How to change the screen Xiaomi Redmi Note 5: the full guide

Broken glass or the appearance of colored stripes on the display of a smartphone is a situation familiar to many owners of gadgets. - Xiaomi Redmi Note model 5, also known as the Redmi 5 Plus on the global market or Redmi Note 5 Pro in India, equipped IPS-permit-panel 1080×2160, Replacing the matrix requires precision and understanding of the design of the device, and it saves a lot of money by replacing the matrix on your own, but requires specialized tools and a firm hand.

In this article, we will discuss the process of dismantling an old panel and installing a new one, paying attention to the nuances of working with adhesives and plumes. It is important to understand that the display module in modern smartphones is often a single unit where the glass and matrix are soldered in the factory. Trying to replace only glass in the home without a vacuum separator is almost guaranteed to lead to final image breakage.

Before we start disassembling, we need to assess the scale of the problem: whether the touchscreen is working, whether there is a backlight or a completely missing image; if the screen responds to touch but cracks, or if it goes out completely, the replacement procedure will be identical; the main thing is to take your time and prepare the workplace, because small screws and fragile plumes do not forgive mistakes.

Diagnosis of malfunction and selection of components

The first step before buying parts is accurate diagnosis. Often users confuse software failures with physical damage. If vertical stripes or broken pixels appear on the screen, this indicates damage to the matrix or plume itself. In the case when only glass is broken and the image is clean, theoretically you can only replace the top layer, but in practice, it is easier and more reliable for the Redmi Note 5 to buy a prefabricated module (bezel or no display).

When choosing a new part on the market, you will encounter several types of matrixes. Original displays have the best color and brightness, but are expensive. Copies of OEM or High Copy categories can differ in frame thickness and sensor quality, which often leads to response problems. Cheaper counterparts often have a dimmer glow and an incorrect approach sensor.

⚠️ Note: When buying a module without a frame, make sure the seller provides adhesive base (B-7000 Lack of glue will complicate assembly and may lead to dust entering the housing.

It's also worth checking the compatibility of the plume. Although the Redmi Note 5 has a unified platform, there are different revisions to the motherboards. Visually compare the new screen plume connector to the connector on your device's board - the number of contacts and width should match perfectly. Don't rely on the seller's words, you'd better double-check the marking.

Tools and workplace preparation required

To replace the screen with the Xiaomi Redmi Note 5, you will need a minimum set that can be purchased from any radio store or ordered online. Lack of even one tool can turn a simple process into anguish and increase the risk of damage to the case.

• 🔧 Set of screwdrivers: mandatory presence of a cross screwdriver PH00 or PH000 for the screws of the shell and module.
• 🔥 Dryer or heat heater: necessary to soften the glue holding the back cover and the display itself.
• 🎴 Plastic blades and mediator: metal tools can damage plumes or scratch the body.
• 🧲 Magnetic mat or organizer: for sorting screws of different lengths, so as not to confuse them when assembling.

The workplace should be well lit, it is advisable to use an antistatic bracelet or regularly touch a grounded metal object to relieve static stress from the hands. Static electricity can disable the power controller or other sensitive elements of the motherboard.

Prepare the adhesive container in advance if you buy a bezel-free module. The B-7000 or T-7000 adhesive dries for about 10-15 minutes, so all manipulations need to be done quickly and accurately. Also remember to completely discharge the battery before work begins or, conversely, charge it to 30-40% if you plan to check the health of the new screen before final assembly.

Dismantling of the back cover and battery

The process of disassembling the Redmi Note 5 begins with removing the back cover, which is planted on adhesive around the perimeter. Heat the edges of the body with a hairdryer to a temperature of about 80-90 degrees Celsius. Don't hold the hairdryer too long in one place so as not to damage the plastic or overheat the battery.

After warming up, insert a plastic blade or mediator into the junction between the frame and the back cover. Carefully guide the tool along the perimeter, gradually snapping clips and cutting the adhesive layer. Don't try to remove the lid with a jerk - a fingerprint scanner plume (if you have one in your modification) or a speaker can be glued inside.

When you take the lid off, you'll see the battery and the motherboard, which is covered with a plastic lid, and you'll need to access the plumes of the display.

• 🔋 Disconnect the battery plume from the motherboard first to de-energize the device.
• 🔩 Unwrapped screws that fix the plastic lining over the connectors.
• 📱 Carefully disconnect the display and touchscreen plumes (if they go separately) or the main train of the module.

⚠️ Warning: Never disconnect the plumes by pulling the conductor itself. Always take only the hard connector, otherwise you can damage the conductive tracks.

If the battery is glued to the body (which often happens after previous repairs), it must be gently tucked in with a plastic card, preheated. In the Redmi Note 5, the battery is held on double-sided tape, but over time the glue can become very stiff. Be careful: a puncture of the battery can cause fire.

Removing the old display and preparing the frame

The most time-consuming step is to separate the broken display from the metal frame. Unlike some models where the screen is simply framed, here it is often glued around the perimeter. Heat the front of the phone with a hairdryer to soften the glue under the screen.

Using a thin line or a special string knife, carefully cut the adhesive layer between the frame and the display. Movements should be smooth, without jerks. If the module is held on the screws along the perimeter (depending on the version of the build), they must be twisted out in advance. After releasing the glue, lift the module, trying not to touch the plume passing through the hole in the frame.

Once the old module is removed, you need to carefully clean the frame of the glue residue. Use alcohol or a special solvent and a plastic blade. The surface must be perfectly smooth, otherwise the new screen will fall unevenly, and there may be lights or gaps. If the new part does not have a glue base, apply a thin layer of glue B-7000 on the frame.

It's important to check if the plume of the new display passes through the hole in the frame without tension. In some low-quality copies, the geometry may be broken, and the plume will be squeezed, which will lead to breakage. If necessary, you can carefully embroiderate the hole, but you need to do this very carefully.

Installation of a new module and assembly of the device

Before the final sticker, make sure to test the connection, connect the new screen plume to the motherboard, connect the battery and turn on the phone. Check the touchscreen in all corners, the presence of broken pixels, the proximity sensor and the brightness of the backlight.

If the test is successful, apply the glue to the frame (if it wasn't) and carefully install the module. Press the screen evenly around the perimeter so that the glue is distributed. Place the plastic lining on the connectors and twist all the screws. Connect the battery and assemble the phone in reverse order.

To securely fix the back cover, apply a new layer of glue or use double-sided tape. Press the cover with rubber harnesses or a load for 15-20 minutes before the initial grasp of the glue. Don't turn the phone on immediately, let the glue gain strength.

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The quality of the screen glue directly affects moisture protection (although it is nominal) and the durability of repairs - do not save on glue and drying time.

Comparison of matrix types and repair costs

Xiaomi’s spare parts market is oversaturated with offerings, and it’s easy for a beginner to get confused in acronyms. Understanding the difference between matrix types will help avoid re-repairing after a month. Below is a table comparing the main features of the options available.

The choice is obvious if you plan to use the phone for a long time. Cheap Incell arrays often have a thicker layer of glass, which reduces sensitivity, and consume more energy, planting the battery faster. They are also more fragile when falling.

The cost of a service center is usually 50-100% of the cost of a spare part, so a self-replacement saves you $15 to $30, which is a significant amount for a device in this class, but if you're not confident in your abilities, you'd better leave the repair to professionals so you don't damage the motherboard.

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In some cases (rarely) the controller on the original matrix works better, and you can try to reglaze the glass in the workshop, saving on buying the whole module.