Xiaomi Redmi 4 (codenamed prada) remains popular with users due to its reliability and maintainability, but disassembling this device requires care: wrong actions can damage plumes, break contacts or even fail the motherboard. In this article, you will find a step-by-step photo instruction, a list of necessary tools, and unique tips that you will not find in standard manuals.
It's important to understand that Redmi 4 came in several versions: Redmi 4 Pro, Redmi 4 Prime and the base version. Structurally they are similar, but there are nuances in the arrangement of some components (for example, the fingerprint scanner in the Pro version).
If you’ve never taken a smartphone apart before, we recommend that you first look at the frequent novice errors at the end of this article. Also remember: disassembly will void the Xiaomi warranty if it’s still valid. In some cases, it’s cheaper to go to a service center, especially if you’re replacing a display or battery.
Preparation for disassembly: tools and security measures
Before you start, you'll need to assemble a complete set of tools, without which you'll risk damaging the body or the internal components.
- 🔧 Plastic mediators (2-3 - for gently slapping the back cover. Metal tools leave scratches!
- ⚙️ The screwdriver. PH00 — It's not a good screwdriver because it's small.
- 🔥 Dryer or thermo-air station - for softening the glue under the battery (temperature 60-80)°C).
- 🧲 Magnetic mat or tray to keep the screws small. Redmi 4 has 12 pieces of different lengths!
- 📸 Smartphone for photo fixation – remove each stage so as not to confuse the order of assembly.
Also, prepare the workplace: the desk should be clean, the lights bright. Turn off the smartphone and remove it. SIM-If the battery is swelling, don't disassemble the device yourself, it's dangerous.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use a knife or other sharp objects to lash the lid. In Redmi 4, it is mounted on latches that are easy to break. Plastic mediator is the only safe option.
Removal of the back cover: technique and pitfalls
The Redmi 4 back is held on 16 plastic latches around the perimeter. To remove it, start at the bottom edge (on the side of the Micro-USB connector). Put the plastic mediator in the gap between the lid and the body and carefully lead along the edge, alternately snapping the mounts.
Pay special attention to the area around the volume and power buttons, where the latches are the most fragile. If the lid fails, don't force it! You probably missed one of the latches.
- 🔋 The battery is glued to the lid - do not pull it sharply, otherwise you will tear off the plume.
- 📶 The antenna contacts (metal stripes on the sides) are easy to bend. Keep the lid straight.
- 🔊 The speaker at the bottom may fall out - hold it with your finger.
When you take the lid off, you'll see the battery, the motherboard, and the plumes. Don't touch the circuit board contacts with your bare hands, static electricity can damage it. Use an antistatic bracelet or periodically touch an earthed object.
What to do if the latch breaks?
Battery shutdown: why it's critical
Before you start disassembling, make sure to turn off the battery. In Redmi 4, it's connected to the motherboard through a latch connector. Carefully tuck the connector into a plastic mediator and disconnect it. If you pull the wires, you can rip the contacts off!
Why is it so important?
- 🔌 Even a smartphone that's turned off has residual current in the circuits.A short circuit can burn the board.
- 🔋 When heating (for example, when removing the battery with a hairdryer), the risk of fire increases.
- 📱 Some plumes, like the touchscreen, are static-sensitive, and a battery that's disconnected minimizes the risk.
If the battery is swelling, do not try to remove it without experience. In such cases, special devices (for example, a battery extractor) and protective equipment ( gloves, glasses) are used.
Take a picture of the location of the connector |Use a plastic tool |Do not pull the wires |Check if the smartphone is off-->
Removal of the motherboard: screws and plumes
The Redmi 4 motherboard is mounted on 12 screws of different lengths, and remember their location, because when you build them, the screws have to fall into place, or the board will hang or short, and we recommend that you place them on a magnetic mat in order of extraction.
Before you unscrew the screws, disconnect all the plumes:
- The plume of the touch screen (at the top of the board, under the metal screen).
- Display plume (near the touchscreen, but wider).
- Main camera plume (upper part, under metal cover).
- The plume of the front camera and sensors (thin, at the top of the board).
- The power/volume button plume (right, under the metal plate).
When the plumes are unplugged, gently raise the board. It can stick to the heat conductive paste on the processor. Don't pull it, you better put it on the mediator from different sides. If you're planning to change the board, take a picture of all the small parts (for example, a vibrator motor or a charging connector).
| Vint | Size | Number of | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shortest one. | 1.2 mm | 4 pcs. | By the toll corners |
| Medium. | 2.0 mm | 6 pcs. | Along the edges of the toll |
| Long. | 2.8 mm | 2 pcs. | Under the battery (mounting antennas) |
⚠️ Attention: In the Redmi 4 Pro, there's a fingerprint scanner under the motherboard. Its plume is very thin - don't bend it and put the board in a plume down.
Replacement of the battery: nuances and risks
The battery in Redmi 4 is glued to the back cover with double-sided tape. To remove it, warm the lid with a hair dryer (60-70°C) for 2-3 minutes. Then gently tuck the battery into a plastic blade starting at the top edge. Don't use metal tools - they can puncture the battery!
If the battery doesn't go away, warm it up again. Don't force it -- there's a lithium polymer battery inside that can ignite if damaged. Set the new battery on fresh double-sided tape (e.g., 3M 9448A). Before you stick it, clean the surface of the lid of the old glue with alcohol.
After replacing the battery, be sure to check its performance before final assembly:
- 🔌 Connect the charger and make sure that charging is underway.
- 📊 Check the charge level in Settings → Battery.
- 🔥 Battery heating above 40°C when charging - a sign of malfunction.
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If the smartphone doesn't turn on after you replace the battery, check to connect the power plume to the motherboard. Sometimes it shifts when you build it.
Phone Assembly: Reverse Sequence and Testing
Collect Redmi 4 in reverse order, following your photos.
- 🔩 Tighten the screws - do not drag, otherwise you will tear the thread in the plastic case.
- 📶 Antenna contacts - they should fit tightly to the cover.
- 🔧 Plugs – make sure that all connectors are snapped to the end (should be heard clicking).
After assembly, perform the test:
- Turn on your smartphone and check the sensor, buttons, speakers.
- Connect the charger and make sure that charging is underway.
- Test cameras, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and mobile communications.
- Call your phone to check the microphone and speaker.
If something doesn't work, re-assemble the device and check the connection of the corresponding plumes, most often problems with the touchscreen (does not respond to touch) or the main camera (black screen or artifacts).
💡
If the smartphone overheats after assembly, chances are you forgot to apply the thermal paste to the processor or incorrectly installed a metal screen over the board.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when disassembling Redmi 4, and here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:
- 🔧 Stripped screws - use a high-quality screwdriver PH00 And don't put too much force on it. If the screw doesn't twist, drop it on it. WD-40 And wait 5 minutes.
- 📱 A damaged touchscreen plume -- never charge for the plumes. They're fragile and easily torn.
- 🔋 Short circuit – Before assembly, inspect the board for foreign metal particles (for example, screw debris).
- 🧲 Lost screws – use a magnetic mat and count the screws before assembly (there should be 12 of them).
If you break a lid latch or damage a plume, don't panic. Most parts for Redmi 4 can be found on AliExpress or in specialty stores (e.g. shpock.com).
- Touchscreen plume - 300-500 ₽.
- Back cover - 600-900 ₽.
- Battery: 800–1200 ₽ (original).
If after disassembly the smartphone does not turn on, check:
- Battery connection (the connector must be tightly inserted).
- Integrity of the power plume (often rubbed near the connector).
- Short circuit on the board (look for blackened elements).