Xiaomi Redmi 5 is one of the most popular budget smartphones of 2018, but even it is not immune to breakdowns: the screen does not respond to touch, the battery is swollen, the speaker wheezes or needs to clean the charging connector? In most cases, repair begins with disassembling the device. However, improper dismantling can lead to damage to plumes, cracks on the body or even a complete failure of the gadget.
This article will help you take Redmi 5 (MEE7S, MEL7S, MDG6) safely and safely, and we will take a closer look at every step from tool preparation to motherboard removal, point out the hidden latches that beginners often break, and give you tips for reverse assembly. And if you've never held a screwdriver for your phone, no problem: the manual is adapted for beginners.
Preparation: What to Know Before Disassembly
Disassembling a smartphone is not a Lego builder, and there's no room for error: one wrong move can cause a cliff to the display plume or damage to the microphone. Before you get to the tools, answer three questions:
- π§ Is there a warranty? If so, disassembly will void it. In the case of the Redmi 5, the warranty period has long expired, but for other models it is critical.
- π° Is it worth repairing your money?Replacing a screen or battery in the service could be cheaper than buying a new phone.
- π οΈ Are there tools you need? Without plastic shoulder blades and tweezers, you risk scratching the case or tearing stickers.
If you are determined to disassemble Redmi 5 yourself, prepare:
- β Setting screwdrivers PH00 and T3 (for the screws of the case and motherboard).
- β Plastic blades or mediators (metallic will leave scratches!).
- β Tweezers with thin ends (for working with plumes).
- β Dryer or thermo-air station (if you plan to unplug the screen).
- β Double-sided tape or glue B-7000 (reverse-assembly).
- β Loop or magnifying glass (for inspection of small details).
β οΈ Warning: If your Redmi 5 was in water or was hit hard, disassembly can be dangerous! corrosion on the board or cracks on the battery can cause a short circuit.
Step 1: Turn off and remove the back cover
The first stage is the most important one, and the wrong removal of the lid can lead to cracks in the plastic or damage to the antenna contacts.
- Turn off the phone and remove it. SIM-card from the tray (if any).
- Heat the back cover with a hair dryer (60-70Β°C) for 1-2 minutes. This will soften the glue.
- Insert a plastic blade into the gap between the lid and the body (start at the lower left corner where the SIM tray notch is located).
- Carefully drive the shoulder blade along the perimeter, separating the latches. There are about 12 of them - take your time!
If the lid doesn't lend itself, don't apply force. Better warm it up again with a hair dryer. On the Redmi 5, the latches are asymmetrically positioned: there are 2 more latches on the right than on the left, which often causes failures when disassembled in a careless manner.
βοΈ What to check before removing the cover
| Element | Number of latches | Risk of damage |
|---|---|---|
| Back cover. | 12 | Cracks on plastic, break of antenna contacts |
| Battery | - (stick) | Puncture, bloating, short circuit. |
| Display plume | 1 fixator | Contact break, screen damage |
| Maternity fee | 6 screws | Damage to tracks, break-off connectors |
Step 2: Shutting down the battery β why itβs critical
Once the lid is removed, the first thing to do is to disconnect the battery, and even if the phone is off, there is a residual voltage left on the board that can damage the components as they are disassembled.
The battery in Redmi 5 is glued to the body with double-sided tape to remove it.
- Put a plastic shoulder blade on the battery from any angle.
- Pull slowly and evenly, without applying force to the center (there are contacts!).
- If the battery is swelling, don't puncture it! It can cause fire. In such cases, it's better to trust the repair to the professionals.
β οΈ Warning: If you notice traces of corrosion or white plaque on the battery, this is a sign of electrolyte leakage. Stop disassembling immediately, as contact with skin or board is dangerous!
After the battery is removed, check it for bloating. Normal thickness is up to 5 mm. If it is thicker, it needs to be replaced. Also check the contacts on the board: they must be clean, without oxidation.
π‘
If the battery is too glued, use isopropyl alcohol (90%+).Put a few drops under the battery - this will dissolve the glue without harming the electronics.
Step 3: Dismantling the motherboard and plumes
Now that the battery is off, you can start removing the motherboard, which is a very careful step, because it's where all the critical components are concentrated: the processor, the memory, the communication modules.
Procedure:
- Unscrew 6 screws that lock the board (use the screwdriver T3). screws of different lengths - remember where it was!
- Carefully raise the fee with a spatula, starting at the top edge (where the front camera is located).
- Disconnect the plumes: π± Display plume (locker rises upwards). π Dynamic plume (glued, squirted, squirted). πΆ antenna plume (caution - fine contacts!).
In Redmi 5, the display plume is not only latched, but also a little glue around the edges, which is often overlooked. If you pull it by force, you can tear the contacts off.
What to do if the plume is broken?
Step 4: Removing the screen β when necessary
Replacing the display is one of the hardest things to do. In Redmi 5, the screen is glued to a bezel, and it takes patience to dismantle it. If you've never done that, practice on a non-working phone.
Instructions for removal:
- Warm up the screen with a hairdryer around the perimeter (temperature 80 Β° C, not higher!).
- Insert a plastic spatula into the gap between the screen and the frame (start at the bottom edge).
- Slowly drive the shoulder blade along the edge, separating the glue. Take your time - there are plumes under the screen!
- Once the screen is separated, gently place it on a soft surface (such as a napkin).
If the screen cracks, put tape on it so that the fragments do not fly apart. Also be careful with the sensor plume - it is thinner than the display plume, and tears easier.
π‘
If you change the screen, be sure to check the new module for performance before the final assembly. Connect the plumes and turn on the phone so you will avoid re-disassembly.
Step 5: Diagnostics and replacement of components
Now that the phone is disassembled, you can start diagnosing or replacing parts. Here are the most common Redmi 5 problems and solutions:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| No charge. | Contaminated USB-C connector or faulty charging controller | Clean the connector with alcohol, check the short circuit charge |
| The speaker is not working. | The plume has disconnected or the membrane has been damaged. | Check contacts, replace speaker if necessary (XM-SPK-5) |
| Not included. | Failed battery or burned fuse on board | Check the voltage on the battery, inspect the fee for blackened elements |
| The camera's not working. | The train is disconnected or the module is damaged. | Reconnect the plume, test the camera in the service menu (#4636##) |
If you are replacing components, buy only original parts or certified counterparts, for example, for Redmi 5, BL-416 batteries (capacity 3300 mAh) or their counterparts from Patona are suitable.
When soldering components, use a soldering station with a temperature of no more than 350 Β° C and an alcohol-based flux. Don't forget about grounding - static electricity can damage the chips.
Step 6: Backup build β how to avoid mistakes
It's often harder to assemble a phone than to disassemble it, and here are some key points to consider:
- π© Screws: Make sure all 6 motherboard screws are in their places. tangled screws can damage the board!
- π Plugs: Check that all the plumes are tightly fixed. The display plume should click when the latch is closed.
- π Battery: Before gluing, clean the installation site of old glue with alcohol.
- πΆ Antennas: Make sure antenna contacts are not bent and fit tightly to the board.
After assembly, turn on the phone and check:
- π Charging (connect the charger).
- π Calls and microphones (call another phone).
- π· Cameras (take a photo with front and main camera).
- π΅ Speakers (turn on music).
β οΈ Warning: If the phone doesn't turn on after assembly, don't panic. Possible reasons: Battery is not connected (check contacts). Power plume is damaged (check the charge for blackened cells); Short circuit (feel the charge - if it warms, immediately turn off the battery!).
If it works, congratulations! You successfully dismantled and assembled the Xiaomi Redmi 5. If not, double-check each step or contact the service with photos of the board.