Replacing the keyboard on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones is a challenge that device owners face after mechanical damage, fluid infestation or wear of contacts. Unlike flagship models where touch panels are integrated into the display, budget and mid-budget Redmis (such as the Redmi Note 10 Pro or Redmi 9T) often feature removable control keys — volume buttons, power or even a physical keyboard in rare modifications.
In this article, we will discuss the step-by-step instructions for replacing the keyboard module (or individual buttons) with Xiaomi Redmi, including tool preparation, removal of the back cover, disconnection of the plumes and testing after repair. Particular attention will be paid to typical problems, such as broken buttons after assembly or damage to contacts during careless operation. If your device is in the POCO series or older models (Redmi 4X, Redmi 5A), the principles will remain the same, but other screwdrivers or fixtures may be required.
Before you start, consider repairing: if not only the keyboard module is damaged, but other components are damaged (for example, after a fall), it may be cheaper to contact the service center. However, for most Redmi models, it is 3-5 times cheaper to replace the keys than the services of masters, provided that you are willing to devote 1-2 hours to the process and follow the instructions without rushing.
What tools will be needed to replace the keyboard
To successfully replace a keyboard module or buttons with Xiaomi Redmi, you will need a specialized set of tools, and the absence of at least one of them can damage the body or internal components.
- 🔧 Plastic blades (mediators) - for gently slapping the back cover and disconnecting the plumes!
- ⚙️ Set of screwdrivers (cross-haul) PH00, flat 1.5 mm, five-pointed Y00 for some).
- 🔥 Hair dryer or thermoair station - if the cover is glued (relevant for Redmi Note 11 and newer).
- 🧲 Magnetic mat or tray – so as not to lose small screws and details.
- 📱 New keyboard or buttons – make sure the part is right for your model (e.g. Redmi) 9A redmi 9C different modules are used!).
- 🔋 Captone tape or insulation of contacts if necessary.
If you're working with a Released model before 2020 (like a Redmi 7 or Redmi 8), the back cover is usually mounted on latches and doesn't require heating. For newer devices (Redmi Note 12, Redmi 10C), the manufacturer uses glue, and you can't do without a hair dryer. The heating temperature should not exceed 80-90°C, otherwise you can damage the battery or display.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use household dryers with an open spiral - they overheat the case and can melt plastic. The best option is a temperature-adjusted construction dryer or a specialized station for repairing phones.
Preparing the phone for dismantling: what to do before the start of work
Before you take down the Xiaomi Redmi, you need to follow a few critical steps: neglecting them can lead to data loss, short circuit, or even irreversible damage to the device.
Turn off the phone and remove it. SIM-memory-card
Recharge the battery by at least 30% (for safety testing)
Make a backup copy of the data (photos, contacts, messages)
Prepare a clean, well-lit workplace
Disconnect your phone from all cables and wireless devices-->
Pay special attention to the battery. If it is swollen or has visible damage, it is better to trust the dismantling of the professional — the risk of short circuit in this case is extremely high. Also check if the device is guaranteed: self-repair will cancel its effect.
If you replace the keyboard because of fluid intake, be sure to dry the phone in rice or silica gel for at least 24 hours before disassembling. Otherwise, moisture may close contacts on the board when turned on. Use a magnifying glass to check for corrosion - the oxidized areas will have a green or white coating.
What if the phone doesn’t turn on after water hits?
Step-by-step: how to disassemble Xiaomi Redmi and get to the keyboard
The disassembly process varies depending on the model, but the overall sequence of actions remains similar. Below is a universal instruction that is suitable for most Redmi devices (except for models with a monolithic body, such as the Redmi K50). If your device is in the POCO series, specify the location of the screws - they may differ.
Step 1 Remove the back cover
- Heat the edge of the back cover with a hair dryer (if it is glued) for 2-3 minutes, evenly driving the nozzle around the perimeter.
- Insert a plastic blade into the gap between the lid and the body (start at the bottom edge where the connectors are located).
- Carefully swipe the perimeter with your shoulder blade, snapping the clamps. Don't put too much effort into it, the plastic can crack!
Step 2. Shutting off the battery
When you remove the lid, the first thing you do is unplug the battery plume with a plastic blade, which prevents short circuits from running. In some models (Redmi Note 9 Pro), the plume can be glued — don't pull it by force, but gently tuck it on both sides.
Step 3: Dismantling the motherboard
Unscrew all the screws that fix the board (their location may vary - take a picture or draw a diagram). Pay attention to the screws of different lengths: if you confuse them in places, you risk damaging the board when you build. After that, gently raise the cost of the edges and disconnect all the plumes (display, cameras, speaker).
Step 4: Replace the keyboard module
The keyboard (or individual buttons) is usually mounted on latches or small screws, and in the Redmi 8/9 models, it is placed on a separate flexible plume that is inserted into the connector on the motherboard.
- Disconnect the old plume by putting it on the tongue.
- Install a new module, making sure the contacts match.
- Set the track down by pressing the connector before clicking.
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If the buttons don't press after assembly, check if the keyboard module is skewed, often solved by re-installation with the correct alignment.
Common Keyboard Replacement Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes that lead to broken buttons or other malfunctions, and here are the most common mistakes and ways to prevent them:
| Mistake. | Effects of consequences | How to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Use of metal tools to slap the cover | Scratches on the body, damage to plumes | Use only plastic blades |
| Hydrogen overheating | Deformation of plastic, detachment of touch screen | Heat no longer than 3 minutes, temperature to 90 ° C |
| Incorrect screw installation | Short circuit, board damage | Sort the screws by length, use a magnetic mat |
| Forgot to turn off the battery before work | Failure of the power controller | Always disconnect the battery plume first thing. |
Another common problem is when buttons are broken after assembly, and the reasons may be:
- 🔌 The keyboard plume is not fully inserted into the connector (check the fixation).
- 🔄 Connected contacts (for example, the plume of the volume button is connected to the power connector).
- 🛠️ Mechanical damage to the new module (look for cracks).
⚠️ Warning: If the phone doesn't turn on after you change the keyboard, don't try to connect it to the charger immediately. First, check if the contacts are closed on the board (visually or multimeter). Signs of short circuit - heating the case, smell of burning or flashing the indicator without turning on.
How to check the efficiency after replacing the keyboard
Once the device is assembled, you need to carefully test all the functions, not just the replaced buttons. Start with a visual inspection: the body should fit tightly, without gaps, and the display should be evenly illuminated without artifacts.
- Button test: Press all physical keys (power, volume, lock) in turn, and they should work clearly, without jamming.
- Sensor Check: Walk your finger all over the screen – the touchscreen should respond without delay.
- Speaker and microphone diagnostics: Call another phone or record a voice message to make sure there is no noise.
- Camera and sensor test: Take a photo, check the gyroscope (for example, in a game or Sensor Test application).
For a deep diagnosis, use the Xiaomi engineering menu:
- Open the Phone app.
- Enter the combination ##4636##.
- Go to the Equipment Testing section and check all modules.
If one of the buttons does not work, re-disassemble the device and check:
- 🔌 Correct connection of the plume (possibly it fell out during assembly).
- 🔍 Integrity of contacts on the board (clean them with alcohol if necessary).
- 🛠️ Quality of the new module (defected parts are found even at official suppliers).
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If you have "extraneous" symptoms after you replace the keyboard (spontaneous reboots, a broken touchscreen), you're likely to have a motherboard damaged, and you're going to need a professional diagnosis.
Where to buy the original keyboard for Xiaomi Redmi
Part quality is directly related to the outcome of repairs, and cheap counterparts from uncertified stores often have incompatible connectors or poor quality contacts, resulting in repeated failures after a few months.
- 🌍 Official service centers Xiaomi - guaranteed original details, but the price is higher than the market by 30-50%.
- 🛒 AliExpress (sellers rated 98%+) — Look for reviews with photos of installed parts. Popular stores: Xiaomi Mi Store Official, Digi-First.
The cost of the original keyboard for Xiaomi Redmi varies from 300 to 1500 rubles depending on the model.
- Redmi 9A - ~400-600 rubles.
- Redmi Note 10 Pro – ~900-1200 rubles.
- Redmi 8 - ~ 350-500 rubles.
When buying, check with the seller:
- 📋 Compatible with your device revision (e.g. Redmi Note 9 Pro has two board versions — V1 and V2).
- 📦 A guarantee (even 7-14 days is enough to check the performance of the service).
- 📸 Photo of the real part (to avoid substitution for analogue).
When is the best time to contact the service center
Although replacing the keyboard with Xiaomi Redmi is a medium-sized repair, in some cases it is more advisable to entrust the work to professionals.
- 🔧 You have no experience in disassembling electronics and are afraid of damaging the fee.
- 💥 The phone suffered complex damage (for example, after falling from a height).
- 🔋 The battery is swelling or has visible damage.
- 📱 After self-replacement, new malfunctions appeared (screen does not work, there is no sound).
- ⚡ The device is under warranty (self-repairing it will cancel it).
The cost of replacing a keyboard in a service center is between 1,000 and 2,500 rubles (including work and parts). In official Xiaomi centers, the price is higher, but you get a warranty for repairs. Informal workshops can offer a discount, but the risk of using non-original parts increases.
If you still decide to repair the phone yourself, but faced difficulties, use the following resources:
- 📖 Forums 4PDA or XDA-Developers – there are screw layouts and repair tips.
- 📱 Xiaomi Service app – for diagnosing faults after assembly.
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If the phone stopped charging after repair, check if you damaged the battery plume or USB-Often the problem is a contact that's accidentally touched.