How to open Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus: step-by-step instructions

Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus, also known as Redmi Note 5 in the global version, remains a popular device due to the good balance of price and quality. However, time takes its toll, and users face the need for physical access to the internal components of the gadget. Most often, replacing a broken display, a worn-out battery or cleaning the speaker from dust. Understanding how to properly and safely open the case is the first and most important step in this process.

The design of this machine does not require easy access to the battery, as in the old models with removable covers. It uses a monoblock case, where all the elements are tightly glued and fixed screws. A sloppy autopsy can damage the plumes, cracks in the frame or even fire the battery. So it is extremely important to follow the sequence of actions and use a specialized tool, rather than improvised tools like knives or pins.

In this article, we will discuss all the steps of dismantling the device, we will look at the preparation of the workplace, the necessary tools, the process of removing the back panel and disconnecting the plumes. We will pay special attention to the nuances of working with adhesive joints, because they are the ones that cause the most difficulties in repairing this model.

Tools and workplace preparation required

Before you start dismantling, you need to organize the workspace. The ideal option is a table with good lighting and a level surface. You need an antistatic mat or just a clean fabric so that small screws do not get lost and roll into the crevices. It is also recommended to use a magnetic tray to sort the fasteners, since the Redmi 5 Plus uses screws of different lengths, and you can not confuse them during the assembly.

The toolkit should be minimally necessary but of high quality. First of all, a set of precision screwdrivers will be required, including cross bits of the sizes PH000 and PH00. Without them, you will not be able to unscrew the motherboard screws and screen frames. To work with the adhesive layer and open the case, you will need plastic mediators (scapula) and a sucker. Metal tools are best not used during the opening stage, so as not to damage the glass or frame.

  • ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ A set of screwdrivers with magnetic tips for working with small fasteners.
  • ๐Ÿ”ฅ Hair dryer or heater plate for softening factory glue.
  • ๐Ÿงฉ Plastic blades and mediators for safe opening of the body.
  • ๐Ÿงฒ Dielectric-coated tweezers for extracting small parts.

The glue used by Xiaomi to fix the back cover becomes very hard when it cools. Heating to 80-90 degrees makes it elastic and allows you to remove the panel without chipping. A typical household hair dryer may not cope with the task quickly enough, so professionals use thermophens or special heating pads. If you use a regular hair dryer, warm the perimeter longer, constantly checking the temperature with your finger to avoid overheating the screen matrix on the back side.

Extraction SIM-maps and primary preparation

The first step before any interference with electronics should be to shut down the device completely. Don't ignore this step, as trying to turn off the plumes under voltage can short-circuit and fail the power controllers on the board. After turning off the smartphone, find the end where the tray for SIM-In the Redmi 5 Plus, it's usually the bottom end.

Use a special paper clip from the kit or a thin needle to press the hidden mechanism inside the hole next to the tray. The tray should exit smoothly. If it's stuck, don't use excessive force - you may not have hit the pusher hole. SIM-This will free up the interior space and protect the data on the card from static damage.

โš ๏ธ Warning: Before starting work, be sure to discharge the smartphone battery to 25% or below. Working with a fully charged lithium polymer battery increases the risk of fire if it is damaged by a tool during disassembly.

Remove the protective case if you have one. Wash the case thoroughly from dust and dirt, especially in the seams between the screen and the frame, as well as the back cover. Dust that gets inside at the opening can settle on the lenses of the cameras or speakers, which will require additional cleaning. Use soft fabric slightly moistened with isopropyl alcohol to clean, but make sure that the liquid does not leak into the speakers or connectors.

Heating of the housing and removal of the rear panel

The most difficult part of dismantling the Redmi 5 Plus is to separate the back glass panel from the metal frame. The factory glue is distributed throughout the perimeter of the device. Put the smartphone screen down on a soft cloth or a special stand to avoid scratching the display. Turn on the hair dryer and evenly warm the perimeter of the back cover. Keep the hair dryer at a distance of 3-5 cm, constantly moving it so as not to overheat one point.

The heating process takes 2 to 5 minutes depending on the power of the appliance. Periodically check the temperature by touching the glass with your finger - it should become hot, but not burning. Excessive heating can damage the oleophobic covering of the screen on the front side or peel the image on the display. After sufficient warming up, take a suction cup, glue it at the bottom of the back cover (where there is no logo and camera) and slightly pull up, creating a gap.

๐Ÿ“Š What problem did you encounter most often in the process of disassembly?
The window burst from behind.
Damaged the plume.
Couldn't unstick the lid.
Broken the screw.
Not yet.

Insert a thin plastic blade into the gap. Don't try to push the tool deep right away. Drive the blade along the perimeter, cutting the adhesive layer. Move slowly, feeling resistance. If the lid doesn't lend itself, stop pulling and warm up the problem area again. Sharp movements can cause the glass to crack, as the Redmi 5 Plus's back panel is made of brittle material.

Be very careful at the top of the smartphone where the plumes are located. Do not enter the tool too deep in the top zone so as not to touch the connection. After the entire perimeter is passed, the back cover should be easy to remove. If it is held in one place, check if there is any glue left, and warm up this corner again. Put the cover in a safe place, preferably on a soft surface.

Dismantling of the protective plastic panel and battery

Once the glass is removed, you'll see a plastic pad covering most of the internal components, which is mounted with multiple screws around the perimeter and one in the center, often hidden under the sticker or next to the camera module. Unscrew all the visible screws using the PH000 screwdriver. Fold them separately, remembering that they may differ in length.

Carefully lift the plastic panel, and underneath it are the top and bottom plumes that connect the motherboard to the speaker and button boards. Be careful: some versions of this cover may also have a fingerprint scanner plume under it if it's not integrated into the button. Disable all the plumes by putting your nails or plastic blades upright.

Now the battery is available. In the Redmi 5 Plus, it's glued to the frame pretty tightly. There are special retractable tongues at the end of the battery, but often they come off or they don't. Use a plastic card or a special spatula to safely extract it. Cheat the battery from the bottom, gradually loosening it. It's strictly forbidden to use metal objects to smack the battery - puncture of the shell will cause instantaneous ignition.

  • ๐Ÿ”‹ Carefully lift the battery from the bottom end, where the plume is located.
  • ๐ŸŒก๏ธ If the battery fails, slightly warm up the back of the smartphone (screen) with a phenome.
  • ๐Ÿšซ Never squeeze or pierce a swollen battery.

๐Ÿ’ก

If the retractable tongues are missing, you can use a thin line or dental floss, stretch it under the battery and saw the glue in reciprocal movements, this minimizes the risk of deformation of the element.

Once the old battery is removed, clear the seat of glue residues. Use isopropyl alcohol and plastic scraper. The new battery should be installed smoothly, without skewing. Before final fixation, check the smartphone's performance by temporarily connecting the battery plume to the board and turning on the device.

Replacement of the display and work with the frame

Replacing the screen with the Redmi 5 Plus is a more complicated procedure, since the display module is glued to a metal frame around the perimeter. If you change the screen, you will either have to reglue the old module to a new frame or buy the screen immediately assembled with a frame (which is much easier).

First, you need to move all the components from the old frame to the new one or the main board. Start by disconnecting the display and touchscreen plumes from the motherboard. They can be protected by a metal plate that you need to unscrew. After you turn it off, carefully remove the board by putting it around the edges.

ComponentType of attachmentFeatures of withdrawalRisk of damage
Back cover.Clay.Requires heating to 80ยฐCTall (glass cracks)
BatteryGlue + screwsCareful undercuttingCritical (fire)
Screen.Perimeter glueHeating and cutting glueHigh (matrix breakdown)
Maternity feeScrews + plumesUnscrew the screws, unplug the plumes.Medium (steer break)

When you install a new module, make sure that the adhesive base on the frame is of good quality. Often, the screens come with a B-7000 or similar adhesive tape. Apply the adhesive with a thin layer, let it dry a little (1-2 minutes) to a state of stickiness, then gently press the frame against the body. Spread the pressure evenly at the edges.

What to do if the new screen is not working?
If the screen doesn't light up after you've replaced it, check the density of the connectors. Often the touchscreen plume is not inserted until you click. Also make sure the connector shield is removed. If the screen is lighting up but there's no image, maybe the plume is damaged during the installation or the matrix itself is defective.

You can do the reverse assembly. First, plug the plumes in, then pack the battery (if you've changed it), install a plastic cover, and screw the screws, and only after you check all the functions (camera, sound, touch) you can stick the back glass panel.

Assembly of the device and verification of functionality

The final stage is assembly. Make sure all screws are twisted but not pulled. Excessive force can break the threads in metal sleeves or damage plastic. Pay special attention to the screws around the charging connectors and the speaker - they are often of different lengths.

Before you stick the back cover, make sure to check the smartphone. Turn it on, make a test call, check the vibration, the microphone and the speakers. Make sure the touchscreen responds throughout the area. If everything works, apply a new adhesive (special adhesive for electronics) to the frame with a thin strip.

โš ๏ธ Warning: Don't use superglue (cyanacrylate) to stick the lid! Its vapors can settle on the camera and optics, creating a whitish plaque that can't be removed. Use only specialized glue B-7000, T-7000 ordnance.

Put the back cover in the camera and the flashes, press the perimeter tightly, and you can wrap the phone in the stationery gums to make it better. 15-20 Don't turn on your phone right away, if you've just changed the screen and used a lot of glue, let it dry.

โ˜‘๏ธ Final inspection after assembly

Done: 0 / 5

After drying the glue, wipe the case from the residues of the adhesive. The smartphone is ready for use. Properly disassembled and assembled will prolong the life of your Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus and save significant money on the services of the service center.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I open Redmi 5 Plus without a hairdryer?
Technically, you can, but the risk of breaking the back window goes up to 90 percent, and the glue is very hard, and when the lid is removed, the glass bursts because of the uneven voltage, and if the hair dryer is not there, you can use very hot water in an airtight bag, applying it to the back cover, but it's less efficient.
Which glue is best used for assembly?
The best choice is the B-7000 or T-7000 glue, which remains elastic after drying, which will make future repairs easier, and does not emit aggressive fumes, and you can also use ready-made adhesive tapes (Adhesive Tape), cut along the contour of the frame, which is a more accurate option.
Why is the fingerprint not working after the screen is replaced?
In Redmi 5 Plus, the fingerprint scanner can be a separate module that needs to be carefully moved from the old screen or removed from the case. If you damaged the scanner plume during disassembly or poorly connected it, the function will not work, and sometimes you need to solder the sensor itself to a new board.
Do I need to completely discharge my phone before replacing my battery?
Yes, it's a safety measure. Lithium-polymer batteries can ignite instantly when punctured in a charged state, or even explode. Discharges up to 15-20% reduce the energy in the cell, making the procedure less dangerous, although caution is required anyway.
Where to find the screw scheme for the Redmi 5 Plus?
Screw maps are often bundled with quality repair toolkits. If you don't have a diagram, take pictures of each stage of disassembly or spread the screws in the order you twisted them out on a piece of paper with your smartphone's drawn diagram.