Xiaomi Redmi 5A has proven to be a reliable budget device, but over time, even the highest-quality batteries lose capacity. If your phone starts to run out quickly, turn off in the cold or show the wrong percentage of charge, it’s probably time to replace the battery. Self-replacement of the battery in this model is a very real task for a person with minimal skills with electronics and accuracy.
The process of restoring the device’s autonomy requires the preparation of the workplace and special tools. Unlike the flagship models with moisture protection and a complex mounting system, the design of the Redmi 5A is relatively simple, which makes it easier to access internal components. However, it is worth remembering that any interference with the device carries risks, so it is important to strictly follow the algorithm of actions.
In this article, we will discuss in detail what tools you will need, how to safely open the case, disconnect the plumes and install a new battery. You will also learn about the intricacies of calibration and find answers to questions that arise from users when repairing budget Xiaomi smartphones.
Signs of battery wear and preparation for repair
The first step is always to diagnose. Not always a quick discharge means the death of the battery; sometimes background processes or faulty software are to blame. However, if the Redmi 5A smartphone turns off at 30-40% charge or swells so that the back cover is out, replacement is inevitable. Battery bloating is not just a sign of wear, it is a direct safety threat, since the deformed element can damage the display or even ignite.
Before starting work, the device must be completely discharged before shutting down, which will reduce the risk of short circuits if the contacts are accidentally damaged during disassembly, and it is also recommended to reduce the charge level to a minimum to reduce chemical activity inside the cell.
⚠️ Warning: If you notice that the battery is swelling and pressing on the screen, do not press the display when disassembling. Otherwise, the matrix may crack under the pressure of the swollen battery.
You will need a specialized set of tools to work with, and the basic set includes:
- 🔧 Set of screwdrivers (cross-haired) PH000 and PH00)
- 🎴 Plastic blade (mediator) for opening the body
- 💨 A hair dryer or thermophen to soften glue
- 🧲 Magnetic screw mat
- 🧤 Antistatic gloves (optional)
The use of metal tools to dig the case is strictly prohibited, as you can damage the plumes or close contacts on the board. Plastic mediators and suckers are your best friends in this business.
Security tools and measures
Safety when working with lithium polymer batteries comes first. Damage to the battery shell with a needle or screwdriver can lead to instant fire. Therefore, all manipulations inside the case of Xiaomi Redmi 5A should be carried out with utmost care. The workplace should be well lit and not have conductive surfaces.
It is important to use a quality thermophen or hair dryer with a narrow nozzle to warm up the perimeter of the body. The glue that fixes the frame softens when heated, allowing you to carefully separate parts of the device. Don't overheat the smartphone, the optimal temperature is about 80-90 degrees Celsius, when the plastic becomes warm but does not melt.
Pay special attention to the organization of space. The screws in modern smartphones can vary in length and thread. If you screw a long screw into a short hole, you can punch through the motherboard. Use a magnetic mat or just a sheet of paper with signatures, where you will fold the fastener in the order of dismantling.
To protect against statics that can disable the power controller, it is advisable to work in antistatic gloves or at least periodically touch a grounded metal object.
The process of disassembling the Xiaomi Redmi 5A
Redmi's disassembly 5A start SIM-This is the standard procedure for all smartphones to access the internal screws. After removing the tray, inspect the bottom end of the device. In this model, the screws are hidden under decorative plugs or located directly near the charging connector.
The main challenge is to remove the back cover, which is planted on the glue around the perimeter. Heat the edges of the device with a hairdryer, evenly passing through the circuit for 2-3 minutes. Do not hold the hairdryer at one point for long so as not to melt the plastic. After heating, use a suction cup to slightly raise the edge of the cover, and insert a plastic mediator into the resulting gap.
☑️ Postmortem readiness
Move the mediator along the perimeter, trying not to stick it deep. There may be plumes going through the interior, closer to the top and bottom edges. Your job is to cut the adhesive layer without hitting the components. If the lid is being removed heavily, add a little more heat. Sharp movements can cause chips on the edges or cracks.
After successfully removing the back panel, you will see an internal device. In the Xiaomi Redmi 5A, the battery is closed with a metal plate or a plastic cover attached to the screws. Carefully unscrew all the visible screws that attach the protective elements and remove them.
Replacement of the battery and connection of plumes
When the battery is open, the first thing you do is to turn the battery off, find the battery plume connector on the motherboard, and gently disconnect it with a plastic blade, and shutting down the battery is a critical step to prevent short circuits from continuing to work with other components.
The old battery in the Redmi 5A is usually attached to double-sided tape. To extract it, you can use a thin plastic card or a special hood. Don't pull the battery by the wires! This can cause the contacts to break. If the battery is swollen, act with extreme caution so as not to puncture it.
| Parameter | Old battery | New battery (Original) | New battery (Copy) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | Less than 2,000 mAh | 3000mAh (claimed) | 1500-2000 mAh (real) |
| Tension. | 3.7-3.8 Included | 3.85 In | 3.7 V V |
| Status of contacts | Oxidized | Clean, golden. | Dull, silvery |
| Marking | Erased or blurred | Clear, with QR-code | Often absent |
Before installing a new battery, clean the seat of the old glue residue, apply a thin layer of special glue (such as the B-7000) or use new adhesive strips, insert a new battery, making sure it sits tightly in the niche.
How to check the quality of a new battery before installation?
Connect the new battery plume to a characteristic click. Make sure the connector is up straight. Then you can temporarily (without screws twisting) install the protective plate and try to turn the device on by pressing the power button. If the phone is on and shows charging, you are on the right track.
Device assembly and system calibration
If the test run is successful, turn off the battery again for final assembly, this will allow you to safely lock all screws and protective screens. Rotate the screws cross-cross, without putting too much effort to avoid breaking the thread in the plastic racks of the case.
Apply a new layer of glue around the perimeter of the back cover or use the finished adhesive layer. Press the lid tightly and lock the device with rubber bands for 15-20 minutes before the glue drys. After assembly, turn on your smartphone and wait for the MIUI operating system to fully load.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use superglue (cyanacrylate) to fix the lid! its vapors can settle on the camera and speaker, spoiling them, and the glue itself becomes brittle and can damage the plastic when re-disassembled.
After the first charge to 100%, it is recommended to calibrate the battery. To do this, completely discharge the phone before turning off, then put it on charge when turned off and charge to 100%. After that, turn on the phone without removing it from charging, and wait another hour, this will help the system correctly determine the real capacity of the new cell.
In the battery settings (Settings → Battery), you can check the status and consumption. If the system shows anomalies, you may need to reset your settings or wait for several charge-discharge cycles to adapt the controller.
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To extend the life of a new battery, try to avoid a deep discharge of 0% regularly, the optimal range for lithium polymer batteries is from 20% to 80%.
Frequent problems and their solution
Even with a careful assembly, there may be nuances. If the phone doesn't turn on, check the density of the battery connector. Sometimes it helps to wipe the contacts with alcohol. If the device turns on but doesn't see charging, the problem may be the plume of the charging port, which is often assembled with the bottom speaker and may have been affected during disassembly.
It happens that after a battery is replaced, it warms up when it's charged. Light heating is normal, but if the body gets hot, stop charging immediately, which may indicate a controller malfunction in the battery itself or a circuit break in the power supply.
Another common problem is the report of an "Unlicensed Battery" or constant spikes in percentage charge, which is typical for cheap copies without a protection chip or with incorrect controller firmware, in which case only replacing the battery with a better one helps.
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The quality of the replacement battery determines 90% of the success of the repair, and the savings on the battery often lead to re-repair after 2-3 months.
If you find that the touchscreen stopped responding after assembly, check the display plume. If you didn't install the battery neatly, you could accidentally hit the connector of the screen. Reconnect often solves the problem.