How to open a Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 phone: a disassembly guide

The need to disassemble a modern smartphone often occurs when the display module is damaged, the battery fails or moisture enters the body. Model Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 (in particular, the version of the Global with a Snapdragon processor) has proven to be a reliable device, but its design requires accuracy in dismantling. The opening process is not trivial, since the back cover is fixed on a powerful adhesive composition, and the internal layout has its own characteristics.

Before you start, it is important to understand that any physical interference with the device leads to the loss of the official warranty. If your device is still in warranty service, it is wise to contact an authorized service center. However, if you have made a firm decision to act on your own, be patient and have the necessary tools. Wrong actions can damage the plumes or even bloat the battery.

In this article, we will discuss how to safely open the case, disable the main components and access internal nodes. We will pay special attention to the specifics of the display mount and the location of the plumes, since these elements are most often affected by inept disassembly. Careful follow of the instructions will help minimize risks and successfully replace defective parts.

Preparation of the workplace and necessary tools

You can't do a good job of disassembling without a properly organized space. You need a clean, well-lit desk, preferably with antistatic coating or just no pile. Light should fall evenly so that small screws and connectors are clearly visible. Chaos in the workplace is the main cause of loss of fasteners or accidental damage to fragile components.

The Redmi Note 4 toolkit should be specialized. The use of improvised tools such as knives or pins is strongly discouraged, as they can damage plastic latches or scratch the frame. The main tool for separating the lid will be a suction cup and a thin plastic spatula (mediator).

• 🛠️ Screwdriver kit: a Phillips #00 cross screwdriver is required and possibly flat for neat tweaking.
• 🔥 Hair dryer or thermophen: necessary to heat the adhesive layer under the back cover to a temperature 80-90 degree.
• 🧩 Plastic blades and mediators: necessary for snapping latches without damaging the body.
• 🧲 Magnetic mat or organizer: for sorting screws of different lengths, so as not to confuse them when assembling.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use a metal scalpel to open the body around the perimeter.The metal can damage the antenna plume, which often passes under the frame, or break the glass if the blade slips.

Also, remember to turn the device off completely before you start work. Even when it's off, the battery is under voltage, so any manipulation of the connectors inside requires extreme caution. If you have isopropyl alcohol, it will help dissolve the glue residue during the final cleaning of the frames.

Removal of the back cover and primary dismantling

The hardest step to open the phone is to separate the back cover, and in the Redmi Note 4, it's glued all around the perimeter, first you have to heat the surface, turn on the hair dryer, and warm the edges of the device evenly for 2-3 minutes, and don't hold the hair dryer too close to overheat the display matrix on the back.

After heating, try to suction the lid at the bottom of the smartphone. If the lid lends itself, insert a plastic blade into the gap. Driving the tool along the perimeter, feeling the resistance of the glue and plastic latches. Movements should be sliding, not stabbing.

Pay special attention to the top, where the camera and the main connector are located. The glue can be applied more aggressively. If you feel that the lid is not coming, do not use force - it is better to add a little more heat. A sharp jerk can lead to cracks in the glass or tearing off the fingerprint scanner plume if it is attached to the lid.

When the lid is removed, you'll have access to the metal frame and battery, and the first thing you need to do is remove the plastic slat that covers the main plume connectors, which are usually secured by multiple screws around the perimeter and in the center, and unscrew them, gently remove the bar to free access to the motherboard.

Disconnection of the battery and removal of metal protection

Before you continue to disassemble deeper, you need to turn off the device. This is a critical step for component safety. Find the battery connector on the motherboard. In the Xiaomi Redmi Note 4, it is located at the top, under a metal screen or plastic lining.

Use a plastic blade or nail to gently snap the battery connector. Do not use metal tools, as short circuits under voltage can knock out the power controller instantly. Once switched off, you can safely touch other connectors without fear of accidentally turning on the device.

Then there's the step of removing the main metal frame that protects the motherboard, and it's mounted with a lot of screws of different sizes, and remember or draw the screws, because they can vary in length by only a fraction of a millimeter, but if you screw a long screw into a short hole, you can punch through the board.

Once all the screws are unscrewed, the frame may not be removed immediately. It may also be placed on glue in some places or held on latches. Carefully walk the perimeter with your shoulder blade. Notice the antenna contacts, they must freely exit their seats. If anything interferes, check if all the screws are removed.

Dismantling of motherboard and modules

Now that protection is removed, the Redmi Note 4 motherboard is available for retrieval.However, it is still connected to the body with many plumes. First of all, turn off the main camera module plume, flashes, and also the volume and turn on button plumes if they come in separate connectors.

Pay special attention to the plume of the display. In this model, it can be quite long, but you can't pull it. Carefully disconnect the connectors using a plastic blade. Some connectors have latches that you need to bend before you remove the plume.

Once all communications are turned off, the board should be freely withdrawn, take it just by the edges, try not to touch the contacts and chips. The fat from the skin can oxidize the contacts over time. If you change the screen, you can not take the board out completely, but just push it aside, if the length of the trains allows.

At this stage, it is also worth checking the condition of the vibrator and the bottom plume (sub-board), where the charging connector and microphone are located. Often charging problems are solved by replacing this module, which is attached to several screws at the bottom of the body.

Replacement of the display and work with the touch screen

If the purpose of the disassembly was to replace the broken screen, the process requires special sensitivity. Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 uses an IPS matrix that is attached to a metal frame around the perimeter. The old broken module must be separated from the frame. This will require heating again.

Heat the front panel with a hair dryer to soften the B-7000 glue or similar composition. Use a thin string or a special fishing line to "re-saw" the adhesive layer between the metal and the glass. The movements should be sawing, try not to bend the matrix itself, as it is very fragile.

⚠️ Attention: Pressure on the center of the screen when the edges are unstick can cause black spots or stripes on the matrix.

After removing the old module, thoroughly clean the frame of the residue of glue.The new surface should be perfectly smooth and fat-free.Apply a new layer of glue (usually bundled with a screen or bought separately by the B-7000) with a thin strip along the perimeter of the frame.

Install the new module by combining the plume connectors. Make sure the touchscreen and display plume are properly stacked in their channels and not clamped. Press the screen against the frame and lock with rubber harnesses or loads for the time the glue is drying (usually 15-30 minutes).

Assembly of the device and verification of functionality

The assembly is done in reverse order, but with some nuances. Before the final twist of all screws and the back cover is glued, you need to do an initial check. Connect the battery and the display plume, then press the switch on.

If the phone is turned on, check the touchscreen (by going all corners), the speakers, microphone (by making a test call) and cameras. Also check the fingerprint scanner, if you have one in your modification. Only after making sure that all systems are working, continue building.

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When you build, first, fasten all the internal components, but don't stick the back cover. Do a full test of the phone when it's disassembled, which will save you time if you have to redo something.

Set a metal frame, twist all the screws. Don't pull screws, plastic and thin metal easily off. Set a plastic lining on the connectors. Before sticking the back cover, apply a new layer of glue around the perimeter of the case.

Press the back cover and lock the device. Let the glue dry for a few hours before active use. Now your Redmi Note 4 is back assembled and ready to go. Correctly replacing components can extend the life of the device by several years.

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The key to building is to take your time fixing the back cover, and checking the operability of all modules before the final closure of the case is a mandatory rule of professional repair.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)