Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 Disassembly: A Detailed Guide with Photos and Warnings

Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 is one of the brand’s most popular smartphones, Released in 2017, but still in demand due to reliability and maintainability. However, disassembling this device has its own nuances, from the differences between the versions on MediaTek Helio X20 and Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 to the fragility of the fingerprint scanner plume. In this article, you will find a step-by-step photo instruction, a list of necessary tools, as well as unique recommendations for preventing damage to flexible boards during dismantling.

It's important to understand that self-disassembly is insecure (if it's still in place) and can lead to permanent damage if you do something wrong. For example, the Redmi Note 4 is known for the problem of breaking off the battery contact areas when you're not getting it right, and we'll go into detail on how to avoid these errors, and we'll give you tips on how to diagnose malfunctions before you start disassembling, which will save you time and nerves.

This article is suitable for both beginners and experienced users: there are basic steps (for example, how to remove the back cover) and advanced techniques (for example, how to safely unseal the charging connector). For convenience, we divided the process into stages and added interactive checklists, and at the end we will answer frequent questions in the FAQ format.

Preparation for disassembly: tools and security measures

Before you start, make sure you have everything you need. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 will require specific tools — a regular screwdriver will not be enough. Here is the full list:

• 🔧 Plastic mediators (2-3 pieces) - for separation of the back cover without scratches.
• 🔩 The screwdriver. PH00 — for the back cover screws (not to be confused with the PH0!).
• 🔧 Suction (optional) – helps to lift the cover after heating.
• 🔥 Dryer or thermo-air station - for softening the glue (temperature not higher than 80)°C!).
• 🧲 Magnetic mat or tray - so as not to lose the screws (there are 12 pieces!).
• 📱 Tweezers with curved ends - for working with plumes.
• 🔋 Multimeter (optional) – to check the battery voltage before retrieval.

Pay special attention to the battery: if it is bloated, you should trust the technicians to disassemble it; a bloated battery can spontaneously ignite when mechanically exposed; also check if the smartphone is on, turn it off and remove it. SIM-pre-work-card.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use metal mediators to separate the cover! they can damage the antenna tracks under the back panel, which will lead to loss of network or Wi-Fi.

Step 1: Removal of the back cover – heating and separation technique

The Redmi Note 4's back cover is glued around the perimeter, so it needs to be warmed up. Use a dryer at minimum power, keeping it 5-7 cm from the body. Heat the cover around the contour for 2-3 minutes, paying special attention to the corners - there the glue is the most durable.

After heating:

1. Place the suction cup closer to the lower edge (where the charging connector is).
2. Pull it up carefully - a small gap should appear.
3. Insert a plastic mediator into the gap and slowly lead them along the edge, separating the lid.

If the lid doesn't lend itself, don't force it, you better reheat the problem area.

• 🔋 Battery with connector and thermal sensor.
• 📶 Antenna modules (do not touch them unnecessarily!).
• 🖥️ Metal screen that protects the board.

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

Before you touch the components, be sure to turn off the battery.

1. Find the battery connector (it is located at the top of the board, next to the camera).
2. Carefully slap the connector with a plastic mediator and disconnect it.

On models with MediaTek Helio X20, the battery connector is often soldered unstable – if you pull the plume, you can tear off the contact areas. If the connector does not lend itself, check if it is additionally glued (sometimes the manufacturer applies glue to fix).

After turning off the battery, wait 1-2 minutes - this will discharge the residual voltage in the circuit board capacitors. We also recommend checking the voltage with a multimeter (should be 0 V).

⚠️ Warning: If you accidentally close the battery contacts with a metal tool, stop working immediately! This could cause a short circuit that damaged the board.

Step 3: Dismantling the motherboard - screws and plumes

The Redmi Note 4 motherboard is mounted on 12 screws of different lengths, and we recommend that you unscrew them in the following order:

After you unscrew the screws, gently raise the board with a plastic mediator.

• 📞 Display plume (at the bottom of the board).
• 👆 Fingerprint scanner plume (very fragile!).
• 🔊 Dynamic plume (glued, pull carefully).

The fingerprint scanner plume is the most vulnerable, and it often breaks when it's not pulled out carefully, and if you don't have to withdraw the board completely (like changing the battery), you'd better leave it in place and just bend it aside.

💡

Take a picture of the plumes before disconnecting! this will help to connect them back properly, especially if you are disassembling a smartphone for the first time.

Step 4: Replacing the battery – how not to damage the charge

The battery in the Redmi Note 4 is glued to the body with double-sided tape to remove it:

1. Put the battery on the side with a plastic blade (not from the end!).
2. If it does not give in, warm up the body with a hairdryer (max. 60 ° C) - this will soften the glue.
3. Carefully pull on a special black tape (pull-tab), if any.

On some models, a plume is hidden under the battery NFC-If you damage it, the contactless payment will stop working, and also check if there's any glue left on the board, it needs to be removed with an alcohol tampon.

When installing a new battery:

• 🔋 Use only an original or certified battery (capacity 4100 mAh).
• 📏 Check that it fits tightly to the body - gaps can cause overheating.
• 🔌 Connect the battery connector last, after assembly of all other components.

💡

Never use metal tools to separate the battery! The risk of short circuit and fire is extremely high.

Step 5: Diagnostics of faults before assembly

Before you assemble your smartphone, check the main components:

• 🔍 Fee: inspect for blackened elements, swollen capacitors or traces of oxidation.
• 📱 Display: If the screen is broken, replace it before assembly (otherwise you can damage the new battery with shards).
• 🔊 Speaker and microphone: blow from dust (use a spray of compressed air).
• 📡 Antenna modules: check if contacts are severed (especially if there are problems with the network).

If you notice signs of corrosion on the board (green or white), it is a sign of moisture, in which case ultrasonic cleaning is required in the service - self-cleaning with alcohol may not help.

Also check the Volume and Power buttons, which often stick to dust. Use a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol to clean.

Step 6: Building a Smartphone – Backward Order and Testing

Collect the Redmi Note 4 in reverse order, following these rules:

1. Make sure all plumes are connected before the battery is laid.
2. Twisting the screws cross-cross so that the fee sits flat.
3. Before installing the back cover, check the smartphone (turn it on without the cover).

After assembly:

• 🔋 Charge the battery 100% and check the operating time.
• 📶 Make sure the network and Wi-Fi are stable (problems may indicate antenna damage).
• 👆 Check the fingerprint scanner – if it doesn’t work, it’s likely the plume has been damaged.

If after the assembly of the smartphone does not turn on, check:

• Is the battery connected (sometimes the connector does not fully die).
• Are the contacts closed on the board (see visually).
• Are the screws confused (too long a screw can break the board).

💡

After assembly, reset (Settings → Additional → Restore and Reset) to avoid software failures associated with battery shutdown.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when disassembling the Redmi Note 4.

Another common problem is that you don't fit the screws properly, so if you screw a long screw into a place for a short screw, for example, it can break a board, and to avoid that, you can place the screws in groups or take pictures of their location before you unscrew them.

If after disassembly the smartphone began to overheat, check:

• Did the thermopaste get into other components (for example, memory chips)?
• Is the battery tightly attached to the body (gaps worsen heat sink).
• Is the graphite heat sink damaged (it is located between the board and the cover).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions