How to disassemble the smartphone Xiaomi Redmi 4: detailed instructions with photos and nuances

Why to Delete Redmi 4 and When It’s Justified

Xiaomi Redmi 4 (codenamed prada) remains a popular device even years after its release, thanks to its balanced performance, maintainability and availability of parts. However, disassembling a phone isn’t just about unscrewing the screws. Without the right approach, you risk damaging plumes, connectors, or even disabling the motherboard due to static electricity.

The main reasons why users decide to disassemble Redmi 4:

  • πŸ”§ Replace a Broken Screen or Touch Screen
  • πŸ”‹ Installation of a new battery (original capacity - 4100 mAh)
  • πŸ“Έ Cleaning or replacing the camera (the main module is 13 MP)
  • πŸ”Š Repair of speaker or microphone
  • πŸ’» Diagnosis of malfunctions (overheating, lack of charging, etc.)

If you're looking for preventive cleaning, remember that dust inside the case rarely causes serious damage, but a disassembly without experience can lead to a cliff of a display plume, which will cost 30 to 50 percent of the cost of the phone, and before you start, evaluate your skills and risks.

πŸ“Š You’ve already taken out smartphones before?
Yes, many times.
1-2 times
No, it's my first experience.
I'm planning on trying.

Preparation: Tools and Conditions for Safe Disassembly

To disassemble the Xiaomi Redmi 4, you will need a specialized set of tools. Using improvised tools (knives, screwdrivers of the wrong size) is almost guaranteed to lead to scratches on the body or the failure of the screws.

Minimum kit:

  • πŸ”© Five-past screwdriver (size Y000 or 1.5 mm) - for screws of the rear cover
  • πŸ”§ Plastic mediator (or guitar mediator) - to disconnect the body clip
  • 🧲 Magnetic mat or screw container (so as not to lose small details)
  • πŸ”₯ Dryer (power at least 1000 W) - for softening battery adhesive
  • 🧴 Isopropyl alcohol (90%+) β€” clean-up
  • πŸ› οΈ Suction cup (optional) – helps to remove the screen after heating

Also prepare the workplace:

  • πŸ“ Lighting: bright lamp or table lamp (better with a magnifying glass).
  • ⚑ An antistatic bracelet, or at least a grounded metal surface, a static kills the chips.
  • πŸ“Έ Phone Camera – Take photos of each step so you don’t confuse the assembly order.

⚠️ Warning: If you're disassembling a phone with a bloated battery, don't use metal tools -- short circuit risk!

Check the battery charge (optimally 30–50%)

Turn off the phone and remove it SIM-map

Prepare all tools in the reach zone

Remove the cover and protective film (if any)

View the video instructions for visual presentation-->

Step 1: Removing the back cover - how not to break clips

The Redmi 4 back cover is mounted on 2 screws (under a five-blade screwdriver) and 12 plastic clips around the perimeter, and the main mistake of beginners is trying to put the lid on with a knife or a screwdriver, which leads to chipped plastic or broken clips.

Procedure:

  1. Turn off the phone and remove the tray for SIM-map.
  2. Unscrew the two screws at the bottom of the lid (near the Micro-USB connector).
  3. Insert the plastic mediator into the gap between the lid and the case on the side of the power button.
  4. Carefully drive the mediator along the perimeter, alternately clicking clips, starting at the corner next to the camera, there is minimal resistance.

If the lid doesn't lend itself:

  • πŸ”₯ Heat the edge of the body with a hair dryer (50–60 Β°C) to soften the glue.
  • πŸ–ΌοΈ Don't push too hard -- clips can crack. Better repeat the heat.

⚠️ Warning: On the Redmi 4 Pro (with fingerprint sensor) under the lid, there's an extra plume connecting the scanner to the board. Don't pull the lid sharply - first unplug this plume!

What to do if the clip breaks?
If one or two clips crack, the lid will still hold on the others, but when assembled, glue the broken clip with super glue (dot!) or replace the lid (the original article - MB1105).

Step 2: Shutting down the battery – why it’s critical

When the lid is removed, the first thing you need to do is turn off the battery, and even when the phone is off, the circuit board is put on voltage, and an accidental circuit can burn the power controller or PMIC- chip.

Instructions:

  1. Find the battery connector - it is located at the top of the board, next to the camera.
  2. Put a plastic mediator or a nail (not metal!) on the jack, pulling on the black plastic tongue, not the wires.
  3. After turning off, check the voltage on the battery contacts with a multimeter - it should be 0 V.

If the connector is "stuck" and does not leave:

  • πŸ”₯ Carefully warm it with a hair dryer (not higher than 70Β°C).
  • πŸ’§ Put the isopropyl alcohol in the slot of the connector, and it will dissolve the oxides.
Action.RiskHow to avoid
Disconnecting the battery without toolsWire break or connector damageUse a plastic mediator
Touching with metal object of paymentShort circuit, chip failure.Working in an antistatic bracelet
Strong battery heatBloating or ignitionDo not exceed 60Β°C
Dramatic plume removalBreaking of contacts or damage to the connectorOpen the latch of the connectors before extraction

πŸ’‘

If the battery is turned off when you press the power button, the battery is connected in parallel through another contact (rarely, but it does), in which case you need to completely remove the battery from the housing.

Step 3: Removing the motherboard – working with plumes and connectors

The motherboard Redmi 4 is mounted on 8 screws (different lengths) and connected to the body with 5 plumes:

  • πŸ“± Main display + touchscreen
  • πŸ”Š Speaker + microphone
  • πŸ“· Front camera + sensors
  • πŸ”‹ Battery (already switched off)
  • πŸ“‘ Antenna wires (stick to cover)

Deconstruction procedure:

  1. Unscrew all the screws of the board (remember where they were standing - they are of different lengths!).
  2. Disconnect the display plume: lift the black latch of the connector up, then pull out the plume.
  3. Carefully unplug the antenna wires from the back cover (they are glued to bilateral tape).
  4. Tap the board side with a plastic spatula and raise it at an angle of 30Β°.

Typical errors:

  • ❌ Using a metal screwdriver to tamper with boards β†’ scratches on tracks.
  • ❌ Sharp removal of the display plume β†’ break contacts (repair costs 1500–2500 β‚½).
  • ❌ Loss of screws β†’ unstable operation of vibration or camera (screws lock screen and board).

πŸ’‘

The display plume is the most vulnerable spot in Redmi 4. its replacement costs almost like a new screen, so work as carefully as possible or use a special plume tool (for example, Tweezers Set).

Step 4: Screen removal - when you need a suction cup and hair dryer

The Redmi 4 screen is glued to the frame with 3M double-sided tape, which loses elasticity over time. To remove the display without damage, you need uniform heating and the right force.

Algorithm:

  1. Plug the suction cup on the bottom of the screen (near the Home button).
  2. Warm up the display edge with a hairdryer around the perimeter (temperature 60–80 Β° C, distance 5–10 cm).
  3. Carefully pull the suction cup up, while simultaneously putting up the screen with a plastic spatula.
  4. As soon as the gap appears, insert mediators (2-3 pieces) into it for fixation.

Important:

  • πŸ”₯ Don't overheat the screen - the matrix may become cloudy or there will be a "yellow spot effect."
  • πŸ–ΌοΈ Don't press on the center of the screen - the glass may crack from point load.
  • 🧲 The display plume is still plugged in! Don't pull the screen too far.

If the screen cracks:

  • πŸ›‘οΈ Put a wide scotch (cross-cross) on it so that the fragments do not fly apart.
  • πŸ”§ Use a metal spatula (but only for a cracked screen!)

⚠️ Warning: On the Redmi 4 Prime and Redmi 4 Pro models, there is an additional metal shield under the screen to protect the fingerprint plume, which must be removed by unscrewing the 2 screws before the display is disconnected.

Building a phone: how to avoid mistakes

Building Redmi 4 after repair is as important as disassembling, and the rule of thumb is that all plumes and connectors must be connected before the board is fixed with screws, otherwise you'll have to re-assemble everything.

Assembly order:

  1. Set the motherboard in place and connect all the plumes (start with the display).
  2. Set the charger on the back (first corner, then central).
  3. Stick antenna wires to the back cover (use the original Scotch or 3M 9088).
  4. Install the battery and connect it to the connector.
  5. Close the back cover, starting with the clip near the power button.

Check before the final assembly:

  • πŸ”‹ Connect charging - the indicator should light up (if not, check the battery connector).
  • πŸ“± Turn on your phone and test the touchscreen at all corners.
  • πŸ“· Take a photo on both cameras, check the speaker and microphone.

If something's not working:

  • ❌ Screen not turned on β†’ check the display plume and its connector on the board.
  • ❌ No charge β†’ Clean the Micro-USB connector pins with alcohol.
  • ❌ The camera gives an error β†’ reconnect the plume or check the screws of the module mount.

πŸ’‘

If you've got a little bit of noise after you've made it, you're probably not screwing the circuit board, or you've got trash under the speaker, and you take the phone apart and check the fixation of all the elements.

Frequent questions about the dismantling of Xiaomi Redmi 4

Can you make Redmi 4 without a hairdryer?
Technically, yes, but the risk of damaging clips or plumes increases 3-4 times. The hair dryer is used to soften the battery glue and double-sided screen tape; the alternative is to use hot air from the iron (through the fabric) or a special heating mat for phones.
How much does it cost to replace the screen in the service?
The cost depends on the type of screen: the original screen (with a touchscreen) is 4000-6000 β‚½. The copy (OEM) is 2500-3500 β‚½ (quality varies). Only glass (if the matrix is intact) is 1500-2500 β‚½. The replacement work in the service will cost 1000-1500 β‚½.
What if the phone doesn’t turn on after the disassembly?
There are several reasons: The battery is not connected, check the connector. Short circuit, check the charge for foreign objects (screws, shavings); the power plume is damaged, if the board is not getting voltage; firmware is blown out, try to go to the Fastboot (press Power + Vol-). If you are not sure about the diagnosis, do not turn the phone on again, this can aggravate the breakdown.
How to distinguish Redmi 4 from Redmi 4A in the disassembly?
Redmi 4 and Redmi 4A are similar in appearance, but have key differences: Charging connector: Redmi 4 has Micro-USB, 4A has the same, but the board is different. Battery: Redmi 4 has 4100 mAh, 4A has 3120 mAh Camera: Redmi 4 has a main camera at 13 MP, 4A has 13 MP, but another module (OmniVision OV13850 vs Samsung S5K3L8). The Redmi 4 uses five-bladed screws, the 4A uses cruciform screws (PH00). The back of the Redmi 4 has the inscription "Redmi 4" and the 4A has the inscription "Redmi 4A".
Can I wash the Redmi 4 board with water?
No! Water (even distilled water) leaves oxides that eventually destroy the tracks. Use: Isopropyl alcohol (90%+) to clean the board, removes fat and flux. Ultrasonic bath (for skilled craftsmen only!); Soft bristles toothbrush for mechanical cleaning. After cleaning, the board must be dried with a hair dryer (cold air) or left for 24 hours in a dry place.