Xiaomi Redmi 5A, launched in 2017, has established itself as one of the most reliable budget devices in the company’s history. However, even proven devices are spared time, and lithium-ion batteries tend to degrade after several hundred charging cycles. If your phone starts to quickly discharge, turn off when charging 20% or swell the case, it’s time to think about replacing the battery.
Self-replacement of the battery is a real opportunity to extend the life of the gadget and save a significant amount of money on the services of the service center. The process does not require deep knowledge in electronics, but requires accuracy and a minimum set of tools. In this article, we will discuss in detail each step of the procedure, from the preparation of the workplace to the final calibration of the system.
It is important to understand that the Redmi 5A has a plastic case that is easier to dismantle than glass counterparts, but requires caution when working with latches.Incorrect opening can lead to breakage of mounts, so follow the instructions carefully. Below we will look at all the nuances that will help you successfully perform phone repairs at home.
Diagnosis and preparation for repair
Before starting to disassemble, you need to make sure that the problem lies in the wear of the battery. Often users confuse software failures with the physical degradation of the battery. If the phone is warming in the area of the camera even in the simple or back cover has gone away on its own, these are sure signs that the battery is swollen and needs immediate replacement.
To get started, you'll need not only a new battery, but also a specialized tool. Using inappropriate items like knives or needles can damage the internal components or even short circuit.
- 🔧 Set of screwdrivers (cross-haired) PH000 flat).
- 🛠️ Plastic blade (mediator) for opening the body.
- 🔥 Hair dryer or heating plate (to soften the glue if the cover is glued).
- 🧲 Magnetic screw-sorting mat.
- 🧤 Antistatic gloves (optional, but desirable).
⚠️ Attention: If the battery is very swelled and presses on the screen or body, do not try to pierce it or force it back. This can cause the electrolyte to ignite.
Make sure the device is about 30-50% full-time or 100%-charged before work, and it is also recommended to back up the data just in case, although the information is usually not affected when replacing the battery.
The process of opening the Redmi 5A body
Xiaomi Redmi 5A is designed to hold the back cover on plastic latches around the perimeter and, in some revisions, on a small amount of glue. Unlike more modern models, there is no need to warm up the body with a hairdryer, unless the previous master used an excessive sealant. Start disassembling from the bottom end of the device, where the charging connector is located.
Carefully insert a plastic blade into the junction between the frame and the back cover. Do not use metal tools, as they can leave scratches or, worse, damage the plumes inside if you immerse the tool too deeply. Move around the perimeter, slightly swiping the shoulder blade to snap the locks.
Pay special attention to the areas around the camera lens and volume buttons. These are the places where the latches can sit tighter. If the lid does not respond, do not use brute force, you better go again with the spatula along the problem area. After all the clips are released, remove the back panel.
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When removing the cover, hold your finger to the speaker area at the bottom so as not to damage their membrane with sharp edges of the frame.
Once the lid is removed, you will be able to access the insides of the smartphone, and you will see the main board at the top, the battery in the center, and the plume connectors. At this point, it is important not to damage the fingerprint scanner plume (if the model supports this feature) or other thin connections that can be attached to the lid.
Dismantling the old battery
In the Redmi 5A, the battery is enclosed by a metal plate that protects the connectors and is attached to multiple screws. You'll need a small cross screwdriver to unscrew the screws that hold this protection. Stack the screws in a separate container so you don't confuse them with the body fasteners.
Once the metal bar is removed, the battery connector will be accessed, and before you remove the old battery, you need to disconnect it from the motherboard, and you need to do this carefully, putting the connector on with a plastic blade or nail, trying not to damage the connector on the board.
The battery itself in this model is usually glued to the middle frame with double-sided tape, and you can use a plastic card or a spatula to extract it, gently putting it under the battery, and don't pull the battery sharply, especially if it's swelling, because it's dangerous to damage the battery shell.
- 🧩 Turn off the battery plume from the board.
- 🏗️ Remove the metal protective plate (2-3 screw).
- 🔋 Put the battery on the bottom and gradually separate it from the glue.
- 🧹 Remove the remnants of old glue from the frame before installing a new part.
⚠️ Warning: Never use metal objects to pick up the battery.Puncture of the lithium-ion cell causes instant fire and release of toxic substances.
If the battery sits very tightly, you can slightly warm the back of the smartphone (already without a cover) with a dryer at a low temperature for 30-40 seconds. This will soften the adhesive base and make it easier to extract.
What to do if the battery does not detach?
Installation of a new power supply
Before installing a new battery, make sure that its model number matches the original. For Xiaomi Redmi 5A (model MDE5), a BM3B battery with a capacity of 3000 mAh is used. Using poor-quality analogues can lead to unstable phone operation and rapid failure of a new part.
Apply a new layer of double-sided tape on the frame or use adhesive strips that often come with new batteries.Do not use superglue or other liquid adhesives, as their vapors can damage electronics, and the glue itself makes future replacement impossible without destroying the case.
Carefully place the battery in its place, aligning it around the edges of the frame. Connect the plume to the connector on the motherboard until the characteristic click. Make sure the connector sits flat and tight. After that, install a metal protective plate and twist all the screws.
☑️ Pre-assembly check
It is important to check the phone before the case is fully assembled. Connect the display plume (if it was disabled) and press the on button. If the screen catches fire and shows the charging process or desktop, then the replacement was successful.
Device assembly and calibration
After successful testing, you can proceed to the final assembly. Put the back cover in place, combining the top with the camera and speakers. Then press evenly around the perimeter to snap all the plastic clips. A characteristic click around the circle will indicate that the body is airtight.
Once the phone is turned on, the system may not immediately show the correct percentage of charge. This is normal for a new battery, since the power controller has not yet been calibrated. To work properly, it is recommended to conduct a calibration cycle: completely discharge the phone before turning off, and then charge it to 100% when turned off.
| Parameter | Original (BM3B) | Quality analogue | Cheap copy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 3,000 mAh | 2800-3000 mAh | 1500-2000 mAh |
| Tension. | 3.85V | 3.85V | 3.7-3.8V |
| Cycle resource | 500+ cycles | 300-400 cycles | 50-100 cycles |
| PCB protection | There is. | There is. | Often absent |
In the first days of use, watch the behavior of the smartphone. If the phone is not warm without a load and holds the charge according to the declared capacity, you successfully coped with the task. Calibration of the battery can take 2-3 full charge-discharge cycles for maximum accuracy of the indicator.
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Properly calibrating the new battery (full discharge and charge) is critical to correctly displaying the percentage of charge in the Android system.
Frequent errors and security measures
When self-repairing, enthusiasts often make common mistakes that can nullify all efforts. One of the most common is damage to the plume when the lid is not neatly removed. Always disconnect the battery first before touching other components to eliminate the risk of short circuit.
Another mistake is to use aggressive solvents to remove the adhesive, and the chemicals can get under the screen or onto the board, causing the contacts to corrosion, and to clean, you'd better use isopropyl alcohol and a soft brush, or just mechanically remove the residues of the tape.
- ❌ Do not leave your phone unattended during the first charge after replacement.
- ❌ Do not try to bend the battery if it does not fit into the case - it is dangerous.
- ❌ Don’t ignore the bloating of a new battery – it’s a marriage that requires replacement.
⚠️ Warning: If the phone doesn't turn on after you've changed, don't panic. Check if the battery connector is tight. Sometimes you have to press it a little harder, but without bigotry.
Remember, the Redmi 5A is a device with a fairly simple design, which makes it an ideal candidate for a first-time repair experience. However, safety is paramount. If you feel insecure at any stage, you better stop and consult the professionals.