Xiaomi Redmi 4A, released in 2016, has proven to be a reliable budget device, but time is taking its toll. Many owners face the need to open the case: the battery has lost capacity, a broken display or a failed speaker. Understanding how to open the phone properly becomes critical to its recovery without going to an expensive service center.
The process of disassembling this model has its own characteristics, which distinguish it from more modern machines with adhesive frames: here the main fasteners are screws hidden under plugs and plastic latches that require careful handling, before starting to dismantle, you need to clearly understand the risks and prepare the workplace so that you do not damage fragile plumes or the case.
In this article, we will take a look at every step of the way, from tool preparation to final assembly, and learn which screws to unscrew first, how to safely snap the back cover, and what nuances to look for when working with the motherboard.
Tools and workplace preparation required
For a high-quality and safe disassembly of the Redmi 4A, a screwdriver alone is not enough. You will need a specialized toolkit that minimizes the risk of damage to the body and internal components. Using inappropriate items such as knives or pins often leads to deep scratches and chips on the plastic.
Special attention should be paid to the organization of lighting. It is strongly recommended not to work in dim light, since you can lose small screws or miss microscopic damage to the plumes. It is also important to ensure that there is no static electricity on the desktop, since electrostatics can disable the sensitive electronics of a smartphone.
- 🛠️ Set of screwdrivers: mandatory presence of cross PH000 and a small flat screwdriver.
- 🎴 Plastic blade (mediator): for snapping the latches of the body without damage.
- 🧲 Magnetic mat or container with sections: for sorting screws of different sizes.
- 🔥 Dryer or thermophen: Necessary for softening the glue under the screen if it is planned to be replaced.
⚠️ Note: Before starting any work, be sure to turn off the device and remove SIM-card and memory card: Attempting to disassemble the phone on can result in short circuit.
Once you've got everything you need, make sure you have enough room to manipulate, and then you can arrange the tools in order you use them, so you don't have to be distracted by the screwdrivers at the most critical time when your hands are busy holding on to fragile parts.
☑️ Preparation for disassembly
Removal of the back cover and removal of the battery
The first step in dismantling the Xiaomi Redmi 4A is to remove the back cover. Unlike many modern models, it is not glued around the perimeter, but is held on powerful plastic latches and several screws. Start by twisting two screws located at the bottom of the body, on either side of the charging connector.
Once the screws are removed, you need to carefully tuck the lid in. You'd better use a suction cup to create a gap, or a thin plastic map. Move around the perimeter, gradually snapping the locks off. Don't use excessive force to avoid breaking the plastic ears of the attachments that may remain inside the case.
When the lid is removed, you'll see the inside of the device, and the next step is to turn off the battery, which is a critical step, because working with the battery connected can cause the power controller to fail, and the connector is on the top, next to the main camera.
| Type of screw | Location. | Number of | Tool. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Big black. | Bottom of the hull (2 units) | 2 | Screwdriver PH000 |
| Fine silvery | Payment (stubs) | 4-6 | Screwdriver PH000 |
| Middle black | Fixing fees | 2 | Screwdriver PH000 |
| Micro-prop | Dynamics/Antenna | 1-2 | Thin flat |
To turn off the battery plume, use a plastic blade. Put the connector up from the bottom, trying not to damage the plug on the board. Then you can safely remove the battery. It's glued to double-sided tape, so you may need to carefully tweak the edges.
What to do if the battery is blown?
Dismantling motherboard and plumes
After the power is turned off, you can start removing the motherboard, it is closed with a metal screen that is attached to several screws. Carefully examine the surface: some screws can be hidden under stickers or plugs. In the Redmi 4A model, it is important not to confuse the length of the screws, as too long can break through the tracks on the board.
When you remove the metallic shield, you get access to the main connectors, and you have the plumes of the display, the touchscreen, the main and front cameras, and the plume of the lower board, and you have to turn off all of these components before you extract the board, and do this sequentially, starting with the most accessible ones.
Unscrew the screws that hold the board to the case, usually two or three. Then gently raise the board. Notice the antenna wire, which often runs under the board or connects on the side, and you have to disconnect it or carefully remove it from the board so you don't break it.
- 📱 Disconnect the main display plume by poking it up with a nail or spatula.
- 📸 Carefully remove camera modules by holding on to their metal bases rather than plastic parts.
- 🔊 Turn off the bottom speaker plume and charging connector if a full parsing is required.
- 📡 Click the antenna cable (coaxial wire) from the main connector.
⚠️ Attention: Xiaomi plumes are very thin and fragile. Do not pull them sharply or bend them at a sharp angle.
Once all communications are shut down, the motherboard is freely removed from the case, put it on an antistatic surface, and you can now replace faulty modules, such as a camera or charging connector, if they are soldered on separate satellite boards.
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When you turn off the antenna cable, remember or photograph the path of the cable, and the wrong wire may be squeezed when assembled, which will degrade the communication signal.
Replacement of the display and touch screen
Replacing the screen with a Redmi 4A is one of the most common reasons for disassembly. The screen here is mounted not only with a plume, but also around the frame, often on adhesive basis or powerful latches. If you change only the glass (touchscreen), the process requires considerable skill and heat. When replacing the module in the assembly, the task is simplified.
To remove the old module, you need to warm up the front of the device. Use a hair dryer, evenly warming the edges of the screen for 2-3 minutes. The glue will soften, and you will be able to suction the screen with a suction cup or a blade. Move slowly, cutting through the glue layer with a thin string or plastic card.
After removing the old module, carefully clean the frame of the glue residue. The surface must be perfectly smooth, otherwise the new screen will lie unevenly, and air bubbles or "rainbow" may appear on the display.
The new module is installed in reverse order, first the plume is connected (with the battery off!), then the module is neatly framed. Use a new double-sided tape, which often comes with spare parts, or a special glue B-7000 to fix it.
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The quality of the glue or the tape directly affects the moisture protection and the density of the screen. Don't skimp on consumables when repairing.
Assembly of the device and verification of functionality
The Xiaomi Redmi 4A is built in the exact opposite order, but before you twist all the screws and slam the lid, you need to do an initial check. Connect the battery and press the power button. If the screen catches fire and the image appears, you are on the right track.
Check the touchscreen by swiping your finger across all areas of the screen, making sure the speakers, microphone and vibration are working, and checking the cameras and proximity sensors, and then making sure all systems are fully operational, you can start to get the final locking.
When installing the back cover, make sure all plumes are laid correctly and do not stick out from under the board. The cover should fit tightly around the perimeter without gaps. Twirl the screws at the bottom of the case, but do not drag them over so as not to break the thread in the plastic racks.
- ✅ Check the operation of touch buttons (if mechanical) or screen response.
- ✅ Make sure the speaker doesn’t wheez at maximum volume.
- ✅ Check if the device is charging from the cable.
- ✅ Make sure the volume and on buttons have a clear click.
⚠️ Warning: If the phone doesn't turn on after assembly, don't panic. You may have a bad latch on the battery or display. Disassemble the device again and check the connector density.
The final touch is the installation SIM-Call someone, check the Internet, if all the functions are working properly, the repair can be considered successful. 4A ready for operation.