Redmi smartphones have always been famous for their availability and maintainability, and the Redmi 4A is no exception. Many owners face the need to replace the battery, screen or microphone when the device ceases to function correctly. Self-disassembly of the gadget allows you to save significantly the money that would have to be paid in the service center, but requires extreme care and accuracy.
Before you start dismantling, you need to prepare a workplace and a special tool, and proper preparation is the key to successfully completing the procedure without damaging fragile components. In this article, we will look at each step in detail, from removing the back panel to disabling the motherboard plumes.
The opening process is not overly stressful if you follow the proven method. It is important to understand the internal structure of the device: where the hidden screws are, how the connectors are located and which elements require special handling. In the Redmi 4A, the touchscreen plume and display are often combined into one wide connector, which makes it easier to turn off. Let's start by preparing the tools you will need in your work.
For a high-quality and safe disassembly, you will need a minimum set of tools that can be purchased from any electronics store or ordered online. Do not use kitchen knives or stationery, as they can easily damage the plastic or scratch the frame.
- 🛠️ Set of screwdrivers (mandatory presence of cross-haired) PH000 and PH00)
- 💳 Plastic card or mediator for opening the case
- 🔥 A hair dryer or heating platform for softening glue
- 🧲 Magnetic screw-sorting mat
Special attention should be paid to the heating of the case. The Redmi 4A back cover is attached to a double-sided perimeter tape, and without preheating, the plastic can crack when you try to snap. Heat only the edges of the device, avoiding prolonged exposure to hot air on the center part where the battery is located.
Make sure the smartphone is turned off before work begins. This is a critical step, since accidentally closing the contacts of the on device can cause the power controller to fail. If the battery is completely discharged, try to give it a minimum charge before turning it off to save the settings, although this is not always necessary for disassembly.
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Use a suction cup to initially raise the edge of the lid after heating - this will reduce the risk of chipping on the plastic.
The first stage of disassembly is one of the most important, because this is where errors are most often made, leading to damage to the appearance of the device. The back cover of the Xiaomi Redmi 4A is made of matte plastic and fits tightly to the frame. Your task is to neatly break the seal of the adhesive layer without damaging the cover itself.
Turn on the dryer at an average temperature and evenly warm the perimeter of the device for 2-3 minutes. Keep the hair dryer at a distance of 5-7 centimeters from the surface, constantly moving it so as not to overheat one point. Plastic should become warm to the touch, but not hot.
Once heated, take a plastic card or a special opening tool. Start at the bottom corner of your smartphone, where the logo or microphone hole is usually located. Put the edge of the card in the gap between the lid and the frame, and make neat translational movements along the side face.
⚠️ Note: Do not use metal blades to lid as they leave deep scratches and can damage antenna inserts located in the upper and lower parts of the body.
As you move around the perimeter, you'll hear the characteristic crackling of the adhesive coming off. Take your time and use no force. If the map stops passing, it means that the adhesive has not yet warmed up in that place, repeat the heating procedure for the problem area. Move slowly, snapping the fixers around.
When the lid is completely separated from the frame, do not immediately try to remove it completely. Inside, there may be a plume connecting buttons or other modules, although in Redmi 4A the main plumes are under the protective plate. Carefully place the lid in a safe place, preferably on a soft surface, so as not to scratch it.
When you remove the back cover, you will see the interior of the smartphone, which is enclosed by a metal frame and plastic elements, and at this point you will see the battery, which occupies most of the volume, as well as the motherboard, hidden under the protective screen.
The next step is to dismantle all visible screws that attach the inner frame to the main body. In the Redmi 4A, the screws are located around the perimeter of the device and sometimes hidden under decorative stickers or rubber plugs, although in this model they are usually visible immediately.
Take a close look at the bottom of your smartphone near the charging socket, and there may be two screws that you need to unscrew, and use a magnetic screwdriver to keep the fasteners from dropping deep into the case, where they'll be difficult to get out.
☑️ Checking before removing the framework
Once all the screws are removed, gently lift the inner frame. It can hold on the latches, so use a plastic blade to snap them off. Act evenly from different sides so that the plastic frame mounts do not break.
Under the frame, the main components are hidden: the battery, motherboard, charging connector and speaker, and at this stage, it is important not to damage the plumes, which can be slightly stretched or glued to the structural elements.
| Component | Location. | Feature of attachment | Risk of damage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery | Central part | Adhesive tape | High (puncture) |
| Maternity fee | Upper part | Screws and connectors | Medium (static) |
| Display plume | Top left | Clamp bar. | High (blow) |
| Dynamician | The bottom part | Screws and contacts | Low. |
Now that the insides are open, you need to turn off the power correctly. The first thing you do is always turn off the battery, find the battery connector on the motherboard, and gently disconnect it with a plastic blade or nail.
The plumes in Xiaomi Redmi 4A can be connected through ZIF-connectors (with a pin-bar) or simply inserted into the connector. If you see a metal or black plastic bar above the plume, it needs to be bent upwards before contact is extracted. Don't pull the plume itself, just the thickened connector.
Once the battery is turned off, you can start removing the motherboard. Unscrew all the screws holding the board in the case. There are usually about 5-7 pieces. Pay attention to the length of the screws: in some Xiaomi smartphones, they may differ, and twisting a long screw into a short hole can break through the board.
How do you tell the screws by length?
Carefully raise the board. An antenna cable can pass under it (if the model supports 4G and the cable is not integrated into the housing), if there is, it should be very carefully removed from the slots, without overbending or stretching.
The most difficult and dangerous step is to remove the battery, and in the Redmi 4A, the battery is tightly glued to the plastic base of the body, and simply pulling it out with your fingers can cause the battery to deform, which can cause fire.
Use a hair dryer again to warm up the battery area through the open window of the case. The temperature should be comfortable for the hand, but sufficient to soften the glue. After heating, use a plastic card to tweak the edge of the battery.
Move the card under the battery, gradually separating it from the base. Don't use sharp objects! A puncture of the lithium-ion battery causes an instant chemical reaction, emitting caustic smoke and fire. If the battery is swelling, handle it with extreme caution without pressing on the center of the bloating.
⚠️ Warning: If you smell a strong solvent smell or see sparkling, immediately stop work, take the device out to the open air and dispose of the damaged power element in a special container.
After removing the old battery, degrease the seat with alcohol or a special cleaner. Apply new strips of double-sided tape to lock in the new battery. Install a new battery, plug in the plume and check the device before final assembly.
You do the reverse assembly. You set the motherboard, you plug all the plumes in, you make sure the connectors click, you twist the screws, but you don't drag them around so you don't break the thread in the plastic case.
Set the back cover, pre-apply a new layer of glue or B-7000 around the perimeter. Press the lid and lock the device with rubber bands for 15-20 minutes before grasping the glue. After drying, wipe the case from the glue residue.
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The rule of assembly is not to force the connections, and if the part doesn't fit in, you miss the screw or you put the plume incorrectly.
Following this instruction, you will be able to successfully disassemble and assemble the Xiaomi Redmi 4A, extending the life of your device. Remember that regular cleaning of speakers and connectors also helps to avoid serious breakdowns in the future.