modules.
It is also recommended to have tweezers with curved ends and a suction cup on hand, the suction cup will help to evenly distribute the force when pulling the lid, and tweezers will be useful for working with small parts inside the case. Be sure to completely discharge the battery before work, if possible, or make sure that its charge does not exceed 25%.
The initial stages of dismantling the back panel
The process of opening the Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 begins with removing visible elements.The first step is always to remove the tray for the device. SIM-This is standard procedure, but it's critically important, because a forgotten tray can block the movement of tools or damage internal mechanisms when you try to remove the lid.
Next, remove the two screws at the bottom of the case, on the sides of the Micro-USB charging connector. These screws are often hidden under decorative plugs or simply visible on close inspection. Their twisting releases the lower part of the structure, allowing you to start working with the latches.
When you remove the screws, you get the most critical thing, which is heating. The glue that holds the panel is very strong at room temperature.
- 🌡️ Heat the perimeter of the body with a hair dryer to a temperature near 80-90 degree.
- ⏱️ Keep the flow of hot air evenly, without lingering long at one point.
- 👐 Check the heating with your hand: the plastic should be hot, but not scalding.
⚠️ Warning: Overheating can cause the plastic frame to deform or damage the display matrix. If the phone is too hot to hold in your hand, then the temperature is sufficient to soften the glue.
After warming up, use a suction cup to slightly lift the lower edge of the lid. Insert a plastic mediator into the resulting gap. Don't try to open the phone with a jerk; the glue must soften so that the panel lends itself to a smooth force.
Perimeter latching technique
The Redmi Note 4 uses a combined perimeter adhesive system and lots of plastic latches inside. Once the bottom is freed, you need to run a mediator or a thin map along the entire circuit of the device, and the movements need to be sliding, directed inwards, to cut the glue residue and release the locks.
Pay special attention to the corners of the body. This is where the main attachment points are most often located, and this is where the plastic is most fragile. Excessive force in the corner areas is guaranteed to lead to cracks in the back panel, which will be noticeable when assembled.
For effective work, use the following technique:
- 🔄 Move around in a circle, gradually moving from bottom to top.
- 🛑 Do not remove the tool completely until you have passed the entire perimeter.
- 👂 Listen to clicks: the characteristic sound indicates the successful release of the fixator.
If the lid is difficult to remove, don't use force. Go back to the heating phase. The adhesive in Xiaomi can be applied unevenly, and some areas require more intense heating. It's better to spend an extra 2-3 minutes heating than to buy a new back panel.
Disabling the plumes and removing the cover
When all the latches around the perimeter are free, don't be in a hurry to remove the back cover completely. At the top of the device, near the main camera, there are plumes connecting the panel to the motherboard. A sharp movement can break these thin conductors, which will cause buttons, speakers or antennas to fail.
Carefully lift the bottom of the lid and inspect the top area. You need to disconnect the fingerprint scanner plume (if it is mounted on the lid) and, in some versions, the lower board plume running along the case. Use a plastic blade or nail to shut down, putting the connector upwards rather than pulling the wires themselves.
It's important to remember the location of the connectors. In the Redmi Note 4, they can be quite tight.
| Component | Location. | Type of connection | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Imprint scanner. | Upper left corner | Clamp connector | Requires deflection of the fixator |
| Antenna contact | Perimeter. | Spring (pogo pin) | He'll be disconnected when he's taken off. |
| Dynamician | The bottom part | Contact area | Covered. |
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Take a picture of all the plumes and screws before you turn off, and this will help you avoid back-assembly errors, especially if you're doing it for the first time.
Only after all communications are turned off can the back cover be completely removed, and then put it in a safe place, preferably on a soft cloth, so that the interior surface or the camera is not scratched.
Working with an internal protective plate
Once the back panel is removed, you will see a metal or plastic plate covering the battery and the bottom of the motherboard. - Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 This plate is also attached to the screws, and the number of these can vary depending on the board revision, but they're usually around. 10-12 piece.
Spin the screws in sequence, folding them according to the place of twisting. The screws can be of different lengths, and mounting a long screw in the hole for a short one can damage the board or body. Use a magnetic mat with markings for sorting.
Once all the screws are removed, the plate is removed easily, and underneath it is the battery and the lower board.
- 🔋 The battery takes up most of the space and is glued to the frame.
- 📱 The lower board contains a charging connector and microphone.
- 📡 Antenna contacts should coincide with the holes in the plate.
⚠️ Warning: When removing the protective plate, be careful with the plume running from the bottom board to the main board, it passes under or along the battery and is easily damaged.
If you're looking to replace your battery, now's the time. But remember, the battery in the Redmi Note 4 is also glue-based, and you'll need to reheat it and use a plastic card to gently cut the glue.
Assembly of the device and verification of functionality
The assembly is done in reverse order, but requires even more care. Put the battery back in place, making sure that the connector sits tightly in the connector of the motherboard. The characteristic click when pressing on the connector is a good sign, but visual inspection is required.
Put the safety plate back in place and twist all the screws. Don't pull them over, the plastic of the threads in the case is very easy to tear off, just feel the moment of resistance and add minimal force to fix.
☑️ Checklist before closing
Before you stick the back cover, test it. Connect the display plume (if it's off) and press the switch button. Check the touchscreen, sound, vibration and charging. If everything works, you can apply a new glue or double-sided tape to the case and install the cover.
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Quality assembly depends not only on the correctness of the actions, but also on the cleanliness inside the case.
To fix the cover, use a special glue B-7000 or a high-quality double-sided tape. Apply the composition with a thin layer around the perimeter, press the lid and lock the device with rubber bands for 30-60 minutes until the glue is completely dry.