Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 The Pro is one of the brand's most popular smartphones, but even it can have problems with the keyboard over time. Most often, users experience broken buttons, sticking or physical injuries to the plume. Up/Down or Power stopped responding, do not rush to carry the phone to the service center. In most cases, you can replace the keyboard yourself, saving up to three hours. 70% repair-price.
In this article, we'll go through the whole process in detail, from fault diagnosis to final assembly. You'll learn what tools you'll need, how to pick up the right part, and what critical mistakes beginners most often make. We'll focus on disassembling the case, which is where most users damage plumes or lose small parts. If you've never repaired a smartphone, don't worry: the manual is tailored for beginners, with step-by-step photos and video links.
Before you start, make sure the keyboard is the problem, not the software failure. Check the buttons in Recovery Mode or through the test menu (#4636##).
1. Fault Diagnostics: How to make sure the keyboard is the problem?
Before disassembling the smartphone, you need to exclude the software causes of the broken buttons.
- 🔄 Reboot the device. Sometimes the buttons stop working because of a temporary system failure. Just hold on to the Power. + Volume Up for 10 seconds until the phone restarts.
- 🛠️ Check in Safe Mode. Press Power, then hold your finger on the "Stop" option, and you'll be prompted to go to Safe Mode. If the buttons are up, the problem is in the third-party app.
- 📱 Test menu. Enter the combination ##4636## and select "Equipment Testing" and check the response of all physical buttons.
- 🔌 Connection to a PC. If the phone is determined in ADB (Adb device command, but buttons don’t work – problem is precisely hardware.
If none of the methods worked and the buttons still don't respond, the keyboard plume or the buttonbar itself is likely to malfunction, and 90% of the time, replacing a module that includes:
- 🔘 Power button (on/off)
- 🔊 Volume buttons (Volume) Up/Down)
- 📶 The connection loop to the motherboard
- 🔧 Fixed elements (sometimes included)
In rare cases, the problem may be the oxidation of the contacts on the motherboard. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to contact the service - cleaning contacts requires soldering skills.
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If the buttons are working but with a delay, try cleaning the connector with compressed air, sometimes enough to restore normal operation.
2. Selection of spare parts: original vs. analog
The quality of the module being replaced is not only the function of the buttons, but also the tightness of the case. Cheap analogues are often loosely fitted, which leads to dust and moisture.
| Type of spare part | Pluses | Cons | Price (roughly) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original Module (OEM) | Perfect compatibility, long service life, keeping tightness | High cost, difficult to find on sale | 1 200 — 1 800 ₽ |
| Quality analogue (A-Class) | Good quality, affordable price, often with improved buttons | Tactile response may differ, sometimes requiring fitting | 400 — 800 ₽ |
| Budgetary analogue (B-Class) | Low price, quick receipt | Unreliable contacts, possible problems with tightness, short service life | 200 — 400 ₽ |
| B/y module (from disassembly) | Low price, original quality | Risk of buying a faulty part, limited warranty | 300 — 600 ₽ |
For the Redmi Note 8 Pro, it is better to choose modules marked Begonia (code name of the model).
- 🔧 The module itself with buttons and a plume
- 🧲 Adhesive tape for fixation (sometimes you need to buy separately)
- 🔩 The stainless stains (if they are not left behind)
Important: modules for Redmi Note 8 (without "Pro") do not fit! They have a different connector and button location. Before buying, check compatibility with the seller or on forums (for example, 4PDA Xiaomi Community).
Where to buy a quality spare part?
3. Required tools for replacement
To disassemble the Redmi Note 8 Pro, you will need a specialized set of tools. Do not try to do with improvised means (knives, screwdrivers of the wrong size) - this is almost guaranteed to damage the body or plumes.
- 🔧 Plastic blades (suction cups) - for careful suction of the back cover. It is optimal to have a set with different thicknesses (0.1-0.3 mm).
- 🔩 Screwdriver. T3 and T4 — Use magnetic tips to keep the fasteners intact.
- 🧲 Magnetic mat or tray for sorting screws. The Note 8 Pro has more than 15 pieces of different lengths!
- 🔥 Hair dryer or thermo-air station to soften the glue (if the cover fails) Temperatures below 60°C.
- 📸 Loop or magnifying glass - to inspect plumes for damage.
- 🧴 Isopropyl alcohol (90%+) — Cleaning contacts and removing glue residues.
- 🎨 Double-sided tape or glue B7000 — fixing.
If you plan to do repairs regularly, it makes sense to buy a set for disassembling smartphones (it stands about). 1 000 ₽ It already includes all the necessary tools, and for one-time repairs, you can do with a minimum set of shoulder blades, screwdrivers. T3/T4 alcohol.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use metal blades! They scratch the body and can close contacts on the board. Plastic blades must be made of polycarbonate or nylon.
1. Free the table from unnecessary items - you will need space for details.
2 Put down white cloth or paper, so it is easier to notice the lost screws.
3. Connect a bright lamp - the lighting is critical for working with small details.
4. Take photos of each stage of disassembly - this will help with the assembly.
5. Turn off the phone and remove SIM-memory-card.-->
4. Step-by-step disassembly of Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro
Disassembly of the Note 8 Pro requires care, as the body is glued around the perimeter, and the plumes are very fragile.
Step 1: Removing the back cover
1. Turn off the phone and remove the tray for SIM-map.
2. Heat the hair dryer edge of the body (especially near the buttons) for 1-2 minutes. This will soften the glue.
3. Insert a plastic blade into the gap between the lid and the frame (start with the lower left corner where the Power button is located).
4. Carefully drive the shoulder blade around the perimeter, separating the lid. Do not force - if the lid does not respond, warm up again.
Step 2: Shutting off the battery
1. Once the lid is removed, you will see the battery glued to the body. Don't try to pull it out right away!
2 Unscrew 4 screws that fix the metal plate over the battery plume.
3. Carefully tuck the battery plume with a plastic blade and disconnect it from the connector on the motherboard.
⚠️ Warning: Never disconnect plumes with metal tools! This can close contacts and disable the motherboard. Use only plastic or wooden blades.
Step 3: Dismantling the old keyboard module
1. Unscrew 2 screws that fix the metal plate above the keyboard plume (located next to the volume buttons).
2. Carefully tuck the keyboard plume and unplug it from the connector. It's very thin -- don't pull the wires!
3. Put a spatula on the old module and remove it. If it's glued, use alcohol to dissolve the glue.
At this point, look at the contacts on the motherboard, and if they're oxidized (green or black), clean them with alcohol and a soft brush.
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The most common mistake in disassembling is damage to the battery plume, and always turn it off first, even if you don't plan on running the battery!
5. Installation of a new module and assembly
Before installing a new module, check it for defects: the buttons must be pressed clearly, without backlash, and the plume must have no cracks.
- Apply a thin layer of glue B7000 or double-sided tape to the place of attachment of the module.
- Install the new module by combining the holes under the screws. Make sure the buttons are symmetrical.
- Connect the plume to the connector on the motherboard. It should come in effortlessly — if you feel resistance, check the installation correctly.
- Twirl the screws that hold the metal plate over the plume.
- Connect the battery and check the buttons without closing the lid. If everything works, start building.
The assembly takes place in reverse order:
- Put the sleeves so that they do not overturn.
- Stick the back cover. You can use glue for reliability. B7000 perimeter.
- Twirl all the screws (note their length - long screws are mounted in corners!).
- Put the tray in. SIM-card and turn on the phone.
After assembly, check:
- 🔋 Power and Volume buttons.
- 📶 Network signal quality (sometimes antenna plumes are knocked down during disassembly).
- 🔊 The speaker and microphone (located next to the buttons).
What if the buttons don’t work after assembly?
6. Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Even experienced keyboard designers sometimes make mistakes when replacing keyboards, and here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:
| Mistake. | Effects of consequences | How to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Use of metal tools | Scratches on the body, short circuit on the board | Use only plastic or wooden blades |
| Hydrogen overheating | Deformation of plastic, battery damage | Keep the hair dryer at a distance of 10 cm, the temperature is not higher than 60 ° C. |
| Strong tap on the plumes | Contact break, broken buttons or screen | Push the plumes only from the edges, without vertical pressure |
| Tangled screws | Damage to the motherboard, loose fit of parts | Sort the screws by length and mark them (e.g. on a piece of paper) |
| Ignoring inspection before assembly | I have to re-disassemble the phone. | Always test the buttons before installing the cover. |
Another common problem is the loose fit of the lid after assembly, and it's because of:
- 🧲 Insufficient amount of glue.
- 🔩 Unevenly twisted screws.
- 📱 The slacks on the lid are broken (they break when rough disassembly occurs).
If the lid is playing, carefully disassemble the phone and apply extra glue around the perimeter. For reliability, you can use ultraviolet glue that hardens under the surface. UV-lamp.
7. Alternative solutions: if the replacement did not help
In rare cases, replacing the keyboard module doesn't solve the problem.
- 🔌 Motherboard problems – tracks or button controllers are damaged.
- 📱 Software failure – requires flashing or resetting settings.
- 🔋 Battery malfunction – sometimes a bloated battery puts pressure on the plumes.
If you suspect a hardware fault of the board, you can try the following steps:
- Multimeter check. In vertebrae mode, check the circuit from the buttons to the controller (solding skills required).
- Fastboot flashing. Sometimes a firmware failure blocks the buttons. Use the official firmware from Xiaomi's website.
- Battery replacement: A bloated battery can deform the body and press on the plumes.
If none of these methods worked, there are two options:
- 🔧 Contact the service center for the diagnosis of the fee (cost from 1,500) ₽).
- 📱 Use a phone with virtual buttons through apps like Button Mapper or Volume Unlock.
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If you don't turn on after you change your keyboard, you're probably damaged by the battery plume or the contacts on the board, and don't try to turn it on again, which can make the problem worse.