How to change the display on Xiaomi Redmi 3 with your own hands

Xiaomi Redmi 3, released a few years ago, is still a popular device due to its reliability, but active use often leads to damage to the matrix. Broken glass or black stripes on the screen significantly reduce the comfort of operation, making it impossible to view content or type. Owners often wonder whether it is worth carrying the gadget to the service center or you can save and make a replacement yourself.

Replacing a display module requires accuracy, a basic set of tools, and an understanding of the internal device of a smartphone. Rebuilding a device with your own hands is a real task that even a beginner can cope with if you strictly follow the algorithm of actions. In this article, we will discuss all the stages of work in detail, from the preparation of the workplace to the final test of functionality.

It's important to understand that the quality of the spare part directly affects the final result and durability of the repair. The market is oversaturated with copies of different quality, and the choice between the original and the budget counterpart can be a decisive factor. Below we will consider what to look for when buying components so that you do not have to redo the work.

Choosing a display for Xiaomi Redmi 3

The first and most important step is to get a quality display module. For the Redmi 3 (as well as the 3S and 3X versions), there are several types of screens that vary in production technology and price. The original module is fully factory-specific, has the right color reproduction and touchscreen sensitivity. However, finding it on sale is becoming increasingly difficult, since the model has already been discontinued.

The most common option is high-quality copies (High Copy) or screens assembled on the original matrix, but with replaced glass. Such displays are often labeled as "Original Quality" or "OEM." They cost less, but can be inferior in brightness or have slightly thicker bezels. There are also cheap budget counterparts that often sin with incorrect sensor work and rapid pixel burnout.

💡

When buying a screen, be sure to check compatibility with your board revision, as the plumes in different versions of Redmi 3 may differ in the location of contacts.

When inspecting the product in the store or when receiving a parcel, pay attention to the integrity of the plume and the presence of a protective film. Make sure that there are no white lights or cracks on the inside of the module that may appear during transportation. Also check the package: often the necessary tools or glue are along with the screen, which makes the assembly process easier.

Tools and training required

To successfully replace the display on Xiaomi Redmi 3 will require a minimum set of specialized tools that can be purchased in any electronics store or ordered online. Lack of necessary equipment can damage the case or other internal components of the smartphone.

The basic set of the master includes the following subjects:

• 🔧 Screwdriver kit (mandatory Phillips cross #00 and #000, sometimes required by Torx) T5).
• 🔥 Hair dryer or heating platform (to soften glue).
• 💳 Plastic card or mediator (to crack the case).
• 🧲 Magnetic mat (for sorting screws).
• 🧴 Clay. B-7000 or T-7000 (fixing).

Before work begins, you need to completely discharge the smartphone battery to 0% or at least before the device is turned off. This is a critical safety measure, since damage to the battery plume when the battery is connected can cause a short circuit. The workplace should be well lit, and the surface should be clean and protected from static electricity.

Dismantling of the back cover and battery

The process of disassembling the Redmi 3 begins with the removal of the back cover, which, unlike many modern models, is not removable.The device's body is held on plastic latches around the perimeter, which require careful exposure. The use of a metal blade is not recommended, as you can damage the frame or scratch the side faces.

⚠️ Warning: Don't try to plug the lid in the corners of your smartphone, because there are internal elements. Start snapping from the long side face, closer to the center, gently inserting the plastic blade into the gap.

Once all the latches around the perimeter are freed, remove the lid and access the insides. The first thing you need to do is turn off the battery. To do this, carefully bend the protective film (if it covers the connector) and slap the battery plume with a plastic blade, disconnecting it from the motherboard. Only after the power is turned off can you safely continue working with other components.

Next, you have to unscrew all the visible screws that hold the metal frame and boards, which are usually about 10-12 pieces, and they can be of different lengths. Remember the location of each screw, so that when you build, you don't twist a long screw into a short hole, which can lead to a breakdown of the board. Carefully remove the vibrator motor, which often interferes with access to the bottom plumes.

Removal of the old display module

After removing the metal frame and disabling all the plumes (camera, speaker, buttons), the display module itself becomes visible. In the Xiaomi Redmi 3 model, the screen is glued to the plastic frame of the case using double-sided tape or special glue, which will require reheating the front of the device.

Use a hair dryer to warm up the screen evenly for 2-3 minutes. The temperature should not be extreme, just soften the adhesive layer. Then gently tuck the edge of the display with a mediator and, as you move around, separate the module from the body. Move slowly so as not to damage the fragile matrix, which can burst under pressure.

Pay special attention to the plume connecting the screen to the board. It passes under or near the battery, so you need to be extremely careful. The display plume is very thin and easily breaks when you carelessly handle it. If the screen sits too tight, add a little more heat, but do not use excessive force.

Installation of a new screen and assembly

Before installing the new module, you must thoroughly clean the seat of old glue and dust residues. Use isopropyl alcohol and a lilac-free wipe to degrease the surface. Apply a thin layer of B-7000 glue to the new frame or body or use a pre-painted double-sided tape if it came with a spare part.

Carefully put the new display module in place, making sure that the plume is not twisted and lies in the channel allocated for it. Connect the display connector to the motherboard before a characteristic click. Before the final fixation of the case, it is recommended to conduct an initial check: connect the battery, turn on the phone and check the touchscreen and the image on all parts of the screen.

If everything is working correctly, apply glue around the perimeter of the case (if you did not use tape) and tightly press the frame. Lock the device with rubber bands or clips for 15-20 minutes before the initial grasp of the glue. After that, put all the screws in place, plug the plugs of buttons and speakers, and close the back cover, snapping all the locks.

💡

The quality of the case gluing determines protection against dust and moisture, so do not skimp on the glue and give it enough time to polymerize before active use.

Table of compatibility and characteristics

When choosing a part, it is important to consider technical parameters so as not to encounter incompatibility. Below is a table that helps you navigate the types of displays for this model.

Note that Redmi 3S and 3X models have almost identical displays, but may differ in the location of the holes under the speaker or buttons. Always check the visual appearance of your old part with a new one before buying.

Frequent problems after replacement

After successful replacement of the display, users may face a number of typical problems that are often solved without re-disassembly. For example, if the touchscreen is not working correctly or "jumping", perhaps the problem is poor contact of the plume or tips from a poor-quality charger. Try reconnecting the connector and checking without connected charging.

Another common issue is the lack of brightness or color inversion, which may indicate that a module is installed that is incompatible with your version of the board, or the engineer's settings are down, and in rare cases, you need to flash the device or reset the settings through Recovery Mode.

⚠️ Warning: If the screen doesn't light up at all after you've replaced it, don't hold the power button all the time. Check the battery plume and the display itself.

In some cases, you see the glue layering around the edges after a week of use, which suggests that the surface was poorly defatted before gluing, and you have to take the lid off again, clean the end, and apply a new layer of adhesive to fix it.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions