Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 is one of the most popular smartphones in the budget segment, released in 2019. Despite the durable case of Gorilla Glass 5 and metal frames, the device is not immune to breakdowns: a broken screen, a dead battery or a faulty speaker require disassembly. In this article, we will explain in detail how to disassemble the Redmi Note 7 yourself without damaging the internal components.
Before you start, consider that disassembling your smartphone is insecure (if it's still in effect) and requires care. Inside the case are fragile plumes, adhesive tapes and microscopic screws — one wrong move can lead to additional breakdowns. If you're not sure about yourself, you better contact the service center. But if you decide to act on your own, follow our instructions Step-by-step.
Preparation for disassembly: tools and security measures
To disassemble the Xiaomi Redmi Note 7, you will need specialized tools, and using improvised tools (knives, screwdrivers of the wrong size) is almost guaranteed to damage the body or internal parts.
- 🔧 Plastic mediators (2-3 (a) - for separation of the back cover without scratches.
- 🔩 Set of screwdrivers (cross-haul) PH00, pentalobe P2) — for the screws of the case and motherboard.
- 🧲 Magnetic mat or container - so as not to lose screws (there are about 15 pieces!).
- 🔥 Dryer or thermo-air station - for softening the glue (temperature 60-80)°C).
- 📱 Suction cups (optional) – help to lid the lid, but are not always effective.
Also, prepare your workspace: a clean desk with good lighting, an antistatic bracelet (or touch grounded metal objects regularly), and a magnifier for working with small parts. Don't disassemble your smartphone on a carpet or soft surface - static electricity can damage the motherboard.
⚠️ Attention: If the smartphone battery is swollen (visible by the raised cover or the characteristic "slapping" sound when pressed), do not heat it with a hairdryer and do not puncture! This can lead to fire.
Step 1: Turn off and remove the back cover
Before disassembly completely turn off the smartphone and remove SIM-And then you have to separate the back cover, which is glued around the perimeter, and the key is to take your time and not make too much effort.
Algorithm of action:
- Heat the edge of the body with a hair dryer (especially in the area of the buttons and USB connector) for 1-2 minutes.
- Insert a plastic mediator into the gap between the lid and the frame (start with the lower left corner where the antenna is located).
- Carefully drive the mediator along the body, separating the lid, if you feel resistance, heat the problem area again.
- Once the lid is separated, do not remove it completely: it is connected to the motherboard by a fingerprint scanner plume.
At this point, many people make the mistake of trying to force the lid off. Remember: the Redmi Note 7 glue is very strong, and this treatment will lead to cracks in the glass. If the mediator does not move, warm up the area again.
☑️ What to do if the cover does not give way
Step 2: Turn off the battery and plumes
When you take the lid off, you'll see the battery locked in a black protective film, and the first rule is that before you manipulate the insides of the smartphone, you need to turn off the battery, and that will prevent short circuits from accidentally touching the contacts.
Instructions:
- Put a plastic tool battery connector (located next to the motherboard, marked BATT).
- Disconnect the plumes: fingerprint scanner, camera, display module (they are fixed with latches that need to be carefully lifted).
- If the plume doesn't move, don't pull it by force, it may be glued, warm the area with a hair dryer at minimum temperature.
| plume/connector | Location. | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | The top of the board, near USB-plug-in | It is easy to disconnect, but requires care. |
| Fingerprint scanner | Under the back cover, right | Fragile, don't rot or pull the wires. |
| Main camera. | Top left of the board | Sticked to double-sided tape |
| Display module | The bottom of the board, under a metal screen | The widest plume, latched. |
⚠️ Note: The Redmi Note 7 display plume is highly sensitive to mechanical damage. If vertical stripes or artifacts appear on the screen after disassembly, you most likely damaged the flexible cable. ~3 000–5 000 ₽).
Step 3: Removing the motherboard and battery
The Redmi Note 7 motherboard is secured with 12 screws of different sizes. Importantly, remember the location of each screw - they have to fall into place when assembled! Using the wrong screw can damage the board.
Procedure:
- Unscrew all the screws (start with the ones around the camera and USB connector).
- Carefully tuck the board into a plastic tool. It can stick to the heat paste on the processor -- don't force it, just sway the board slightly from side to side.
- Disconnect the antenna wires (they are soldered to the board, but have connectors).
- To remove the battery, pull it from the bottom edge (there is no glue) and pull it up. If the battery is swollen, act extremely carefully!
At this point, you’ll have access to all the key components: the Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 processor, memory modules, charging connector and speakers. If the purpose of disassembly is to replace the battery, make sure the new battery has the same capacity (4000 mAh) and is compatible with the M1901F7G (global version) or M1901F7H (Chinese version).
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Before buying a new battery, check it for authenticity: the original Xiaomi batteries have a holographic sticker with a serial number and a holographic device. QR-code.
Step 4: Disassemble the display module (if necessary)
If you need to replace the screen, touchscreen or front camera, you need to dismantle the display module, which is the hardest part of disassembling, because the module is glued around the perimeter and connected to the frame with double-sided tape.
How to proceed:
- 🔥 Warm up the screen with a hair dryer (temperature 70-80)°C) for 3-5 minutes, evenly moving over the surface.
- 📱 Use suction cups to lift the module slightly (start at the bottom edge).
- 🔧 Insert plastic mediators into the resulting gap and carefully guide them along the frame.
- ⚠️ Don’t blow the screen from the corner – there are plumes!
After the module separation, you will see:
- Touchscreen plume (top part).
- Front camera and sensor plume (right side).
Metal frame, attached to the body (it also needs to be removed if you need to replace the glass).
⚠️ Note: In Redmi Note 7, the screen and touchscreen are a single module. If only glass is broken, it can not be replaced separately - you have to buy the entire display unit (price). ~6 000–9 000 ₽). Exception: models with OGS-One glass solution where glass can be separated, but requires professional equipment.
Step 5: Replace common parts
Depending on the reason for the disassembly, you may need to replace one of the following details:
| Detail | Signs of malfunction | Difficulty replacing | Cost (original) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery | Fast discharge, bloating, overheating | ★★☆ (middle-class) | 1 200–1 800 ₽ |
| Display module | Cracks, broken pixels, broken touchscreen | ★★★ (complex) | 6 000–9 000 ₽ |
| Back camera. | Blurred photos, artifacts, not focused | ★☆☆ (simple) | 1 500–2 500 ₽ |
| Charging connector (Type-C) | No charge, shaky port | ★★★ (complex, rationing required) | 800–1 500 ₽ |
| Dynamician | Quiet sound, wheezing, lack of bass | ★★☆ (middle-class) | 300–600 ₽ |
Replacing a charging connector or microphone would require a soldering station and microelectronics experience, which are soldered to the motherboard, and replacing them without skill could damage the tracks.
How to check a new battery before installation
Build a smartphone: reverse order and testing
The Redmi Note 7 is assembled in reverse order, but with a few nuances in mind:
- Before installing the back cover, check all the plumes - they should be tightly connected to the connectors.
- Apply a new double-sided tape to the battery and display module (you can use the original 3M 9448A or analogues).
- Twisting the screws cross-cross to avoid skewed boards.
- After assembly, turn on the smartphone and check: 📶 Network and Wi-Fi. 🔋 Charging (connect the charger). 📸 Cameras (take a test shot). 🔊 Speakers and microphone (call another phone).
If after the assembly of the smartphone does not turn on, check:
- Connecting the battery (frequent error - not fully inserted connector).
Integrity of plumes (especially display).
Correct installation of screws (one extra screw under the board can cause a short circuit).
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After replacing the battery, be sure to perform 2-3 full charge/discharge cycles (from 0% to 100%) – this calibrates the battery controller and prolongs its service life.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when disassembling the Redmi Note 7, and here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:
- 🔋 Damage to the battery during retrieval → Use a plastic mediator and heat, do not blow the battery with metal tools.
- 📱 Display plume break → Do not bend the screen when separation, warm the glue evenly.
- 🔩 Loss or confusion with screws → Stack them in a magnetic container with marks or photograph the location before twisting.
- 🔥 Overheating of components by a hairdryer → Keep the temperature at 80.°C and do not direct airflow to the board for longer than 3 minutes.
- 💧 Moisture on the board → Work in a dry room, avoid high humidity.
If you have new problems after disassembly (for example, the smartphone overheats or discharges quickly), you most likely damaged the thermal paste on the processor or the contacts of the battery, in which case you will need to redisassemble and diagnose.