How to open the Xiaomi Redmi 5 phone: step-by-step instructions

Xiaomi Redmi 5, released in late 2017, has become one of the most popular budget devices due to the successful combination of price and performance. However, over time, any electronic device requires maintenance: the battery loses capacity, the display breaks or you need to clean the speakers from dust.

Before you start physical intervention, you need to realize that the device body is assembled on two-part adhesive, not on latches, as in older models. This means that the opening process will require preheating the edges of the case to soften the adhesive layer. The heating temperature should not exceed 80-90 degrees Celsius, so as not to damage the display matrix or plastic frame elements.

In this article, we will take a closer look at how to safely open Redmi 5, what tools you will need and what design nuances you should pay special attention to. Properly preparing the workplace and having the right tool is half the success of the operation.

Tools and workplace preparation required

Preparing for repairs is key to a successful completion of the procedure. To open the Xiaomi Redmi 5, you will need a specific set of tools that differ from the standard PC kit. Lack of the right tool often leads to damage to the screws or scratches on the body.

First of all, you'll need a heating element, which can be a professional separator, a thermophen, or even a regular household heating pad, if you're careful, and a set of precision screwdrivers is also critical, because the device uses screws of different sizes and types of heads.

• 🔧 Set of screwdrivers (cross-haired) P2, P5 and flat) for twisting screws of fixing boards and modules.
• 🌡️ Hair dryer or heating pad for uniform heating of the perimeter of the body and softening of the glue.
• 🎴 Plastic card or special mediator to detach the frame without scratches.
• 🧲 Magnetic mat for sorting screws, so as not to confuse them when assembling.
• 💧 Isopropyl alcohol or special solvent of glue (B-7000) final-clean.

Organize your workspace so that it is well lit. Small parts, such as screws or connectors, are easy to lose on a dark table. It is recommended to use an antistatic mat, although a clean dry surface is enough for household repairs.

⚠️ Note: Before starting any work, be sure to remove SIM-card and memory card: Attempting to open the tray or press on the case with the card installed can damage the reader contacts.

The use of metal blades is not strictly recommended at the initial stage. Redmi 5 aluminum frame is easily scratched, and sloppy movement can lead to a short circuit if you tamper with the battery or plume. Plastic tools are much safer in this regard.

Heating and opening process

The most critical step is to separate the back cover from the metal frame, and the glue that holds them together becomes polymerized over time and becomes very durable, and trying to fit the lid on the cold one is guaranteed to destroy it.

Turn the dryer on at medium power and evenly warm the perimeter of the device. Keep the heat source at a distance of 3-5 cm from the surface, constantly moving it along the faces. The heating process takes from 2 to 5 minutes depending on the ambient temperature.

Once the case warms up, insert a thin plastic card or mediator into the gap between the glass and the frame at the bottom of the smartphone. Carefully guide the tool along the side faces, gradually cutting through the glue layer. Do not immerse the tool too deeply so as not to touch the plumes coming from the buttons.

Once the adhesive layer has been passed, you can lift the lid, but don't rush it off completely, there may be some glue fragments or small fixtures inside, and a light swaying of the lid from side to side will help to separate it completely.

Disconnection of the battery and dismantling of the protective plate

When you take the back cover off, you'll see the interior of the smartphone, and most of the space is occupied by the battery, and at the top is a motherboard that's covered with a black plastic or metal plate, and that's where you start dismantling.

To access the connectors, you need to unscrew all the visible screws holding the protective plate. The number can vary, but usually there are about 10-12 pieces. Note the length of the screws: they may differ, so use a magnetic mat to sort.

Once the safety plate is removed, the first thing you need to do is turn off the battery plume, which is a critical step that shuts down the device and prevents short circuits when working with other components. Use a plastic blade to snap the connector.

Only after the battery is turned off can the display, touchscreen, main and front cameras, as well as the connectors of the buttons and speakers be safely disconnected. Movements must be confident, but without excessive effort, so as not to damage the fragile connectors on the board.

Extraction of motherboard and modules

After all the plumes are turned off, the motherboard becomes free, but it is still held by screws and the camera module.In Xiaomi Redmi 5, the main camera is located at the top and can be integrated into the overall design or mounted separately.

Carefully unscrew the circuit board screws. Notice the antenna contacts: often there are golden spring contacts under the screws that communicate with antennas located on the back cover or at the ends of the case, and their loss will lead to a deterioration in signal reception.

When you raise the board, be careful. The plumes can be glued to the frame or have complex geometry of stacking. Don't pull the board up sharply. You'd better lift the edge slightly and see if any cable is caught.

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Take a picture of all the plumes and screws before you take them down, and a photo will help you remember nothing when you reassemble the device.

If you want to replace the display, you don't always have to remove the board completely. Often, you just have to push it aside, you have access to the bottom plumes of the screen, but you have to retrieve the entire board to replace the charging connector or microphone.

Replacement of the battery and work with adhesive base

In Redmi 5, the battery occupies almost the entire interior area under the back cover, and it's planted on double-sided tape, which eventually loses its properties or, conversely, clings to death.

Under no circumstances do not try to swell the battery with metal objects or put too much pressure on it. Damage to the lithium polymer cell can cause fire or chemical burn. If the battery is swelling, be especially careful not to puncture it.

• 🔥 Slightly warm up the battery area with a hairdryer to soften the glue underneath.
• 🧵 Use a strong floss (such as dental floss) or a special string to "cut" the adhesive layer under the battery.
• 💳 Plastic card poke the battery, while pulling the thread.
• 🧼 Clean the seat of the residues of old glue with alcohol or solvent.
• 🆕 Stick a new double-sided tape onto the case before installing the new battery.

⚠️ Warning: Don't use superglue (cyanacrylate) to lock the battery! its vapors can settle on cameras and display, creating a whitish plaque that cannot be removed.

After installing the new battery and connecting the plume, do not rush to close the lid, check whether the screen responds to touch, whether sound and vibration work, and this will avoid re-disassembly in the event of a new part failure.

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Quality cleaning of the seat from old glue is a guarantee that the new battery or back cover will lie flat and will remain secure.

Assembly of the device and verification of functionality

The Xiaomi Redmi 5 is assembled in reverse order, but requires even more attention to detail. Make sure all plumes are inserted before the characteristic click and fixed with clamping slats. An unpatched screw can cause extraneous sounds or poor contact.

Pay special attention to the plume of the touchscreen and display, and if the screen doesn't light up or the touchscreen doesn't respond after assembly, it might be that the connector isn't fully inserted or squeezed, and in such cases, you have to re-assemble the device.

Before you stick the back cover, check all buttons, speakers, microphone and cameras. Make sure the proximity sensor is working correctly, otherwise the screen will not go out during the conversation.

To finalize the back cover, use a special glue B-7000 or T-7000. Apply a thin layer around the frame perimeter, avoiding the glue entering the body on the board. Press the cover and lock the device with rubber bands for 15-20 minutes before initial grasping.

Compliance with all the steps of the manual will allow you to successfully open the Xiaomi Redmi 5 and make the necessary repairs. Remember, practice and accuracy are the main skills of the wizard. Even if you are doing it for the first time, take your time, and you will succeed.