How to open Xiaomi Redmi 4X: step-by-step disassembly instructions

Xiaomi Redmi 4X has established itself as one of the most reliable budget devices of its time, but even durable devices require intervention over time. The need to open the case can arise for various reasons: from a banal replacement of cracked glass to cleaning the speakers from dust or replacing the battery that lost capacity.

The process of opening the monolithic body of this model has its own characteristics, which distinguish it from modern devices with non-removable batteries. The main thing is to act consistently and not use excessive force so as not to damage plastic latches and plumes. In this guide, we will discuss in detail each step of dismantling.

Before any work begins, make sure you have the right tool and workplace. Be sure to turn the device off completely before disassembling to avoid short circuits. Ignoring this rule can cause the power controller or other components of the motherboard to fail.

Preparation of the workplace and the necessary tool

You can't do a good job of disassembling without proper training. You don't need a professional lab, but a minimum set of tools is essential to keep the gadget intact. The main enemy of electronics is static electricity, so try to work on a surface that doesn't accumulate charge.

For work you will need the following set:

  • ๐Ÿ”ง Thin cross screwdriver (Phillips size #00 or #000) for screw twisting.
  • ๐Ÿ’ณ Plastic card or special mediator for opening the case without scratches.
  • ๐ŸŒก๏ธ A hair dryer or thermophen to heat up the adhesive base of the display.
  • ๐Ÿงฒ Magnetic mat or container for sorting screws of different sizes.

The use of metal blades or knives for lid tweaking is strictly not recommended, since there is a high risk of damaging the aluminum frame or damaging the plumes located at the edges.

โš ๏ธ Warning: If you open a battery replacement phone, make sure it's under 25% charge.Working with a fully charged lithium polymer battery increases the risk of fire in the event of an accidental puncture.

Withdrawal SIM-tray and rear-cover dismantling

The first step in the process of opening Xiaomi Redmi 4X, is the extraction of the tray for SIM-This is standard procedure, but it is critical because the tray is mechanically connected to the interior structure and can interfere with the detachment of the back panel.

Use a paper clip or a thin sting to press a hidden button in the tray hole. After removing the tray, inspect the perimeter of the device. Unlike many modern models, the back cover here is not only held on the glue, but also on plastic latches around the perimeter.

Start putting the mediator on the bottom end, where the charging connector is usually located. Move along the side faces, gently snapping the locks. You'll hear the characteristic crackling -- that's normal for plastic mounts. The key is not to make any sharp jerks up.

๐Ÿ“Š What is the reason for disassembling your Xiaomi Redmi 4X?
Replacement of a broken screen
Battery replacement
Dust cleansing
Curiosity and study of design

Disconnection of plumes and removal of protective bar

When you successfully remove the back cover, you'll see the inside of the smartphone, and the top of the back, under the plastic plug, is the motherboard, and you'll need to remove the metal bar to access the main connectors.

Carefully unscrew all the screws holding this plate. There's usually about 10 of them, and they can be of different lengths. Remember the location of the screws, because screwing a long screw into a hole for a short one can penetrate the board through, causing permanent damage.

Once the metal is removed, the display, touchscreen, main and front cameras, and the button plume will open, and the battery must be turned off before any plume is disconnected, which is the first and most important safety rule when working with electronics.

  • ๐Ÿ”‹ Disconnect the battery connector from the motherboard, carefully undercutting it with a plastic spatula.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Disable the plume of the display module and touch screen.
  • ๐Ÿ“ท Remove the connectors of the cameras if you plan to replace them or completely disassemble them.

โ˜‘๏ธ Check before disconnecting the plumes

Done: 0 / 4

Battery extraction and glue handling

In the Redmi 4X, the battery is quite firmly attached, it's glued to the inside of the frame with double-sided tape, it takes patience and maybe heat to pull it out, and don't try to pull the battery out of the tongue if it doesn't stretch, it can come off.

Use a dryer to warm up the back of the case in the battery area. The temperature should not be extreme, 60-70 degrees is enough to soften the glue. After heating, use a plastic card to gently tuck the battery around the edges.

If you plan to install a new battery, clear the seat of the old glue residue. You can use B-7000 adhesive tapes or double-sided tapes to fix the new element, but do not apply glue directly to the battery itself.

โš ๏ธ Warning: When the body is heated, do not hold the hair dryer close to the screen for more than 30 seconds. Overheating the matrix can cause yellow spots or detachment of the polarizing film.

Replacement of the display module and touch screen

The hardest part of disassembling is replacing the screen. In Xiaomi Redmi 4X, the display module (matrix + glass + frame) is often sold assembled with a plastic frame, which greatly simplifies the process. If you have a module without a frame, you will have to glue all the components from the old broken screen.

To remove the old module, you need to twist the screws around the perimeter of the front of the body, and the number of screws can vary, and you can carefully examine the end, and after removing the screws, you can separate the module from the body.

When you install a new module, make sure all screw holes match. Connect the plumes to the motherboard, first make sure that the battery is off. Only after checking all connections can power be supplied.

What to do if the new screen is not working?
If the screen doesn't light up after you've replaced it, check the plume's landing density, often the problem is oxidized contacts or damage to the plume during installation, and make sure that the protective film (if it's on the contacts) is removed.

Comparison of Component Replacement Difficulties

So to give you an idea of the amount of work that's coming, we've developed a comparison table of how difficult it is to replace the different nodes in this model, which will help you understand whether you should do the repair yourself or whether you should go to the service.

ComponentDifficultyTime (min)Risk of damage
Back cover.Low.5-10Minimum
BatteryMedium15-20Medium (puncture risk)
Display moduleTall.30-45Tall (trains)
Charging connectorTall.40-60High (needs ration)

As you can see from the table, changing the display requires the most concentration of attention. Fragile plumes are easy to break when you move carelessly. If you are not confident in your abilities, you should limit yourself to replacing the battery or the back cover.

๐Ÿ’ก

Use isopropyl alcohol to clean the contacts of the plumes, and it evaporates quickly and leaves no trace, unlike water or other solvents.

Device assembly and final inspection

You do the reverse assembly. First, install and glue the battery, then plug it into the board. Then, fasten all the plumes of the display and the cameras. Make sure the connectors snap with the characteristic light click.

Put a metal bar in place and twist all the screws. Don't pull them over, plastic and thin metal can crack. Turn on your smartphone without sticking the back cover to check the touchscreen, sound and vibration.

If all functions are working correctly, apply glue or double-sided tape around the perimeter of the case and press the back cover. Let the glue dry for a few hours to achieve maximum strength of fixation.

๐Ÿ’ก

The main guarantee of successful assembly is the absence of unnecessary screws after completion of work and the free movement of all mechanical buttons.

โš ๏ธ Warning: Do not turn on your phone immediately after the battery is connected if you have been working with glue.Adhesive vapors can oxidize contacts if the device will operate in a confined space before the composition drys out.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I open a Xiaomi Redmi 4X without a hairdryer?
Theoretically, you can if the glue is old and has lost its properties, or if the cover is only held on the latches, but in most cases, heating is necessary to soften the adhesive layer under the battery and screen, otherwise there is a high risk of breaking the glass or damaging the body.
Which glue is better to use to glue the screen?
The best choice is the B-7000 or T-7000 glue, which has good post-drying elasticity, which is important for quenching vibrations, and allows you to reopen the device if necessary. Superglues (cyanacrylates) can not be used, they become brittle and can damage the matrix.
What to do if the phone does not see after assembly SIM-map?
Most likely, during the assembly, the plume of the lower module (sub-board), where the charging connector and antenna contact are located, was damaged or not fully inserted, and check whether you have forgotten to connect the antenna wire (usually black or white wiring from the top to the bottom).
Do I need to reset the settings after replacing the battery?
Resetting the settings (Wipe Data) is not necessary if you only change (hardware).However, calibrating the battery can take some time.If the phone behaves strangely after replacement, a full reset via Recovery Mode can help eliminate software errors.