Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 has proven to be a reliable device with excellent value for money, but even the most durable gadgets are not immune to falls. Broken glass or leaked matrix layer is not only an aesthetic problem, but also the risk of damage to internal components with moisture or fragments. Self-replacement of the display requires accuracy, but it is quite possible for the user with minimal technical skills and the right set of tools.
Before you start disassembling, you need to assess the scale of the disaster, and if only the glass cracked, and the image and touchscreen work perfectly, you can limit yourself to gluing the glass in the service, but at home, the most common change module assembly, this solution avoids the problems with glue and bubbles that often occur when trying to separate the glass from the matrix without special equipment.
In this article, we will discuss the process of replacing the display module, paying attention to the nuances of dismantling the plumes and the correct installation of new seals. Properly performing each step ensures that after assembly, the smartphone will work as new and moisture protection (as much as possible after opening) will be restored.
Preparation of the workplace and selection of components
Repair quality is directly dependent on how well the replacement part is selected. There are many copies of screens on the market for the Redmi Note 5, and the differences between the original (OEM) and cheap counterparts can be significant. The original provides the correct color reproduction, brightness and performance of the adaptive brightness function, while budget options often sin yellow hue and low sensitivity of the sensor.
To successfully replace, you will need not only a new screen, but also a specialized tool. The standard set includes a heating element (dryer or heating pad), a sucker, a set of screwdrivers (cross and triangular), a plastic spatula (mediator) and tweezers. It is also highly recommended to purchase adhesive B-7000 or T-7000 for fixing the frame, as old adhesive strips lose their properties after opening.
⚠️ Warning: Before starting any work, be sure to turn off the device. Attempting to disconnect the display plume under voltage can cause the power controller or backlight on the motherboard to burn down.
Workspace organization is a key success factor. Put a soft cloth over the table so that the small screws don't roll and get lost, and the phone body doesn't get scratched again. Prepare a magnetic mat or a few small screw sorting tanks, because Xiaomi's design uses mounting elements of different lengths, and messing them up is a risk of breaking through the board when you build them.
Dismantling of the back cover and internal components
The process of disassembling the Redmi Note 5 begins with the removal of the rear cover, which in this model is glued around the perimeter. To soften the glue, you need to evenly warm the rear panel using a dryer at a medium temperature for 2-3 minutes. Do not hold the hair dryer too close so as not to overheat the battery or matrix on the front side.
After heating, insert the suction cup into the bottom of the lid, create a vacuum and pull up slightly to form a gap. In this gap, gently insert a plastic card or a spatula and guide it along the perimeter, cutting the adhesive layer. Move slowly, avoiding sharp jerks, so as not to damage the plume of the fingerprint scanner, which can be attached to the lid.
- 🔧 Unscrew all visible screws on the plastic bar covering the battery connectors and plumes.
- 🔋 First of all, disconnect the battery plume from the motherboard, de-energizing the device.
- 📱 Carefully disconnect the fingerprint scanner plume if it interferes with the full removal of the cover.
- 🖼️ Remove the plastic frame holder to access the main nodes.
Then you have to take out the battery, because it's blocking the bottom screws of the display frame, and you need to carefully put a plastic blade on the battery, using special notches, and then you can remove it, and then you can access the screws that attach the frame of the display module to the middle plastic frame of the phone.
☑️ Ready to disassemble
Separation of the display module from the frame
The most important step is to separate the broken screen from the plastic bezels. In the Redmi Note 5 design, the display module is glued to the frame with double-sided tape around the perimeter. To facilitate the process, the screen frame can be warmed up again a little, but you need to do this extremely carefully so that you do not damage the matrix itself, if it is still intact, or plastic.
Start at the corners, gently putting the module on with a thin blade or a special knife to open. Move around the perimeter, gradually increasing the gap. It is important not to press on the center of the screen, as this can lead to new cracks or damage to already broken glass, the fragments of which can fly into the body.
When the module is separated, you need to transfer some elements from the old one to the new frame if you bought a screen without a frame (although more often buy a module assembled with a frame, which is easier). If you have a module without a frame, use a scalpel or blade to cut off the old glue and clean the surface of the plastic.
⚠️ Warning: When working with a blade or scalpel, be extremely careful.One wrong movement can lead to a cut of the fingers or damage to the plastic frame, which will make the assembly leaky.
Apply a thin layer of B-7000 glue to the frame of the new module or to a cleaned frame. Spread the adhesive evenly, avoiding hitting the speaker and camera area. Let the glue dry a little (about 1-2 minutes) to a sticky state before joining the parts.
What to do if the frame is deformed?
Installation of a new screen and connection of plumes
Once the new display module is securely framed, you can start putting the assembled unit into the smartphone body. Carefully put the module into the case, making sure that it fits tightly around the perimeter and does not protrude anywhere. Now you need to connect the plumes to the motherboard.
Connecting plumes requires precision and confidence. The display plume and the touchscreen plume (if they are separate) have special latches. Carefully press the connector until the characteristic click. Don't put too much effort, because the contacts on the board are very fragile. For reliability, you can slightly press the connectors with your finger or the back of a plastic blade.
The table below will help you understand the main components that require attention during installation:
| Component | Location. | Features of connection |
|---|---|---|
| Display plume | Top of the pay | Requires precise positioning |
| Touchscreen plume | Next to the display | Often paired with a display |
| Headphone plume | Upper end | Thin, easy to tear |
| cable | The bottom part | It is important not to overshoot during assembly. |
Once you've got all the plumes on, don't rush to twist the screws. Turn on your phone with the battery, and check the sensor, the image, and the speaker. If everything works correctly, turn off the device and continue building. If you have any problems, double-check the density of the connectors.
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Use isopropyl alcohol to clean the plume contacts before installation – this will eliminate oxidation problems and improve contact.
Final assembly and seal check
Once you've made sure that the system works, you can go to the final stage, put all the plastic clamping plates in place, and twist the screws. Remember, the screws can be of different lengths: usually longer ones go around the corners or in the center, and short ones go around the edges. Curl them cross-cross, evenly pressing the elements.
Then, put the battery back in place and plug it into the board. Make sure the battery plume is flat and not squeezed. You can then stick the back cover. Put a new layer of B-7000 glue on the end of the case or use a special adhesive frame (pre-cut adhesive), which often comes with quality screens.
- 🧹 Carefully wipe the inside of the screen and the case from dust before closing.
- 🔩 Make sure all screws are twisted but not pulled over.
- 📞 Make a test call to check the microphone and speaker.
- 🎮 Test multi-touch by opening the game or graphics editor.
Press the back cover with rubber harnesses or put something heavy (but not too heavy to keep the screen from crushing) on top for 1-2 hours until the glue is completely dry. After drying, wipe the case from the glue residue and check the functionality of the volume and on buttons.
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The quality of the glue and the correct screw twisting sequence determine how tightly the lid will sit and whether it will protect the internals from moisture.
Common Errors and How to Resolve Them
Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes, let alone beginners. One of the most common problems is the touchscreen dead zones after assembly. Often this is because the touchscreen plume was not fully connected or squeezed when the frame was installed.
Another common mistake is getting glue onto a matrix or into connectors. If the B-7000 glue is not already frozen, it can be neatly removed with a dry cotton swab. If it is frozen on the glass, it can be carefully scraped off with a blade, but on a matrix it is extremely dangerous to do this. Prevention is better than treatment: apply the glue with a thin layer and away from the center.
⚠️ Warning: If the phone has stopped responding to charging or the sound has gone, check if the main plume connecting the lower board to the motherboard has been damaged during assembly.
Sometimes users forget to remove the protective film from the inside of a new screen before installation, resulting in iridescent spots, uneven lighting and poor sensor sensitivity. Always carefully inspect the new module before installation and remove all protective coatings.