When to Replace the Screen with Redmi 9 and Should You Do It Yourself?
Xiaomi Redmi 9 screen is one of the most vulnerable points of the smartphone. Falling from a height, a strong impact or even unsuccessful pressure on the display can lead to cracks, broken pixels or complete failure of the sensor. In the 80% of cases of screen damage require its complete replacement, since modern AMOLED- matrix and touchscreens are a single module that cannot be repaired separately.
The cost of replacing the screen in the service center varies from 3,500 to 7000 rubles (depending on the region and type of module: original, OEM or copy). However, many users prefer to repair themselves - this saves up to 50% of the budget. But there are pitfalls: improper disassembly can damage the plumes, battery or motherboard. In the Redmi 9 model, the flexible display plume is especially vulnerable - its cliff during careless dismantling is found in 30% of homemade repairs.
This guide will help you assess your strength, prepare the necessary tools and make a replacement without fatal errors. We will look at two scenarios: installing the original screen and a budget counterpart, and also tell you how to check the health of the new module before the final assembly.
What tools will be needed to replace the screen
To disassemble the Redmi 9 and install the new display, you'll need a dedicated toolkit. Don't try to get by with the tools at hand (knives, screwdrivers of the wrong size) - it's almost guaranteed to damage the body or internal components.
- ๐ง Plastic blades (mediators) - 2-3 pieces of different thicknesses for careful smearing of the body.
- ๐จ A cross screwdriver size PH00 (for the screws of the body) and T3 (for the attachment of the motherboard).
- ๐งฒ Magnetic mat or organizer for screws โ in Redmi 9 there are 12 pieces of different lengths, which can not be confused.
- ๐ฅ A dryer or thermal air station (at least 800 W) to soften the adhesive around the perimeter of the screen.
- ๐งด Isopropyl alcohol 90%+ - for cleaning glue residues and degreasing surfaces.
- ๐ฑ Screen suction cup (diameter 5-7 cm) โ will help to raise the display evenly after heating.
- ๐ Tweezers with curved ends - for neat detachment of the plumes.
- ๐ก๏ธ Protective gloves (optional) โ glue and alcohol can irritate the skin.
If you plan to use glue to fix the new screen, choose specialized formulations for mobile devices (for example, B-7000 or LOCA). Alternatively, the 3M 9448A double-sided tape, which securely fixes the display and allows you to dismantle it without damage if necessary.
โ ๏ธ Warning: Do not use a household hair dryer to heat the screen โ it does not provide the desired temperature (100-120ยฐC) and can overheat the battery. If there is no thermal air station, you better buy an inexpensive temperature-adjusted building hair dryer.
Which screen to choose for Redmi 9: original vs analogues
There are three types of screens available for Xiaomi Redmi 9:
- Original (OEM) โ produced in the same factories as components for Xiaomi. guarantee 100% compatibility, but are expensive (from 4,500 rubles).
- Quality copies (A+) - are made under license, with compliance with technical parameters. Price: 2,500-3,500 rubles. Differences from the original are minimal (maybe slightly less bright backlight).
- Budget analogues (A-/Copy) are cheap screen modules (from 1,500 rubles), often with distorted color reproduction, poor oleophobic coating and short service life.
When choosing, pay attention to the following parameters:
| Parameter | Original | Copy of A+ | Copy of A-/Copy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Permission | 1600ร720 (HD+) | 1600ร720 (HD+) | Could be 1560ร720. |
| Type of matrix | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Often TN or low-quality IPS |
| Brightness (thread) | 400โ450 | 350โ400 | 250โ300 |
| Oleophobic coating | Yeah (long-lasting) | Yes (average term) | Often absent or weak |
| Term of service | 3-5 years | 2โ3 years | 6โ12 months |
Where to buy:
- ๐ Official Xiaomi dealers are original parts, but high price.
- ๐ AliExpress is a wide selection of copies, but the risk of running into a fake (read reviews!).
- ๐ฌ Local service centers โ often sell OEM- parts at wholesale prices.
โ ๏ธ Warning: When buying a screen, check it is compatible with your Redmi 9 modification. There are several versions of the model (e.g. Redmi 9C, Redmi 9A, Redmi 9 Prime) and their on-screen modules are not interchangeable!
Step-by-step: how to disassemble Xiaomi Redmi 9
Before you start, turn off your phone completely and remove the SIM- card from the tray. Work on a clean, well-lit surface - small screws and parts are easy to lose. Follow the instructions strictly by step:
โ๏ธ Preparation for disassembly
Step 1: Rear cover removal
The Redmi 9 back is mounted on the latches and glue to remove it.
- Heat the hair dryer edge of the body around the perimeter (temperature 100-110 ยฐ C, time - 2-3 minutes).
- Insert the plastic blade into the gap between the lid and the frame (start at the bottom edge where the charging connector is).
- Carefully drive the blade along the body, snapping the clamps. Do not force - if the lid does not respond, warm up again.
Step 2: Battery disconnection
When you remove the lid, you'll see the battery glued to the body, and first you'll unplug the plume to avoid short circuits.
- Unscrew 4 screws that fix the metal plate over the battery connector.
- Put a plastic blade on the black connector and gently disconnect it from the motherboard.
- Check the voltage on the contacts of the battery with a multimeter - it should be 0 V.
If the battery is swelling, do not try to puncture or bend it, this can lead to fire, in which case it is better to contact the service.
Step 3: Dismantling the motherboard
To get to the screen, you need to temporarily remove the motherboard:
- Unscrew 8 screws (T3 size) fixing the fee.
- Disconnect all the plumes: display, cameras, speaker, power and volume buttons (remember their location!).
- Carefully raise the fee and put it aside on an antistatic surface.
What to do if the screw breaks?
Step 4: Removing the Old Screen
Redmi 9's screen is glued all over the perimeter to remove it.
- Heat the front panel with a hairdryer (temperature 110-120 ยฐ C, time 3-4 minutes).
- Stick the suction cup to the bottom of the screen and pull up slightly.
- Insert a plastic blade into the resulting gap and slowly lead it along the edge, cutting the glue.
- After separation of the screen, disconnect the display and sensor plume from the motherboard.
โ ๏ธ Warning: Don't pull the screen with force, because there are plumes of the Home button (if physical) and LED backlights underneath, and damage to these elements will result in additional repair costs.
Installation of a new screen and assembly of the phone
Before installing a new display, carefully clean the phone frame of the residue of old glue. Use isopropyl alcohol and a lilac-free wipe. Do not use acetone or solvents - they can damage plastic parts.
Step 1: Prepare a new screen
If you bought a screen without a glue layer, apply it yourself:
- For liquid adhesive (LOCA):
double-scotch
- Cut the strips by frame size.
- Remove the protective film and glue the tape to the case.
- Set the screen and press it tightly.
Step 2: Connecting the plumes
Carefully connect the plumes of the new screen to the motherboard:
- Display plume (wide, with 30+ contacts).
- The track of the touch screen (already, with 10-15 contacts).
- The home button (if present)
Make sure the connectors are snapped to the end โ sensor problems are often associated with poor contact.
Step 3: Checking the performance
Before the final assembly, be sure to test the new screen:
- Connect the battery and turn on the phone.
- Check it out.
If the screen is working correctly, turn off the phone and complete the assembly in reverse order.
๐ก
If you've got dead zones on the touchscreen after you've changed the screen, try reconnecting the plume or updating the phone's firmware, and 40 percent of the time, it's software-based.
Typical Screen Replacement Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even with careful work, beginners often make mistakes that lead to additional costs, and here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:
- ๐ Display plume damage -- occurs when you unplug it, solution: Use plastic-tipped tweezers and pop the connector on the side instead of the top.
- ๐ Short circuit battery -- if you forgot to turn it off before work. Solution: Always check the voltage on the contacts after disconnection with a multimeter.
- ๐ฑ Uneven screen gluing -- causes "waves" when pressed. Solution: Use a press (like a stack of books) to distribute the glue evenly.
- ๐จ Distorted colors after replacement are typical for cheap copies. Solution: In the screen settings (Settings โ Display), select the Standard profile instead of Auto.
- ๐ The speaker or the microphone is not working -- often forget to plug in the plume. Solution: Take the phone apart and check all the connectors.
If the screen doesn't turn on or malfunctions after the replacement, don't panic. 60 percent of the time, the problem is:
- Bad contact of the plumes (reconnect them).
- Incorrect assembly (check all screws and latches).
- Screen incompatibility (make sure the model is right for your Redmi 9 version)
๐ก
If the phone doesn't turn on after you change the screen, the first thing you do is check the battery and the power plume connection, and 90 percent of the time, that's the problem, not the display itself.
How much does it cost to replace the screen in the service vs independently?
The price of a screen replacement on Xiaomi Redmi 9 depends on the type of module, region and level of the service center.
| Screen type | Cost of the spare part (โฝ) | Cost of service work (โฝ) | Totally (โฝ) | Self-sustaining replacement (โฝ) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Original (OEM) | 4 500โ5 500 | 1 500โ2 500 | 6 000โ8 000 | 4 500โ5 500 |
| Copy of A+ | 2 500โ3 500 | 1 500โ2 000 | 4 000โ5 500 | 2 500โ3 500 |
| Copy of A- | 1 500โ2 000 | 1 000โ1 500 | 2 500โ3 500 | 1 500โ2 000 |
Self-replacement saves you 30-50% of your budget, but it takes time and care. If youโve never disassembled a smartphone, youโd better practice on an old device or watch YouTube video tutorials (like those from Repair Universe or Xiaomi Repair).
Average screen replacement time:
- ๐ Service: 1-2 hours (with a 3-6 month warranty).
- โณ Independent: 3-5 hours (without warranty, but with experience).